As the our early-evening action drew near, many questions remained. Would the gray, wet weather prevent us from taking action in the plaza of the PECO building? Would enough people still come in the weather to fill all our roles? Would the generator we rented and sound system we had borrowed fill the noisy space with dance music? Would PECO try to stop us? (Carolyn, our security liaison, was prepared if they did.) Would PECO pick today to get moving? (We weren't so sure.)

Early in a campaign it is critical to build connection with one’s message—to build the emotional, spiritual, and strategy muscles necessary to create excitement and momentum to move a target. This task can be made somewhat difficult when a target appears receptive to your demands, but has not yet taken action.

by Duncan Wright and Christy Tavernelli

On a sunny day, over 70 Earth Quaker Action Team members and allies met on the Porch, a public patio next to 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. The group ranged from age 4 to 86. We had with us nine giant puzzle pieces, many good singers, and many new supporters.

There’s a lot to love about Philly. We’ve got historic buildings, and an impressive assortment of diverse communities. Good cheesesteaks, and better roast pork sandwiches. The Mummers, and the Carnavaleros. Rocky, and Will Smith. The Eagles, and (some years) the Phillies.

What we don’t have a lot of, is investment in our communities’ basic infrastructure. And it’s hurting us.

It’s been a busy month for EQAT. Since the Board decided on the new campaign direction, dozens of EQATers have been researching, planning in meetings, and taking part in street speaking actions here in Philadelphia. Also, President Obama launched a major initiative to train 75,000 workers to enter the solar industry by 2020. Momentum is growing behind solar nationally!

We are at an energy crossroads. Solar energy prices are falling and big corporations are jumping on the solar bandwagon. At the EQAT general meeting yesterday evening, we announced our next steps to help ensure that the emerging energy economy will be both just and sustainable.