News
Rachel’s Network Highlights Solutions in Portland, Oregon
With more than half of the world’s population living in urban areas (and growing), addressing sustainability in our cities is a crucial undertaking. One city facing this challenge head-on is Portland, Oregon. From its renowned bike culture and green buildings, to its park system and green infrastructure, the city serves as a showcase for innovation in sustainable planning. Rachel’s Network traveled there in October for our Fall Retreat to hear from experts on the exciting solutions being developed in the region.
Heeding the Canary in the Coal Mine on Climate Change
Scientists with the National Audubon Society have found that of the nearly 600 bird species that call North America home, over half are already threatened by climate change. Thankfully, says Audubon Washington’s Executive Director Gail Gatton, there’s a policy prescription that economists, environmentalists, and scientists all agree will make a huge difference: putting an effective price on carbon emissions. Gail shares how her organization is getting out the climate vote in Washington State.
Conservation Success in the Congo Basin
Rainforest Trust supports passionate conservation partners around the world who dedicate their lives to protecting threatened species and the habitats that are their homes. Two inspiring partners are Terese and John Hart, who work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and who, with support from Rainforest Trust, played a key role in the recent declaration of the new Lomami National Park.
Women Leading us to a Toxic-Free Future
Since 1995, Women’s Voices for the Earth has been amplifying women’s voices to eliminate the toxic chemicals that harm our health and communities. Executive Director Erin Switalski explains how their network of advocates has moved some of the country’s largest companies.
Rachel’s Network Welcomes New President Fern Shepard
Under Fern’s leadership, Rachel’s Network is well-positioned to make a difference on the vital issues supported by its members. She looks forward to fulfilling our mission of supporting women as impassioned leaders and agents of change dedicated to the stewardship of the Earth.
Celebrating America—and Building a Diverse Legacy for the Future
This past spring, National Parks Conservation Association celebrated a long-awaited victory when President Obama designated the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument as our nation’s newest national park site. NPCA President & CEO Theresa Pierno explains the significance of the monument and others like it in documenting historic movements for justice.
Expert Q&A with Trish Silber on Smart Networks
How can we ensure that our social networks work intelligently and effectively? We asked leadership coach Trish Silber, president of Aliniad Consulting Partners, to help us identify the traits of these smart networks and how we can foster better collaboration.
Rachel’s Network Visits Lake Tahoe
In July, Rachel’s Network traveled to Lake Tahoe to learn more about the environmental issues facing the region. Hosted by members Adriana Hayward and Kimberley Milligan, who support several organizations there, Rachel’s Network met with conservation leaders and got an up-close look at work on the ground.
Young Voters Care About the Environment, But Will They Vote?
Young voters could well determine the 2016 election. But will they show up? Only 20 percent of eligible 18 to 29-year-olds voted in 2014, the lowest turnout in 40 years. Yet if engaged sufficiently by their peers, and by institutions they’re a part of, many will participate. Paul Loeb, founder of the Campus Election Engagement Project, explains how.
A Conservation Success Story: Bracken Cave
In October 2013, Rachel’s Network members took a special excursion during our Fall Retreat to Bracken Cave, which at the height of summer houses approximately 15 million Mexican free-tailed bats, the largest concentration of mammals in the world. Earlier that year, BCI had learned that a planned 3,500-house subdivision would threaten the bats’ habitat. It was a conservation challenge like no other, but BCI rose to meet it. With the support of countless partners, they saved Bracken Cave.