UUFP Social Action

“The Sea is Rising and So are We”

On April 29th, 2017, 17 members and friends of UUFP turned their values into action as they joined hundreds of concerned citizens at the Pottstown Climate March. Co-organized by UUFP members and UU Action Chair Desiree Peterman, The Pottstown Climate March invited participants to march to: “protect our right to clean air, water, land and healthy communities, promote preservation of our natural landscape and wildlife, ensure public funds and investments are directed towards sustainable technologies that transition our world to a cleaner, renewable energy economy that works for all, encourage investment in and focus on environmental education, and exercise our basic rights to protest and free speech”. Several elected officials from both parties were invited to attend the march, but only Representative Ryan Costello (R) attended. Costello did not march, but was able to spend time meeting and discussing concerns with marchers as they arrived. The march, one of about 300 in the U.S and internationally, began at the Hill School
in Pottstown and continued down High Street ending at Riverfront Park for a climate rally. Marchers came prepared with creative, homemade signs and chants urging action to fight climate change and protect valuable resources. As the march progressed down High Street, several inspired locals joined the demonstration and many others expressed their support via cheers, honks, thumbs up, and high fives. In between chants, UUFP members and friends instilled hope among the crowd with moving songs such as “We Shall Overcome” and “Peace, Salaam, Shalom”. After the march, participants gathered at Riverfront Park for a rally with environmental speakers, clean energy providers, food vendors, music, and various children’s activities. UUFP hosted an informational table, and member Cyndi Buell-Hall offered free children’s face painting. Moving forward, UUFP members and friends will continue the fight to protect the Earth, working to ensure a healthy world for future generations.