Tag: Climate Ground Zero

After 3 days at camp here in Montana we have a heavy rain day. Some folks were unprepared for the wet and cold conditions here in the Big Belt Mountains of Montana and this weather has tested their patience and endurance, but overall people are dealing and in great spirits.

Anyone who is involved in direct action must deal with harsh elements and extreme physical and mental challenges. Actions push you out of your comfort zones and you must learn if you are going to be doing actions that you must be prepared to be mentally strong and totally prepared for elements the elements you will face.

One of my top mentors on how to run campaigns and actions once said “if action and campaigns were easy everyone would do it”. But conducting actions and running campaigns to confront corporations and governments on destructive policies and practices has never been easy.

I have learned over the years that actions demand top notch preparation, mental toughness, a high degree of flexibility & creativity, overcoming whatever challenges are thrown your way, and always maintaining a positive under adverse conditions. The Boy Scouts motto could certainly be the lesson of today “always be prepared”

I’m sitting in front of the Greenpeace communications van, the pride and joy of Richard “Sky King” Dillman. Despite our relatively remote location, can transmit live audio, video or text just about anywhere in the world using a combination of radio, satellite, or cellular networks.

I’m joining Richard and colleague Mike Johnson for “tactical communications” workshops all week. The session covers everything from basic equipment and techniques to advanced “field problems” where we’ll use what we’ve learned to role-play non-violent direct action and mass mobilization scenarios.

In front of me is a scaffolding the size of a three story building. Ingrid Gordon and her team of climb trainers built the structure yesterday, outfitting it with ropes and guy wires to simulate an action canvass (Coal-fired power plant? Oil Refinery? State Capitol?). The workshop starts with an extensive safety training then moves to basic knots, equipment and techniques. Like the other workshops, they’ll end the week by conducting a simulated action scenario developed by participants at the camp.

This afternoon, Celia Alario hosts a media skills workshop featuring message development, release writing and on-camera interviews. After dinner, it’s an open schedule–time for hikes, skill-shares and after sunset, a healthy dose of stories around campfire.