“Vermont has always been a leader in the climate movement, and we’re heeding the call of concerned youth. We need Vermonters to step up and demand action to protect us and our children,” said Abby Mnookin of 350Vermont, one of the organizations in the VT Climate Coalition. “With eight days of actions, we’re kicking it into high gear and asking Vermonters to go on strike Friday the 20th. If they can’t strike all day, they can temporarily walk out from their workplaces and schools to join a local event and demand action on climate change.”

The rally September 20 in Burlington will begin at noon from Burlington City Hall, 149 Church Street. Along with other strikes on the 20th, Vermont activities planned for Sept. 20-28 are:

• An action against fossil-fuel lobbyists;
• Distribution of large public banners about climate change around the state;
• A direct action targeting one of the few remaining coal plants in the Northeast; and
• Musical performances, worship services, a tour of a regenerative agriculture farm, and more. 

For info on the dozens of upcoming events, see www.vermontclimatestrike.org/events/list. 

With this current climate crisis and with the call to action voiced by youth globally in mind, the Vermont Strike Coalition demands the following:

• Comprehensive and immediate solutions rooted in the respect for and dignity of all people.
• Support for just policies that transition rapidly to a clean and renewable energy economy for all.
• A commitment to keeping fossil fuels in the ground.
• A just and inclusive movement that centers frontline communities.

Among the Vermont organizers of strike-related activities is Extinction Rebellion Vermont. "The damage to the Bahamas caused by Hurricane Dorian and our government's coarse response to the plight of Bahamians are more examples of the devastating impacts of climate change and the ineffectiveness of our political leadership to properly respond to the needs of people on the front lines of the crisis. As these storms are made worse by the manufacture and burning of fossil fuels, it is critical to transform our society into one that is compassionate, inclusive, sustainable, equitable, and connected," said Dan Batten of Extinction Rebellion Vermont. 

Organizations providing financial support include Seventh Generation, Ben & Jerry’s, Sierra Club, Chelsea Green, SunCommon, 350.org, Front Porch Forum, and Eco-Equipment Supply.