What’s next for Gettysburg DFA?

As we have begun to plan programs and activities for the fall,  collaboration with other projects and organizations in the community has emerged as a central part of our approach.  In part, we are bent on making new friends in unexpected places in order to build the largest coalition possible in support of the key values we share. But, with so many groups popping up to address a variety of significant issues, we also want to make sure not to duplicate efforts that are already underway. Working together, we are potentially very strong and may be even win an election now and then!

Collaboration, however, brings with it the need for a bit of flexibility in terms of the scheduled dates and times and venues of our events.  This fall we will not always be at the Seminary on the first Wednesday of each month.  As a committed DFA member, you will need to keep an eye on your email—or check out our website—in order to stay informed about upcoming events.  We will, of course, also make sure to publicize our activities in the Gettysburg Timesas well.

This approach has already paid off.  Wearing our Green Gettysburg hats, we have cosponsored several very well attended films at Gettysburg College and hosted a successful panel on plastic waste and recycling in June (back at the Lutheran Seminary).  More recently, on Sunday, August 4, Green Gettysburg and the Creation Care Task Force at St. James Lutheran welcomed a team of four climate scientists to the church.  More than 130 people attended a one-hour morning program on climate science. Later, at the Unitarian Universalists of Gettysburg about fifty people continued the conversation with the visiting scientists and shared a pot-luck lunch.

In September our monthly focus will fall on two environmental films. Both will be shown in Joseph Theater at Gettysburg College (on the corner of Lincoln Avenue and North Washington Street) at 7:00 PM.  On Wednesday, September 4, The Human Element, which looks at the work of National Geographic photographer James Balog will be screened once again.  This film documents the already occurring impact of climate change on Americans across the country.  If you have not seen it, this is an opportunity not to be missed, especially on the big screen in Joseph Theater.  First year seminar students, new to the film, will be the primary audience, but the public is invited to attend as well.

On Wednesday, September 11 at 7:00 PM, we will take a look at the brand new Paris to Pittsburgh, an energetic look at what states and municipalities are doing to keep the US on track with the Paris Accords on climate. It’s an inspiring and hopeful film, full of practical ideas for making progress. Again, first year seminar students will be present, but the public is invited as well.

On a related topic, Gettysburg Rising is sponsoring a chat with Environmental Studies Professor Dr. Rudd Platt the next night on Thursday September 12 from 6:30-7:30 at the Sterner Building at the Gettysburg Rec Park.  His topic:  “What Do You Want to Know about Climate Change?”  Please attend if you can!

In October we plan to shift gears a bit and collaborate with both Fair Districts and Draw the Lines to sponsor a two-part program:  an update on where things stand with redistricting in Pennsylvania along with a computer-based, hands on activity actually redrawing district maps. Our date is Wednesday, October 2, location probably one of the larger computer labs in Glatfelter Hall on the College campus.  We are working on participation by student groups and perhaps some additional cosponsors from the community. Details on all this will be confirmed during September.

In November we shift gears once again and welcome our own Leon Reed and Lois Lembo for a report on Poverty in Adams County. These retired government analysts—and current SCCAP volunteers—are working on a systematic study of poverty in our communities and what we might do about it. The likely date for this presentation is Wednesday, November 13, location to be confirmed.

Also in November, on Sunday, November 10 at 3:00 PM, I will be joining a crew of musicians and others from Gettysburg for Gun Sense at St. James Lutheran Church for a program of music provided by the Saint James Lutheran Adult Choir, Jocelyn Swigger, Tom Jolin and myself. As Tom reports in a recent email, “the program will have various peace readings read by community leaders. Refreshments and community fellowship will follow.”  

In December, of course, we will come together for our traditional holiday party.  Throughout the fall, our regular opinion pieces in the Gettysburg Times will continue to appear and the archive of writing and photographs on our website will continue to grow.  Every month or so, a newsletter such as this one will continue to appear in your inbox.  But we could (and probably should) be doing much, much more.  

If you feel moved to get involved, please consider contacting one of our task forces (via our webpage) or joining in the work of one of our community partners. Thanks for reading our newsletter! I hope to see you soon as some of our upcoming events!

Will Lane, Chair
Gettysburg DFA

EnvironmentWill Lane