Clean Energy Momentum Continues in Durango!

Posted by: Alicia Eimer, National Organizer- Focus the Nation

Riley Neugebauer, Focus the Nation Field Organizer, continues to work for political accountability even after her Clean Energy Forum in Durango, CO. The event was the first of 25 Clean Energy Forums to be held across the country throughout this fall. Riley worked diligently and quickly to put together an event that would coincide with 350.org’s day of action on Oct. 24th (proving to be the largest international action for climate change in history). 350 activities were occurring on the lawn of Fort Lewis College and culminated with the Focus the Nation Clean Energy Forum, where students and community members had the opportunity to speak about solutions to climate change. Although Senators or their staffers who had previously confirmed were not in attendance, that did not stop the audience and panelists from asking tough questions and committing to further discussions to improve the community of Durango.

Soon after, Riley was published in the Durango Herald demanding that politicians respond to the growing demands of their younger constituents on the climate change issue. An audience member stated, “The lack of your attendance today has made it clear that the people we have chosen to represent our interest on the national level are too far removed.”
 
The group was understandably discouraged but committed to staying positive and planning future events. Forging inter-generational relationships is a goal shared by Focus the Nation and Riley’s organization, The Durango Youth Coalition, and the groups succeeded by finding a space for communication between the community and the college.   The Durango Youth Coalition is committed, with the support of Focus the Nation, to building upon those intergenerational partnerships, and increasing their community and political engagement in Colorado to accelerate the transition to a clean energy future!