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PEG 6th Congressional District Newsletter 333
America Is Using Up Its Groundwater Like There’s No Tomorrow
The depletion of vital aquifers across the United States is emerging as a hidden climate crisis. While global warming has drawn attention to extreme weather events, groundwater levels silently diminish beneath the surface. These aquifers, which provide water for 90% of the nation’s water systems and support abundant farmland, are facing severe declines. The New York Times conducted an extensive investigation, interviewing over 100 experts and analyzing millions of monitoring site data points, shedding light on this alarming issue.
According to the NY Times, this depletion jeopardizes the American economy and society. Large-scale agriculture and urban centers extract water from aquifers at rates far exceeding their natural recharge capacities. Some of these aquifers may never fully recover.
Satellite data from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has revealed aquifer-level declines. For example, parts of the Ogallala Aquifer, critical for global food production and spanning across Kansas, eastern Colorado, and parts of Oklahoma and Texas, have reached their lowest levels since NASA initiated its data collection efforts.
As one would expect, climate change exacerbates the water scarcity issues. Global warming reduces snowpack, which feeds rivers, leading to greater dependence on groundwater for sustaining communities, lawns, and crops. At the same time, rising temperatures increase plant water requirements, and a warmer world accelerates surface water evaporation, reducing the amount available to recharge already stressed aquifers.
This vicious cycle intensifies water resource challenges, highlighting the critical need for sustainable water management in the face of climate change and our voracious appetites.
Events and Opportunities
Serve on a Board or Commission for Michigan
Our state government is listening! Be heard in a major way by applying for one of the 100 open appointments on various committees and boards. Search the online portal by interest area here.
September 8–11. Biden proclaims National Days of Prayer and Remembrance
It’s hard to believe that it has been 22 years since the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers and the United States of America. Every year, we reflect on the 2,977 lives, some named and some unidentified, that were lost on 9/11. This year, President Biden, in a white house proclamation is asking for us to “find renewal and resolve in remembrance.”
President Biden proclaim[s] September 8, 2023, through September 10, 2023, as National Days of Prayer and Remembrance. I ask that the people of the United States honor the victims of September 11, 2001, and their loved ones with prayer, contemplation, memorial services and visits, bells, candlelight vigils, and other activities.
Sunday, September 10. Walk a Mile in My Shoes 2023 – Jewish Family Services’ Refugee Resettlement program
Let’s come together as a global community and walk a mile in the shoes of those who have faced unimaginable challenges, supporting them on their journey to a brighter and more hopeful future. Donations raise necessary money for its Refugee Resettlement program at Jewish Family Services (JFS) of Washtenaw County. In addition to finding housing and furnishing housing essentials, JFS also provides vital services such as nutrition, mental health, job counseling, and other guidance to assist in resettling into a new community. Register and/or donate here. 9am—noon at Burns Park Elementary
Sunday, September 10. Ann Arbor Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County 30 year Gala
The African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County (AACHM) celebrates 30 years of preserving and sharing the African American experience. Registration is full, however a guest stand-by list has been created. Email aachmwc@gmail.com with your name and number of seats and/or donate here. The Kensington Hotel, 3500 S. State St, Ann Arbor. 5—8 pm
Thursdays, September 14–October 26. A Short History of Structural Racism
Join the Interfaith Council for Peace & Justice (ICPJ) for a series on Structural Racism by Ayo Magwood and Uprooting Inequity. In the final session, ICPJ Co-Directors Desiraé Simmons and Eleanore Ablan-Owen will host a reflection and action-planning conversation. Join us for all of the virtual sessions, or join the ones that you are able. Registration will allow you access to the materials that are shared. Register here. 5:30–7:30 pm EST
Fridays, September 15–October 13. Legacy in Action Radio Miniseries on Civic Engagement
Join Leslie McGraw as she will be featured as a guest co-host on Latina HerStory with Talia, 91.3 WBNY based in Buffalo, New York. Topics and guests will include National Voter Registration Day, Voter Education Week, community leaders and Drew Khan of Buffalo State University’s Anne Frank department and team members of the Elbert Williams Voting Corner. The five Fridays lead up to October 15, which is Elbert Williams Voter Engagement Day. 10 am EST each Friday
Saturday, September 16. Phone Bank with Field Team 6
Join Field Team 6 in making phone calls to unregistered likely Democrats… and turning them into registered Michigan Democrats! Phone calls are one of the most effective possible ways to do this. Additionally, this phone bank is using a Hubdialer (an autodialer), which dramatically improves your effectiveness! All training provided. RSVP here.
Monday, September 18. Messaging guru Anat with AG Nessel on Fake Electors and Trump Indictments
Anat Shenker-Osorio of ASO Communications will be joined by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to talk about research and guidance around the messaging we all use to talk about fake electors and the various indictments, including Trump. Register for this virtual event here. Noon
Encourage Young Voters on National Voter Registration Day (NVRD)
Young voters make up the largest voting bloc in the country, but face unique challenges when it comes to registering to vote. Join NextGen America for a big day of action: texting, calling, and organizing on social media to reach young voters ahead of this fall’s elections and ensure their registration is up to date. Sign up here and/or tell a young person in your life!
Thursday, September 14. NVRD Launch Call
Learn more about the importance of NVRD and the state of youth voter registration. Sign up for the virtual call here. 7—7:45 pm
Monday, September 18. Pre-NVRD Virtual Trainings to Prepare New Volunteers
You choose!
- Sign up for Text Team training. 2—3pm and 6—7pm
- Sign up for Phone Call Team training. Noon—1pm and 5—6pm
- Sign up for Social Media Organizing 101. 4—5pm
Tuesday, September 19. National Voter Registration Day!
Sign up for shifts anytime in the afternoon or evening to call, text, or reach young people through social media.
Tuesday, September 19. Survivors Speak Pull Up
This local grassroots groups, founded by activist Trische’ Duckworth, was established to to help reawaken the voice of the community that has been forgotten about. She feels that it is important to get disenfranchised voices to the tables where folks are making decisions for them without them.
For National Voter Registration Day, Survivors Speak is hosting a Voter Awareness and Registration Party. This program will allow an array of services and resources to be brought into the heart of the community. Partners will provide much needed information and resources, including the ability to register to vote with the Elbert Williams Voting Corner and sign the voter pledge card.
The celebration includes: face painting, a video game truck, Dj, a soul food dinner, and prize giveaways. To volunteer with this event or other programming, please email volunteer@survivorsspeak.info. Parkridge Community Center, 591 Armstrong Dr, Ypsi. 4–7 pm
Thursday, September 28. DemCast Michigan “Happy Hour”
Join DemCast Michigan for a casual gathering to talk about messaging, learn about the growing number of social media platforms (and our take on which matter most) and how we can all tap into helpful resources. TOGETHER we can make a difference in ever-critical local elections. Email questions to Michigan@DemCastUSA.com RSVP here. 4:30 pm
Visit the PEG Events Page for all upcoming events at www.equalityingov.org/events!
More things to do, read, watch, and listen to
PEG Favorite Video of the Week
PEG Cartoon of the Week
A special thanks to our Newsletter contributors:
A special thanks to our Newsletter contributors: Lisa Kamil, Bette Cotzin, Bernie Banet, Linda Bennett, Kayla Conrad, Ellen Halter, Leslie McGraw, Leslie Kamil, Molly Boren and Brynn Mendelsohn, and Chuck Newman for their contributions and help preparing our newsletters.
