On Sunday May 14, speakers, entertainment, education and volunteer opportunities give families a new way to lend meaning to Mother’s Day.
Mothers everywhere are becoming increasingly alarmed about their children’s future as a result of climate change. To raise awareness about the issue, the NOVA Citizens Climate Group has organized a Mother’s Day Rally at Fairfax’s Veterans Amphitheater. On Sunday, May 14th from 1-2:30pm, the Citizens Climate Group encourages families to “skip brunch to save the world,” and join together to raise their voices in protest. The event features speakers, entertainment, games, art and opportunities to learn and volunteer with area environmental groups that are co-sponsoring the rally.
“We want to restore the original meaning of Mother’s Day, which abolitionist Julia Ward Howe began in 1870 as a mothers’ protest against war,” said Susan Crate, mom, NOVA Citizens Climate Group member, and Professor of Anthropology at George Mason University. “Howe’s concern was for the lives of the soldiers who fought in the Civil War, and she called upon mothers to raise their voices in support of peace. Today, the greatest threat to our children’s future is climate change. Families need to come together and organize to save our children’s future, so we thought re-introducing the idea of Mother’s Day as a day of activism in the tradition of Julia Ward Howe was perfect.”
The Mother’s Day Rally is a great way for moms to spend the day outdoors with their families while taking a stand for their children’s future. Presentations from national climate and environmental leader Rebecca Wodder, local climate activists, and music from performer Chris Anderson will provide entertainment and raise awareness. Additional kids’ activities include lawn games, art stations and a photo booth. Attendees can also sign up for volunteer opportunities with various organizations co-sponsoring the rally including Moms Clean Airforce, 350 Fairfax, 350 Loudon, 350 Alexandria and Together We Will NOVA.
The NOVA Citizens Climate Group is committed to specific actions within the Virginia state government to combat climate change. The Mother’s Day Rally is a call for specific climate actions including a ban on fracking, fracked gas pipelines and offshore drilling in our state, as well as an overall goal of converting Virginia to 100% clean energy by 2050.
Sunday May 14, 2017 1:00 pm – 2:30pm **Rain or shine**
Veterans Amphitheater at Fairfax City Hall (Rt. 123 & Armstrong St.)
10455 Armstrong Street
Fairfax, VA 22030
**Rain location is inside City Hall, at the same address**
