Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "green the block"Where Is My Green?Charles Masonheadline-141582009-09-23T22:47:01Z2009-09-23T22:47:01Z<p>The green movement is in full swing these days. President Obama and his Administration are talking green jobs every day. The environmental movement is enjoying its day in the sun as the nation embraces green principles. Businesses such as Wal-Mart and Starbucks have implemented some sort of green practices. And, we even have Planet Green, the television station dedicated to teaching America how to live and build green.<br />
</p>
<p>Earlier this year, I launched Ubuntu Green www.ubuntugreen.org, a non-profit focused on building sustainable and equitable communities. I was particularly concerned with the impact of the green movement on urban centers, low income families and communities of color. It became very clear to me during my 20 years of public policy work that many of the progressive environmental, land use and transportation movements had often overlooked these constituencies. I was also concerned about how federal resources dedicated to green projects would impact these communities. Were companies that receive green job funds reaching out to underserved communities? Were we requiring that infill, redevelopment and new development in urban communities use the highest LEED standards, in order to not only lower energy cost and usage, but to also build healthy homes and other buildings? Were we helping to promote green lifestyles in communities that would include promotion of community gardens, farmers markets, and access to healthy foods?<br />
</p>
<p>As the green movement enjoys its day in the sun, we must take a moment and pause to ensure that all Americans are sharing the ample benefits. Government, foundation, business, non-profit and other entities must dedicate educational, technical and financial resources to ensure that the greening of our society is part of a long range commitment that does not end with the next election or shift in policy priorities.<br />
</p>
<p>I choose Ubuntu Green as a name of our organization, because I believe deeply in the South African term Ubuntu, which speaks to the common humanity and interdependence of all of humanity. The green movement will not be successful unless its goals are firmly rooted in ensuring green justice through the improving of the daily lives of all the world’s citizens.</p>
<p>This Blog originally appeared at blog.ubuntugreen.org</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Charles Mason2009-09-23T22:47:01ZGreen the Block Comes to Oak ParkAlvin Vaughnheadline-131662009-09-03T23:52:31Z2009-09-03T23:52:31Z<p>For Immediate Release</p>
<p>Contacts:<br />
Charles L. Mason, Jr.</p>
<p>(916) 475-4290 cell</p>
<p><a href="mailto:cmasonjr@yahoo.com">cmasonjr@yahoo.com</a></p>
<p><br />
Alvin Vaughn</p>
<p>(510) 909-2347 cell<a href="mailto:advaughn@hotmail.com">advaughn@hotmail.com</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>“Ubuntu Green Sponsors “Green the Block” Activities For Oak Park Neighborhood”</strong></p>
<p>September 1, 2009—Sacramento, CA—Ubuntu Green, a Sacramento community-based organization, is the lead sponsor of this year’s Green the Block event. Green the Block is part of a nationwide effort to give communities of color a voice in the emerging clean-energy economy. The event will coincide with the National Day of Service on September 11, 2009, where volunteers nationwide will take part in improving their communities.</p>
<p><br />
The Oak Park United Methodist Church at 3600 Broadway will be the site of Green the Block from 5 to 8 pm. Friday, September 11, 2009. Attendees will receive materials on green living, healthy lifestyles, green job opportunities and community service projects. There will also be a green community art project, and showing of the documentary Fresh. The event will also include music, healthy refreshments and fun family activities.</p>
<p><br />
“We have been looking forward to Green the Block for some time,” said Ubuntu Green’s President, Charles L. Mason, Jr. “It will be an opportunity for members of the community to get involved in greening their communities in a family friendly, fun and relaxed atmosphere.”<br />
Ubuntu Green is partnering with the following fine organizations to bring Green the Block: The Oak Park Neighborhood Association, Oak Park Weed and Seed, The Oak Park Business Association and Oak Park United Methodist Church.</p>
<p><br />
<strong>About Ubuntu Green<br />
</strong>Ubuntu Green is a community-based organization that supports and develops green activities through community gardens, neighborhood clean-up programs, community arts programs and public health and education outreach.</p>
<p> </p>Alvin Vaughn2009-09-03T23:52:31Z