Just Transition: Intersection of Jobs and Environment

Wednesday, May 31, 6 p.m., San Juan Grange

— from Sharon Abreu for Irthlingz —

Just Transition is the path as yet untaken at the intersection of labor and environment. It’s a way to help people working in industries that are environmentally unsustainable make the transition to new, good jobs in industries that are both environmentally and economically sustainable.

Imagine how many jobs would be created if we started training and hiring people to do energy efficiency retrofitting of every home, business, school, factory and house of worship across the country. This is just one possibility that could unify those divided over what’s more important: the environment or jobs.

Some organizations are working to make Just Transition a reality, using models like the G.I. Bill to imagine a well-organized, well-funded Just Transition program.

Join experts in the field Sharon Abreu (Orcas Island) and Sameer Ranade (Seattle) at the San Juan Island Grange in Friday Harbor Wednesday, May 31st, for an in-depth discussion on this important topic.

The program will begin at 7 p.m. and, in typical Grange fashion, will be preceded by an optional potluck and meet ‘n’ greet at 6 p.m.

Sharon Abreu is a singer, songwriter, performer, environmentalist, teacher, and networker. She is a member of the Local 1000 North American Traveling Musicians Union, American Federation of Musicians, AFL-CIO. As executive director of Irthlingz and as a community member, she works with the San Juans Alliance to prevent coal and oil exports through the Salish Sea, and with the Energy Roundtable in conjunction with the Conservation District on renewable energy and energy efficiency for San Juan County. Sharon was a Trade Union delegate to the U.N. Commission on Sustainable Development from 1998-2007, where she served as a liaison to the Energy, Freshwater and Education caucuses.

Sameer Ranade currently works as a Climate and Clean Energy Campaign Associate for the Washington Environmental Council. He’s from Kennewick, WA, has a B.A. in Political Science from WSU, and an M.P.A. from UW. He boasts extensive work experience in government, advocacy, and elections. Sameer has been a staffer in the state and federal legislative branches, on multiple state and federal candidate campaigns, and interned for several environmental organizations, including the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
Last summer, Sameer ran for an open seat in the Washington State House of Representatives from the 43rd Legislative District where he earned endorsements from every environmental group.

Just Transition: The Intersection of Jobs and the Environment is part of the Grange Lecture Series, which strives to foster social and political engagement, discussion, and to maintain our historical Hall as a home for celebrations and programs.

The San Juan Island Grange has been a community of growers, makers, and keepers since 1931. The Grange is non-partisan, and so is this event. All are welcome, including kids.