Third Act

I recently became aware of Bill McKibben’s organization, Third Act in the United States. This icon of the environmental movement encouraged American seniors to act on behalf of future generations. Such people have the time and experience to become good advocates.

Was there a similar organization in Canada? There is -  it is Seniors for Action Now (SCAN). https://seniorsforclimateactionnow.org/#.

Here are some of its principles:

·       To build an Ontario based action group that is democratic, accountable, equitable and participatory in which we value each others’ knowledge, experience and views.

·       To inform and mobilize others to become informed and active.

·       To support the young people calling on government for action.

·       To engage with indigenous people from whom we can learn.

·       To draw on available time and experience of seniors.

They note the need for systemic change:

·       Our economic system is built for growth. We have to rebuild it for sustainability

·       Our economic system is built for accumulation. We have to rebuild it for sharing.

·       Our economic system is built for extraction. We have to rebuild it for stewardship.

·       Our economic system is built for exploitation. We have to rebuild it for fairness.

·       Our economic system is built for inequality. We have to rebuild it for equality.

The impetus came out of the pandemic which laid bare so many disaparties when we had time to reflect upon them. Regional chapters are already active but there is not one mentioned to date for Toronto – even though some of their activities are aimed at the current provincial government’s climate crimes. The participants are obviously doing their homework and keeping up to date.  It is also noteworthy that only two of Toronto’s 103 candidates for mayor have announced a climate policy. The fee for membership is perhaps the only thing to criticize.  It is much too low!