UMW Calling zoom
United Methodist Women participate in a training webinar for making calls to congressional representatives urging passage of President Joe Biden's "Build Back Better" infrastructure legislation. (UMW Photo)
NEW YORK – Since April 2021, thousands of members of United Methodist Women (UMW) have phoned members of Congress asking them to prioritize climate legislation and fund climate proposals in the budget reconciliation package. United Methodist Women is the largest denominational organization for women, and climate justice is a core component of their advocacy. To date, UMW members have called legislators in every U.S. state, sent over 7,000 emails to elected officials and had over 100 legislative visits.
“The U.S. is only 4 % of the world’s population but represent 25 % of cumulative emissions,” said Elizabeth Lee, United Methodist Women executive for economic and environmental justice, and climate justice lead. “The U.S. has historically been the biggest polluter, and we have a moral responsibility to pass ambitious climate legislation. Through the budget reconciliation process, we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to do more to address the climate crisis. For example, there are over 400,000 diesel school buses that pollute the lungs of school children all over the nation. Half of all children ride school buses and 90 percent of those buses are diesel. Our children are disproportionately impacted, but electric school buses are expensive. Congress must fund the switch to electric buses and this can be done through the budget reconciliation process.”
In addition to what was done earlier this year, United Methodist Women organized group phone backing sessions for members to contact Congressional representatives on Oct. 25 and Oct. 27. Members of the organization’s board of directors also made calls to members of Congress during their Oct. 8 board meeting. A photo is attached.
“I refuse to have this world be my daughter, Polyana’s, future,” said Ainise Isamau, United Methodist Women, president of board of directors. “We want companies and governments to ensure clean, renewable energy through a just and equitable transition. In order for us to attain Net-Zero Emissions by 2050, we must act now! If there’s something we can do now on behalf of all women and children, why not?”
“What we are saying is the time to act is now. And those most impacted by the climate emergency must benefit from transitions to renewable energy,” added Lee.