Planetwalker John Francis and a Generation Waking Up Experience are among the events planned for Earth Day 2013 at Clackamas Community College (CCC). The college is joining with the Earth and Spirit Council and other community partners to present a week of activities celebrating Earth Day.

Earth Day 2013 at CCC is a continuation of the college’s sustainability series that began seven years ago. This year, the Earth and Spirit Council along with the college’s Renewable Energy and Sustainability Center will sponsor the two events with John Francis.

Here is an overview of Earth Week events at CCC:

  • Wednesday, April 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Associated Student Government barbecue, and Community Resource Fair in the Community Center.
  • Wednesday, April 17, 7 to 9 p.m., John Francis, “The Planetwalker,” will give keynote address in the Gregory Forum. The evening begins with a Native American spirit drum and opening blessing by Rod McAfee, Pima tribal elder. Francis is an environmental activist that spent 22 years walking through North and South America, never using motorized vehicles. For 17 of those years he did not speak, earning a master’s degree in environmental studies and a doctorate in land resources. No charge. To reserve your space call 503-594-3696.
  • Thursday, April 18, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., John Francis will give a workshop. The cost is $10 for students, and a sliding scale from $25 to $40 for others. The workshop takes place in the Gregory Forum. To sign up for the workshop, call 503-594-3696.
  • Friday, April 19, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Generation Waking Up Experience. This is a three-hour interactive, multi-media, peer-led workshop that empowers young people to wake up to a clear sense of identity and purpose to work toward a sustainable world. The workshop will be followed by a Community Resource Fair from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Both events take place in the Gregory Forum. To register for the free workshop, contact 503-594-3696.
  • Saturday, April 20, 10 to 11 a.m. at the Environmental Learning Center. A community discussion on climate change, led by Bob Roth, of the city of Oregon City Natural Resource Committee.

The Earth & Spirit Council is a 501(c)(3) educational organization dedicated to strengthening connection with the natural world. Formed in 1991, ESC’s mission is, “To encourage and support people in developing a healthy, sustainable relationship to the Earth.”

For more information, please contact Alison Heimowitz at 503-594-3696.

-30-