Oftentimes, social change can be a slow and gradual process that could test the patience of a one-hundred year old tree. Today, Mountain Watershed Association forges onward by announcing the distribution of Direct Support Funds to grassroots organizations and individuals working toward change in the way shale gas drilling impacts communities and the environment. The Direct Support Project has been made possible by The Heinz Endowments and The Chorus Foundation.
We’ve funded projects that will bring about social change related to Marcellus shale gas drilling. A new education initiative in one local community will raise awareness of the need for community involvement in local legislation. Another group plans to hold a rally for community leaders who have been on the frontlines of changing oil & gas zoning laws in Western Pennsylvania. To document these social changes, one man is using audio, video, and still photography to capture the story of how energy and society are linked, which he will share freely with the public.
We are pleased to announce that we are providing support to the following:
- North Braddock Residents for Our Future
- Westmoreland Marcellus Citizens’ Group
- Tom Jefferson, Social Change and The Way We Live
- Protect Our Parks
- People for a Healthy Environment, Inc.
- Environmental Justice Committee at the Thomas Merton Center
- Marcellus Outreach Butler
Many thanks go out to the Direct Support Fund Coordinating Committee which consists of members from Berks Gas Truth, Center for Coalfield Justice, Clean Water Action, Marcellus Outreach Butler, Marcellus Protest, Mountain Watershed Association, Protect Our Children, Public Herald and Shalefield Stories. To learn more or apply for funds, click here or contact Stephanie Novak at (724)455-4200 ext. 5# or stephanie@mtwatershed.com.