Extinction Rebellion Baltimore March
Extinction Rebellion Baltimore marched at the Maryland State House to urge the General Assembly to pass legislation declaring a climate emergency.
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Students protest at Kennedy Catholic High School to show support for fired teachers.
Backbone helped student, parent and teacher protest against unjust firing of two gay teachers who were both engaged to marry their partners. Director Bill Moyer met with a teacher and reached out to organize banner build. Follow this link to read more about the Seattle Times Coverage of this youth lead action!
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Love Not Hate: Projections at the Matamoros-Brownsville Border Crossing
The light action was part of a four day event, "Love Not Hate" hosted by Witness at the Border. The light event consisted of three elements; projection on the Gateway International Bridge Border station, Light Banner “RESTORE ASYLUM”, projections onto the border wall. Activists then took the LEDs to the Airport to protest against deportation flights; asylees were boarding and being deported via the Brownsville airport.
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Climate Message Illuminated in Wenatchee, WA
Wenatchee community members used the Backbone created LED message "ACT ON CLIMATE" on Wenatchee Ave. in front of the Convention Center.
It was a busy Friday night with First Friday downtown promotion, Rails and Ales Snowboard competition and a play at the Performing Arts Center.Several people stopped and chatted with to them about their illuminated message as over one thousand cars drove by in the hour they spent bannering.
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Complicit Collins
A projectionist in Portland, Maine created a light projection action outside of Senator Susan Collins office ahead of Senate trial of Donald Trump. The projections urged Collins to do the right thing and ask for more witnesses, and a few days later Collins became the first Republican to break with Donald Trump and vote to call more witnesses!
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No War With Iran - Global Day of Protest
Banners were held above a Nashville TN overpass, stating "No More Endless War" and "Peace with Iran" on January 25th. The action was in coordination with the Global Day of Protest and Backbone Solidarity Brigade Member Roni joined with others near the state capitol building and the centennial park to take a stand against war.
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The fight to save Washington's resident orca community continues
Backbone Award Recipient Michelle Seidelman and her crew on the Orca Oracle bus borrowed Backbone's Tahlequah orca inflatable for a rally outside Washington State Governor Inslee's Stakeholder meeting in Olympia, WA.
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Shining a light on Costco's sustainability
Costco is clearing old growth forest in order to sell you cheap toilet paper.
Bellingham Solidarity Brigade collaborated with Stand.Earth in their campaign to get Costco to stop clearing old growth forests for its toilet paper.
Projections illuminated the building where Costco's Shareholders were meeting, in an effort to draw attention to this issue.
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No War With Iran Messages Projected On To Trump Hotel In D.C
Backbone Solidarity Brigade collaborated with allies at Code Pink to demonstrate against a potential war with Iran by projecting on Trump Hotel and staging large signs accompanied by a Trump impersonator.
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Backbone leads workshop with local middle school, to prep for MLK activities
Backbone ED Bill Moyer gave a workshop to students at the Harbor School on creative activism. The students created a banner, learned light projection and drumming for demonstrations and how to deploy props. On Friday, January 17th, the middle school students carried the banner and drummed while taking over the streets on Vashon Island!
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"Trump Endangers Us All" & "No War on Iran" messages light up downtown Spokane
"Trump Endangers Us All" and "No War With Iran" projected on to the side of City Hall in Spokane, WA. City Council members were met with the messages as they arrived for a council meeting on a snowy evening.
Beautiful Climate Action Banner Unfurled in Olympia
On Monday activists joined with Protecters of the Salish Sea to pressure Governor Jay Inslee to declare a climate emergency in Washington State. Activists held up a this banner as they went through the streets of Olympia!
This was the debut outing for Backbone's "Declare a Climate Emergency" Banner. Thanks to Artful Activist Alessandra Mondolfi for leading the art build and providing the banner template, based on her beautiful felt banner.
#FortheFuture
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"No War With Iran"
Light Projections lit up the Union Pacific Building in Portland, OR in response to the escalating tensions between Iran and the US. Lots of pedestrians were out and stopped to talk with Mike and Harlan, PEST projectionists and Backbone Solidarity Brigade members.
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Kick ICE Out of Portland!
Light projections in Portland, ME urge the building manager, Dirigo Management, to evict ICE from their rented office in downtown Portland. Tourists and locals who were out for the First Friday Art Walk were met with the image projected on to the side of the office building.
The action was covered by the Beacon along with other efforts by activist to bring awareness to ICEs presence.
https://mainebeacon.com/light-projections-draw-attention-to-ices-expansion-in-portland/
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Activists in Tallahassee protests Trumps rally.
Activists in Tallahassee, FL protest a Trumps rally as he prepares to campaign for reelection in Florida. One of Backbone Campaign's "Trump Heads" made an appearance, exposing him for the criminal he is.
"All I want for Christmas is a chance to live" #KeepPhilAlive
UPDATE: The actions worked, and Phil received a reversal of CareFirst's decision. He will receive the medication his doctor has ordered. Click here to read his Jan 2, 2020 update.
For Immediate Release:December 24, 2019For more info, contact Phil Ateto (443-223-8202)[email protected] Bill Moyer (206-356-9980)[email protected]
“All I want for Christmas is a chance to live”Insurance company CareFirst of Maryland is condemning a 41 year old man to death, denying him access to the medicine his doctor requested. But he and his friends are fighting back to #KeepPhilAlive
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Backbone Imagery supports Extinction Rebellion in Baltimore!
Extinction Rebellion Baltimore deployed the Backbone globe while dressed up in various costumes and paraded around the inner harbor shopping area in Baltimore. They reminded people that there is no Christmas on a dead planet!
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Message On Climate Action Not Stopped By Weather
Snow, rain and sleet did not stop activists in Wenatchee, WA. They braved the elements to hold up LED light banners urging commuters home to take "Action on Climate". These LED banners are a great way to reach an evening commuter crowed during these dark winter days. "We cranked up some protest music and had a good time!" said one activist. Earlier that week the same activists projected light messages on to the streets of downtown Wenatchee, catching the attention of people out for the monthly art walk. For the earth!
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"Nobody Is Above The Law" Projected on WI Senator Ron Johnson's office
Milwaukee projectionists borrowed Backbone's lights and impeachment-related GOBOs to light up the office of Trump ally Senator Ron Johnson on the eve of the House Impeachment Vote. The projection was part of 600 actions across the US to call for Executive Branch accountability. Milwaukee's projection even got a mention by Rachel Maddow on her news show!
Hats off to the growing Wisconsin projection crew!
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Projections Bring Big Energy to Impeachment Rally
Light projectionists in Bellingham, WA brought tools to support a pro-impeachment rally held on Tuesday, the night before the House voted to impeach Donald J. Trump. The energy of the crowed was excited, they said, when their lighted messages came on as speakers took the stage!
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Nobody Is Above the Law
Every Friday and Sunday, members of the Kitsap Solidarity Brigade stand with the Backbone Trump head, outfitted in prison gear in Kingston and on Bainbridge Island, with the message "Nobody Is Above the Law."
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Eugene Activists Turn Up The Heat on City Climate Resolution
Eugene Activists with 350 Eugene and Backbone's Solidarity Brigade "shine light" on city council's climate resolution (or lack thereof).
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Seattle 20 Year Anniversary 1999 WTO Protests
Washington Fair Trade Coalition gathered together with community allies in Downtown Seattle to honor the 20 year anniversary of the Seattle protests of the World Trade Organization in 1999.
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Backbone Collaborates for an Artful Activism Training in SoCal
Backbone worked with environmental justice activists, East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice and center for Community Action and Environmental Justice to put together an Artful Activism training.
In just two days we covered:• Drumming for Demonstrations (built a trash can drumline)• Giant Banner Building (built 2 freeway overpass banners and deployed them)• LED bannering (Assembled and mobilized an LED banner twice)• Light Projection (executed two projections)• Explored the anatomy of Freeway Blockades, on water actions, and other creative tactics with valuable discussions and brainstorming for future actions.• Kayaktivism (Group discussion/presentation followed by on water training of a core group of future trainers)
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Whale and Salmon inflatables support the Climate Strike in Tacoma
On Friday, December 6th Tacoma youth, led by the Sunrise Movement, held a rally at Tollefson Plaza in downtown to draw attention to the climate crisis and demand that leaders take action. Part of a national day of action, the Sunrise movement was also drawing attention to the Green New Deal, building momentum for it to pass after the next presidential election. Backbone lent the whale and salmon to the action to support #ProtectorsOfTheSalishSea.
Working together to make the movement beautiful!
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Pressuring the IMF and World Bank to Divest from Fossil Fuel
Activists disrupted the DC morning commute around the IMF and World Bank's annual meeting to protest them not divesting from fossil fuel projects. Later in the morning they joined with Jane Fonda's "Fire Drill Fridays" and attempted to disrupt nearby Wells Fargo branches.
The action was covered here by the Washington Post.
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Light Projections Illuminate Cal Berkeley's Climate Strike
In collaboration with Cal Berkeley Students for Climate Action and Berkeley Sunrise, an action brigade member promoted the Dec 6th Climate Strike on campus.
Students provided input on what they wanted projected, including a student drawn graphic (not shown). Cal Berkeley students are interested in promoting n UC version of the Green New Deal, to make their campuses a guiding light for a national effort to fight climate change.
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Bellingham Solidarity Brigade Prepares for Climate Strike 12/6
Bellingham Solidarity Brigade raising awareness for the next National Climate Strike on Friday Dec. 6th, 2019.
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Slaughter Shingle Mountain - Light Projections in Texas
Backbone sent light projection tools to The North Texas Light Brigade so that they could draw attention to the environmental disaster Shingle Mountain. “Shingle Mountain,” is the largest illegal dump in Dallas – a mound of toxic shingles several stories high, creating a toxic mound that backs up to private homes, spreading fumes throughout the neighborhood.
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XR Challenges Colorado Cleantech Awards
Climate activists with Extinction Rebellion challenged "clean" oil and gas at the Colorado Cleantech Industries 2019 Oil & Gas Cleantech Challenge Awards night.
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Bellingham SB Takes on Trump's Twitter
Bellingham Solidarity Brigade (as part of #OccupyBellingham) took to First Friday Art Walk to share their thoughts with Trump on Twitter.
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Seattle Light Brigade Projects to Impeach
Members of the Seattle Light Brigade projects messages of impeachment at Seattle Center in solidarity with #OutNow.
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Backbone and Save Our Wild Salmon Coalition at NWPCC Public Hearing
Backbone joined up with Save Our Wild Salmon Coalition for a press conference and rally during the Northwest Power and Conservation Council's recent public hearing to advocate the inclusion of critical protections for orca and salmon in their fish and wildlife plan.
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Bremerton Solidarity Brigade Projects ICE Hotline
Bremerton Solidarity Brigade activists project ICE Hotline around town.
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VIUF and La Resistencia At Tacoma NW Detention Center
The Vashon Island Unitarian Fellowship and La Resistencia visit the Tacoma Northwest Detention Center to support detainees.
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"A Week in the Life of Backbone" Video Showcase
Check out what Backbone's Solidarity Brigade members have been up to the week of the climate strike.
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Denver Portland Seattle Solidarity Brigades Project for Climate Strike
Solidarity Brigades in Denver, Portland and Seattle project for Climate Strike
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Backbone Marches in Vashon Climate Strike
Backbone helps organize Vashon Island's participation in Global Climate Strike
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Tucson Deploys Banners for Global Climate Strike
Tuscon Solidarity Brigaide bannering for Global Climate Strike
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Bay Area SB Honors Greta Thunberg
Bay Area Solidarity Brigade honors Greta Thunberg and youth activism
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Madison WI Climate Strike
Madison WI Solidarity Brigade supports the Climate Strike through projections, sit-ins.
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Wenatchee Solidarity Brigade Projects for Climate Strike
Solidarity Brigade lights up Wenatchee for Climate Strike
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San Diego SB Gears up for Global Climate Strike
San Diego Solidarity Brigade projects on University of California San Diego for Global Climate Strike
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Baby Trump Balloon Greets President in San Diego
San Diego Solidarity Brigade flies Baby Trump for President's visit
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Bellingham Solidarity Brigade Gearing Up for Climate Strike
Bellingham Solidarity Brigade teaming with Washington Youth Climate Strike
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CLOSEmsdf Projects for Political Open Mic
CLOSEmsdf projected their message at a political open mic with Lt Governor Mandela Barnes.
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Baby Trump Visits Portola Valley
Bay Area Solidarity Brigade brings out Baby Trump balloon during President's visit.
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LA Solidarity Brigade Climate Strike Projections
The LA Solidarity Brigade projects for upcoming climate Strike
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Patagonia Seattle Projects for Climate Strike
Backbone helps Patagonia to promote Climate Strike
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CLOSEmsdf Acknowledges 25th Anniversary 1994 Crime Bill
CLOSEmsdf recognized the 25th anniversary of the 1994 Crime Bill and its continued impact
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Eugene SB Promotes Climate Strike at University of Oregon Campus
Eugene Solidarity Brigade Projections at University of Oregon campus
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Light Projection Training with XR Philly
Backbone does a "quick and dirty" light projection training with Philadelphia XR
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North Texas Light Brigade Illuminates NRA Expo
The North Texas Light Brigade spotlights the NRA Personal Protection Expo at the Fort Worth Convention Center.
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Fort Worth Lights Up Awareness for Global Climate Strike
#GlobalClimateStrike Fort Worth and North Texas Light Brigade teamed together to promote the upcoming Global Climate Strike.
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Berkeley Climate Strike Projections
Bay Area Solidarity Brigade took to UC Berkeley campus in a call to action for the upcoming Global Climate Strike.
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Backbone Sets Backdrop at Seattle Move to Amend Day of Action
Backbone set the backdrop in Seattle as part of Move to Amend's coordinated national day of action.
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Orca and Salmon Join With Environment WA
Backbone's inflatable orca and chinook salmon join with Environment Washington's efforts to protect the Southern Resident orcas.
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Backbone Marches in Vashon Island Strawberry Festival Grand Parade
Backbone brought our signature touch to the annual Vashon Island Strawberry Festival parade!
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L.A. Lights for Liberty Projections
The West L.A. solidarity brigade mobilized for their local Lights for Liberty event.
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Lights for Liberty on Tacoma Detention Center
Tacoma Detention Center lights up after the Lights for Liberty national action.
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Baby Blimp mobilized in San Diego for VP visit
After learning where Vice President Pence would be staying in their city, the San Diego Solidarity Brigade quickly organized an action to inflate the Baby Trump blimp across from his hotel.
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Bay Area Projects for Lights for Liberty
Local solidarity brigade projected to engage those at 4th of July fireworks and raise the profile of Lights for Liberty actions against the concentration camps the following week.
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Projections at ICE HQ Against Concentration Camps
Projections at ICE HQ against the concentration camps on the border with Move to Amend.
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Trump Head mobilized at Bainbridge PRIDE
One of Backbone's paper mache Trump heads was brought out for the event.
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Single Payer Activists protest at annual AMA meeting
A coalition of groups carried out coordinated actions at the AMA's annual meeting to protest their historical opposition to single payer.
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Bainbridge Islanders Gather to Support Southern Resident Orcas
Bainbridge Islanders gathered for World Ocean day with art, action and ritual in support of wellness for the Southern Resident Orcas.
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Human Orca Mural Joins Ocean Fest Beach Cleanup
Backbone brought our Human Orca Mural to be a part of a beach cleanup at the Purdue Sand Spit. The beach cleanup was in celebration of World Ocean Day on June 8th and was put on by Tacoma Ocean Fest partnered with South Sound Surfrider and Rainier Apparel.
Check out the video to see how the orca was built!
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Annapolis projects for Wear Orange weekend
A slideshow with messages raising awareness of the weekend's events around combating gun violence were projected on various government buildings.
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Rally to urge Congressman to support bill ending corporate personhood
Activists rally in front of Rep. Rick Larsen's office to encourage him to sign on to HJR 48 to end corporate personhood.
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Post Raid Light Projection onto Venezuelan Embassy
D.C. solidarity brigade members in collaboration with the Embassy Protection Collective projected images that further highlighted the illegitimacy of the U.S. appointed Guaido government to follow up the Secret Service's illegal raid and arrest of remaining 4 protectors inside the embassy.
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Solutionary Rail talks to Warren Buffett!
A small crew of friends held the Solutionary Rail banner outside the CHI Health Convention Center while hordes of people lined up to enter the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting in Omaha, NE.
Backbone ED and Solutionary Rail Project Lead Bill Moyer went inside to participate in public portion of the meeting, wishing to ask questions of Warren Buffett at the Q&A Session - and through a lucky lottery draw, he got to ask the first question! Wow!
See the link to watch Warren Buffett and his partner Charlie Munger respond to Bill's question:
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Kitsap Welcomes All for May Day
Vashon, Tacoma and Olympia Solidarity Brigade members joined together to hold an Artful Activism Workshop in Bremerton -- one week later, the new Kitsap Solidarity Brigade took action.
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Celebratory Green New Deal light projections at UC Berkeley
Bay Area Solidarity Brigade projected on the iconic UC Berkeley clock tower to celebrate the unanimous approval of the resolution by the student government.
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Seattle Earth Day Green New Deal highway bannering
Seattle Solidarity Brigade got out on Earth Day morning with the LED "Green New Deal" banner.
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