We Honor the Life and Leadership of Lt. Gov Sheila Oliver

Last week the unfortunate passing of a social justice leader amongst our top ranks befell our hearts. Waterspirit has had the privilege of helping to Get Out The Vote (GOTV) as all nonpartisan nonprofits do and we were in meetings with Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver a few times over the past few years. She instilled in us pride in our state as “Jersey Girls” raising our families here. May her memory forever be an inspirational blessing. We are sharing the full, beautiful, statement on Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver’s life from the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance (NJEJA):

“🕊 We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver. Her departure has left a profound void in the hearts of many. As a true trailblazer, she dedicated her life to public service and left behind a legacy that will forever inspire us.

Born and raised in Newark, Lt. Gov. Oliver's journey was marked by resilience and determination. Her historic election as the first Black woman to hold statewide elected office in New Jersey was a testament to her unwavering commitment to breaking barriers and paving the way for others. Throughout her distinguished career, she fearlessly championed social and environmental justice, recognizing that the well-being of our environment is inextricably linked to the well-being of our communities:

"How we treat our environment is a measure of how we treat one another… we cannot stand by as the pollution created by the quality of life so many of us enjoy harms our most vulnerable communities." - Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver.

Her vision of a more equitable future touched the lives of countless individuals and families across the state. As an advocate for the underserved and marginalized, Lt. Gov. Oliver's impact was profound. She worked tirelessly to uplift vulnerable communities, address systemic inequalities, and promote access to quality education and healthcare. Her passion and dedication made her a role model not only for women and People of Color but for all who seek to make a positive difference in the world.

During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. May they find comfort in the knowledge that Lt. Gov. Oliver's contributions will continue to bear fruit for generations to come. As we mourn her loss, let us also honor her memory by continuing her mission to build a more just and compassionate society, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. May her legacy live on, guiding us in our pursuit of a better and brighter future for New Jersey and beyond.

#RestInPower #SheilaOliver #InMemoriam #NJ #Advocate #SocialJustice #Newark #EnvironmentalJustice”

*NEW* Funding for Stormwater Permitting Requirements

See the funding alert through 12/31/23 below. There are divine actions we may take individually and together to ensure we conserve and protect sacred water. In case you missed the webinar series focusing on environmental justice and stormwater management, it lives on Waterspirit’s YouTube and Stormwater Management + Green Infrastructure page. Some of you have shared you are taking the time to watch this series over again so you can help advance stormwater utility feasibilities where you live. THANK YOU!

This is exactly what needs to happen to prepare as we see more and more stories of drought and flooding. Governor Murphy’s Administration announced grant money to assist with stormwater permitting requirements. This is a great update to share with your local county or municipality! Reach out, as always, at water@waterspirit.org to let us know how we might be of support in your quest to capture and conserve precious, blue gold.

“Murphy Administration Offering $19 Million in Grants to Assist Municipalities with New Stormwater Permitting Requirements

The Murphy Administration announced the availability of $19 million in grants to help municipalities with the transition to new municipal stormwater permitting system requirements designed to better protect NJ's waterways from pollutants in stormwater. These permitting changes will also help mitigate localized flooding that is increasing due to climate change. Full details of the Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) are available online. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis through December 31, 2023.”

Pictured above is Waterspirit’s Public Policy & Justice Organizer amongst colleagues at the first joint Lead Free NJ + Jersey Water Works member meeting, anchored by New Jersey Future, which took place last month at Rutgers University

Global Boiling & Global Climate Action

After several have reached out to us individually and as a team, we want to be sure everyone has a few key resources at their disposal, given the UN Secretary General Antonio Gutterres ushered us into the era of “Global Boiling.”

Waterspirit offers eco-anxiety support resources and our next 10 week support group starts up next month. Our next Eco-Anxiety Support Group will meet in Sept 2023 on Zoom.

REGISTER + LEARN MORE

DETAILS: Please join us on Tuesday, Sept 5 at 2 pm ET for an informational session that will introduce the group's methodology, giving you an opportunity to meet the facilitators and ask any questions prior to committing to the 10 weeks. After this informational session, Waterspirit's Fall 2023 group will run from 9/12/23 to 11/14/23 each Tuesday from 2-4 pm ET. Meeting invitation will be received in registration confirmation email.

Take Action with Waterspirit by visiting our Calls to Action page and get in touch with our advocacy volunteer group: water@waterspirit.org

Inland Flood Protection, Flood Risk Disclosure, and Capturing Rain

New Jersey flooding is ever prevalent and we must react by continuously advocating for preventative measures. In New Jersey, the recent passage of the Inland Flood Protection Rule as well as Flood Risk Disclosure adds layers of protection to a coastal state finding itself increasingly under water.

Utilizing current data and future rainfall projections empowers residents and property owners alike. These two additional protective layers will help to support the transparency of flood risk, with actionable opportunities in the event of a failure to disclose.

“The Inland Flood Protection Rule would ensure that areas at most significant risk are better defined and that new and reconstructed assets in these areas are designed and constructed using the best available climate-informed precipitation data. Using the best available data is critical to protecting New Jersey’s assets, economy and, above all, our people from the catastrophic effects of worsening floods.”(NJDEP)

If historically most areas of New Jersey get 4.5 inches of rain in July, we are fast surpassing what is “normal.” We are heading into the unknown and we have tools and resources at our disposal as we move forward together. Please remember that you are not alone-we encourage you to reach out to Waterspirit should you have any questions about eco-anxiety support or green infrastructure and stormwater management. We appreciate those of you who have reached out already!

In case you missed it, check out our successful 2022 webinar series with NJLCV, funded by Watershed Institute, focusing on Environmental Justice and Stormwater Management.

Mountain Valley Pipeline Prevention Calls To Action

Waterspirit is connected to front and fence line leaders, landowners, residents and moral advocates along the proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline. Rachel Dawn reunited in person with organic farmer Maury Johnson at the Moral Poverty Action Congress. Here is a call to action and some coverage from the Christian Science Monitor “This pipeline was snarled in court. Then Congress stepped in”, for your reference. Why did Christian Science Monitor write about this? They reason: "Congress has fast-tracked energy projects before – but rarely ones helmed by private companies, like the Mountain Valley Pipeline. The debate has pitted concerns about energy independence against the environment and eminent domain.” Water is life. Water and air know no bounds. Spiritual strength is vital for this and all resistance efforts taken thus far to work within governing and financial systems to create changes that inform a livable future, keeping interbeing and biomimicry top of mind. Thank you for taking action.

There must be no more sacrifice zones. Be sure to check Waterspirit’s recorded Meditation for Earth and contemplative programming. As the Poor People’s Campaign slogan goes: “Forward together, not one step back.”

Catch the Rain

CLICK HERE to read this week’s mailer, including:

  • an invitation to make your own rain barrel at our upcoming workshop;

  • opportunities to address the feelings that the climate crisis brings up (eco-anxiety, climate grief, and more);

  • information about Waterspirit’s corporate events, like mindfulness activities and days of service;

  • photos from recent events, and more!