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| The Story | Call to Action | The Plan | Resources | Contact | Press & Media | Donate |
Show your Support, Speak your Truth, and Take a Stand
Click Here for the Latest News Coverage
Please read below to learn about how you can take part in the action.
Connect on social media (
, 
) and spread the word. Use the designated hashtag #bidder70.
Key points to make include:
- The fossil fuel industry should not control our justice system.
- This trial is about intimidating other activists, not justice for Tim.
- We will support Tim by continuing to fight for justice and a livable future.
Share your photos, videos, and more by emailing bidder70@peacefuluprising.org.
- Tim after the auction
Tim is facing ten years in prison on two felony charges for derailing an illegal sale of public land from the outgoing Bush administration to private oil and gas developers.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Trial
Lease Parcels Auctioned
The government is embarrassed by this very public trial, and wishes it would go away, but Tim has refused any kind of plea bargain because he thinks a jury of his peers should decide if he was justified in defying an unjust system that is dooming us to an unlivable future.
It is this kind of peaceful, powerful, and courageous civil disobedience that is largely missing from the climate movement. An outbreak of jury trials (and willingness to serve time if necessary) could create a political atmosphere that allows a reasonable governmental response to climate change–while bringing the damaging injustices of our current system into the spotlight. People pay attention when others make sacrifices.
Tim forced a trial so we would have a chance to show the world that if you stand up for a livable future, others will stand with you. Can you join us?
| The following letter is being endorsed by leaders of social and environmental justice. All recognize the trial of Tim DeChristopher to be a turning point in the climate movement: | |
 Dr. James Hansen, author of Storms of my Grandchildren, and who is regarded as the world’s leading climatologist
Terry Tempest Williams, author of The Open Space of Democracy
Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org and author of The End Of Nature and Eaarth Ted Glick has devoted 42 years of his life to the progressive social change movement, participating in and leading hundreds of actions. He has been arrested sixteen times for acts of nonviolent civil disobedience. The following organization also have endorsed this Call to Action:
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Dear Friends,On July 26th 2011, climate activist Tim DeChristopher will be sentenced at the Salt Lake City federal courthouse. On March 3rd, Tim was found guilty of two felony counts for participating in a peaceful act of civil disobedience. A bright, charismatic young man could face up to ten years in federal prison, along with a $750,000 fine, for outbidding Big Coal and Big Oil as they attempted to quietly take thousands of acres of pristine lands from the public. How will the Climate Justice Movement respond to this injustice? The day of Tim’s [originally scheduled] sentencing marked the 23rd anniversary of the day that NASA scientist James Hansen first testified to Congress about the undeniable threat of skyrocketing carbon emissions. Nearly a quarter of a century ago, Hansen made it perfectly clear to our leaders that the developed world’s addiction to fossil fuels puts in peril the very planet on which we rely for survival. 23 years later, we still find ourselves arguing semantics with a Congress determined to allow maximum legal and political flexibility for America’s largest polluters. Everyday citizens around the nation are rediscovering the cherished American tradition of peaceful civil disobedience as a tool for social and political change. The climate justice movement must respond as one of our most powerful advocates faces a severe prison sentence for nonviolently and effectively taking a stand on our behalf. On July 26th, we invite you to organize a solidarity event at a federal courthouse near you. Stand in solidarity with Tim, and send your message loud and clear: “We will not be intimidated. We will not sit idly by as our government uses Tim DeChristopher as an example to deter other activists. We will not compromise when it comes to defending our right to a healthy and just world.” Whatever the outcome of Tim’s sentencing, we urge you take a stand. The survival of humankind must become our leaders’ top priority. Historically, social change has only occurred when ordinary citizens are empowered to stand up for their rights, and act. To accomplish this, we must work together. We will win this crucial battle only through an empowered, unified movement committed to principled, positive, and sustained resistance. |
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*Endorsements are not money sponsorships. |
|
COME SHOW YOUR LOVE AND OUTRAGE
On July 26th, climate activist Tim DeChristopher will be sentenced at the Salt Lake City federal courthouse – after being found guilty of 2 federal felonies for peacefully disrupting an oil and gas lease auction. By raising his bidder paddle that day, Tim actually shed light on the illegality of a rushed auction, clearly a parting gift from the Bush administration to the fossil fuel industry. Yet during his trial, Tim was was never allowed to tell the jury about the illegitimacy of the auction or about his attempts to raise the funds to pay for the land he had won. Furthermore, he was strictly forbidden from even mentioning climate change and the moral imperatives motivating his action!
On Tuesday, we will stand behind Tim – for his courageous act, for his convictions and for his uncompromising stance in our quest for Climate Justice. We will continue to call out our Justice Department for the unjust nature of this trial. Our movement will not stop there, because the real carbon criminals are still running free. And our communities are ready to take a stand against the oppressive fossil fuel industry. Will you join our efforts, as we stand in solidarity with Tim and demand the healthy and just world that we all deserve?
In Salt Lake City, on the 26th, we will be rallying at noon at Exchange Place Plaza – right across the street from the federal courthouse. And the next day, we will continue the community audits that we began in June.
Come discover the wonders of engaged theatre, following in the footsteps of Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed. How will we empower ourselves as a community to hold the real carbon criminals accountable? What does our fight for a healthy and just world look like? How do we become the powerful agents of change we’re meant to be?
2-3 pm. Songs and Speakers
3pm. Tim’s Sentencing
Continued solidarity and more: song & solidarity with Peter Yarrow, the PeaceUp band and official statement from Peaceful Uprising.
7pm. Gathering at the Unitarian Church (569 S 1300 E)
We know by observing history that nonviolent movements are more effective than destructive ones. Remember, we are dismantling a system that is loyal to greed and fueled by fear. We will not change that through fighting with the police or destroying property. We will defeat these things by using outrage as fuel for our courage, generosity, and resolve.
On July 26th, show the world that we will not be intimidated; that it is our right to challenge the status quo; that we embrace peaceful civil disobedience as a tradition and as a vital tactic. If you can come to Salt Lake City, we welcome you with open arms. If you cannot, join or start a solidarity action near you. Demonstrate. Stand in joy and resolve. Show your outrage that one of our brothers could face the most severe sentences in history for a nonviolent direct action against the fossil fuel industry.
Reclaim your voice. Because you are not alone. The entire climate justice movement is standing behind you.
11am. Community Audits. Meet at International Peace Gardens (111 S 900 W)
Targeting “hot spots” and supporting “cool spots” in our community
7pm. “Shaping the Shore” Fundraiser for Our Future. Unite at the Peaceful Uprising warehouse (1361 S Main St)
Live Music with Alex Ebert (of Edward Sharped & The Magnetic Zeroes) and Silent Auction. Food and Drinks. $20 suggested donation at the door.
Our Standards for Demonstration:
- We will promote a tone of respect, honesty, transparency, and accountability in our actions.
- We will use no violence (physical or verbal) towards any person.
- We will not destroy or damage property.
- We will not carry anything that can be construed as a weapon, nor possess (or consume) any alcohol or drugs.
- We will all hold each other accountable to respecting these agreements.
JOIN US. AN INJUSTICE TO ONE IS A DANGER TO US ALL.
Music and Songbooks – Find the latest music from Peaceful Uprising, including free audio downloads, lyrics, and songbooks.
Visual Resources — Download designs for signs, banners, bidder 70 paddles and more.
Show Nationwide Solidarity — Can’t make it to Salt Lake on July 26th? We still need your support! Help organize a demonstration at your nearest federal courthouse to show solidarity across the nation.
Find Housing in SLC — Traveling to Salt Lake? Let us help you connect with our community for a place to stay.
Register to be a Host — Live in Salt Lake and want to help host the activists traveling from across the country?
The trial and its implications
Have other questions? Call 801-747-9871 or email us info@peacefuluprising.org.
Or, you can contact Ashley Anderson at ashley@peacefuluprising.org.
Media & Press: Contact Flora Bernard Flora@peacefulUprising.org or 801-747-9871. Also, please see our Press & Media Resources Page.
Peaceful Uprising is a project of the International Humanities Center, a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Your tax-deductible donations will help us educate the pubic about the realities of climate change through a variety of creative methods, including trainings, demonstrations, teach-ins, street theater and more!
We operate frugally and effectively, but we need your support to carry on our unique work.
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I hope Tim’s action will inspire more people to take action against corporate greed.
I totally agree with Catherine.We all, that call ourselves the people that cares for our environment and those that take a stand against corporate greed have to stand beside Tim. We need to come up with the 1.7 Mil. to purchase this land under Bid #70.
Did you take action boldly?
As an environmental activist and educator, I believe it is extremely important to protect the rights of activists, especially given that large corporations are threatening to destroy nearly every aspect of our natural world–our clean air, water, animal and plant biodiversity, and our own survival as a species. It is time for America to become a country for the people, for the public, not the private corporate interests that are destroying our country. I stand in solidarity with Tim.
If the rest of the country had the guts & the commitment that you had, Tim, we would not be facing this bleakest of times in the history of this nation, & what it has (at least, allegedly) stood for since its inception. You have won my undying admiration & thanks as one of the true heros of the modern era, someone who actually went out & DID something… because nobody ELSE would!! Thank you!
Tim: I am in Los Angeles, CA and am standing in solidarity with you! Thank you for your determination and acitivisim! You are an inspiration.
Thank you! I stand in awe at your courage.
Just like Tim, lots of people know what it is like to be stuck at the pointy end of the pitchfork of justice for standing up for what is right. There comes a time that the people, who in there fear of scorn need to speak up. I’m telling my fellow Canadians that this is called, “Death by peer pressure.”
It is not okay that just a few sacrifice so much. We need more people to confront and face down misinformation and the resultant willful ignorance that is denial in their own town, neighborhood and … home.
Think about this. One to three people protesting at the local truck dealership or Exxon/Esso with signs standing on public ground will wake up the whole town and your friends that drive or walk by. Deniers may ignore the letter to the editor but they can’t hide from the shame when they are idling beside you at the stop light. We need to start winning hearts in out own home town.
It works. I’m doing it here in Vernon BC Canada. People who walk by actually ask me if they can hold a sign for a bit. Yeah, that surprised me too. if you want, go to: climatequixote.com I can help out.
Hey Tim! Do not ever forget that you did the right thing. My son and I are very grateful.
Be true to yourself.
Korry Zepik
Here in Australia we face the same attacks on the environment and our rural communities by energy and mining corporations.
I stand with you Tim! Thank you on behalf of us all for you are facing! May the Jury see the ligtht and may you be free inside and out. And if they jail you we will just use that as a platform to spread the word further. Thank you Thank you Thank you!
I respect you greatly Tim, your name will always be respected and honoured for your stand in protecting the planet. Garry Bennell, perhaps we can set up a solidarity action in Oz? True, protesters in Oz are attacked, bashed, sprayed, part of the path of self determination I suppose.
Best wishes! I feel tremendous gratitude for your heroic act.
Now that’s the kind of shaft I like to see driven when I think of oil. Good work Tim!!!
Here in London in the UK, Tim you are an inspiration and deserve more recognition i wish there was more people like you in the world! Good luck!
Thinking of you. You are an inspiration. Good Luck!
with you here in Seattle!
Thinking of you today. I am so impressed with what you did! Your actions inspire many.
Tim you are a true role model! Maybe soon enough I will have the courage to act so strongly on my convictions.
-New York Nick
Thank you Tim, for fighting the good fight for us all!
You are an inspiration and a champion! Sending love and light your way!
Tim and all your supporters,
My thoughts, heart and energy are with you all today!
Love,
Brian Knox McGugan
North Dakota oil, gas, and coal country stand in solidarity- for justice, voice, and action.
Hi Ashley,
This is Vince from Arizona, remember we met when you were organizing for 1Sky?
Its good to know you are still working for climate justice. Let’s keep up the pressure!
I am supporting all the way from Cape Town South Africa. International oil & gas companies are now targeting our beautiful basically unspoilt inland, where the only water resource is groundwater. The public are protesting this vehemently, but I know that the empty promises of so-called “economic injection” and “greener fuel” from oil & gas companies (rather read… money for government, and most probably a few individual pockets) will be difficult to ignore by individuals in certain strategic positions. I can’t understand though why the US government cannot be legally prosecuted or held liable for trying to illegally sell off land? We are following this trial closely and pray that earth and Tim de Christopher will win this round! It might probably help our case as well!
I am in solidarity with #Bidder70 Tim DeChristopher while he stands trial this week for stopping Big Oil from destroying the planet with our goverment’s help. All the best to you, Tim!
I stand in solidarity with bidder 70 and all those gathered in Utah today
I stand in solidarity with bidder 70 and all those gathered in Utah today
Wish I could be there. Please let Tim know he has my support and the support of anyone I have informed about this. His story could very easily have been mine. Just a basic person — living life and tired of our planet being ravaged – risking our health and well being. I am already telling my grown daughter ‘how it used to be’ just a few short years ago.
I stand with Tim.
Hopeful in Maryland.
Wish I could be there with you all. I am in awe of your strength and this show of solidarity, love, and general badassery. Thinking about Tim today, and all of us whose voices he represented on that day.
Singing from out of state, hope you can hear me…
I wish I could be there, but I will be singing from here!
YES MAN! This is amazing! I love all the support and solidarity! Despite the outcome, this is what it’s all about, coming together, re-generating our connection with each other and our love for our collective mother!
Amazing. I’m astonished by the support coming out for Tim, from all over Utah and the USA. Thanks to everyone; God bless you all. We are so grateful to our allies from RAN, Rising Tide North America, 350.org, Ruckus, Greenpeace, and EVERYWHERE. Thank you; thank you; thank you.
Still time to come out. The trial will likely go through Thursday. We’re staking it out through the verdict–we shall NOT be moved! Come on down, and sing with us.
Don’t forget to follow the happenings on Twitter; search for #bidder70. Share your solidarity! Love and justice for all!
I wish I could be there in Salt Lake City today to show my support. What I can do, though is contact my representatives and President Obama to make sure they know I’m aware of the pusillanimous nonsense they’re trying to pull and I will not stand for it.
Stand tall — you are the true American spirit!
My thoughts and hopes are with you today. Thanks to you and Peaceful Uprising for taking action. Your activities have taught me so much about civil disobedience and peaceful action. I feel I’ve been able to have a small part in your cause, even though I’m far away geographically. Thank you for all of your efforts.
Power to the people!!
solidarity with the earth!
I am in solidarity with #Bidder70 Tim DeChristopher while he stands trial this week for stopping Big Oil from destroying the planet with our gov’ts help.
As a fellow activist who’s been arrested for civil disobedience, I applaud your very wise and brave actions. Some judges will allow the necessity defense, but it seems as if yours is trying to shut you down. You’re a hero who saved public lands from being raped, and committed no crime in the process. Wishing you well . . .
In support and solidarity. Thanks for having the courage to take this to trial.
Tim, you are an example of how we cannot sit quietly and let our government and corporations conspire to put profit before people. We are not frightened or dis-empowered by this trial. We take strength from your strength, and will work that much harder to protect our land, health and climate. We stand with you.
Take heart Tim because many people admire your actions and wish they had found an issue so important to life on this planet! Best of luck that justice will be honored and you will walk away having taught them what freedom really means.
I’ll be there on the 28th……..
I just left the Uprising Summit – what an amazing and transformative experience! Thanks to everyone who helped organize this inspiring event and thanks to Tim for being the catalyst for something so incredible.
I am humbled and inspired by your unwavering commitment to a sustainable, life-enhancing future. Thank you, Tim.
I hope Tim is ready for some federal Jail time
What an asshole.
Power to The People.
cannot believe this story,the world has finally gone mad,i write from london,england and would surely have attended if the trial had been closer,can only hope the american goverment comes to it’s sense’s as they are the one’s committing a crime if they continue with these trumped up charges,goodluck tim,i will check back later for the outcome
too true!
I live in Australia so am unable to join you. I would like to express outrage at the treatment of Tim deChristopher and disillusion at what is happening in America. The real climate criminals are those politicians that have sold out the American people to corporate interests. What is happening to your country and your democracy? The world is watching in disbelief as America is dismantled.
I can’t see calling it Bush or Obama’s justice department, it’s neither. The Bush/Cheney administration did push thru these last minute public land sales and a number of BLM Resource Management Plans for Utah in the waning days of their presidency. What kind of narrative does it seem your trying to spin?
Tim is facing ten years in prison on two felony charges for derailing an illegal sale of public land from the outgoing Bush administration to private oil and gas developers.
Why not mention Tim was indicted and is being prosecuted by the Barack Obama Justice Department? Doesn’t fit your little narrative does it?
Blind partisanism gets you nowhere.
To be fair, the Peaceful Uprising folks do say that the government, meaning the current administration, is embarrassed by this trial and wishes it would go away or be dealt with unnoticed. The very fact that this trial/prosecution is taking place right now would seem to indicate that Tim was indicted and is being prosecuted by the Barack Obama Justice Department.
From EF! Durango:
To be clear, EF! Durango recognizes Democrats and Republicans alike, as well as the entirety of Statist politics, as the representatives of Earth-destroying corporate business interests and the upholding of the “rights” of private property over the “rights” of humans, non-humans, and the Earth itself.
¡Que se vayan todos!
That is a valid point. Obama is Bush lite. He is supporting the very same economic policies Bush did.
San Francisco Solidarity Event for Tim DeChristopher.
COME JOIN US IN JOY AND RESOLVE!!!
In 2008, Tim DeChristopher disrupted an oil and gas auction in Utah in order to preserve pristine red rock lands. Within 2 months, the Department of Interior examined the auction and deemed that it had been conducted improperly and cancelled the majority of the parcels. Yet, another two months down the line, Tim was indicted on two counts and now faces up to a maximum of 10 years in jail, when he goes on trial February 28th, 2011. His judge has ruled that he cannot explain his motives to the jury and intends to throw the book at him to deter future activists from participating in civil disobedience. Will we be silenced as messengers of hope as we fight vehemently for a just future? Absolutely not! As neighbors concerned by environmental havoc and social injustice, I invite you to stand behind this inspiring rabble rouser — because this movement is about all of us working together, uniting forces to create a just future.
For those of us who cannot be in Utah to show our solidarity and to stand with Tim, join us this Sunday here in San Francisco. The best answers to intimidation are Joy and Resolve — come sing songs with us and reclaim your voice. As Tim “we will be a movement when we sing like a movement.”
When: Sunday February 27th, 2011 from 1-5pm
Where: Dolores Park (18th St and Dolores, San Francisco)
Rain or Shine we’ll be there with tents and tarps to keep us dry! And if it gets cold, we’ll have a warm space to re-locate to nearby!
Questions? Please contact Henia at henia.belalia@greenpeace.org
Also, if you can, please donate http://www.peacefuluprising.org/donate to Peaceful Uprising (the collective that Tim co-founded) for all their valiant efforts. Anything helps: it’s not about how much we give, but how many people are contributing. So, help us spread the word on this one!
Are there any available resources in the way of facts relevant to Tim’s case (climate change, oil & gas, public land, etc.) for organizers to utilize? Thanks!
Greenpeace would love to endorse this event! Add us on there :)
How/where can we submit local solidarity actions to be listed?
Join Durango’s progressive environmental community in a solidarity & support rally for Tim DeChristopher, aka “Bidder 70″, at 4PM on Monday, February 28th on the corner of 11th Street & Main Avenue in Durango. Bring signs, banners, noise makers, plant & animal costumes (etc.), and your friends. Be creative! In December 2008, DeChristopher disrupted an oil & gas auction to allay further climate change. By registering as a bidder, Tim drove up prices on many parcels & eventually won over a million dollars worth of oil leases before federal agents removed him from the room. He faces 10 years in prison. After the new Obama administration came into office, new Secretary of the Interior Salazar found that the entire sale was illegal. Even though the entire sale was found to have been illegal, which was what Tim DeChristopher was protesting, the government is proceeding with trying to make his heroic action of protest worthy of jail time. Tim stood up for the protection of the commons, the publicly owned property that is there to serve us all. We should all find it easy to identify with him, and we should not sit idly by while our government tries to frame his defiance of an illegal government act as criminal, and as a way to intimidate others from taking a stand of conscience on behalf of the commons. Tim’s trial will be held in downtown SLC on February 28th, and we are organizing many opportunities for those who wish to defend a livable future to do so on a variety of levels. For more info or to get involved, contact earthfirstdurango@riseup.net or go to southwestearthfirst.wordpress.com
nevermind sorry i just found http://www.peacefuluprising.org/what-about-trial-solidarity-around-the-country-20110215/
Curiously U of U College of Law is having a guest speaker on 2/28 noon in Moot Courtroom:
Naomi Oreskes, author of “Merchants of Doubt: How a handful of scientists obscured the
truth on issues from tobacco smoke to global warming”. I wonder if Naomi Oreskes might
be able to give an alternative presentation at a time possible for Peaceful Uprising.
Are you in accord???
Would love to join you guys! so little time to plan a trip… hope we can make it.
Earth First! Durango would also like to endorse this call to action!
Awesome! Thank you!
Oh wait so this is endorsed by “Earth First” as opposed to the grassroots direct action environmental group “Earth First!” (that’s who *we* are)…?!?
http://earthfirst.com/ seems to be some greenwashing bullshit…
you want EARTH FIRST!
http://earthfirst.org/
http://www.earth-first.net/
http://earthfirstnews.wordpress.com/
http://earthfirstjournal.org/