A visit with the 3 primary organizers for the 2006 Earth Day Celebration in Owen Park. Sara Schmidt is the Community Science Center Director at Beaver Creek Reserve; Crispin Pierce, assistant professor of Environmental Public Health at UW-Eau Claire; and Jim Phillips, associate professor of Chemistry at UW-Eau Claire.

They share their perspectives on "real" environmentalism and their own spiritual roots and support.

Tom Chisholm served in the military on and off over 45 years, as a medic and a doctor. For most of that time he found himself opposed to all of the wars and military invasions the USA was part of. He's been a long-time member of Veterans for Peace and is a member of the Catholic peace group, Pax Christi, as well.

Tom has also valued his service on a reservation in South Dakota, and his volunteer time as a doctor in Nicaragua.

Music featured in this program:
Johnny I Hardly Knew Yeh - Joan Baez
I Ain't Marching Anymore - Phil Ochs
Brave Man From Ohio - Andy Murray

Virginia Wolf is active in the effort of FairWisconsin to defeat the proposed constitutional amendment to narrowly define marital status and rights in Wisconsin. Virginia is a Unitarian Universalist minister in Eau Claire, and about 30 years into her partnership and marriage with another woman.

For more information and to work against the proposed constitutional amendment check FairWisconsin's web site, with lots more information on the subject at the national Unitarian Universalist web site.

Kristie Pellitteri-Reynolds' resolution for this year is to say "Yes", to open herself to experience. She'll be heading to Thailand this coming year for 3 months of training in Thai message, though she currently works as a social worker helping ex-prisoners transition to community life. Raised ELCA Lutheran, she hasn't felt at home in "Organized Religion" but has found deep spiritual value in music, in her massage work, and in nature.

Steve Wagener had a history of political activism, but he had to be jarred out of a period of dormant passions by the combination of his son's unwilling role in the military and Steve's reaction to the manipulations leading up to our invasion of Iraq. His early Catholic foundation serves him well as he has stepped to the front lines of anti-war activism in the Chippewa Valley.

Steve is active with Military Families Speak Out, the Chippewa Valley Draft and Military Counseling Network and is an associate member of the local Veterans for Peace group. He speaks his piece vibrantly in many forms, including via his web site, WagTheDogProductions.com.

Norm Mathews grew up mostly in Pentacostal churches, but it was really as an adult that this became his chosen religious practice. He's rededicated his life to Christ at times when he faced real challenges to his heart, like when he became an over-the-road trucker or when his 2nd daughter was on the verge of death. He is a devoted student of the Bible, trying to discern God's call for his life.

Wix Covey is one of the founders of the Northwoods Peace Fellowship, centered in Wausau, Wisconsin, and he also serves on the executive committee of the Wisconsin Network for Peace & Justice

The attack on the twin towers was a wake-up call for Wix. He had felt abused by our government as a soldier during the Vietnam War, something that took him 20 years to come to grips with. He eventually found a calling and personal peace work as an elementary school art teacher. He shares the life experiences that led him to become a public peace activist and how he integrates non-violence and peace work into his life.

Sandra Helpsmeet was raised Presbyterian in the Amana Colonies of central Iowa, becoming a Quaker in her 30's. Music, singing, Lake Superior, canoeing, mediative circle dance and Yoga are just a few of the passions in her life.

Sandra is the founder of the Yoga Center of Eau Claire and a psychotherapist at Southwoods Counseling Clinic.

Josh Polich was raised ELCA Lutheran where he took particular joy in being part of the choir. With adulthood he was led to read up on Eastern religions, eventually finding real resonance with Hindu chanting. At Unity Christ Center in Eau Claire he found a spiritual home and community of acceptance for his practices and a source of joy and support. He leads chanting there on Tuesday evenings at 8 pm.

You can find lyrics and more information about Krishna Das at KrishnaDas.com