Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley, and Jason Baldwin (the West Memphis Three) have spent nearly 15 years in prison for a crime they did not commit. Compelling DNA evidence and other scientific data that helps prove their innocence has recently come to light. You can check out the entire petition for writ of habeus corbus, which outlines this information here.
Though we couldn’t ask for better news, the case still faces lengthy court proceedings before these men can finally be granted their deserved freedom. How can you help? Financial contributions are urgently needed to see justice served. Make a donation to the Damien Echols Defense Fund to help cover the costs of legal work, investigation and organizing efforts involved in righting this injustice.
Donate online here
or make checks payable to: Damien Echols Defense Fund PO Box 1216 Little Rock, AR 72203
For more information on the West Memphis Three case please click here.

On January 26, Matt Cameron performs at FLOOD WATCH! A benefit for the flood victims in Central Washington. Proceeds from the show raise funds for two amazing non-profit organizations working tirelessly to help both the area’s farmersand animals get back on their feet (and paws).
Washington State Farm Bureau is assisting family farmers and ranchers in southwest Washington with equipment repairs, animal care and other immediate needs. Pasado's Safe Haven is an animal rescue organization responsible for the rescue and rehabilitation of dogs, cats and farm animals. Check out each group’s website for ways you can get involved.

Have you kept your new year’s resolution to register to vote? Voter registration cut-off dates vary by state. You can both register to vote online and check out state by state voter laws at Declare Yourself and Headcount
For a crash course on this years elections, check out Project Vote Smart for more information on the issues, the voting process, and the candidates.

Join us this holiday season in supporting the "Better Present for a Better Future" campaign. Founded by Conservation International (CI), Heifer International (HI), and Share Our Strength (SOS), the campaign is designed to inspire a new way to think about holiday giving.
By Taking the Better Present Pledge, you agree to give at least one gift to a nonprofit in honor of a friend or family member in lieu of a material present this holiday season.
If you like the idea behind the Better Present Pledge, but the organizations listed above aren't up your alley, check out the list below for a few causes near and dear to our organization and each of the band members.
Happy Holidays!


A COUPLE OF THIS YEAR'S FAVORITES:

- Sweet Home New Orleans
Sweet Home New Orleans (SHNO) is a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing the music and cultural community within the neighborhoods of New Orleans by helping its tradition bearers, like legendary Al "Carnival Time" Johnson, return to and stay home.

- Arts Corps (Vitalogy Foundation)
Arts Corps develops the creativity of youth in King County in Washington State, helping them "make art anyway" in spite of persistent barriers to inspired learning. As students practice creative habits of mind in a variety of qulaity arts classes, they develop lifelong tools to reach their full potential.



BAND PICKS:

- Huntington's Disease Society of America (Stone and Liz)
For the past 40 years, HDSA has provided research, support and advocacy for those living with Huntington's Disease and their families. Check out the HDSA Holiday Store for ways to give this season.

- West Memphis Three (Ed)
In light of new DNA tests and evidence, it is becoming overwhelmingly clear that the WM3 was in fact wrongly convicted. Now more than ever the Damien Echols Legal Defense Fund needs your donations to help them win the fight of their lives. For ways to contribute click here

- Soulumination (Mike and Ashley)
Founded by Lynette Huffman Johnson, Soulumination celebrates the lives of children and parents facing life-threatening conditions by providing free, professional photographs of these special individuals and their families to the ones they love.

- Bring Me a Book Foundation (Jeff)
Bring Me A Book, an award winning literacy nonprofit, is committed to ensuring that ALL children are exposed to high quality children’s literature during the first years of their lives. They provide libraries of quality, hardback children's books and read aloud training to over 400,000 children, parents, and teachers in over 1010 sites.

- The Homelessness Project (Matt)
THP offers 44 units of subsidized housing to single parent homeless families in crisis in the Seattle area. In addition to housing, THP provides families with benefit assistance and emotional support as they stabilize their lives and pursue work or educational opportunities.

- Hui Malama o ke Kai (Boom)
Hui Malama o ke Kai’s mission is to develop community pride and foster leadership among Waimanalo’s youth through teaching of Native Hawaiian culture and values. As a program developed by the community and created and sustained through family, school, and community partnerships, it serves the ‘opio of Waimanalo now and into the future. For ways to help, email director Kathy Morris @ kamorris@hawaii.edu.


PICKS WITH SIDE BENEFITS (for those who want the goods with their gift):

- Choice USA
Choice USA is the only pro-choice organization solely dedicated to providing young people with the tools to become effective activists around the issue of reproductive freedom. From November 26 - December 14, Choice USA will host Bid For Choice -an online auction - which will help the group continue to successfully develop the next generation of leaders. From vacation getaways to jewelry to books and more...there's something for everyone!

- Oceana
This holiday season, you can adopt one of many ocean animals for a loved one through Oceana. Your donation will help the group's advocacy efforts to protect the world's marine creatures and their habitats...and you’ll get a specially designed cookie cutter for your gift.

- ECO Body Glove
Help your surfer friends preserve the waves while they ride 'em with Body Glove's “world’s first environmentally friendly wetsuit." Manufactured with one-tenth the energy normally used in wetsuit production, it's made from nontoxic, non-petroleum based materials, organic water ink, and a recycled plastic zipper. The ECO Body Glove promises to minimize water seepage and maximize maneuverability.

- Treehugger Gift Guide
Check out Treehugger’s green gift guide for dozens of ideas for everyone on your list – from eco-friendly fashionistas to Earth-conscious pet owners.

- Bonneville International Green Tags
By purchasing Green Tags through Bonneville Environmental Foundation, you can give your friends and family members the gift that keeps on renewing. Help offset all of the carbon associated with everyday activities and power the development of clean, green wind and solar energy. In partnership with Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), BEF is offering a special holiday promotion of REI gift cards with each Green Tag purchase. Enter promotional code: GREENHOLIDAY07

Please check out the below organizations for ways you can directly help those affected by the recent San Diego wildfires.

San Diego Habitat for Humanity
San Diego Habitat for Humanity (SDHFH) has launched their fund for rebuilding efforts resulting from the Firestorm currently devastating the county.
SDHFH rebuilt 23 homes for the victims of the 2003 Wildfires and donated building materials to hundreds of families who lost their homes in the fires from the the Habitat fo Humanity ReStore. SDHFH is here to help in rebuilding efforts once again.
Donations are currently being accepted for Firestorm Disaster Rebuild Fund at the SDHFH office (10222 San Diego Mission Road, San DIego 92108), by calling 619-283-HOME or by clicking the "Donate Now" button at the bottom of the website and designating "Firestorm Disaster Rebuild Fund."

Sand Diego Salvation Army
The Salvation Army continues to provide relief and support to those in need in San Diego County and other impacted regions. Among other efforts, the Army has opened a firestorm assistance center in El Centro to help meet the needs of evacuees from San Diego County. Salvation Army has continued to mobilize nine canteens, with six others on call. These canteens have fed more than 31,000 meals and snacks as well 35,000 drinks to individuals impacted by the disaster, including thousands at Qualcomm stadium. The Army has also provided personal care kits, cots, cups and other materials, as well as emotional and spiritual care.
Monetary Donations: Please make checks out to The Salvation Army with “The Salvation Army 2007 Wilffires” in the memo line and mail to PO Box 503580 - San Diego, CA 92150-3580. You can also donate online. or by calling 1-866-ILLHELP.
In-Kind Donations: If you’re in the San Diego area, in-kind donations can be dropped off at any local Salvation Army thrift store.
Volunteer: Those wishing to donate their time can call Kathy Kelly at (619) 231 - 6000, extension 1234, Tracy Emis at extension 1404, or Joy Lee at extension 1221.
Corporate Gifts: If local San Diego or Inland Empire companies are able to donate large quantities of certain items, meals, etc., please contact Tracy Emis at (619) 231-6000, extension 1404.

San Diego Humane Society
As the fires approached, The San Diego Humane Society’s Animal Rescue Reserve (ARR) team worked with the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services (DAS) to evacuate domestic animals and livestock threatened by the Harris and Witch Creek fires, and manned the pet center at the Mira Mesa High School Evacuation Center. Officers, staff and volunteers have helped in evacuating more than 400 animals and are directly assisting several thousand animals at evacuation centers throughout the county. It is estimated conservatively that between 10,000 to 15,000 animals were taken into evacuation centers countywide.
As burned areas of the county are reopened to residents, San Diego Human Society volunteers and staff continue to visit residences and perform welfare checks on animals, while veterinarians are tending to animals injured from the fire.
Donate to SDHS online here.

Volunteer San Diego
Volunteer San Diego is working with the County, 2-1-1, and the Red Cross to identify volunteer needs in regards to the wildfires. Check out their site for ways to help.

San Diego Red Cross
The American Red Cross is operating multiple shelters for San Diego County residents displaced by wildfires, and is also assisting those affected by the wildfires at Local Assistance Centers. San Diego Red Cross has trained nearly 3,000 volunteers in the first few days of the wildfires and will continue to provide relief as long as it is needed.
Donate to the Red Cross online at www.sdarc.org/donate. Designate option 2 - San Diego/Imperial Counties Local Disaster Fund for your donation to support the Harris/Witch Creek response operations,or mail your donation to: American Red Cross 3950 Calle Fortunada San Diego, CA 92123

Woody Guthrie was a songwriter, writer, singer, and American icon, who suffered and died from complications of Huntington's Disease - a devastating, hereditary, degenerative brain disorder for which there is, at present, no effective treatment or cure. Marjorie was Woody's wife. She cared for him and founded an organization to help others suffering from and caring for those with this devastating neurodegenerative disease -- the Huntington's Disease Society of America (http://www.hdsa.org).
On October 17, 2007, musicians Bill Bragg, Steve Earle, Brad and actor Tim Robbins will host a "A Celebration of Woody and Marjorie Guthrie To Benefit Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA)" at NYC's Webster Hall.

Please come out and show your support for families living with Huntington's Disease. Buy tickets for the concert here or donate to HDSA directly here

Visit the Gulf. To truly understand the impact of Hurricanes Rita and Katrina, there's nothing more important you can do than experience the state of the Gulf and the resilience of its people first hand. Take a trip to the affected areas, talk about what you saw, and inspire otheres to do their part as well. For ideas on planned trips and voluntourism, click here.

Here is a list of the incredible groups working tirelessly to rebuild the Gulf:

Sweet Home New Orleans is a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing the music and cultural community within the neighborhoods of New Orleans by helping these individuals secure stable, affordable housing. SHNO connects New Oreans musicians, Mardi Gras Indians, and Social Aid and Pleasure Club members to an array of much need resources.

Safe Streets, Strong Communities is a community-based organization that campaigns for a new criminal justice system in New Orleans - one that creates safe streets and strong communities for everyone, regardless of race or economic status.

Levees.org is a grassroots group whose mission is to educate the public on the truth about levees and flood protection - both in New Orleans and nationwide.

Gulf Coast Fund is a collaborative grant making fund-supporting efforts that aid displaced and returning residents, and that promote the sustainable and just rebuilding of neighborhoods, cities, and ecosystems throughout the Gulf Coast.

Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation - the mission of LDRF is to transform the disaster caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita into an unprecedented opportunity for a new Louisiana - providing resources for the relief, recovery, and betterment of all its people by ensuring access and opportunity in rebuilding their communities and culture.

ACORN is the nation's largest community organization of low and moderate-low income families, working together for social justice and stronger communities. Currently, they are advocating passing the Gulf Coast Recover Act, which will make policy and procedural changes to speed the return of Gulf Coast residents and federal funds to the region to support the rebuilding effort.

Common Ground Relief: Provides short-term relief for victims of hurricane disasters in the Gulf Coast region, and long term support in rebuilding the communities affected in the New Orleans area. As a community-initiated volunteer organization, CGR offers assistance, mutual aid and support.

On Saturday, July 7th, Live Earth brings together over 100 musicians and 2 billion people across 7 continents to trigger a global movement toward solving our current climate crisis. Watch a great interview with Al Gore on Live Earth’s goals and America’s global responsibility as an environmental leader here.
Check out Live Earth’s website for ways you can help, including signing the “7 Point Pledge” to curb global warming.

Ever wonder how the products you use and companies you buy from are helping or hurting the environment? Climate Counts will fill you in on the impact that everything from your laptop to your lunch has on the planet. Check out their website for a list of companies ranked by their environmental impact and ways you can get involved.

Simply stated, net neutrality guarantees internet users, like you, control of what you view and use on the web without the interference of internet providers. Broadband carriers are trying to take this neutrality away by allowing content creators to pay large sums of money in order to control online activity and results. Their thoughts are that this money will give content creators the opportunity to buy better "spots" on web pages, restrict competing sites and allow their site to load faster than others. Under this approach, artists and record labels that don't have the money to "pay" for their popularity will eventually get phased out, leaving you with access to only heavily sponsored musicians.
Pearl Jam and several other groups have joined together as co-founding members of "Rock the Net", a campaign to support net neutrality. You, too, can help the issue by signing Rock the Net’s petition, attending a campaign concert in your area or contacting your members of Congress. Click here for more details.

I walk my dog a lot. This activity gets me outdoors and gives me great joy. My dog takes me places I might not go if she hadn't dragged me there, or inspired me to go there. We spend lots of time in the green belts and park of my hood. I noticed recently the efforts to restore the green belts from the damage caused by English Ivy and Blackberries. Left unchecked, these invasive species (not originally from our NW ecosystem but introduced recently) will overgrow all native trees and plants and eventually kill them. After the restoration process has occurred, the effect on the green belt is amazing....the forest floor is filled with Sword Ferns and all sorts of low growing plants of which I can't remember the names, but they are beautfiul and obviously in harmony with the big Firs, Cedars, and Maples that still tower there.
The other day, I praised a group of volunteers about their efforts and it was suggested that I might want to help out... So a few Saturdays ago I did and it was great. The four of us planted a variety of plants and trees all through an area that had been cleared of the Ivy and Blackberries. The woman who ran the program that day was Jillian Archer, who is a city gardener. She was fantastic and very knowledgable... Her work is part of a larger program called Green Seattle Partnerships. This is a bunch of folk from the city volunteer groups and NGO's that want to enhance Seattle's already gorgeous urban forests. They are partly funded by the Green Belt and Parks Initiative that Seattle voted for a few years back.... Anyway it was a fun and very interesting day.
Stone

The Cascade Land Conservancy (one of the instrumental groups in PJ's carbon portfolio) has been working as a Pacific Northwest land trust, conserving great lands since 1989. Over the past 18 years, the CLC has worked hard to conserve more than 120,000 acres of forests, farmlands and natural areas.
Each year, CLC highlights a group of local conservation leaders at their Conservation Awards Breakfast. PJ is honored to accept the 2007 "Conservation Creativity Award."
Check out more on the event and how you can help out the CLC at cascadeland.org

In light of the recent Supreme Court ruling
Now is an especially important time to support, develop, and celebrate new leaders, new strategies and new opportunities to build an even stronger movement for change.
Every day across the country, victories are being won by amazing young leaders...and every year Choice USA celebrates their work at their Generation-to-Generation Celebration.
Check out all of this year's awardees here
When: May 23rd, 2007
VIP Reception 6:00-7:00pm
General Reception 7:00-9:00pm
Where: LeftBank
2424 18th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009

A word from Mike:
Many of you know that I have Crohn's Disease. For those who don't, it's a chronic debilitating illness that causes ulcers on the colon or other areas of the digestive system. Symptoms can include extremem abdominal pain out of nowhere and URGENT need to find a bathroom. This can happen 20 to 30 times a day. Many other things can go wrong, but I've made it my mission to do RIGHT by this nasty disease. THIS IS WHERE ACTIVISM COMES TO PLAY. Every year for the past 5, I have played with FLIGHT TO MARS to raise money and awareness for the CCFA. This year's show is SATURDAY APRIL 7th at the SHOWBOX in SEATTLE. Get your tickets here. Later in the month (APRIL 20), the annual NW Chapter CCFA luncheon takes place in Seattle. Click here for more info on both events. By getting to know other kids or grownups that suffer through the CCFA, I have been able to change my life in a POSITIVE way. I have met so many kids who have suffered far more than me that have a great outlook in life. THIS IS THE REASON THAT I SPEAK OUT!!! Many thanks to all who come out to these events or care enough to support the CCFA (Canada, too...CCFC great job up there!). For all you non-Seattleites, check out www.ccfa.org for more ways you can get involved in your own communities.

Thanks!
Mike

Earth Day 2007 is quickly approaching. Check out Earth Day Network's list of nationwide events to see what's happening in your neck of the woods on April 22nd.

How have you treated your planet over the past year? Earth Day is the perfect time to make the choice to make some change. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

CHANGE YOUR LIGHT BULBS: Energy efficient light bulbs reduce pollution up to 75% and save you about the same amount on your energy bill. Stock up at Save-N-Energy.com.

PLANT A TREE: The cooling effect of a healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-size air conditioners running 20 hours a day. Pick the right tree for your home with the Arbor Day Foundation.

OFFSET YOUR C02: Help reduce C02 emissions by offsetting your carbon footprint. Calculate your footprint and offset it through Conservation International and Bonneville Environmental Foundation.

EAT LOCAL, SHOP LOCAL: Eating locally grown produce and buying goods from local vendors cuts back on the amount of pollution, while giving back to your community's economy. Don't forget to bring along a reusable bag to tote your purchases. Check out Treehugger's guide for shopping green here.

CIRCLE estimates at least ten million young Americans under the age of 30 voted in the 2006 November midterm elections, an increase of at least two million votes compared to 2002. Estimates are based on exit polls and early published tallies of votes.

The estimated youth turnout rate jumped from 20% in 2002 to at least 24% in 2006, an increase of at least four percentage points. Voters under the age of 30 accounted for 13% of all voters, which is an increase of about 2 points compared to the 2002 midterm elections.

Read more on youth voting statistics.

Looking for the perfect gift for your socially aware friends and family?

Our friends at Treehugger.com have put together "Green Gift Guide 2006," which features dozens of Earth-friendly ideas for all the adults, kids and pets on your list.

Check it out at treehugger.com