Caption: Bill Scheurer is looking at the camera, smiling. 

Written by Matt Guynn, Director of Organizing

Bill Scheurer completed nine-and-a-half years as OEP executive director before the organization decided to restructure in 2021. His position completes on January 7, 2022. The staff will work in a collaborative interim model until a more permanent restructuring in 2023.

Artwork: Christmas Eve, Calum Clow, Mixed media on paper, 2021

The holidays are a busy time of year, and because of priorities like gift shopping and planning family gatherings, it can be easy to disconnect from some of the things that matter to us. Finding a balance between the festivities of the holidays and staying informed on current events is a challenge. This past week I have not devoted as much of my time and energy towards researching environmental justice as I would like to because the holidays are upon us. That being said, I rediscovered a film I used to watch around this time of year as a child called “The Night They Saved Christmas”. This TV movie from the 1980’s is accessible through numerous streaming services, including free ones, and readily available online which is another reason I wanted to share about it. Upon giving the film a fresh watch for myself, I found some overlap with my environmental justice research I wanted to document. Especially since this is a family friendly movie and could open the door to explaining environmental justice concepts to children.

Source: Bogdan Kurylo/Getty Images

Caption: Several candles are burning

Written by: Matt Guynn, Director of Organizing

Truly He taught us to love one another;

His law is Love and His gospel is Peace;

Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother,

And in his name all oppression shall cease,

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful Chorus raise we;

Let all within us praise his Holy name!

“O Holy Night,” verse 3

Placide Cappeau/John Sullivan Dwight (trans.)  

Read hymn history here and here.

Here are some books about Native American culture and people!

We would love to share things that some of us here at OEP are grateful for this year!