Schedule

Press? Click here for a complete press schedule of the sit-in.

This is not a single “day of action”, but instead a wave of daily civil disobedience from August 20th – September 3rd.

The current plan is to commit a simple, sit-in style action at The White House fences mid-morning every day from the 20th to the 3rd.

The demonstration begins at 10 AM and usually wraps up by 1:00 PM.

To participate in the action, you should plan to be in Washington, DC for three days: one for travel and training, one for the sit-in itself, and a 3rd day just in case there are any potential legal issues. (We hope not, but better to err on the side of caution – as we can’t be 100% confident what the police will do.)

There will be nightly trainings which all participants are requested to attend before they take part in the sit-in. This training will cover specific plans for the next day, legal issues, and basic theories of civil disobedience. Even if you have attended trainings like this before, please make time to attend – we will be covering issues unique to this action that you will need to know about for the following day.

Trainings will begin at 5 pm and run until around 9 pm, and include a group meal.

Two local churches have generously provided us space for trainings. Nightly trainings will take place at either:

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church at 1525 Newton St. NW (Corner of Newton and 16th Streets)

Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church at 900 Massachusetts Ave. NW (Mt. Vernon Square)

Here is the schedule for training locations:

August 19th – St. Stephen’s

August 20th – St. Stephen’s

August 21st – Mount Vernon

August 22nd – St. Stephen’s

August 23rd – St. Stephen’s

August 24th – Mount Vernon

August 25th – Mount Vernon

August 26th – St. Stephen’s

August 27th – St. Stephen’s

August 28th – Mount Vernon

August 29th – St. Stephen’s

August 30th – St. Stephen’s

August 31st – St. Stephen’s

September 1st – Mount Vernon

September 2nd – Mount Vernon

If you have any questions, please contact the organizers at tarsandsaction@gmail.com

Nancy Romer

Thank you for being so well organized, communicative and inspiring. CDs like this are usually very calm and orderly so people should not be fearful. It’s just really important that we are all on the same page and working in unison. Outliers are too often the ones that get themselves into hot water so let’s help each other out by sticking together.
Hcrise

this is getting confusing

your email says “plan to be there the night before you participate in the sit-in.” but i signed up for 23rd 25th & 28th.

tues/thurs/sunday are my available days
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=662284223 Tyler Hess
  
  If you have not received the DAY of action you are put down for, email them. I only put down the 20th, so will be there on the 19th. Let them know youre unsure about your actual action date. GoodLuck!
Gail Buckland

Gail Buckland and Everett Cox will be attending the training on August 23 at St. Stephen’s.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=555506129 Yna Davis

Silly question, but will the meal be vegan friendly? (purely a logistical question, not a request or expectation! )
- Anonymous
  
  Yep, it will!
Sgdonkin

I’ve been involved in a number of these so-called White House “CD” actions. They are pretty routinely ignored by the authorities, because they have become part of the standard landscape in DC and do nothing to disrupt the workings of the machine. Are there other (non-violent) actions being contemplated that might be a little more challenging, as it were, to the status quo? I’m really not interested in participating in another cookie cutter arrest.
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=566726678 Matt Leonard
  
  I think what makes this action very unique – and very powerful – is that it’s not a cookie cutter action. It’s not the “usual activists” having a raucous protest for a day, but it’s hundreds (hopefully thousands) of diverse people willing to risk arrest day after day to make their case on this issue. And to do so with a tone of seriousness, and dignity – in a way that I think will resonate with decision makers and the general public in a way that many protests that our movement organizes doesn’t always do.
  
  If you disagree -that’s cool. Neither of us is right nor wrong, and there’s a time and a place for all sorts of different protests and different tones. We hope this action will serve as a springboard to keep further pressure up on this issue – so if you have future ideas and energy to organize future actions – please do!
- Rjgardiner
  
  What are you an Administration plant?????
- http://twitter.com/PaxLupo Pax Lupo
  
  If you have a more direct action, why don’t you take it?
- Jim
  
  In case this is Steve, Jim Schulman (DCSGP) here. I agree with you. Perhaps we can cook up something special & fun if the organizers haven’t? Feel free to reply at jimatcommunityforkliftdotcom.
- Tim Johnson
  
  I agree that this whole “action” is really a big waste of time. The left has to think of better ways to get its agenda done than ridiculous, useless, wasteful, unhelpful and totally stupid ideas like “Let’s get arrested in front of the White House.” First of all this is an old, tried and always has failed idea. Who does this actually affect? The White House? no . The only practical effect is to cause police and the courts time and paperwork and the DC jails lose some baloney sandwiches!
  
  Shame on the organizers for not coming up with anything better to do than this! It makes the Left look weak and stupid. Why not form a political party? Why not try to effect the Canadian governement or parliament? Why not try something boring and long term that actually might succeed? Why? Because bravado and testosterone always wins in the Left. Meanwhile the Right has had their shit together since 1980 and we are left with moronic ‘actions’ like this that are dust in the wind.
- Diane
  
  May I reply to your thoughts? Check out October2011.org and tell me this is another cookie cutter action. THIS is one which will make the history books, and this one WILL be challenging. We are not talking about a one short time thing….no..this is the beginning of change for this country and the whole planet. Go to 350.org and learn what is happening all around the world. This is an exciting time in all our lives. I’ve been waiting forty years for this country…this planet to wake up. Peace.
Jan Hammett

Jan Hammett will be at St. Stephen’s on August 20th, 1700 and ready to train.
- http://www.facebook.com/jjhammett Janice Elaine Hammett
  
  Update Will be traveling on the 20th and train on the 21st at Mt. Vernon
  .
Richard Clemens (Rocket)

need a ride to Washington from B.C. up in Canada on the west coast…leaving after august 28th. . .need a couple of days to recoup from Paris. one love’
- http://twitter.com/mpchristoffels Monica Christoffels
  
  I’m in Eugene, Oregon looking for a ride – if you find one, please let me know! I can meet your car somewhere if it’s not planning on going through Oregon.
Barbara

I’ll be arriving on the 22nd instead of the date I originally gave. Does that matter?
Kunti Wicce

There is a hostel just a few blocks from the White House. hiwashingtondc.org. Easy access to it from Reagan International via the metrorail (blue line to McPherson Sq.)
- Anonymous
  
  There’s another one on 18th & Columbia in Adams Morgan that’s cheap $21 d/day and fabulous. They have overflow apartments next door to Chief Ike’s. dchostel.com
Gaia

How about organizing this event by arranging to meet with the President at the end of the protest, and giving him our book of ideas how to deal with this tar sand menace and pipeline that will serve it?

If not with the President, perhaps we can meet with the VP or some of the senior advisers, like Valerie or Hillary ? Since I was a Congressional Fellow, perhaps I can pull some of my old links from US Congress?
- Diane
  
  I would than say it is time for you to play your cards and make it happen. And talk with the organizers.
ebroadbent

I’m wondering how the participants will be distributed across the days that this is happening on. In other words, if there are large numbers of people that want to do it on certain days (weekend) and much fewer on others, will the organizers ask that people sign up to do it on those undersubscribed days instead? I suppose this could be worked out on a “first-come first-served” basis, but that can also be difficult and problematic for other reasons. Obviously I need to find out more how this works…
Randy Cunningham

Looking for an affinity group and will be in DC the 25th through the 28th. It would be great if anyone from the Heartwood Forest Council or member groups is planning on attending those dates. My experience is that they are a pretty simpatico crew that I would be willing to be a part of.

Randy Cunningham
alex

If you can only come for one day and cannot risk arrest, is there a way to at least be close enough to be apart of the presence?
- Krislinden67
  
  i think you will only get arrested if you sit down and block traffic.
  walking around with a sign should be fine.
- Canadian in DC
  
  Hi We are from Canada and cannot risk arrest. However we have been going in for the sit in (and we attended the training) on Day 1, 2 and 3 and intend to keep going to the very end. The police give you three formal warnings before you are arrested. There are a handful of us who march up with everyone else to sit against the fence bordering the White House. And after the third and final warning, we get up and leave the ribboned-off area, but we stand outside and chant and clap in support of all those protestors who are being arrested. I hope this helps you!
Patti

i really want to come to this but i dont want to go alone, are there any groups in southern NJ or philly i could hook up with??? all my friends are chicken and wont come with me… lol
- Jan
  
  Patti, you are very brave. I will train on the 21st and sit in on the 22nd. My name is Jan Hammett. If you get there, look me up. We can all hang together! I’m coming from SC….otherwise I would offer you a ride! Hope you make it!!
  - Tomtom0692
    
    Hi Jan my wife and i are also training 21st mount vernon and sitting in 22nd see you there thank you!!
    - Jan
      
      Sounds good! Have a safe trip!
- http://www.facebook.com/asalem86 Adam Salem
  
  hey Patty, id be glad to go, i have a car but no gas money……if you and other peeps helped out with the gas then i think we’d be set! i live in south jersey, carneys point btw…you can look me up here by clicking on my name
- Anonymous
  
  Hi Patti- I live in Brick and is looking for way to get there- preferably the 19th-21st. When are you planning on going? Maybe we can hook up.
- Krislinden67
  
  my friend and i are taking a bus from philly on the 21st and sitting on the 22nd. look at mega bus and goto bus. i can’t offer you a place to stay sun night but we will be on the mega bus at 12:50pm sun aug 21.
- Freesportslive
  
  contact a Quaker (Friends) meeting in Philly. Quakers LOVE civil disobedience
- maya
  
  me and one other girl are planning on heading down the 2nd-3rd for the last days and the rally. we haven’t figured out if we’re going to take a bus or have my mom drive us yet but you could join us if you’d like!
- SallijaneG
  
  Patti,
  Have you made arrangements yet? We are leaving from Bloomfield on the 1st, not sure whether we can travel together (I am just a passenger), but perhaps could meet up there? (We are a bunch of old folks.)
Jan

I want to go, would like somebody from the pa, bucks county area to ride with me, also need somebody to bunk us or just me up for a couple of nights, anybody outthere interested
- Marj Donn
  
  Jan,
  Did you find a place to stay? When are you coming? I live in Greenbelt MD (8 mi. from downtown DC) and have extra beds. I could use a ride to DC on Sat., the 24th, but can take Metro train also.
  Marj D
Rita Varley

Are we to bring signs, etc., or will these be provided? I am working on thinking of short, pithy, and appealing statements with integrity (not exaggerated, but startling and true).
- Diane
  
  brillance and witt…..perfect! Carpe Diem is a good one. Peace.
Thompson0692

Just looked at Metro web site – be aware that this weekend there is major track work on the subway and some stations are closed and replaced with buses. You may need to allow extra time depending on your travel routes.
http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=5006
Marie Vander Heiden

Anyone going to be there for the 27th. I am a 36 year old mom of a two year old (who will be staying back home in Canada with her Daddy) while I head off for some ACTION. I am heading over on the day of the 26th from the Victoria B.C. harbour in CAN (Black ball ferry) and landing in Seattle. I will be taking my truck which has a couple more spots available. I would love to have a few good people to rely on and vs versa. Email me at: vanderheidenm@yahoo.com I intend on coming back on Sunday sometime (depending if I have to spend the night in Jail…should I get arrested). Til then…
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jeffrey-Harold-Hyman/1195681560 Jeffrey Harold Hyman

I’m a coward and a hypocrite for not participating in the civil disobedience. In couple days I plan to be on an airplane for a vacation to see some stupid trees and rocks. Flying is the worst thing a person can do to the climate next to burning down a forest. Tar sands means game over, and ‘game over’ means Venus syndrome. My personal hypocritical behavior will push the planet over the tipping point of no return. All life will be incinerated and it’s all my fault.
Direct short term harms from pipeline are irrelevent. direct short term harms (contaminated drinking water) are outweighed by direct short term benefits (current population level is only possible because of cheap fossil carbon energy; Americans below poverty level already import their fancy mineral spring water from France). The only effect that matters is the long term indirect effect, Venus syndrome, not as far off as it seems. Farmlands will begin to fail within few decades. Tipping point of no return dec 2016. onehundredmonths.org
Instead of worrying about Venus syndrome, I’m stuck worrying that getting arrested might harm my job security.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen-Beck/1618796701 Stephen Beck

anybody going from Middlebury, VT area sometime between today and 9.3? Let’s carpool.
- Carol
  
  There’s a bus going down from Burlington on Sunday 28th – Wednesday 31
  http://world.350.org/vermont/tar-sands-action-2/
Karlin Scape

I wished I could go, as many others wish they could too – but in that TAKE HEART – for each of you who go there are 1000s who just cannot make it; each of you represents 1000 others [and the WH will count it as such to measure popular support for this protest].
- Diane
  
  Very true words, which do speak of many of us. How I want to be there. So Karlin, we are to be hopeful for everyone, keep them in our prayers, and know many friendships will be established, and history shall be made. Peace.
Janinemoves

I am so excited to be joining the action, but I’d decided to bring up the rear by participating the last three days. Thank you all who turned out today, and thank you all who are sitting in tomorrow. And on and on. May it grow. This tactic was a powerful one back in the no nuke days. Enough of the why things won’t work. Get to the streets. If no for this, then what?
http://www.facebook.com/people/Thora-Reynolds/1400561382 Thora Reynolds

I am working full time doing daycare in Mpls and cannot be there. I just want to thank you all on behalf of the children, parents, and grandparents who cannot be there. My neighborhood struggles with lead and arsenic issues in the soil from old pollution. Thank you for fighting to give future generations a chance at a full and healthy life.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=506687269 Bianca Jade

Are there any more actions being taken in Canada? It seems like that would make a lot of sense! I hear they may be trying to stop Canadians from getting in at the border? If they can actually do that I’m not sure. But I think there are tons of other Canadians that would take part if there was something we could do up here!
- Jacqueline Vincent
  
  This this this! I live in Atlantic Canada and I would love to show solidarity even though I can’t get to DC.
http://amandarfagan.blogspot.com Amanda Fagan

Anyone from Southeastern, VA going? I’m in Williamsburg and I would love a ride! Please e-mail me at amandarenfagan@gmail.com if you can help!
Susinewborn

Kia ora and kia kaha from Aotearoa/New Zealand. We are with you in spirit!
Cdek12

I’m just coming from Annapolis, MD (35 minutes outside of DC) but none of my friends will come with me either! I’m only 18, so it’d be great to be able to meet up with a group while i’m there. I’ll be there from the 24-27th. Let me know, thanks!
Diane

I am with you in spirit and prayers. Thank you for sitting in for me and God’s creation.
http://womononajourney.wordpress.com womononajourney

does anyone know of environmental events going on in in the DC area in solidarity with this action? As in get-togethers, film screenings, talks, etc. Thanks.
Equalikat

Thank you!
Bunchgrassfarm

Hit President Obama w/ a ballon full of oil. Maybe then he’ll wake up and honor his promises about reducing greenhouse gas emissions etc. So far, he’s been all talk and I voted for him.
Draftanimalpower

Folks in our area are battling tooth and nail to stop the transport of the Tar Sands equipment through Idaho. Google megaloads or go to http://www.fightinggoliath.org Unfortunately, Idaho is where justice goes to die so it’s a very tough fight with state govt and state troopers in Exxon’s back pocket. Keep up the fight.
- MTNscientist
  
  You are so right! idaho is where justice goes to die. (Of course, same with Washington)
Draftanimalpower

Kind of late for sign ideas but the “Game Over” comment from NASA’s leading climate scientist would seem appropriate!
Alexleff

Here’s a something I’d to share:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v…

I wrote this song a month ago out of anger towards the Marcellus Shale Fracking and created a video out frusteration about the KeystoneXL Pipeline. The song and video are named “Dear Senator” and it is my message to Barack Obama reminding him of his campaign promises a couple years ago. His campaign speeches are used and are chilling to here in light of what he’s done to fight climate warming and help the Earth during his presidency.

I’ll see you in Washington this sunday!
- Alexleff
  
  Sorry, the link is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRvfZZB4fyM
  - Diane471
    
    This is one awesome video…so right on target. I have forwarded to many friends. Peace.
- Mark
  
  Dear Senator,
  
  Please answer Alex’s questions. My questions are the same.
  
  Thanks Alex,
  Mark
- Dave Finnigan
  
  Alex – I love your song and wonder if it might be re-recorded as “Dear President” because he can make this decision alone?
  - Alexleff
    
    Before Obama was President, he was a Senator, of course. But actually what initially influenced the writing of this song was a discouraging letter I received from my PA State Senator Pat Toomey explaining why he support the fracking of the Marcellus Shale. As I wrote the song, it quickly became about Obama. When I became aware of the Tar Sands Action I realized this was the perfect time to make a video of my song that would unite all destruction-of-earth issues and give me a chance to lament my frustrations I know I share with many many others.
Vic Anderson

’60s Sit-in: Contemporary Flower Power Reframed:
Much chicken-hawk squawk references tactical “boots on the ground”
to defend occupied territory. In opposition to them, we can reframe
the phrase and its acronym, instead to Butts* On Ground (BOG),
symbolic of our sit-in strategy. Since Our MAJORITY already
occupies US, we can devote our strategic direct action to BOG down
the Obamanible empire and its corporate minions. FDL’s already
FireBOGged No TAR, Obamar on Marthar’s Vinyard. It’s truly symbolic
of driving DEM(iserepubilkans’) fires into the lakes (and BOGs) of
our time. NOW, on to Seize DC BOGging on September 10 and to
stategically FireBOG (campaign pitch-slap) ‘en ALL starting October
6!

(*or Buckets for the PC).
Kaela

what would have made these “days of action” a lot more powerful, and broad, is if one rep. from this organization was sent to each sate capital in the U.S. Then in each state people there could participate. There would be a lot more people standing up. Many people in the U.S. do not have the time and money to fly out to D.C., but would participate if it were more local.
- Mark Skudlarek
  
  Great idea!
- SallijaneG
  
  That is a terrific idea. I am going to Washington, so probably will not be able to get anything going here in New Jersey (and everyone here is wrapped up in concern about Hurricane Irene this weekend), but I suggest leafletting at a local train station during commuting hour. Does anyone here know if there is an official 1/2 page flyer with information? I can type something up—as can anyone here, of course, WITHOUT the organization’s logo, but citing the action and support. I am sure (though have not talked to anyone else) that if people were willing to collect signatures and mail them to the group’s office, TSA would be grateful; not sure what if anything they would be able to do with them, though. If someone in each state could offer her/his contact information and collect such signatures from fellow activists within the state, and then snail-mail, registered, or hand-deliver to the White House, that would be HUGE. I will gladly do a template for an informational 1/2 page and/or a petition page, if there is interest.
  Grass roots rock!
  - Elizasherpa
    
    SallijaneG, when are you heading down from NJ/are you driving and have room for 2 passangers?
- Aletabrady
  
  I agree! I would love to participate but it’s too far and costly. Wish there was something I could attend in Portland, OR. to show my support!
George Hoguet

I am honored to be joining all those who are participating in this action, and all those supporting it from near and far. I will be there on Monday, 8-29, and hope to lead some folks in a tune for the Action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvU8jNDCULA.
Lowell Atkinson

I really wish I had known about this 2 weeks ago so I could have planned on attending. Does anyone know if other events will be held after Sept. 3rd?
Diane471

What is everyone doing with Hurricane Irene on the way up the coast?
Jlk

you people really do need help,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Obama is the most radical, left wing goon president in history and even he thinks you are nuts.
http://www.facebook.com/coachekwe Patricia MacDonald

Here in Canada we are going to protest on September 26. anyone from here please try to come.
Billy

Does anyone know of cheap accommodations in D.C. for Sept. 1-3?
- Jan
  
  Billy, look at this site http://www.hostels.com/washington-dc/usa
  
  Good luck!
LC

I want to go, but I just found out about this today. Since I don’t have any more vacation days, you’ll have to accept my well wishes. Thanks for protesting and representing those of us who adamantly care about our environment. I wish there was more I could do!
- Jan
  
  Write or call the President!! He must hear from us!
Climate chickenhawk

Has anyone so far been fined more than 100 dollars? The checklist says to bring 100 dollars, but the legal page says fines could be as much as 1000 dollars. I am interested in attending but I can’t help but think that such excessive fines could be better spent. Think of how many immunizations or iodine supplementation could be distributed for that amount. And the carbon burned in transit.
- Jan
  
  There are no guarantees….I was fined $100. It was well worth the risk for me…..would do it all over again. We must go outside the normal status quo of action to wake up the sleeping.
Anonymous

Anyone coming from NYC on the 31st? Right now I am planning on the bus –
MTNscientist

Where is a good place to stay?
- Anonymous
  
  Hi!
  
  St. Stephans is offering floor space for folks to stay in for $4 a night. It’s important to note that there is no safe space to store your belongings in the church, so other accommodations will have to be made.
  
  Thanks
  
  Rae and the Tar Sands Action Team
MTNscientist

I heard I could stay at one of the churches, is that possible? I have no money for hotel.
Anonymous

info about local church accommodations is http://www.tarsandsaction.org/ride-board/
- great they are supporting this action.
Carrabeth

hey there friends! i’m so excited to get down to DC and join you all in this awesome fight, but am currently looking for a way to get from Boston to DC on wednesday or thursday – anybody heading that way who I might be able to hitch a ride with?
Jentilly43

Is this still accurate? I thought I heard there was a 9 a.m. meet-up spot? We are coming tonight–to arrive after midnight. We had hoped to sit in tomorrow, but we will have not been through the training. I hope that can be okay? Thanks!
Alexleff

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRvfZZB4fyM

I wrote this song out of anger towards the Marcellus Shale Fracking and created a video out frustration about the KeystoneXL Pipeline. The song and video are named “Dear Senator” and it is my message to Barack Obama reminding him of his campaign promises a couple years ago. His campaign speeches are used and are chilling to here in light of what he’s done to fight climate warming and help the Earth during his presidency.
everydayispoetry

I’m driving down to DC from Ithaca tomorrow (Sept 1) if anyone needs a ride from here or from somewhere en route. –Steve, 607-277-2858
Lightspeedmusic

Omaha rally.
- Nicolel
  
  When???????? Please email me with any details!!!! nicolel@iastate.edu
  
  I want to go to DC but I can’t afford the bus tickets. I live in ames (obviously, sense I’m with Iowa State) and could TOTALLY make it to one that close.
  
  I’m desperate here dude! Thanks
MTNsci

The airplane ticket was $500 and I didn’t go. I wish I had…
Toddsmith

Possible Tar Sands Theme Song
sung to Simon and Garfunkel’s “Cecilia”

Obama
don’t go breakin our hearts
Please put a stop to this pipeline.

Oh Obama
We’re down on our knees
Beggin you please to say no.
no no no

no no no no no
no no no no no no no

Gubilation
Thats how we’ll feel
when you kill keystone.
Just say no

Todd Smith – Citizens Climate Lobby – Atlanta