Watertown Citizens for Environmental Safety

Welcome to WCES. We are community residents who work to protect the local environment, reduce pesticide use, promote peace and social justice, and encourage all citizens of Watertown to participate in local government. We see the issues of peace and the environment as inextricably linked. See our Calendar page for listings.

Action Items

Fight discouragement -- Stand up for Peace!
Monthly Vigil, Watertown Sq, Third Saturday Every Month, 11am-12 noon

The war and occupation of Iraq continues, as does the killing and dying. But the number of people who are willing to publicly stand against the war has dipped. One hour of your time in Watertown Square this Saturday can encourage a town, a region, and a nation to keep up the struggle for social justice and peace.

See the WCES calendar for details

No War With Iran
Stop Resolution H 4270

A resolution in the State House (The Iran Divestment Bill, H 4270) has quickly become a near defeat for those who believe in diplomacy and negotiation. The Resolution would mandate the Pension Reserves Investment Management (PRIM) Board to divest Mass State pension funds from foreign corporations which do business in Iran. H. 4270 is not about responsible investment, human rights or anything having to do with protecting the citizens of the Commonwealth. This is a step towards a possible attack on Iran.

The resolution has been brought up in the Ways and Means Committee, along with other pending legislation, as the Massachusetts Legislature tries to complete its work by July 31. It is our job to make sure the Committee either issue an unfavorable vote on the resolution or send back to committee for further study.

The only way we will do this is if EVERYONE makes calls to:

Speaker of the House Sal DiMasi: 617-722-2500
House Chair of the Ways and Means Committee Robert DeLeo: 617-722-2990

Click here for background and details.

Send a message to your Members of Congress
Stop Global Warming

Right now, Members of Congress are planning trips home to their districts (including yours!) for August recess. They'll be home for the entire month of August, and with the fall elections just around the corner, most will be campaigning hard for our votes.

This recess is our chance to convince every Member of Congress that America is ready for bold climate solutions. The path to a prosperous and equitable new energy economy is clear -- we simply need our leaders to act.

Click here for for more details on how to deliver your message.

Mark your calendar now for the annual
Hiroshima/Nagasaki Commemoration: Wednesday, August 6, 2008; 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm; See the WCES calendar for details

Congratulations to the CURE (Chemical Use Reduction and Education) Task Force on winning a $1,500 grant from the Watertown O'Neill Community Enrichment Fund. The grant will be used for promoting the Task Force's Second Annual Garden (Chemical-Free) Tour. This is great news and a credit to the hard work of the Task Force members, particularly Laura Cherry. Please keep an eye out for information about this year's tour!

Thanks in large part to the support of WCES members and friends, New England Wind Fund has reached its goal for Watertown! Check out their website for details.