FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 15, 2005

Earth Day Event: LA Greens to Host Greenpeace Co-Founder, Rex Weyler

Los Angeles – The LA Greens will host accomplished writer, activist and Greenpeace co-founder Rex Weyler for a lecture and discussion in honor of Earth Day 2005. Author of the newly published "Greenpeace: How a Group of Ecologists, Journalists and Visionaries Changed the World," Weyler will speak about keeping our commitment to the Earth, organizing and fostering social and political action.

Addressing the theme of “Sustaining Activism,” Weyler will share lessons learned through his experiences with Greenpeace, from challenges arising out of diverse viewpoints and internal struggles, to methods for engaging the public and media in defense of our fragile
ecology. The lecture will be followed by a question and answer session, and copies of Weyler’s most recent book will be available for purchase and inscription.

“Mr. Weyler and his colleagues literally changed history in the early '70's when they dared to challenge the status quo and stand up for the environment and peace. The once fledgling Greenpeace organization has become part of the common lexicon, synonymous with protecting our environment and its resources,” said event organizer Linda Piera-Avila. “As he shares his invaluable experiences with us, Mr. Weyler can teach us how to be more effective activists, confront the threats that currently face the planet and become more politically engaged. The L.A Greens are indeed honored and excited to host this intrepid progressive pioneer and welcome others to come hear his message of ‘Sustaining Activism.’”

As a journalist focused on human rights, native rights, and ecology issues since 1972, Weyler received a Pulitzer Prize nomination for his Native American history, "Blood of the Land," and a Columbia School of Journalism Award for exposing nuclear contamination of the Rio Puerco in New Mexico. Weyler also helped draft environmental legislation in Canada, including dioxin effluent legislation for pulp mills in British Columbia. http://rexweyler.com

The event will be held from 7-9 pm on Wednesday, April 20, at the Peace Center, located at 8124 W. 3rd St. in Los Angeles. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Refreshments will be served, suggested donation is $5. RSVPs are appreciated, but not required. For more information, call (323) 651-5539 or visit http://www.losangelesgreens.org

The LA Greens are a local chapter of the Green Party of California, promoting progressive solutions to social and political issues in the Los Angeles area and beyond. LA Greens’ meetings are open to the public and are held at 7 pm on the third Wednesday of every month at the Peace Center.

##