Who is RAN?

We are the Chicago chapter of the Rainforest Action Network (RAN). RAN is based in San Francisco and has chapters and local groups around the country.

RAN works on a wide variety of environmental issues:

• Old Growth Campaign
  -- Works to protect endangered forests, promote sustainable economies, and protect indigenous rights
  
  
• Global Finance Campaign
  -- Works to redirect bank funding away from environmentally and socially destructive activities
  into clean, sustainable, and socially just alternatives.
  
  
• Freedom from Oil Campaign
  -- To end America's oil addiction, stop oil related wars, and curb global warming
  
  
• Rainforest Agribusiness Campaign
  -- To prevent the clearing of rainforests for industrial agriculture and to promote and protect the rights of
  Indigenous peoples, small farmers, and other affected communities.
  

What will Chicago RAN be involved in?

Chicago RAN will work to protect the earth and support human rights through education, grassroots organizing, and nonviolent direct action. We plan to hold movie nights, reading groups, activism trainings, lectures, non-violent protests, and whatever other activities group members bring to the table.



How linked is Chicago RAN to RAN National?

We are in close contact with RAN national and receive much guidance from them. They provide us with information, printed materials, and (non-financial) support, and potentially training. They send information about our events to their Chicago lists as well. But we are an independent body and are not restricted by their campaigns. By working with RAN we agree to the principles and practice of non-violence.


About the organizer

Debra has been involved in various movements and campaigns since the mid-90s, including the Pacifica Movement from 2000-2001. She attended RAN's 4-day activist training in the fall of 2008. She has a vision of earth being a place where animals, plants, and humans can all flourish and where corporations are held accountable to their impact on the planet.