FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Abby Fenton

Will Steger Foundation

(612) 799-9591 – cell

October 21, 2009

Media Advisory: CONGRESS MEMBERS ELLISON AND MCCOLLUM TO HEADLINE CLIMATE RALLY AT MINNESOTA STATE CAPITOL

State Legislators Join Will Steger Foundation, Oxfam America, Augsburg College and 1Sky

as part of the 350 International Day of Climate Action

300 student bike riders will join community members, legislators, and Will Steger Foundation’s Minnesota youth delegates to the international climate negotiations in Copenhagen, for a rally at the Minnesota State Capitol, calling for strong United States leadership in climate policy. This major event is one of thousands of coordinated actions taking place in 170 countries for the 350 International Day of Climate Action on October 24^th.

WHEN: Saturday, October 24th, 12–1 p.m.

WHERE: Minnesota State Capitol lawn (Upper Mall), Saint Paul

WHAT: 350 International Day of Climate Action - Climate Rally at the Capitol and Bike Ride

Keynote speakers include:

· U.S. Congressman Keith Ellison

· U.S. Congresswoman Betty McCollum

· Minnesota State Senator Ellen Anderson

· Minnesota State Representative Kate Knuth

· Minnesota State Representative Jeremy Kalin

· Music by Absolute Gruv

Climate riders will be biking to the State Capitol from the following locations on the morning of Oct 24th:

· Augsburg College, Minneapolis - Students will gather at Murphy Park, departing 10:45 a.m.; Contact: Jessica Spanswick,  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

· School of Environmental Studies, Apple Valley – Will Steger Foundation Expedition Copenhagen Delegate, Reed Aronow, will gather with riders at 8 a.m., departing 9 a.m.; Contact: Maia Dedrick,  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

WHY: In December, global leaders will be meeting in Copenhagen to craft an international climate treaty aimed at creating a unified commitment to solve global warming. Scientists have determined that the safe number for global carbon dioxide emissions must be reduced to 350 parts per million in order to avoid the most catastrophic consequences of climate change. Join hundreds of Minnesotans calling for strong United States leadership on climate change solutions. Take part in the 350 International Day of Climate Action, and join diverse voices around the globe demanding international cooperation on an equitable global climate treaty that not only calls for a reduction in CO2 emissions, but also supports adaptation and mitigation strategies for poor and vulnerable communities around the world.

• For more information about the 350 International Day of Action, visit: www.350.org
• To learn more about the Will Steger Foundation's Midwest youth delegation to Copenhagen, visit:  www.willstegerfoundation.org