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Comments from Rainbow Gathering 2003
(updated 09 July 2003)
It is now Summer and long days of the year with beautiful weather
finally, on the Redwood Coast, - from Brookings, Oregon to probably
the SF Bay Area.
Many people are now returning or already back from the Annual
National Gathering in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest of Utah, near
Evanston, Wyoming - high in the mountains near Elizabeth Peak and
pass, over 10,000 feet ASL. The temperatures were very cold, at night
but fairly nice warm days. Meanwhile back at home there continues to
be a need to start planning when and where we will start having local
activities again. Some of the planning has already begun at the
Gathering.
Once back, we can look forward to start reviving the monthly Picnics
in the Park, and other events. If we can have full cooperation, and
no objections from the City of Arcata, nor any other calendar
conflicts, the first such kind event is now tentatively set for
Sunday 27 July 2003 at Arcata's
Redwood Park. (see the link from the Rewood
Rainbow Home Page).
While this year's Gathering was nice, it was also a little smaller in
size, and attendance than in previous Western States. It was also a
known fact that many people either could not attend due to monetary
reasons, or else many that did attend had to cut their time short
this year. This is all the more reason that we need to strengthen our
local families and tribes, and always hold the Vision that Love and
Peace will prevail. Whether we are facing the challenges of the
economy, lay offs, budget cuts, rediculous political decisions, or
even personal losses or loved ones and personal matters, we MUST
remain strong both inside ourselves, and collectively, in Living
Light to overcome Babylon and push on towards Zion. Let us each hold
in our heartsongs and visions that Peace will Prevail Worldwide over
darkness, and that Love will conquer all fear, hurt, separation,
challenges, and communications.
Additionally, speaking of Babylon, when coming to visit your
national parks, state parks, forests, monuments, and public lands,
please treat them with respect. They are not a place to bring your
Babylon with you. Over and over, more rangers are having to turn from
jobs of interpretation, and resource management, over to law
enforcement. As one ranger on the Redwood Coast recently said "too
many people bring Babylon with them when claiming to be looking for
Zion." (Yes, that's actually a direct quote). In recent times,
rangers and park wardens are having to deal with everything from
domestic violence, to abandoned property, garbage from squatters,
meth labs, to even poaching trees for drugs. So please think in terms
of ecology, and share with your brothers and sisters that these type
of things are NOT the "rainbow way." Whether you come to do direct
action, go to school, or just passing through, you too can help with
Shanti Sena. If you want to do a Gathering, and are sincere about it,
communicate with other family, including those who have scouted
before. See our new voluntary
guidelines to consider for planning a Gathering.
Speaking of parks - stay within the speed limits, which are never
more than 45 MPH. Over 100 mammals are killed in our state and
national parks each year due to motor vehicles exceeding the speed
limits.
For several years now, the NORCAL Family has agreed that we need to
strengthen our local families and regional tribes. We need to keep
having more events, networking, and staying in touch. With the rising
costs of putting on a Gathering, from scouting to all the supplies,
kitchens, to CALM, it has been recognized at a number of the councils
that it would be great if we could have more fund-raising events as
well. Magic Hat only meets about 1/3 of costs each year.
To help strengthen local families, we also agreed at National
Gathering that it is well worth the effort to start doing local
campouts as well for the outdoor Gathering experience. So in addition
to picnics in parks during good weather, and indoor potlucks in the
rainy season, we also plan to look forward to a number of activites,
including full moon circles and dancing, drum circles, and free Light
Family workshops.
Whomever you are, where ever you are on your personal spiritual
journey in this life, you are Welcome Home! We Love You!
Blessings, In Love and Light,
Dwight Whytefeather