HC McGill: How did you get involved with Divest McGill and what is your current position?
AMB: About two years ago my roommate asked me if I wanted to come along to this meeting, something about a campaign to get the McGill administration to take action on climate change. We went to what was one of the first Divest McGill meetings and found out what it was all about. The group of students at that first meeting were incredibly inspiring. It was fantastic to meet this sort of unconventional group of students and alumni that were simply passionate about climate change and were ready to do just about anything to see something be done about it. I’ve been hooked ever since.
HC McGill: On May 23, 2014 the Board of Governors rejected a petition from Divest McGill. How is the organization dealing with this in terms of its main goals for the 2014-2015 year?
AMB: Though the Committee to Advise on Matters of Social Responsibility’s (CAMSR) decision to reject our petition was disappointing, it was not surprising. It almost would have been too easy that way. For 2014-2015 the campaign is really looking to build even more support from the community – students, faculty, staff, and community members at large – to put even more pressure on the McGill administration.
HC McGill: How can students get involved?
AMB: Come to one of our meetings! There are so many different ways to become involved with Divest McGill, whether you want to plan events, do graphic design, help with research, do outreach to faculty and administration, and so much more. We are having information sessions for new members on September 24th and 25th, or shoot us an email at divestmcgill@gmail.com.
HC McGill: How can other on-campus clubs support Divest McGill?
AMB: Many groups and clubs on campus have formally endorsed the campaign, which has been invaluable. Apart from endorsements, groups can help by spreading the word to their members, coming to our actions and events, and writing to the Principal or Board of Governors members directly asking them to divest.
HC McGill: Are there any other organizations and events students can get involved in if they are particularly interested in sustainability and climate change?
AMB: There are so many. SSMU hosts a ton of sustainability clubs and you can find a list of them on the SSMU website. Students can also find some really amazing climate justice organizations off-campus. Climate Justice Montreal organizes some really great and inspiring actions, and gives you a chance to meet some really awesome people from the wider Montreal community.
HC McGill: The People’s Climate March is coming up on September 21st. Why is it so important for Divest McGill to be in attendance?
AMB: The Peoples’ Climate March is braced to be the biggest climate march in history. We want to be there to show some international solidarity and to help make it as big as possible, but also to connect with people from all over the world who are fighting the same fight. This is an incredible opportunity to learn from other climate justice organisers and divestment campaigns and to use these skills to mobilize the McGill community.
Image contributed by the interviewee.