it’s never too late is a series about people determined to pursue their dreams on their own terms.
In 1970, Bonnie McKinley, then in her early twenties and a self-proclaimed “country hippie,” went to see Ralph Nader give a lecture on environmental protection at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon.
“There was so much energy coming out of his speech,” McKinley said. “As an individual, I realized that I could help the planet.”
Some 33 years later, after retiring from her job as a public elementary school teacher, she embraced the mission and became a dedicated activist.
Over the past 13 years, McKinley, now 72, has participated in rallies, marches, hearings and protests at more than 500 events, including Helena, Montana; Vancouver, Washington; and New York City.
“Retirement gave me time to engage in the climate change movement, which coincided with plans to expand the fossil fuel industry in our area,” said McKinley, who lives in Portland, Oregon. said and added: My backyard, and I wanted to do something to stop it.
Much of her activism has been spent trying to deny construction permits for new fossil fuel facilities. She mobilizes people to participate in public hearings and public forums, leads civil disobedience workshops, and maintains her online newsletter with action updates and resources.
But Ms. McKinley often takes a playful approach to her mission. “I also help organize her theater, designing and building visuals such as banners, puppets, costumes and props, all of which hope to raise awareness of our cause,” she said. . Industry wearing a globe headpiece dripping oil from the rig. A “Coal King” character wearing a crown adorned with pieces of coal, a fur-lined cloak, and a gold cummerbund with a dollar sign. A green five-headed “Hydra Flakka” monster. “These costumes are used to bring awareness to the general public by educating them with humor and serious information,” said Ms McKinley.
She often attends these protests with her husband, Jim Plunkett, a mechanical engineer who retired at age 77. They met in 1994 and got married four years later. McKinley has two children in her 30s from her ex-wife.
“My children don’t protest against me,” she said. I always tell them when I go to jail so they know I may not be home. “
The interview below has been condensed and edited.
Where did your passion for activism come from?
My parents weren’t activists, but they were ardent supporters of the civil rights movement. This was the best news for our family today. I learned about the atrocities and prejudices that people still have. During my college days and early years as a teacher, I became interested in nuclear disarmament and became an anti-nuclear activist.
Do you feel you are making a difference?
yes. Being a climate change activist makes me feel like I’m part of something that matters and that I can help bring about change. It’s not based on hope. I have contributed to the decommissioning of multiple fossil fuel plants and that is progress. I turn my attention to causes that threaten the future of the masses.
Activism is a passion you share with your husband. What have you learned about your relationship through these experiences?
We share the same concerns and passions and fight for the same cause. It strengthens our relationship. We absorb the same information, talk about it, debate it. It has given me a newfound appreciation and deep respect for his skill and passion. We have learned to be a good team.
In 2011, you and your husband were arrested along with other protesters who had gathered outside the White House to urge President Obama to deny the Keystone XL pipeline. What was that experience like?
We came from Oregon and people from far away were put in jail for three days. Inside the cell, about 20 women shared her one open her bathroom. This gave us a glimpse into the experience of those who spend long periods of time in prison. Despite the modest accommodations, the weekend turned out to be one of his best ever. My co-arrestor was great. Their talk was enlightening. I thought it was a way to motivate and express myself.
What inspires you when the world is so dark?
Historically, I look back at the actions of social movements and individual powers, such as slavery, child labor, work on marriage equality, and what people have done to overcome oppression. Their tenacity and ability to see that change can happen has made me feel stronger. It gives me hope and helps me keep fighting. Then I remember the unstoppable people and our own triumphs. I needed the cooperation of
How has being a climate change activist changed you?
It gave me confidence. I learned skills I didn’t know I had, such as writing news releases, organizing events, designing banners, and demonstrating leadership. I can make persuasive arguments, provide prison support, and be a police liaison. , and now I see how effective my voice can be.
What’s the biggest surprise you’ve had through this job?
How much fun is this work? These were some of the happiest days of my life and I am now a million times richer than before. I was able to form friendships. It’s a lot of work, but it’s very attractive.
What advice would you give to someone who is passionate about something but doesn’t know where to start?
If you have any concerns, talk to someone. Look online for national or regional organizations on your topic of interest. They may offer you a way to participate. Learn what you can do about the problem. Find out what people are doing about it elsewhere in the country, see what fits your interests, skill sets and personal experience, and find out how you can get involved at a local level .