Resident experiences with fracking and its infrastructure: Listening to our neighbors
This year, the staff and members of CCJ have worked with Washington resident and CCJ member Michael Brownlee to produce a video of people’s experiences of living near fracking and its infrastructure. Today, we are releasing that video into the world!
We are so grateful to Michael and everyone else who participated in these efforts, whether on camera or off. It is so important for others to hear your voices!
One evening last week at our offices, we had a “premiere night” to gather community members who were interviewed for the film or were otherwise involved in the project to share a meal and watch the video together for the first time. People enjoyed the time together and knowing that they are not alone in their experiences with the fracking industry.
That evening, CCJ community organizer Jodi Borello honored Michael with “producer of the year” for all of his time and effort in producing the film.
Michael is a writer, producer, and storyteller who grew up in southwestern Pennsylvania. He lives 1.35 miles from the nearest well pad. Michael said that:
“I came to this project because the more I listened and learned about the effects this industry was having on my neighbors and their health, both physical and mental, the more frustrated I became that the people with the power to make things different were not listening. Or if they were listening, they refused to hear. I am so grateful that the people in this video had the courage to tell their stories. I hope it inspires more people to speak up and join us, so our numbers will be so great that the powers that be will have no choice but to hear us and make the changes necessary to protect their fellow community members.“
One of the goals of CCJ and MAD-FACTS is to listen to our neighbors and to provide spaces for them to learn, to be in community with others who are affected, to vent their pain and frustrations, and to work for change. We work together to advocate for what we need, and to elevate those concerns to the people who are elected to serve us and who can help to bring about the changes that are so desperately needed.
Pictured here are the founders of MAD-FACTS (Moms and Dads – Family Awareness of Cancer Threat Spike) and two of the courageous voices in the film, Janice Blanock and Jodi Borello.
We’ll close with some words from anthropologist Jane Goodall
“Change happens by listening and then starting a dialogue with the people who are doing something you don’t believe is right.“
and from American psychologist Carol Rogers
“We think we listen, but very rarely do we listen with real understanding, true empathy. Yet listening, of this very special kind, is one of the most potent forms of change that I know.“
We ask that you watch the video and support the people who bravely shared their stories. Afterward, we would love to hear your feedback and any thoughts or reflections you have.
