Water-Threats and Possibilities, a Multimedia Presentation Held Recently

CAPOW! (Citizens Act to Protect Our Water) presented a Multi-Media Event, "Water - Threats and Possibilities," on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at MultiKulti, 1000 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago.

The event was designed to call attention to key water issues, including water quality and pollution, the Keystone XL pipeline controversy, nuclear contamination of our water supply and the undesirable consequences of privatization of the water system.

The event featured a group art exhibit, a speakers forum, videos, open discussion, networking time, refreshments and entertainment.

The program began at 6:30 pm with the water-themed art exhibit by area artist Cindy S. Greene. She said, "When We the People become involved and take action, we can make the positive changes needed in our world."

Videos included David Kraft of the Nuclear Energy Information Service, Ann Alexander of the Natural Resources Defense Council, and Emily Carroll of Food & Water Watch - Chicago.

Liane Casten, of CAPOW!, who introduced and facilitated the discussion on water quality, said, "Water issues are becoming increasingly important to our lives and this planet. It is up to all of us to alert the public to the multiple assaults on our ability to have clean, fresh water."

The CAPOW! Improv Players, directed by Cindy S. Greene, entertained the audience with humorous sketches illustrating water issues. The CAPOW! Improv Players included James Donat, Weyler Greene, Chris Harvey, Donna Smith, and Dan Tong.

Jeff Lucas, of Forest Ethics, introduced and facilitated the discussion about the Canadian tar sands and the Keystone XL pipeline. He said, "If the Keystone XL were approved, it would be the biggest mistake we have made as a nation."

Privatization was also a focus of the event. Holly James, who introduced the video on privatization, explained, "Once water services are privatized, local governments may lack the influence needed to regulate water quality, rates, and accessibility.  Buy-backs are very costly to taxpayers. Citizens need to claim public ownership of public resources "




The suggested donation was $5. Snacks were served.

For those interested in arranging presentations at their group meetings, call Cindy at 773 504 1580 or Beverley at 708 447-1547 or see www.protectourpublicwater.net.

CAPOW! is a citizens action group founded in February 2010 in response to leaks that Mayor Daley was planning to privatize Chicago's water system.  The group is committed to keeping the water system in public hands.  CAPOW! advocates greater public awareness of contaminants in the water, greater conservation, and AWARENESS in individual use of water. 

Since its founding CAPOW! has sponsored several forums, movie showings, and press conferences. It organized a major conference on water issues "Facing Our Water Crisis" on April 30, 2011, which was featured on CAN TV. CAPOW! is a member group of Illinois Coalition for Justice, Peace and the Environment (ICJPE) and Illinois Coalition to Protect our Public Commons.