December, 2023
Dear Friend,
We hope this letter finds you and your loved ones well.
This year the effects of climate change already devastating the Global South have arrived on our doorsteps: smoke turned New York’s air sulfur yellow, heat waves scalded the country, stormwater flooded the streets, and fires raged across once-lush landscapes. More people are becoming aware of climate change’s urgency and the effects human actions have on the local and global environment. President Biden has even acknowledged climate change as the “number one issue facing humanity.” Of course, we’ve known this was coming and have been working every day to create positive solutions.
This year, TIME’S UP! has moved from its Brooklyn location to our new home at 626 East 14th Street in Manhattan. We originally moved to our Brooklyn location in order to have a presence on both sides of the Williamsburg Bridge; ABC No Rio on the Manhattan side and TIME’S UP! on the Brooklyn side. The goal of this decision was to encourage biking from Manhattan into Brooklyn, which was extremely successful! Our 24-hour bike vending machine, volunteers on the bridge, and our recently launched 1,000 Dutch Bike program—a bicycle model which was previously unavailable in the area—contributed to the promotion of this safer and more reliable form of year-round transportation. Though we have relocated, our mission continues. The new tenants at the Brooklyn space will maintain a sidewalk battery swapping system where you can exchange a used battery for a fully charged one to power your pedal-assist vehicle.
We have a lot to look forward to in 2024, such as our upcoming film festival, Every Little Bit Adds Up, which will be done in collaboration with our partner, the Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space. This film festival will focus on the grassroots history of sustainable urban solutions to climate change, including recycling, composting, honey-beekeeping, rainwater collection, medicinal herbs, non-polluting transportation, and much more.
As always, TIME’S UP!’s campaigns and collaborations are not only creating a more positive, safe, sustainable city, but are also addressing larger climate change solutions. Check out our recently updated timeline, documenting 36 years of this grassroots environmental action.
As we close out our 36th year, we want to thank you for your continued support and share what we have been able to accomplish together. And, as we celebrate the beginning of a new year, we invite you to our annual Future Positive New Year’s Eve Bike Ride and outdoor after-party.
With your support we will continue our campaigns and events, as well as continue to protect and maintain our beloved gardens, ensuring that they remain in the hands of our communities.
Your continued tax-deductible support for TIME’S UP! will ensure the longevity of our programs and help us reach even more members of our community in 2024. Please consider making a tax-deductible end of year contribution at times-up.org.
With your help, we can continue to create solutions that inspire us towards a better future.
Happy holidays and best wishes,
Bill Di Paola
Founder, Times Up!
