Environmental activism subject of Universalist Church presentation

It's not every day that a Unitarian Universalist is thrown into prison, but that was the case of Tim DeChristopher in Salt Lake City last year. The then-college student was sentenced to two years in federal prison after bidding and winning leases on 22,000 acres of BLM land in Utah to protect them from oil drilling. In addition to his imprisonment, he faces three years' probation and $10,000 in fines.

Not all know about DeChristopher's plight, but those who want to learn more can visit the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Nevada, 780 Del Monte Lane in Reno at 5 p.m. today.

Members of the public are invited to attend to hear two of DeChristopher's supporters from the First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City, of which DeChristopher is a member.

"There are many people who care about the climate and CO2 levels while seeing little choice but to continue driving gas-powered cars or hybrids if they are lucky," said UUFNN Board Member Jeb Bateman. "Far fewer people are committed at the level of Tim who risked his very freedom to make a statement about the injustice of our energy practices."

Joan Gregory and Krista Browers, supporters of the environment, will be the two members of the Salt Lake City church to share their stories about DeChristopher's activism. They will be stopping in Reno on their way to visit DeChristopher who is in federal prison in Herlong, Calif., about an hour north of Reno.

The women will talk about DeChristopher's activism as well as show clips from the film Bidder 70 that is being made about his actions. At the event, attendees can hear more about his social justice efforts, how to seek approval to visit him and what they can do to help. To hear Gregory speak in advance, view this video of her at www.frequency.com/video/joan-gregory-receives-guardian-of-future/22635442 as she receives a Guardian of the Future award.

Many consider DeChristopher a hero for his activism, but may not realize they can also be heroes in their own way at a regional level.

In addition to the talk, the event will feature a potluck and conversation. For more details, call Nancy Hart at 775-825-5550. Additionally, Jeb Bateman can be reached at 775-993-0012.