Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ is a work in progress. If you have a question no answered below, please email .

• What is MJSB?
  • Q: Who is planning MJSB?
    A: A: MJSB is planned by a volunteer collective of youth, students and community organizers from across the US. Folks collaborate via working groups (such as media, fundraising, outreach, etc.) and using conference calls and a list serv. There are also several groups such as Coal River Mountain Watch, Southern Energy Network, Student Environmental Action Coalition, Energy Justice Network and the Rainforest Action Network contributing time and resources.
  • Q: How can I get involved?
    A: The closer we get to MJSB, the more help we will need to get the work done. Contact if you would like to get involved with a specific working group (such as ground crew, planning workshops/schedule, food preparation, outreach, etc) or if you would like to pitch in where you are most needed. We will also need help the week before each spring break for last logistics and site preparation.
• Q: How many people are expected?
  A: 150-250
• Q: Do I have to camp out?
  A: No, the Virginia site has a limited number of indoor bunks available for a small fee. The Ohio site is pretty much just camping space. If you CAN camp out, please come prepared to do so to prioritize those who can not. If you CAN'T camp out, please tell us that so we can accommodate you.
• Q: What will the weather be like?
  A: March can be a cold time of year in Virginia and Ohio, don't be surprised to see snow, rain and/or 75 degrees. Check the forecast of the area the week before you come. Be prepared to be outside a lot and for some cold weather/possible rain.
• Q: Do I need a vehicle?
  A: Both sites have limited parking, so carpooling is a must. Once you've registered, see the Carpool section of the website to find participants near you.
• Q: How do I get there?
  A: To get driving directions to either MJSB, please register! You will then be able to see the Carpool map which has the locations and driving directions.
  
  Public Transportation Virginia: The nearest airport to Camp Ahistadi on the Virginia/Tennessee border is Tri-Cities Regional Airport (Main airport in area) 37 miles away, the Virginia Highlands Airport 17 miles away, and the Johnson County Airport 12 miles away. The nearest bus stop is via greyhound at Marion, VA (approx 35 miles away).
  
  Camp Ahistadi
  9863 Highway 91 N
  Laurel Bloomery, TN 37680
  
  Public Transportation Ohio: The nearest airport to Wisteria Campground in Ohio is Huntington, WV or Charleston, WV. You may be able to find a cheaper flight to Columbus, Ohio. Visit http://www.ohio.edu/outlook/transport.cfm to get traveling directions to Athens, OH, where we can pick you up if you give prior notice.
  
  Wisteria Campground
  39617 State Route 684
  Pomeroy, Ohio 45769       
• Q: Is there public transportation?
  A: With prior notification, we can arrange to shuttle people from the nearest available public transportation to the camp. You might also consult the Carpool section of the website to see a fellow participant can offer you a free ride.
• What should I bring?
  • A: Camping gear (tent, sleeping bag/pad), reusable dishware (spoon/fork, plate, bowl, mug or water bottle), flashlight, sturdy shoes, clothes (layer for warmth), toiletries, towel, notebook & pen for notes, any materials or literature to share, musical instruments, your smiling face!
  • Q: Can I bring my dog?
    A: Assistance/Service animals are welcome at MJSB. The Ohio site does not allow dogs, assistance/service animals will be allowed, but if you plan on coming to MJSB Ohio please leave your pet. The Virginia site has no policy on pets, but we ask that if the dog is not well behaved around small children, other dogs, and humans, please leave it back home. If you bring your dog, it must be leashed and watched closely.
• Q: Will there be showers and bathrooms?
  A: The Ohio site and the Virginia site have showers, but please use them conservatively. You don't need to shower as often as this culture makes you think you do, especially when out in nature. The Virginia site has regular toilets, the Ohio site has port-a-potties.
• Q: What is the schedule / what will be doing each day?
  A: The schedule is a work in progress at the moment, the schedule will be finalized and published as we approach the events. Roughly, the schedule will include seminars, skill shares, direct action, community service, and delightfully relevant entertainment. If you're qualified and willing to present on a useful topic, please contact .
• Q: Can I come for part of the time, or do I have to stay for the whole thing?
  A: Participants are welcome to come whenever they are able. For the best experience, however, we recommend staying the whole week. More than likely, an action will occur at some point during the break. Multiple actions may occur.  If you are mostly interested in supporting or participating in direct action, please contact .
• Q: How much does it cost?
  A: Suggested registration is $100 for the entire week, but we'll accept registration on a sliding scale from $50-500+. A list of fundraising ideas is available on the Promote page in the Media Tool Kit document.
  • Q: Are there waivers/scholarships available?
    A: No one will be turned away for lack of funds. However, we believe that if anything is worth spending money on it is fighting for environmental justice. We encourage you to think seriously about what you can afford, and also don't forget to ask more financially stable relatives/comrades/community members to give you the gift of Mountain Justice Spring Break. Consider holding fund raisers on your campus, asking professors/community members to contribute donations. A list of fundraising ideas is available on the Promote page in the Media Tool Kit document.
• Q: Can someone donate to MJSB?
  A: YES! Please click here for more information!
• Q: What is the food situation? Can you accommodate special dietary needs (vegetarian, allergies, etc.)?
  A: Food served will be primarily vegan (no meat or dairy). If you need to eat meat/dairy for health reasons please let us know in advance and think about bringing your own meat or paying extra (as meat/dairy is more expensive and harder to store). All efforts will be made to accommodate dietary restrictions, however, be sure to note this on your application as soon as possible.
• Q: What is the drug and alcohol policy?
  A: In Virginia there will be a strong no alcohol/illegal substance policy, as dictated by our hosts. Think of this as a chance to de-tox from your heady college lifestyle, get some fresh mountain air, and commit some time to helping others and yourself.
• Q: Are the sites ADA accessible?
  A: Both events will occur at campgrounds which are comfortable working with people with a variety of abilities. Unfortunately, there may be site limitations we can't control. MJSB organizers and participants will make every effort to be inclusive. With the possible exception of optional hikes, all events will be made accessible. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact the outreach team and we will work with you to create an optimum environment for you to fight back against unjust coal operations.  
• Direct action
  • Q: What is the policy on non-violence?
    A: We believe that peaceful protest and civil disobedience are powerful forces for change in a democratic society, and we defend the rights of individuals and organizations to practice them.
    
    Mountain Justice Spring Break Planning Collective deplores the Bush administration-backed efforts that, under the guise of anti-terrorism, attempt to squelch public dissent and curtail our civil liberties by criminalizing our constitutional right to peaceful protest. The government’s use of taxpayer dollars to spy on environmental and social justice groups is fiscally and morally irresponsible and sets a frightening precedent for all individuals wishing to effect social change.
  • Q: Am I going to get arrested?
    A: Not if you don't want to! All actions will be optional and any direct action that involves arrestable situations will also involve non-arrestable support roles. While no one can guarantee how cops will behave in any given situation, every precaution will be taken to ensure that no one will be arrested who does not want to be. The arrest-risk levels of all actions will be discussed with all action participants prior to any action.
• Q: Is this thing for real?  It seems too good to be true.
  A: Heck yes it's for real.   :0)