FAQ

This FAQ is a work in progress. If you have a question not answered below, please email .

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 the Southern Energy Network, Student Environmental Action Coalition, Energy Justice Network, and 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 Mattie <matt [at] energyjustice [dot] net> 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: What is the sleeping situation?
A: A maximum of 72 indoor sleeping spaces are available, at an additional cost. Presenters and speakers interested in indoor accomodations should contact info@mjsb.org.

Q: What will the weather be like?
A: March can be a cold time of year in Appalachia - we can expect highs in the upper 50s, lows dipping into the 30s at night, and some rain over the course of the week. Check the seasonal weather averages for more info. Indoor sleeping is available (at additional cost) for those who request it in advance.

Q: Do I need a vehicle?
A: You will need a vehicle (carpool!) to get to camp, but once on site you're all set.

Q: Is there public transportation?
A: With prior notification, we can arrange to shuttle people from the nearest available public transportation to the camp.

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, camera, 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. If you bring your dog, it must be leashed and watched closely.

Q: What is the schedule / what will be doing each day?
A: The schedule is a work in progress at the moment, and 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 namdolphin [at] gmail [dot] com.

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(s) during the break.

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 Campus Coordinator Toolkit. Indoor sleeping space is available, but at extra cost.

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 Campus Coordinator Toolkit.

Q: What is the food situation? Can you accommodate special dietary needs (vegetarian, allergies, etc.)?
A: We provide all food for the week. 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, please be sure to include any info on your registration.

Q: Are the sites ADA accessible?
A: MJSB events 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 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)