* = please register for more information
Do I have to show up for the trainings starting on July 25th? If I don’t come, can I still come to the action?
We highly encourage people to come to the trainings beginning on the 25th. Organizing an action like this is a huge undertaking and the more trainings participants have the better we can ensure that this act will be performed in a way that is well-coordinated, peaceful, dignified, and effective.
However, we also recognize that some participants have other commitments that will limit the amount of time they are able to spend at this action. The date of the walk-on is Saturday, July 28th. Let us know as soon as possible if you can’t make it to our base camp but the night of July 27th. If you can only come on the day of, we still welcome you, but we’ll have to overcome some logistical hurtles.
Why haven’t you announced the location of the walk-on?
We recognize that not knowing the location of the walk-on may be disappointing or uncomfortable for participants, but keeping some details of our action low-profile will help to make it logistically possible.*
Will I need to be arrestable to participate in this action?
No. There will be plenty of off-site support roles that are essential to the success of this action that non-arrestable people can volunteer for. That said, we hope that as many people as possible will choose to walk onto the actual minesite, the more people we have the less risk we all have. We will do our best to make an opportunity for those who don’t want to be arrested to participate in the walk-on at a lower risk.*
If I am arrested, how long will it be until I am out of jail?
This is not a question that we can give a definite answer to, only an educated guess based on years of experience with direct action and the WV legal system. Those arrested may be released without going to jail, may be released after a few hours, or may be held in jail for days if bail is set for them but not paid. If bail is set, our jail support team will work with people to bail them out. If possible, think about making some money available for bail or thinking about others who might be able to front money for your bail. We have a legal fund with some money available to us, and we will fundraise more. Those who have the most pressing need to get out of jail quickly will have a priority for use of these funds. We will be working very hard to get everyone who wants to get out of jail released as soon as possible. If you choose to stay in jail for any length of time, we will support you there!*
What kind of legal support will you have?
We will provide legal counsel and trainings before the action and keep tabs on anyone who is arrested. We will do our best to pay visits, order commissary, coordinate letters, raise bail funds and so on for anyone who has a prolonged jail stay and is interested these things.*
What should I pack for the action camp? For the day of the walk-on?
Plan for outdoor camping during the action camp. When you register you will see a list of what to bring with you. For those who can only make the day of the walk on, make sure to bring weather-appropriate dress, clothes that you can hike in, lots of water, and your ID.
I am not very physically able, will I still be able to participate in the walk-on?
We are doing our best to make this action accessible to everyone that we can. The march onto the minesite will not require extra special abilities or be especially arduous, but getting onto a mountaintop removal site is also not a cake walk. If you have doubts about your ability to participate in the actual walk-on, email [email protected] and we’ll talk with you about your options and what will be possible for you.
How do I get there?
Once you have registered, you will receive a registration packet with directions to the camp. You must register in order to get the exact location of the basecamp. Check the location page of the website for a general area.
I’m unable to sleep in a tent and would much prefer a hotel. Are there hotels nearby?
We’ve compiled a list of hotels and cabins nearby. We won’t be able to provide that information, however, until you register. On the registration form, please specify that you would like to be in a hotel and we will be able to provide you with more information.
What is the parking situation?
We have parking on-site. Please follow signs and/or directions of volunteers and be respectful of our hosts’ land.
What about my animal friend?
We ask that folks do not bring their animal friends with them when they travel down to Southern West Virginia. However we also don’t want that to inhibit you from coming and joining us. So if you need to bring your pet with you, please contact [email protected] Additionally, our base camp hosts have a lot of different kinds of animals on their land. It is incredibly important that we respect our hosts, the farm, and these animals.
