Williams CJF Team Day 1

This is Jen here and I am super excited to start off this blog. My first day of solidarity fasting this Friday began at 5:45 when I got up to cook for Log Lunch, Williams College's environmental lunch held every Friday. Cooking for the Log was different this week because I wasn't tasting everything along the way; I am usually a shameless cookie-dough pilferer.

I returned to the Log at noon to make an announcement about the Williams rolling fast. I must say that I was very tempted by the rolls and pecan cookies. But the kick I got from turning them down was better than the momentary pleasure of eating; I realized that I had a will that was strong enough to resist food.

This revelation helped me understand the true power of fasting. By demonstrating the power of the human will, the long-term fasters are showing humanity it's true strength. Fasting refutes the idea that we somehow too weak to overcome our individual greed, to make our societies just, or to live sustainably. The long-term fasters have inspired me to dream of and work toward of a world that before I had been afraid to voice for fear of sounding naive. Now I can say that my vision is shared by a strong and amazing community of people who will do all in their power to realize a just world.

Later in the day, I received 3 more e-mails from students who heard my announcement at the Log and wanted to join the fast. I can't express how encouraged it made me feel that there are now 45 students just in my own college who are willing to publicly show and act upon their commitment for climate justice. I could not have imagined a better kick-off.