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Fracking Opponents Learn Activism Techniques At Local Action Camp
< < Back toAbout 40 anti-fracking activists from around the region gathered in Athens County this weekend at an action camp hosted by Appalachia Resist.
The anti-fracking camp kicked off Friday in Athens with a panel-discussion about hydraulic fracturing, and continued Saturday and Sunday in Amesville with two full-days of activism workshops.
Nate Ebert, a spokesperson for Appalachian Resist, said the aim of the program was to provide training and education to anti-fracking activists.
"The workshops cover everything from media relations, educating themselves on the nature of fracking and injection wells to civil disobedience and direct action, blockading injection wells, covering the legal aspect and legal support roles. So basically we're trying to give an encompassing training," said Ebert.
Workshop attendees included farmers, educators and even some activists from out of state.
Charles Suggs came to the camp from West Virginia, where he has protested strip mining. He said he attended the Ohio camp to show his support for stopping environmental damage.
"It's something that has to change, and it's going to take people working together across the country to do it," he said.
This weekend's training gave activists the tools to continue their fight for the environment.
"I'd absolutely say this was a success and I think that we're going to continue to do training, workshops and actions, until we no longer see injection wells and fracking," said Elbert.
Appalachia Resist didn't waste time putting their new knowledge, skills and motivation to the test. Less than 24 hours after the camp ended, the group protested outside an Athens County injection well.