We hope your holidays were wonderful and you are getting ready to ring in the New
Year!
These are the minutes from the December 15th National Call for Safe Technology, and here is the recording:https://youtu.be/xYrE2LPl1cc
SPEAKERS / GUESTS
Doug Wood, talked
about Americans for Responsible Technology's first international webinar. The idea, which was intro'd by Julian Gresser, was inspirational and hopeful. They had about 100 people attend and advocates from eight different countries share their experiences and how they would use the International Children's Declaration to raise awareness in their countries, terrific ideas that came out of it, spoke about how to use the declaration for their outreach. there were a lot of practical tips we can replicate!
In addition to the
video, ART posted all of the presentations on the web page with their embedded links so you can learn more about what others around the world are doing to inform decision makers about the risks of screen addiction, commercial exploitation and exposure to RF radiation.
Doug also gave us an update on production of the special ethernet switch they designed for schools and it's use within a classroom in NY!
Sidnee Cox gave us
an update on a tower she is working to stop. Verizon asked to reschedule the meeting regarding a tower outside of Costco - thirty people submitted comments - Sidnee is trying to get the person who submitted the application to withdraw it
Mary Bauer gave a quick update regarding the Smart Meter Committee: They
looked at common law and reviewing the five strategies to fight at state or possibly federal level. Had tabled white paper on "smart" meters but Odette urged the committee to pick it back up.
ACTION ITEMS
Social Media Committee – new committee to launch – need volunteers
FCC seeks comment on use of E-rate funds for Wi-Fi hotspots, wireless internet service – DUE JAN 8, 2024; REPLY COMMENTS DUE JAN 22, 2023 The FCC issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking on Nov. 8, 2023, proposing rules to allow schools and libraries to apply for funding from the FCC’s E-rate program for Wi-Fi hotspots and wireless internet access services that can be used off-premises. The FCC said this proceeding will address the ongoing remote learning needs of today’s students, school 2 staff and library patrons through the E-rate program. The FCC seeks comment on: how to adapt the E-rate program to reflect the virtual nature of today’s modern educational
environment; the applicability of the Children‘s Internet Protection Act requirements and the off-premises use of E-rate-supported hotspots and services. Comments are due 30 days after publication in the Federal Register; replies are due 45 days after publication. https://www.neca.org/docs/default-source/wwpdf/public/fcc2391.pdf
Please see additional action items in the attached agenda.
UPDATES / NEWS
Jenny is stepping down as
Co-chair for the National Call - this December 15th meeting was her last meeting. We have attached a "job description" document of the duties needed in Jenny's absence. If you are interested in Co-chairing and/or any of the duties listed on the document, please respond back to this email. To sign up to Chair the National Call or to take minutes, click here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pRDrtiJoHxCQmwlZiW7AhWIIm0RCza5NbDph0APW-Xo/edit?usp=sharing
Comments were filed in opposition to the increased preemption portion of the FCC net neutrality rules 12-14-23 with
co-signers. FCC net neutrality rules would increase preemption of local governments.
Environmental Health Trust (EHT) has just announced a beautiful new website, https://www.WildlifeandWireless.org. This website features the science on the environmental impacts of cell tower and other wireless proliferation, WildlifeandWireless.org provides the tools you need to raise awareness in your community. This new website is one part of EHT's comprehensive wildlife program to support meaningful policy changes to protect wildlife. Go to WildlifeandWireless.org
Help EHT spread the word. Wildlife and Wireless showcases the published science on the impacts to birds, bees, and trees. EHT provides you with the references so when people ask, "Where is the science?" you can
direct them straight to the published studies.
Federal Bills Update - The committee is making progress. Prior to the holiday, they were meeting with reps and staff on ongoing basis with constituents. It's going to be a bit of an upward path because this is a going to take a lot of repetition in order to help them understand the issue. Please contact your federal reps so you can have a meeting with them
and you don't have to go it alone! Ask Charles and Odette to be a part of your meeting to help.
Lisa Smith - Local school in Tucson that is close to cell tower upgraded to 5G and radiation on that side of the school is at extreme levels. They can't fight the tower, so Safe Tech Tucson is shielding that side of the building. So far they've shielded about 1/3, and they're hoping to finish the shielding in
January. It's reportedly already making a difference for the students.
Floris shared a warning burgeoning epidemic of blindness in her July 14th article - scroll down
www.activistpost.com/tag/floris-freshman
Stephanie Micek shared that It seems only a few private schools have cut out tech that detracts from learning. Elite private schools ban all screens until high school and many Silicon Valley parents do not allow their own children to use smart devices, e.g. Steve Jobs, Bill Gates)
Does anyone know how the Netherlands initiative introduced this year to halt the use of tablets/Chromebooks in classrooms to improve learning outcomes (with exceptions for those with learning disabilities or medical needs) is
going?https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66107027
