| Welcome, How do you connect to water, friend? Bathtime has become a special moment in my household. It starts when dinner finishes and our family of four piles into our close-quarters South Minneapolis bathroom. Remnants of the day (and dinner) fly off as our two young kids settle into the bath. Usually, chaotic play ensues with splashing, laughing, and letting go. The water spills and sloshes all over while new memories form. At the center of it all is that sweet, sweet water. I sit back and watch, a silent witness to my kids’ evolving relationships with water. As bathtime comes to an end, we begin our small but meaningful ritual. We pull the drain plug, and the water begins swirling down; we pause. What started with the adults is now led by our oldest. Her bright, 2.5-year-old voice pipes up while her younger brother watches, “Thank you, water. We love you, water”. In those treasured moments, we reconnect, give thanks, and express love - all backdropped by our precious water. |
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| I should mention this important point: Our family is amongst the 20 million people whose water source is our cherished Mississippi River. Having clean, fresh water running through our tap is one key reason why I choose to take action to protect the Mississippi River. I'd love to hear why (and how) you connect with water and care for our River! Please send me your reply at manderson@1mississippi.org. -Michael Anderson, Director of Outreach and Education, Mississippi River Network |
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| River Days of Action: Signup Now for June 1 - 15 Events! |
| The Mississippi River Network's River Days of Action is one of our most exciting opportunities to connect with the River and includes events and activities taking place throughout the River Basin and even online! This is the fourth year for River Days of Action, as we have many opportunities for you to join us - wherever you live. Get involved with River-focused volunteer opportunities, community events, engaging webinars, and actions you can take to make a difference! Events are continuously being added, and now is a great time to sign up for the different offerings and add them to your calendar. We've spotlighted a handful of events below, but find all the events on the River Days events calendar and interactive map here. |
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| It's Almost Here: Mississippi River Paddle Weekend June 7 - 9! |
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| Paddling the River is a great way to connect with and learn more about our mighty Mississippi! The Mississippi River Paddle Weekend, June 7 - 9 in Minnesota, is one of the premier paddling events on the River. All are invited to kayak, standup paddleboard, or canoe - it's up to you! The tours and races range from five to 150 miles and are for everyone, from beginners to experienced paddlers. Use the promo code "DISCOUNT" by May 21st for a reduced registration rate. Find more info and register at twopaddles.com Not a paddler? Join us at the Community Celebration (free) and meet several Mississippi River Network member organizations that are working for the people, land, water, and wildlife of the River! |
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| | Are you interested in leveraging your policy experience on behalf of the River, or do you know someone who might be? The Mississippi River Network (MRN) is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as Policy Manager. The candidate will work collaboratively among the small MRN staff team and 71 member organizations on federal, state, and local policy priorities related to the health of the Mississippi River. You can find more about who we are, what you'll do, desired qualifications, and how to apply for the MRN Policy Manager position here. |
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| Get Our Free E-book and Invite Your Friends and Family to Get One Too! |
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| You may have noticed we’re offering our “Scenes From Our Mighty Mississippi” e-book to new River Citizens. The book, valued at $20, features over 24 inspiring photographs of the Mississippi River from photographer, American Cruise Lines Resident Entertainer, and River champion, Steven Marking. |
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| As a current River Citizen, you can get the e-book at no cost by answering one simple question, “Why is the River important to you?” on this form. |
| | Your friends and family can get the e-book when they sign up as a River Citizen on this form. It is free to join - and they will receive email newsletters and updates from 1 Mississippi! |
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| More River Opportunities! |
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|  | Action Alert
Dump the Pumps; Protect Sunflower and Yazoo Rivers, Wetlands From Mississippi River Network member American Rivers: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and EPA should say no to the incredibly destructive pumps and instead prioritize immediate, effective flood relief using nature-based and non-structural solutions to help local communities while conserving vital wetlands that provide natural flood protection and climate resilience. |
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 | Recording Available:
Soloing the Mississippi
June 1 - 15, 2024 Soloing the Mississippi brought together hundreds of people in-person and online to hear the stories of four Mississippi River 'source-to-sea' paddlers' epic adventures. The recording of the engaging panel discussion featuring Michael Anderson, Devin Brown, Cory Maria Dack, and Eddy Harris is now available on 1 Mississippi's YouTube channel. |
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 | Can the River Count on You? Thanks for being part of our River Citizen community. Whether in armchairs or wading boots, River Citizens are people like you who care about the River and take action to protect it. We hope this newsletter gives you many ideas on how to jump in and make a difference. Donating is another simple way you can take action to protect the people, land, water, and wildlife of the Mississippi River. |
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| | 1 Mississippi is the national public program of the Mississippi River Network. Since 2009, 1 Mississippi has built a community of 20,000 River Citizens and inspired thousands of actions. From armchairs to wading boots, River Citizens protect the River by speaking up on its behalf and caring for it in simple ways that make a difference. |
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