Because the rules, regulations, and culture vary from boundary to boundary, what if we saw ourselves as 'citizens' of the Mississippi River? United in our belonging and shared responsibility, I believe we could create a future that is healthy and safe for all people, land, water, and wildlife. We may then seek out more opportunities to find common ground, protect the sacred, and, dare I say it...behave as 1 Mississippi.

Looking for a next step? This newsletter features many opportunities to help including a simple, but important pledge to take action by the end of the year! Because, after all, it's people like you that are protecting our mighty Mississippi!

-Michael Anderson, Engagement Manager, Mississippi River Network

One of the tools we offer River Citizens like you is a practical list of 10 actions that help our mighty Mississippi, which was listed as one of the most Endangered Rivers of 2022. Despite the threats facing our River, this list provides solutions to make a difference. With our newest opportunity, you can see the list of 10 actions and join the movement of people pledging to take one action by the end of the year! 

For example, you may pledge to volunteer with a local organization working on River issues, pick up trash on neighborhood walks, or contact your elected officials and speak up for the River. Whether you choose one or more of the suggested actions - or write in your own - signing the pledge is an important way to honor and recognize your commitment.    

And with November elections coming up, now is a great time for River Citizens to commit to taking action by signing the pledge. Imagine our impact if all 20,000 River Citizens sign the pledge and take action! Together, we are making a difference and protecting the River for future generations.

When River Citizens like YOU come together for the River, we have the greatest impact. We are all important (Answer C). Many of you joined our first-ever World Rivers Day Misstrivia Event on September 29th. It was so fun that participants were calling for us to do it again (stay tuned!). Special thanks to Olivia Dorothy from American Rivers for leading the trivia and John Ruskey and Mark River Peoples from Quapaw Canoe Company for the live music.

Our World Rivers Day fundraising campaign was the icing on the cake - we raised over $2,000 for the people, land, water, and wildlife of our River. And there's still time to help us reach our goal of $2,500! Your one-time or monthly donation is a meaningful action you can take and truly make a difference for the River.

The cohort consists of recent graduates, current students, and early career young professionals of color interested in careers in agricultural conservation and committed to reaching underserved farmers.

One of the inaugural cohort, Aaryn Wilson, is a recent Plant Science undergraduate and shares, “[My] vision for the future of agriculture is one that pairs our deep need for climate justice with our complementary need for racial justice.”