Support Daniel, 1 of the 4 Necessity Valve Turners

Many of us were recently inspired by the actions of the "Four Necessity Valve Turners ," who are now facing 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for their courageous actions in shutting down the Enbridge Energy oil pipelines.

I have the privilege of being in community with one of them, Daniel Yildirim. I was on a video conference call with him and a few other people tonight, where he shared some updates about where he is at after this action.

One of the updates that he shared is the financial hardship that him, his partner and their children are currently facing. He has been so focused on this important action that it has had an impact on his personal finances. With his permission, I am starting this fundraiser to support him and his family.

This action, which he and his three colleagues took, could lead to a long prison sentence. They did this openly, nonviolently and with complete transparency. They took this risk because they understand the severity of the climate crisis we are facing. They have refused to plead down to a lessor charge, as they are concerned that the energy company just wants this story to go away. 

This opportunity to support Daniel and his family feels like a gift to me. As someone who is currently sitting comfortably in my own home, this is an opportunity to directly contribute to supporting someone who has taken great risk for all of us, and for future generations.

We need to let the world know that when people take great risks to stand for justice, that the community will step up to support them. Please give as generously as you can.

You can read more about their action on their own website, their youtube channel, or coverage on places like the NYTimes, Salon , Unicorn Riot  and much more. 

A few notes on financial transparency:

1 - This fundraiser is coming to me, Kazu Haga, and I will be mailing Daniel a check for the funds that we receive from this. I know that people who know me will trust me with these funds, but I felt it important to name.

2 - Due to the nature of their current situation, I have personally sent them an "advance" of $500. I have full faith that we can raise that and much more. That's the only money that I will keep for myself from this fundraiser. Other than reimbursing myself, 100% of the funds will go to Daniel and his family.

3 - This is not to support their legal expenses. There is a separate fund being organized for this (which you can donate to HERE ). This is strictly to support living expenses for Daniel and his family, who live a very simple life.