Environmental advocates can argue about the wildlife impacted by the Gulf oil spill until they’re blue in the face.

The sad truth is that Big Oil companies never cared about their impact on fish or seabirds, and until doing so becomes profitable, they probably never will.

But the calloused manner in which the U.S. Government has allowed oil and gas companies like BP to trample on the simple lifestyles of fishing families on the Gulf Coast is something many people might not have expected.

On Aug. 25, the Citizen Effect has slated a national day of action to help raise funds for educational programs designed to help fishing families impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf Coast.

Although it might seem hopeless, it’s important to show the fishing families, restaurant owners, hoteliers and charter boat captains that the nation haven’t forgotten them.

Here are some simple ways to show BP, the government and the media that we will won’t forget what’s happening in the Gulf.

1. Attend Or Host Local Events Around the United States

With the help of local chapters of the Social Media Club, members are volunteering to organize New Orleans-themed events with live jazz, blues, or Zydeco music along with speakers who will talk about the environmental consequences in the Gulf. Event hosts are asked to suggest a $10 donation as a cover charge, which will be donated to directly benefit fishing families.

2. Donate Direct To Citizen Effect CitizenGulf

Citizen Effect has created a donation page, with a goal to raise at least $10,000 by Aug. 25. These funds, which will also be donated to Catholic Charities of New Orleans to help fund educational programs and provide hope for the future, will directly touch more than 10,000 lives.

3. Vote For Gulf Coast Solutions On Pepsi Refresh

Currently, the Pepsi Refresh Project is committing an additional $1.3 million toward ideas that specifically benefit the Gulf Coast. These ideas will be open for voting on Aug. 2. Votes will be tallied through Aug. 31. Please vote for the Gulf Coast Benefit.

4. Write A Post Or Tweet About The Event

Another way to help generate awareness for this event or the dozens of local events taking place across the country is to write a post, share a tweet, and tell your friends. Together, we can help fishing families that have lost businesses that have been around for generations find new opportunities through education, good will, and support.

SIGN THE PETITIONS!

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