2024 has been a transformative year for me at The Green House Connection Center (GHCC), and nothing underscores this more than hosting the legendary actor and activist Jane Fonda—not once, but twice. These visits were monumental, not just for our organization but for the environmental justice movement in Colorado.
The First Visit: A Catalyst for Change
At the start of 2024, I stepped into my role as GHCC’s Youth Organizer and Digital Specialist. My first task was both exhilarating and daunting: create a mini-documentary showcasing GHCC’s work to send to Jane Fonda’s team. With only two days to deliver, I dove in, and six hours later, I emerged with what I can only describe as a cinematic masterpiece (at least with the resources I had available to me). This short film, brimming with the passion and stories of our community, brought me to tears, and I could only hope it would resonate with Jane as deeply.
It did. Within hours of sending it, her team responded with a resounding yes—Jane Fonda would visit GHCC during her upcoming trip to Colorado.
The day of her visit was unforgettable. We hosted a powerful gathering featuring voices from environmental lawyers, Indigenous elders, community representatives, and frontline residents. Each speaker shared stories of resilience and the devastating impacts of poor air quality caused by surrounding industries. We capped the event by taking Jane on a bus tour of frontline neighborhoods, where homes stand perilously close to the Suncor oil refinery. Seeing these realities firsthand moved her deeply.
Later that evening, Harmony (GHCC’s founder) and I were invited to Jane’s Climate PAC fundraiser. To my surprise, I found myself seated next to Jane, discussing not only the day’s events but also the critical role of youth in climate advocacy. She encouraged me to address the audience about my work on methane and the importance of amplifying youth perspectives in climate spaces. That moment—standing alongside Jane Fonda, speaking to a room full of changemakers—remains one of the most surreal and empowering experiences of my life.
Denver 7 News: Jane Fonda’s climate activism brings her to Denver’s most polluted neighborhood
Denver Post: Jane Fonda ledges to join fight for cleaner air in north Denver, Commerce City
Denverite: Jane Fonda visited Elyria-Swansea to talk pollution and politics
The Second Visit: A Celebration of Hope and Action
Jane returned to GHCC months later for a community update on environmental justice. This time, the event began with a heartfelt water blessing and an honoring of Indigenous practices, grounding us all in the sacredness of our mission.
The day was a whirlwind of powerful voices:
- Cultivando shared their victories in challenging the Magellan Terminal expansion in north Denver and Commerce City.
- Save the Aurora Reservoir (STAR) representatives spoke passionately about their fight against the approval of 165 new gas wells threatening their community.
- Dr. Beth provided critical updates on the health impacts of pollution, while EarthJustice detailed ongoing efforts to hold Suncor accountable.
- GHCC highlighted our work to elevate community voices in rulemakings around air toxics and oil and gas produced water.
Denver County Clerk Paul Lopez reminded everyone of the vital link between environmental justice and civic participation, while I had the honor of sharing a poem to close the formal proceedings.
As Jane departed for the airport, we sent her off with a whimsical celebration of Spanish guitar music, dance, skateboarders, and heartfelt community-made signs. Jane reminded us all that hope lives in action—a message that resonated deeply as we continued the day with food, conversation, and healing activities like accudetox and music from the captivating Eutimia Montoya.
A Growing Partnership
Jane Fonda’s visits to GHCC have not only elevated our work but have also deepened our resolve to keep fighting for environmental justice. Her presence reinforced the power of community-driven action and the importance of telling our stories to inspire change.
We are immensely grateful to Jane and her Climate PAC for their continued support. These visits remind us that hope is alive—and it thrives in every action we take. Together, we are building a better world, one connection at a time. Find more from the day below:
Press Hit: Read the full El Samanrio news article HERE or watch HERE
Press Hit: Read the full Colorado Sun article HERE
Press Hit: Read the full CBS News 4 article HERE