DONOR SPOTLIGHT
Janet Shapiro Honors Her Husband, Alan Messer, by Fostering the Next Generation of Planet Protectors Food & Water Watch’s internship program is made possible by the generosity of Janet Shapiro in memory of her husband, Alan Messer. Alan was a fierce and committed activist and a valued member of our New York team for over a decade. His smile and sense of humor are deeply missed and warmly remembered. Livable Future NOW is honored to share our recent conversation with Janet. Please introduce yourself to our readers. My name is Janet Shapiro. I'm a critical care physician in New York City. You and your late husband, Alan Messer, are the reason Food & Water Watch has been able to recruit and train young activists for our internships, which were featured on our cover story. What motivated you to sponsor this program? Alan was a brilliant artist and illustrator who celebrated the beauty of nature in his work. He believed so deeply in the cause of environmen- tal protection and fairness. He joined protests as long as he was able. He always wanted young people to be educated and active in environ- mental causes, so I see this internship as a way to honor Alan and his values. Many people in our community remember Alan as an incredibly dedicated activist. What do you think he would say to young people who are interested in getting involved? He would be thrilled to say something — he loved to talk! And especially to speak about climate change, including the dangers
Janet and Alan enjoyed their trips to Aruba, one of their favorite places. Alan especially loved birding.
In this era in our country, we need Food & Water Watch more than ever. — Janet Shapiro
of fracking. He would tell young people to get involved with a community of devoted people, such as the leaders and activists at Food & Water Watch, where they can learn and make a difference in the world. Alan would tell them to do what he felt he had to do — get out into the fight of our lives. How do issues Food & Water Watch / Food & Water Action work on impact where you live and the world around you? Although I always believed in the work of environmentalists, it was Alan’s passion that inspired me to recognize this cause as funda- mental for our time. I’m grateful for the work and persistence of Food & Water Watch. This organization is significantly responsible for banning fracking in my state of New York. What gives you hope for the future? I have hope for the future because of the commitment of Food & Water Watch — an outstanding organization — and the remarkable people who work each day to protect us. In this era in our country, we need Food & Water Watch more than ever.
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