How the legendary local activist joined the actress in DC

For many, getting arrested is something to avoid. But for local entrepreneur and founder of many things sustainable Judy Wicks, it’s joyful in its own kind of way.

“It’s kind of fun to be around people that care, to rally around a common cause, and it’s very inspiring to work on the climate cause,” according to Wicks.

Wicks joined Jane Fonda on October 25th for her “Fire Drill Fridays” to protest climate change. Fonda was inspired by teenage activist Greta Thunberg’s Fridays Strike for Climate, then read Naomi Klein’s best-selling book On Fire: The (Burning) Case for A Green New Deal. As a result, Fonda moved to Washington for the next four months to draw attention to this dire issue.

Fonda is bringing an all-star celebrity cast on Fridays to get arrested by her side. Ted Danson (and Wicks) joined last week, and Ben and Jerry (I.e. the ice cream guys) are on the list for November 8th.

This wasn’t Wicks’ first rodeo as a jailbird. Wicks was arrested with Bill McKibben during 2011 climate protests in DC.

When she’s not in DC, Wicks is currently spearheading All Together Now PA, a coalition to unite urban and rural communities for a local supply chain to build regional economies that are self-reliant in basic needs. This will also decrease international dependence as climate change disrupts supply chains.

Footage of Jane Fonda getting arrested, Wicks in background.

The movement is growing and people are noticing: last week’s efforts doubled in size to over 30 participants, compared to 15 previously. Wicks commented on the hundreds of people that liked her Facebook posts but also knows more need to get on board to effect change.

“The question is that people will join in this. It needs to be growing, not just a fringe group. If it continues to grow, it will be effective.”

Judy Wicks

6 Tips to Properly Get Arrested (according to Judy Wicks)

According to Wicks, joining in on the protests signals that the movement is growing. Interested in joining Jane during an upcoming arrest adventure? Here are a few of Judy’s tips:

1. Leave your purse at home. You’ll only need the basics you can stick in your pockets: a driver’s license, cash, phone, and reusable water bottle. Once arrested, your possessions will go in a plastic bag until you’re free.
2. Bring $50 in cash. This is the amount you’ll need to get out of jail.
3. Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be standing a lot, then detained.
4. Prepare yourself for a full day of civil disobedience. You didn’t think you can get arrested and just hop on over for an afternoon manicure, did you? After you’re detained, you’ll be in jail for about 4-5 hours. But according to Wicks, it’s fun. “Jane’s there and she talks to everybody and tells stories. You get to know each other.” You won’t get this much close-up time with a celeb, even Philly’s VIP Jason Segel.
5. Capture that Kodak Moment! It’s 2019: If you didn’t ‘gram your arrest, did it even happen?! Pro tip: You can use your phone until you’re detained.
6. Arrive by 11 AM. Fonda organizes speakers based on a weekly theme before the arrests begin.

Cover photos courtesy of Judy Wicks, Facebook.

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher