 |  | By Kate Addleson and Seth HealthChapter Director and Chapter Chair |
This piece was originally published in the Winter 2016-2017 issue of the Old Dominion Sierran, the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter's quarterly newsletter. The full issue can be found here.
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Many Sierra Club leaders including Executive Director Michael Brune have offered words of wisdom since Nov. 8, so we will not attempt to restate what has already been passionately and eloquently expressed, but we do want to offer some thoughts on the way forward in Virginia.
The questions we are getting the most are: “How does this change our work?” And, “what can I do?”
First, we cannot allow a Trump administration and its extreme anti-climate, anti-environment, anti-justice ideology to become normalized. The sexism, xenophobia, and anti-science views demonstrated in his and his subordinates’ words and actions must be called out, and the perpetrators openly shamed and denounced.
Those of us who count ourselves among the privileged and fortunate can use our resources and abilities to do this.
A chant we often use comes to mind “The people, united, can never be defeated.” We must stand together in unity with those who are threatened, and relentlessly challenge new forms of oppression. Each and every one of us is now desperately needed in this fight.
Building common cause will also create new, diverse allies for the fights ahead. And we are going to need them as much as they need us. Share how you see these issues connect in your life, and why they are important to you.
- Keep an eye out for attacks on the most vulnerable among us, and don’t let them go unaddressed.
- Get out. Attend events, meetings, rallies – participate in public conversations and actions anywhere and everywhere you can.
- Speak out. Tell your local, state and federal public officials, your favorite newspapers and blogs how you feel– not only about climate and environmental concerns but also civil rights, human rights, and any other issues that move you. Share how you see these issues connect in your life, and why they are important to you.
Second, it is now more important than ever that those who are informed – about the changing climate and other pressing issues – become ambassadors, teachers and organizers in our communities.
Don’t assume your family, friends, colleagues or neighbors know all they should about these challenges and why they should care. Share with them what you know about the urgent need to address climate change, the value of nature, and protecting the environment.
We need to drastically scale up our communication about the issues that matter most. “Each one, teach one” is an African-American proverb developed during the anti-slavery movement as a method of educating the illiterate.
Later, it was used in the anti-apartheid movement. As Nelson Mandela said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
If we all take responsibility for educating one or more of those around us, not just about the issues but also about the need to get involved, our network will expand exponentially.
As for our climate and environmental campaigns, as Mike Brune stated, “we will need to be at our best.” Fortunately, grassroots organizing is what we do best in the Sierra Club, and it is still the most effective path to victory.
Local and state level action is going to be very important moving forward. We will continue to commit time and resources to local efforts supporting renewable energy programs in localities, schools, local businesses, etc. (and smaller but tangible wins in the General Assembly).
We will have an increased focus on human health impacts, as well as the economic successes and benefits of addressing climate change.
We will expand opportunities to share personal stories of how Virginians are being impacted by climate change today and how they are working to act to reduce the carbon pollution that causes climate change.
Reaching out to allied progressive movements (showing up for them and building relationships over the next four years to assure that we expand our base) will be critical. We must also work to develop a strong relationship with the next governor and hold him accountable to his campaign promises.
Please join in the activities, outings and advocacy by contacting your local organizer or group leaders. There is a place and need for everyone, and engagement provides both encouragement and solidarity.
One date to put on your calendar now is April 29, 2017. On this day, organizations and people from all parts of the country will unite on the streets of Washington, D.C. to demand meaningful climate action.
Together, we will march for carbon and methane reduction, for protection of our air, water and land and the communities we call home. We will be louder and stronger than ever before.
If you want to get further involved, the chapter will be hosting interest meetings for volunteer opportunities in Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia and Richmond in the coming weeks.
While it’s okay to grieve for what might have been, and for the sad turn our country has taken, we must not let that discourage us, or keep us from fighting every day for what is right and what is just.