We ofter hear that action is the best remedy for climate despair. But when we talk about taking climate action, it’s challenging to know WHAT the most important thing is someone can do (ie Should I run for office? Or give up my car or go vegan? Or attend every climate march? What will have the biggest impact?)
It turns out there is no single answer. A better approach is to start wherever you already are: that could be finance, art, sports, travel, fashion, education or working with little kids… all of those can be made more climate friendly.
Ayana Elizabeth Johnson recently put together a Venn Diagram to help college students grappling with how they can be most useful. Please follow the instructions below, and after sketching your Venn Diagram, take a photo and upload it here for Participation Points. (If you need additional examples
https://generation180.org/where-do-i-start/
INSTRUCTIONS:
Draw 3 intersecting circles, and in the first write out what are you GOOD at:
1) What are you good at? ✨. That part is important b/c it ensures that you engage in ways where YOU’re going to be most EFFECTIVE. Tapping into skills that YOU have rather than something generic. So maybe that’s writing, the arts, social media or networking
2) What is the work that needs doing? ?
Are you concerned about one of the Rivers in our area?
Reducing Food Waste?
Getting more bike lines in your town?
Planting more trees in inner city neighborhoods?
3) What brings you joy? ?
Working with kids?
Music and podcasts?
Sports?
Don’t leave out joy! ?? This is the work of our lifetimes, and it shouldn’t feel like an endless slog. We’ve mentioned PLEASURE ACTIVISM several times, that’s important.
Example:
I want to reemphasize this does not have to be about changing your job (it could be showing up differently in your current role, shifting your volunteer work, or just generally adjusting how you show up).
I hope this activity helps us remember that we don’t have to (and SHOULDN’T) all do the same thing. There is no single prescription. In fact, that diversity keeps the movement healthy and resilient!
“Each one of us must choose the path that is ours. The sum total of this is legions of people taking action in their unique ways, and supporting one another.”
– Dahr Jamail and Barbara Cecil
“Ecosystems thrive on diversity and symbiosis; so does the movement to preserve them”
– Sarah Jaquette Ray
