Power and privilege play out in our group dynamics and we must continually struggle with how we challenge power and privilege in our practice. – Los Angeles Direct Action Network
So this week I have spent my time around many Climate Advocates, and when I say climate advocates I mean those who are fighting for climate and enviromental justice, clean energy, green jobs as well as those who believe and fight for enviornmental conservationsim. Now that I have cleared that up, I want to address the issues that exist within organizaitons that work with communities of color, and how the role of all white or non-people of color, can play an oppressive role in environments where there is not as much diversity. In reality, it is ok for organizations to work with communities of color to help communities WIN victories, around climate change, environmental justice issues, and the recruiting of green jobs into an area. What makes it hard is that if organizations are not cognizant of the cultural and social barrier within the community, it is very hard to create plans that will fit into the culture of the area as well as work on the most affective way to work in communites like Harlem New york, Baltimore, Washington D.C. and other places with large communities of color where people are not only disenfranchised. However are targeted for dirty jobs and industry which will not only adversly impact the communities but their physical health as well. So I challenge large Enviromental organizations to really look at their anti-oppression campgains, plans proposals as well as actions; to make sure that they look at every campgain with a lense of anti-oppression that looks at every limiting and socal factor for the community that they are working in. This will not only alleuvate oppressive behavior in the organizations that want to help, but will also help the ogranizations win some amazing victories in communities of color. this was best Stated by the Los angeles Direct Action Network
“We can only identify how power and privilege play out when we are conscious and committed to understanding how racism, sexism, homophobia, and all other forms of oppression affect each one of us.” Please think about this? and I’ll leave you with this Qoute!
