[greenyes] Interesting Response to Death of Environmentalism

["Peter Anderson" <anderson@no.address>]

About 3 or 4 months ago, someone (was it you Toni) posted a URL to the 
recent debunkfest, "Death of Environmentalism," which I hope everyone's had 
a chance to read ( www.grist.org/news/maindish/2005/01/13/doe-reprint/).

Much can be said in response...and who hasn't, but one that is terribly well 
written is from this issue of CCEHJ's Everybody's Backyard -- 


CITIZENS CLEARINGHOUSE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND JUSTICE
EVERYBODY'S BACKYARD - Spring 2005
"How Change Happens"
Many people are talking about Death of Environmentalism, What's the Matter 
With Kansas?, and how we might build a progressive movement for change.
CHEJ's Board and staff are also reflecting on these publications and the 
present political climate and asking, "How does change happen?" and "Does 
CHEJ's work add value toward achieving systemic change?"
CHEJ has dedicated itself to broadening the base and strengthening the 
skills of grassroots organizations. In reflecting on this experience, we've 
concluded that change happens by organizing - one family at a time, one 
church at a time, one school at a time, and one neighborhood at a time. 
Change will not result from powerful full-page ads, or by using just the 
right words in your message, or by getting the right people elected.
Lasting change comes from civic engagement. It's achieved by building power 
where people are, listening to their concerns, linking leaders to issues 
that matter to them, and by moving organizations from their local fights to 
a larger, strategic vision of long-term systemic change. This includes 
raising popular consciousness about fundamental problems in the current 
system, providing a positive, unifying vision, and building a sense of 
empowerment.
The issues in our network are varied, as is class, race and geographic 
representation. What we share in common is the desire for achieving justice, 
preventing harm to human health, the economy, and the environment, and 
preserving the American promise for our children.
We have developed models for winning at the local and state levels that fit 
into this larger strategy to impact a broader agenda and goal. Leaders in 
our network have demonstrated how to accomplish things that are out of reach 
of groups taking only a policy or regulatory approach to change. The article 
on dioxin in this issue is a prime example of this.
Change happens by working to build our strengths, increase our reach, 
connect leaders around common values, and teach everyday Americans the 
skills they need to succeed.
_________________________
Peter Anderson, President
RECYCLEWORLDS CONSULTING
4513 Vernon Blvd. Suite 15
Madison, WI 53705-4964
Ph: (608) 231-1100
Fax: (608) 233-0011
Cell: (608) 698-1314
eMail: anderson@no.address
web: www.recycleworlds.net

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