“We need to invest in raising greater awareness in society… Only then will we have broader understanding about the environment, with people understanding that it is a shared responsibility, not just of governments, environmentalists, or Indigenous people, but our collective responsibility.”
Sonia Guajajara, Indigenous Leader, APIB, Brazil
WHY
Movement building must be a core strategy. To build a more sustainable and equitable future, we must cooperate with, contribute to, and learn from one another. This means when we call for protecting forests, we must call for protecting human health, for racial and social justice, and for equitable development. If we unite around shared values, our solidarity can more powerfully elevate all of our causes.
Our narratives must shift to reflect the interconnectedness of our efforts. Engaging with diverse movements and collaborating with Indigenous, inter-faith, and youth movements as well as with historically marginalized communities is necessary for racial and climate justice and equity. Communities on the frontlines of activism telling their stories supported by strong communications networks elevates issues and increases support.
We must harness the power of communications to help motivate collective action.
HOW FUNDERS CAN SUPPORT
- Invest in organizations’ and movements’ communications priorities and capacities.
- Contribute to a healthy media ecosystem staffed by journalists with the expertise and resources needed to undertake in-depth reporting and investigations.
- Ensure organizations and movement leaders have resources to both organize and advance their priorities and to respond to dis/misinformation, online trolling, and attacks.
- Support new voices and organizations beyond those typically focused on sustainability and listen to, amplify, and support those advocating for social, racial, and gender justice and equity.
Related Resources
Climate & Forests 2030 Papers
