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Learning from our roots...
For the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) SciTech and Human Rights FutureGen Scholars grant-funded research project, we asked diverse members with ties to the Connecticut community to share their experiences as environmental advocates and activists. We collected the oral histories of current change-makers from diverse communities; diversity ranging from racial, ethnic, gender identity and sexuality, ability, socioeconomic status, and spiritual beliefs. We highlighted how their work, their perspectives, and their experiences have made a difference in their communities and the world. Our hope is that future change-makers find inspiration from these stories and perhaps see environmental advocates and activists who identify like them, or who have had similar experiences as their own to encourage their own journeys. Whether built on joy or resilience, these individuals’ stories demonstrate how in order to achieve an equitable environment, no community must be left behind.
In each interview, we asked respondents a series of questions to help learn more about their oral histories:
Please state your name and your pronouns
Tell me a little about yourself
How do you want to be seen and represented?
How did you get involved with environmental activism?
What does environmentalism mean to you?
How do you connect with your community?
How has your identity contributed to your work in the environmental field?
Can you talk about why this line of work matters to you?
What aspects of your work are most inspiring to you and can you give me an example of an inspiring outcome?
Have you faced many obstacles in your field? And if so, how do you overcome them?
How would we proceed as environmentalists if you could have it your way?
If you were to advise someone younger who comes from a diverse background and wants to get involved in the environmental field, what would you tell them?
We learned key facets from the change-makers in our community:
Community matters;
De-colonizing the environmental movement is essential for social, racial, and environmental justice;
Everyone's role matters in the environmental movement, but especially the historical contributions made by Black, Indigenous, and individuals of color.
Their stories provide insight driven by intersectionality, resilience, community care, radical love, and the fight for everyone to know that nature must be accessible to all.
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