Both the talk by Catherine Flowers as well as Annie Leonard’s piece in Tools for Grassroots Activists: Best Practices for Success in the Environmental Movement, share a common theme in that activism is hard work and requires a lot of dedication and putting one’s mind and soul into the effort.
Activism does not necessarily need to stem from a large group but rather from a small group of dedicated individuals, who are willing to go 100% for the cause. This is shown through the 350 movement in which Bill Mckibbin and a group of high schoolers decided to take on the problem of climate change by calling for a decrease of CO2 in the atmosphere from 400ppm to 350 ppm. Despite the impracticality of this task, they were able to make a difference and make a statement that drove world leaders to action.
Likewise, Catherine Flowers was able to take a stance on the issue of rural policy and environmental justice and health in her hometown and make a change by gathering samples, collecting resources, and doing her own research. She fought for not only the impoverished community in her home town of Alabama but also all of the impoverished communities across the United States.
Both of these acts of activism despite being so different in nature and implementation greatly speak to my heart. Activism is not easy, yet it is necessary for change. It is always easier to continue with what has already been implemented as opposed to starting something new and taking a stand against the wrong in the world. However if we want to be able to stand tall when we die and be able to look our children in the eye with confidence, the motto by which we should live is: How can this action impact 7 generations to come. If the answer is positive, then by all means go for it!
