I recently read an article written by Joycelyn Longdon that really spoke to me, and I'd highly recommend it: Why you don't need to be an 'activist' to make an impact in the climate movement.
I think that the author speaks to a feeling that many of us have experienced - that there is one correct way to be the perfect environmentalist, one way to create change towards a more sustainable world. But this simply isn't true.
"I began worrying that there was a ‘correct’ way of taking action against climate by being the loudest (and most knowledgeable) in the room, policing others and by attending every march, protest or rally. I thought I had to shed my interests, hobbies or sources of joy in case they sit in direct contradiction of what it seems to mean to be a ‘climate activist'...In these instances, the expectation of perfection can hinder the possibility of any action."
I also see this feeling arise in those who care about these issues, but who aren't yet actively involved in this movement. It's the belief that environmentalists look/act one way, and if that's different from who I am, then I must not be an environmentalist. While we work to transform the systems driving the climate and biodiversity crises, we can also welcome people in and show them that they have a place in the movement as the unique person they are. As Jocelyn claims:
"In order to make long-term, meaningful change, I believe the climate movement must focus on transformative collective action that celebrates people’s varied interests, capabilities, relationships, commitments and strengths. This work doesn’t need clones, it needs impassioned people to discover and step into their roles within the movement."
I love this—thanks so much, Brooke!