EcoRes Forum

[Administrator]

Discussion Themes
Summary and Closing Comments
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<i>Thank you for being part of this forum! -- The EcoRes Forum Team</i>

[MLeyser]

On this morning’s news I watched breaking headlines linking two local institutions, Johns Hopkins University and Kennedy Krieger Institute, now under investigation concerning experiments in which industrial and human wastes were dumped in backyards in one of the poorest sections of Baltimore, studying whether this might prevent lead poisoning in neighborhood children. Residents, low income African-Americans, were assured that this was safe and were unaware of possible health effects. In exchange, they were given food coupons.

As we open this final wrap-up thread, it is my hope that we can conclude this discussion on a positive note. In the face of such atrocities, however, it is hard to find a positive voice. Yet we see that progress is, s l o w l y, underway, cooperations are being developed, studies undertaken, activities funded, change being made. Each effort will build on the foundation of those before, and smooth the way for each thereafter.

Over the past two weeks we’ve looked at examples of environmental and climate in/justice, examining definitions, causes, and some of the tough challenges that those working on behalf of E/CJ encounter. In the few hours remaining, as we try to pull together everything we’ve learned, I’d like to think about the way ahead. We’ve identified many obstacles, but also we’ve seen definite signs for hope. The very fact that we could even have this discussion is a good sign. As we hear these topics raised by others, I find strength in the conviction that these issues can and will no longer be swept under our societal rug.

This gives me hope. The US elections around the corner give me hope. Your participation gives me hope. As Paul Loeb put it, “The impossible will take a little while.” But it can be done – if we will do it together.

In these final minutes and hours, I’d like to hear your perspectives on the overall topic and where we are now headed. What do you see as the future for E/CJ, as concepts, as fields of activity? For researchers, for field workers? How do you see your own role affected, and what steps do you plan to take to incorporate these ideas in your world?
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Mary Leyser, EcoRes Forum (www.eco-res.org)

[W Lee]

Hey Mary and everyone,

First, I want to pause for a moment to thank Mary loudly and publicly for the enormous amount of work and devotion she has put into EcoRes....she is the heart and conscience of this important venture, and I want her to know what a valuable asset she is to the ongoing effort to bring more positive, thoughful and engaged attention to the issues that--precisely because they're environmental--meaning that they belong to us ALL--matter so inestimably to the future of our children and our planet.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU MARY LEYSER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Second, though surely I am just reiterating the obvious, I think among the most valuable work we can do is to seek coalitions with other progressive movements--feminist, anti-racist, animal welfare, peace, social justice, human rights, indigenous peoples, etc., because while we cannot always expect to agree, we all have the most vital thing in common, namely, the desire that there should be a future where we can continue to hash out our differences through reason. We need this reason now more than ever, and I, for one, can only hope that in our elections, our activisms, our writing, our teaching, and in our humane comport towards others, especially those most vulnerable, we will appeal to this capacity for reflection and humility--and in the process find ourselves flourishing among these others.

Peace, justice, and compassion...

Wendy

[MLeyser]

In our few remaining moments, on behalf of the team I'd like to thank everyone who took part in our discussion: our participants, session leaders and panelists. <b>Your willingness to engage actively made this e-conf a true dialogue.</b>

A <b>special thanks to Wendy Lynne Lee</b> for co-facilitating the discussion and for being a constant source of energy and encouragement (along with awed respect on the marathon). Couldn't have done it without you, Wendy!

A quick reminder, we do have an <b>online anonymous survey</b> for participants and panelists. Your feedback on how we can improve the virtual Forum experience is greatly appreciated. The survey will be open through the end of April at http://www.eco-res.org/survey.html.

At the close of any project or activity, it's always tempting to question, to search for signs, not only about what was accomplished, but about what might be accomplished in the future by the efforts put forth. It's tempting to search for a novel tactic that will right all wrongs and fix all issues and overcome all email filters at the same time. Is there something we've overlooked, some sure-fire technique?

Part of me longs for such a miraculous find. And yet, the rest of me recognizes that, short of an actual miracle, this isn't going to happen. We will make change, we will make a difference - perhaps not at the levels we had envisioned, or in the ways originally anticipated, or with a sudden, giant progressive leap. But we will make change - quietly, calmly, one connection, one person at a time. Might this not be the best way to bring about long-lasting, deep-seated change?

<b>Thank you, each of you, for taking part in the Forum.</b> I hope to see you back with us again, and I hope we can each bring news of justice achieved.

Until then, my search for understanding will continue.

Yours in the work of climate justice,

Mary Leyser