We believe that to address the climate crisis adequately, we must address its root causes. One of those root causes is power being concentrated in the hands of a few at the expense of our people and planet, which has led to many intersecting injustices. We must respect and act in solidarity with those who have been historically excluded from that power, both locally and globally, and work for solutions that hold the powerful accountable and that address energy consumption and impacts globally.

The climate crisis impacts all of us, but it disproportionately impacts those who have been excluded from decision-making tables, particularly BIPOC, frontline, and poorer communities. We must work to address how privilege and oppression show up in our organization as well as in the wider world. We believe that learning from and working with partners from the communities most impacted by the climate crisis, and making the connections between the climate crisis and interconnected injustices explicit, is essential for transforming what is politically possible.

We believe that the people can be trusted to know what we need to live with dignity, and together we can create a future with just, thriving communities. We are committed to working with people in Vermont to build and use our collective power, reducing barriers to taking action, and holding decision-makers accountable to the people.

We can address the climate crisis most effectively if we are building authentic relationships with each other, taking care of our neighbors, finding joy in our work, making decisions together, staying hopeful, and supporting one another’s growth. It is through community that we can find a shared purpose, collectively guide our movement, and identify the resources we have to create the world we aspire to. It is through community that we can transform Vermont.

Addressing the climate crisis depends on our ability to deepen our awareness of the interdependent relationships among all life, and take action rooted in that awareness. We believe that living with, learning from, and working for a vibrant, diverse ecosystem is essential to building a future in which all life can thrive.