In the midst of so much ecological turmoil, Pope Francis calls us to expand our efforts with both local advocacy initiatives and larger political groups, sharing each other’s thoughts, goals and dreams on how we can empower each other to protect our common home.
“Social problems must be addressed by community networks … The ecological conversion needed to bring about lasting change is also a community conversion.” – Laudato Si, 219.
When looking for ways to embrace this call to action, It’s natural to feel overwhelmed. How could my actions possibly matter in the grand scheme of these ecological issues we face? What could I possibly do to make a difference when so much disaster is happening all at once? Do I engage politically? How can I make a difference in a way that feels like ‘it’s working’?
Perhaps if we take a step back from the swirl, and think a little closer to home, there are more opportunities in our communities that we realize. You might start by celebrating your own neighborhood and/or local community, its strengths, potential and the people who live there. Learn about the needs of your neighbors, and perhaps start by listening with an open heart.
Sister Dorothy, OSB, with the Benedictine Sisters of Erie offers a compelling frame of mind:
“If I hear from individuals how changing weather patterns are impacting their lives, what seems to me to be only a slight increase in temperature may become more urgent to address. Seek out the stories of farmers, wine makers, the elderly, fishers, islanders, polar bears. If I listen to the stories of the poor or people with disabilities who depend on public transportation to travel I may broaden my attention on energy efficient automobiles to also include an accessible and dependable public transportation system. If I listen for and really hear the concerns of mothers for their asthmatic children who are growing up in areas of industrial pollution, I may better understand why citizens want local companies to change their ways. I may even join their public efforts to bring about this change.. It is here that we can impact local political power and decision-making. It is in these encounters that creativity is nurtured and imaginative solutions may emerge — solutions that come from the people most directly involved in and affected by the degradation. There are no uniform solutions, but when all the stakeholders come together and listen to each other amazing things can happen — with the dedication to see them through.”
Often we must set aside our own preferences, judgements, ideologies and fears to discover a path forward. When we begin to engage with others in this way, especially the marginalized and poor most directly impacted by climate change, a transformation begins.
When speaking of resilience in the heat of climate change, It’s also important to acknowledge and learn from those that have been fighting this battle for generations. Climate change has disproportionate impacts on Indigenous communities that should not be overlooked, and we have much to gain from engaging with them and respecting traditional environmental knowledge(TEK).
Pope Francis encourages the church to acknowledge these native communities not as mere alternate options of engagement, but as critical partners in dialogue:
“…it is essential to show special care for indigenous communities and their cultural traditions. They are not merely one minority among others, but should be the principal dialogue partners, especially when large projects affecting their land are proposed. For them, land is not a commodity but rather a gift from God and from their ancestors who rest there, a sacred space with which they need to interact if they are to maintain their identity and values. When they remain on their land, they themselves care for it best. Nevertheless, in various parts of the world, pressure is being put on them to abandon their homelands to make room for agricultural or mining projects which are undertaken without regard for the degradation of nature and culture.” – Laudato Si 146
There is no action too small or too large when it comes to involvement. When in doubt, start with listening. To your friends, to your neighbors, to your family. Listen to voices that represent a diversity of race, gender, culture, age, occupation, education and experience. Through that listening you just might feel a tug at your heart to expand your involvement, and undoubtedly learn something new.
For ways in which you can get involved with climate justice within the state of Minnesota, check out MN350.
To learn from and support local indigenous climate action work, check out Giniw Collective and the Indigenous Climate Resilience Network.
The Basilica Creation Justice Committee