Our Guiding Principles
The way we work reflects five principles
1
Respect everybody
Differences in political ideology, cultural background or knowledge, are all challenging but we can’t let them cause contempt. We don’t avoid disagreement, but we do avoid hostility. We also respect the fact that we’re going to fall short of our own condition of respect.
2
Reach beyond polarisation
The need to be “in the right” can feed a sense of superiority on one hand, and resentment on the other. Instead, we focus on building relationships based on common goals, and a commitment to pragmatic action despite differences.
3
Remember nobody owns climate action as an “issue”
The cultural norms and sensitivities of left-wing and progressive groups tend to dominate the activist space, and so climate action groups tend to self-select. But millions of people feel the significance of climate breakdown – so a mainstream movement should be ready to make almost anybody feel at home.
4
Meet people where they are
Everybody has their own journey towards accepting the seriousness of the climate and ecological crises. A coalition for building a better future needs relatable messengers capable of reaching audiences the climate movement has historically found difficult to reach. For example, we don’t ask people to self-identify as ‘activists’. Rather, we want to help people identify ambitious, useful actions that make the best use of their own talents.
5
Engage people with the truth patiently, with empathy and insight
Patience is difficult, given what is at stake. But patience is necessary, because not everyone is ready to hear truthful messages. Dominant messaging in our culture has prevented many people from understanding the depth of trouble we’re in. It’s entirely reasonable that people prefer stories that help them avoid feeling hopeless. But they now need to know the truth – and can hear it more easily when they are part of supportive communities.
