Nov 8, 2024
To Our Friends,
Many of us are grappling with the extensive implications of Tuesday’s election results and what they mean for our communities and the communities we serve. Campaign promises made by President-elect Trump have many of us fearing threats of retribution and violence and deep infringements on individual and community rights. Though we approach a very different federal policy landscape, our north star has not changed. The work for safe, healthy, and equitable benefits of nature for the communities who have long been denied their rightful seat at the table remains.
In the coming days and months, it will become more clear what we are facing in the next four years. But whatever emerges, we promise you this: we will face it together, linked arm in arm. The last two years have shown our strength in unity. Do not forget that we are the largest, most diverse conservation coalition of its kind ever created. We have made plans for this moment. Now is the time to galvanize our connections to one another because every single one of us is going to play a role in what happens next.
We are resolute in our commitment to stemming nature loss and fighting climate change, and to standing up for democracy and the frontline communities whose rights, health and freedoms are on the line. To our fellow communities of color, LGBTQIA2S+ communities, and the women who are justifiably fearful this week, this coalition stands with you in solidarity and in united power.
We will continue to lift up science, knowledge, culture, and tradition. We will use all of the tools at our disposal to continue to fight for justice at all levels of decision making for clean air, healthy land, and safe water. It is no coincidence that the communities facing voter suppression, xenophobia, racism, and underinvestment are the same communities who face nature loss, public health crises, pollution and exploitation by extractive industry. That was true before this election and it remains true today. We must continue our work, defend the wins we have secured to date, and show that durable conservation is the kind that celebrates and honors community, culture, tradition, dignity, and the American dream.
In this new chapter, we will be rigid in our values but flexible in approach. We will press forward in pursuit of 30×30 and Justice40. Without realizing these goals, the communities we are from and serve are at risk. Change is before us. But, members of our broad community stand ready to hold local governments, and state and federal agencies accountable to safe, healthy, and self-determined communities in every corner of the nation.
We will organize, we will unite, and we will make strides toward our common goals together. We will not waiver in our belief that the conservation movement must meaningfully represent communities across the nation and prioritize those who have been deliberately excluded or harmed by its choices. The work seems daunting but it is ours to do because if not us, then who?
We will take this one step at a time together. We encourage you to get out in nature this weekend, spend time with loved ones, and do things that make you happy, content, and rested. This movement needs you for what happens next.
Please join us on Tuesday, November 12th to kick off this new chapter. We will process the election, make space to discuss community needs, and take one collective step forward towards a conservation movement that looks like, sounds like, and serves everyone who calls America home.
Yours,
Mark & Nse on behalf of the coalition steering committee
