We’re All in This Together
By Sarah Braik
Recently I spent most of a sunny Saturday in front of my computer attending Citizens’ Climate Lobby’s annual inclusion conference. It was so engaging I didn’t even think about how else I might be spending the day. Although every presentation and discussion was insightful and compelling, I shall focus on two.
Poetry Reading by Jacob Shore-Arguello
The conference began with a poetry reading by Jacob Shores-Argüello, a Costa Rican-American poet and prose writer. His poems mourn rivers and animals and plants that he loved in childhood but which have disappeared.
We tend to think of Costa Rica as a model of sustainability, but development has taken its toll there. Nevertheless Costa Rica has gotten much right: Argüello mentioned a neighboring town that has given citizenship to pollinators.
Conversation with Pamela Benson Owens
The last conversation of the conference was with Pamela Benson Owens, who reminded us that unconditional inclusion is essential in creating effective climate action. It begins with relationship building.
She gave an example of a meeting with a group of conservatives who were not expecting agreement on anything. Much of the first meeting was spent sharing about the first concert participants had attended, including what they wore, as a way to build trust around common interests to create a space that can hold differing opinions. It worked!
Benson Owens brought up some barriers to relationship-building and challenged us by asking, “Can you regularly and consistently suspend the right to be offended?”
She explained that when we begin to feel offended we can no longer hear the other person and cut off any chance of developing a relationship. She suggested that we maintain awareness of our visceral response to comments we may perceive as offensive and to give ourselves time by saying something like “interesting” or “tell me more.” Then we can take an approach that will allow us to remain in the space.
Lastly, and most importantly, she outlined the characteristics of an organization that is truly dedicated to inclusion, focusing on leadership practices such as shared responsibility, holding each other accountable, acknowledging harmful behaviors, and admitting a mistake or an unconscious bias.
Inclusive leaders are humble, engage in collaborative problem solving, and are continuously learning and modeling inclusivity. They share decisions openly and explain their reasoning. They are transparent and have clear consistent expectations.
The conference gave me much food for thought, and I am already looking forward to next year’s conference!
Sarah Braik is a Portland resident and a member of Citizens’ Climate Lobby.
