Jillian Patton
By Laurie Casey
Join One Earth in offering a warm welcome to our new “squad member,” Jillian Patton, Development Director. She is fresh off a thirteen-year stint in New York City, where she was most recently part of the Development team at NYU School of Law. She was also previously part of the team that raised money to develop the storied High Line, a park built on a former elevated train line on the West Side of Manhattan. Established in 2009, it helped provide a model for similar urban greening projects nationwide, such as Chicago’s 606 path that runs along an old rail line here in the city.
Read on to learn what Jillian will be working on, what gets her up in the morning, and how to work with her to support One Earth.
1. What are your responsibilities in your new role for One Earth?
In this role, I’ll be working closely with our staff and Board to raise the funds that make our programs possible. I’m responsible for maintaining our relationships with our longstanding partners and supporters, including members/individual donors, sponsors, and grantors, as well as identifying new organizations and companies that could be a good fit with One Earth’s priorities and mission.
2. When it comes to sustainability, where do your passions lie? What do you geek out about?
The field of industrial reuse—the practice of transforming abandoned infrastructure into public green space—has a special place in my heart. There are projects all over the country directed at reclaiming industrial spaces as public parks, trails, etc., with huge benefits for both humans and the natural world. This transition in thinking and city planning—away from heavy industry and commercial activity, and toward what’s best for people and planet—brings me a lot of joy and hope.
I’m also very interested in the shift toward a circular economy, and away from a cycle of endless and increasing consumption. As Margaret Klein Salamon explained in her book Facing the Climate Emergency, our culture often encourages us to think of ourselves as consumers first and citizens second. I would love to see us move toward a model that focuses on making sure that all people have enough and that everyone’s needs are met within the limitations of what is healthy for our earth.
“I believe that this grassroots, community-level engagement is one of our most important tools in the fight against climate change and environmental destruction. Each one of us is more powerful than we know, and when we come together, we can do what some people want us to believe is impossible.”
3. What about One Earth's mission speaks to you the most?
I love One Earth’s focus on the power of people—on the agency that each one of us has to create real change. The climate and environmental crises are so large that they often feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to become paralyzed or be unsure of where to even start in addressing them. The existing systems of power benefit from this inaction to maintain the status quo, which creates massive injustices and is killing our planet. One Earth uses the power of film to challenge this narrative of hopelessness and make environmental topics easily accessible. Crucially, One Earth also provides reliable and accurate information, in an age when it often feels like truth and honesty are lacking. The Film Fest and Earth Week Mini Fest feature films on a wide range of issues, offering audiences the opportunity to find something that aligns with their interests. Finally, we connect folks with our wonderful partner organizations, to give them the chance to take immediate action for our planet. I believe that this grassroots, community-level engagement is one of our most important tools in the fight against climate change and environmental destruction. Each one of us is more powerful than we know, and when we come together, we can do what some people want us to believe is impossible.
4. What is one of your favorite previous projects you've done development/fundraising for?
My time at the High Line is one of my proudest professional accomplishments. There was something so special about preserving a piece of New York City history and creating a beautiful and beloved green space for New Yorkers and visitors from all over the world. There was such a sense of teamwork and community among our staff, volunteers, donors, community members, and board, which made it an incredibly rewarding place to work.
5. What do you look forward to the most about this upcoming One Earth season?
Jillian on the High Line in New York City.
I’m looking forward to continuing to meet more of our partners, sponsors, and members, and to building community with other folks who are passionate about protecting the planet! I think that the next few months, following the events of the COP26 UN Climate Change Summit, are going to be a very exciting time for the climate movement. I’m looking forward to being part of this momentum, and to connecting folks who may be new to the environmental movement with ways they can get involved and make a difference.
6. What kinds of companies or organizations make especially good sponsors for the One Earth Film Fest? If someone would like to learn more about becoming a sponsor of the Film Fest, what should they do?
We’d love to partner with any companies or organizations who are committed to sustainability, environmental justice, and creating a healthier planet for all living beings. Sponsoring the Fest is a meaningful way to make a real impact in the environmental movement and to connect with smart and informed audience members who care about the planet. If you’re interested in sponsoring the Fest, or want to learn more, please get in touch. You can reach me at jillian@oneearthcollective.org.