At One Earth Collective, we have something special for our readers today. In honor of Black History Month, we had the privilege of speaking with a true trailblazer in the environmental justice movement, Cheryl Johnson. Cheryl is the daughter of Hazel M. Johnson, widely regarded as the mother of the environmental justice movement and a local Chicago icon.
Climate change anxiety is a growing concern as the impact of environmental degradation becomes more apparent. However, there are proactive steps one can take to alleviate this anxiety while contributing positively to the planet's health. One Earth Collective shares several ways to reduce your carbon footprint and foster a deeper connection with the environment.
For those who don’t know me yet, my name is Joshua Bynum, and I am the newest member of the One Earth Collective team, where I serve as the Digital Communications & Program Support Coordinator. I am an environmentalist with a specific interest in racial justice and access to food. I firmly believe that we only have one Earth, and if we continue down the current path, we will simply have no place to go. I joined One Earth earlier this year with the hope of using digital advocacy to foster community, drive, and action both within and beyond the Chicago region. In my spare time, I enjoy watching anime and am a frequent visitor to the nearest forest preserve.
As I step into my new role, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude and admiration for Lisa Files, who previously held my current position, and who was patient and generous while training me in the ins-and-outs of the job before she left our team. Lisa, your decade of generosity and commitment to the One Earth team are truly inspiring to me and to our other team members.
For those who have gotten to know Lisa over the years rest assured she is still very much a member of One Earth Collective but has shifted her role to focus strictly on the Young Filmmakers Contest (and you all should go to the awards ceremony on September 22nd *wink* *wink*).
I am thrilled to have joined the One Earth Collective team, feel prepared due to having Lisa’s training and guidance, and am here to assist and support you, our One Earth community, with any digital communications needs, or to help answer questions or make connections regarding any of our robust roster of programs! Contact me at joshua@oneearthcollective.org.
We are thrilled to announce that One Earth Collective is partnering with the Annual Environment & Spirituality Summit this year! This special event, hosted by our friends at Faith in Place—the IL, IN, and WI affiliate of Interfaith Power and Light—takes place from September 22-24. It offers a unique hybrid experience with all sessions available on Zoom and local keynote watch parties hosted in IL, IN, and WI. You can view the watch party locations here.
In June and July, Austin Grown, a collaborative initiative between One Earth Collective and BUILD Chicago, embarked on a transformative six-week journey of planting, nurturing, and learning. Participants went into the realms of environmental stewardship, racial and social justice, and personal well-being through engaging activities, including hands-on gardening, cooking, and educational excursions.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to compete in our Summer Bingo Campaign. Without all of your dedication to not only our contest but the quality of the environment around you we would not have had such a successful month! Now we at One Earth Collective are pleased to announce the winners of all our fabulous prizes!