BLACK-CENTERED
We believe in the power of solidarity between all people of African descent across the globe and across all spectrums of sexuality, gender, ethnicity, religion, age and ability to counter the historically white domination of environmental movements. Black families are disproportionately affected by environmental issues, and therefore should be at the forefront when it comes to the decisions and struggles for solutions.
GRASS-ROOTED
We understand that genuine liberation for all people from all structures of oppression can only be achieved by empowering those most impacted in a community with the resources to meet their basic needs. This also means that by following the practice of “think globally, act locally,” our empowered communities can address systematic disparities with more immediate returns on a long road to environmental freedom.
MIDWESTERN
We believe in the collective strength of preserving a regional identity, culture and effort to address environmentally regionally-specific issues that may be influenced by anything from plant hardiness zones to state or city-level governments. The Midwest is home to some of the most segregated and politically nuanced municipalities in the nation, making it the proving ground for radical movement.
HIP-HOP
We understand Hip-Hop as not just music but a rich culture built upon the values of resilience, storytelling, independence, anti-authoritarianism, provocative beautification, and a joyful sharing of the pursuit of knowledge. Hip-Hop culture is a powerful framework for our community building, education, and shared identity, so at the core of that “culture, is a weapon” against structures of oppression.
EMOTIONALLY-INTELLIGENT
We champion socio-emotional practices found at the intersections of restorative justice, mindfulness, and somatic health in an effort to combat implicit bias, repair harm, rebuild trust, and develop interpersonal relationships rather than a reliance on punishment and retaliation.
PLANT-BASED
We incorporate sustainable plant system solutions, which include urban agroforestry, carbon sequestration, mutualism and other forms of permaculture ecology. We see these means of enhancing biodiversity as practical ways to foster community health, self-sufficiency and promote in-situ conservation.
COLLABORATIVE
We value working with community members and other organizations to achieve our goal of increasing pathways to ecological stewardship, community empowerment, and environmental sustainability. This principle emphasizes cooperation and a shared purpose among people as opposed to corporate hierarchies, making us a camp full of “partners and partners” not “employers and employees.”