08/26/2024
My dream project on our 2 ½ acre property 14 years ago when we began was to build community around the abundance and beauty of Oasis Community Farm right outside city limits. Our barn was built as a hub to facilitate communal projects, workshops, retreats and to foster community – no small task in an era of chaos, alienation and perhaps collapse.
What's happening now at Oasis and in the climate movement? -- Are we there yet?
Responding to the climate emergency heralded by Greta Thunberg we stood together with millions worldwide in 2018-19 in protests and marches demanding a Just Transition. At Oasis we joined with Pachamama Alliance to deliver three popular Drawdown workshops and worked with climate mobilization to establish climate emergency declarations countywide Finally we supported Sunrise Movement in there demands for a Green New Deal. These efforts received popular and political support and media attention but did not change the trajectory of the unfolding climate catastrophe and the limits of growth.
Clearly, we are not there yet, but where are we?
We are at war, we are increasing oil and gas extraction and consumption and violent repression of acts of dissent are normalized at universities campuses and in the streets worldwide – Militarized police power is ascendant. It is in this context that Climate Mobilization, known for emergency declarations and mobilizing for a Green New Deal has set for itself a new direction. As we face economic and climate crises and authoritarianism we must build and sustain a movement rooted in economic and political self-determination and mutual aid.
What's needed to strengthen community & build a movement for political and economic survival, that can thrive through love, solidarity and mutual aid?
Oasis Community Farm as a physical hub for community workshops and encouraging communal projects inviting the activist community to gather while simultaneously modeling land stewardship and sustainable horticulture with our mutual aid gardeners free food for all campaign. It is a beginning. Bring your thoughts and ideas. https://fb.me/e/6LePWuHOn
