Philosophy
Not everything that is faced can be changed;
but nothing can be changed until it is faced.
-James Baldwin
What is
Ecojustice Education?
Ecojustice education encourages us to reimagine our relationship to nature and other people in order to build diverse and democratic communities that are sustainable and just.
Specifically, we investigate our history, language, and culture to identify the mindsets that are promoting or justifying harmful social conditions and environmental damage.
We learn about nature and other cultures to appreciate alternative ways of relating to the world and to learn new skills for protecting living systems and achieve community well-being.
How is
Ecojustice Education
Different?
Our community is full of organizations and individuals working to support social equity and promote an ethic of conservation. Fellowfield adds to this community by offering environmental stewardship programs focused on the social/cultural questions which are central to ecojustice. Questions such as:
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How do different approaches to stewardship reflect different cultures?
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How do common beliefs about humanity, progress, time, and wealth influence stewardship decisions?
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Why do we continue to make stewardship decisions that result in inequitable or unhealthy outcomes?
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What would fairer and healthier systems look like? What does it take to get there?
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How can nature, history, and other cultural perspectives offer insight or alternatives?
How Do We Practice
Ecojustice Education?
Park features, programs, and organizational practices are designed to:
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Provoke reflection about our thoughts and actions.
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Raise awareness about social and environmental issues.
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Build familiarity with other perspectives, cultures, and forms of life.
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Look critically at materialism, racism, and human-centered thinking.
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Examine how we use language and images to promote culture.
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Learn how cultural systems can change across space and time.
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Practice different approaches to stewardship and observe the impacts.
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Cultivate relationships of affection and respect.
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Nurture and celebrate the interdependence of life.
Why is
Ecojustice Education Needed Now?
We have such a capacity for care and communication, thoughtful reflection, and adaptive action, and yet we live in a world that is suffering from a legacy of social and ecological harm. The harm continues today, as established systems continue to support decisions which injure, pollute, or oppress in the name of progress, efficiency, and economy.
Living within this culture, how do we work to bring out the best in ourselves? How do we make amends for harms of the past, restore healthy communities, and prevent further harm?
These are critical questions for our time and for the future of our children. As we wrestle to answer these questions personally and as a society, ecojustice education elevates the essential connection between justice and health.
Our Committment
Fellowfield’s ecojustice framework extends beyond its educational programs. As an organization we embrace democratic decision-making and diversity at all levels. We regularly revisit how best to foster an inclusive and collaborative work environment that models the kind of community care and learning that we strive to inspire in visitors. We actively support other organizations working for a just and healthy world.