Grieving Change, Celebrating Rebirth
The end of one story, and the beginning of another
After fifteen years, I have parted ways with Deep Green Resistance over some disagreements on how to best build the movement. I feel profound sadness about leaving an organization that I helped build. But at the same time, a sense of openness fills me.
Change can bring grief, but it can also allow new flourishing. Like a wildfire that fertilizes the soil, brings sunlight to the forest floor, and allows the seeds of fire-adapted plants to sprout, that which seems like destruction is sometimes renewal.
So what’s next?
Most of my work is continuing with no change. The last few weeks have been almost as busy before. I do this work for passion, not a paycheck.
If you’re new here, I’m Max Wilbert, co-founder of Protect Thacker Pass and co-author of ‘Bright Green Lies: How the Environmental Movement Lost Its Way and What We Can Do About It.’ And this is Biocentric, a newsletter focused on sustainability, greenwashing, and building a resistance movement to defend the planet.
Protect Thacker Pass is working on some ambitious collaborations with our Tribal allies to educate and build opposition to mining and energy projects. We continue to fight the lawsuit filed by Lithium Nevada Corporation against myself and six other water protectors, and to fight the $49,890.13 fine the Federal Government levied against Will Falk and I for building pit toilets for native elders praying at Peehee Mu’huh.
We need significant funding to make this possible, so please donate to our new fundraising page if you are able.
Note that we have a new fiscal sponsor, Fertile Ground Conservancy. Formerly known as Fertile Ground Institute for Social and Ecological Justice, FGC is a small nonprofit that I’ve been involved with since 2009. Some of you may remember it as the host of the Earth at Risk events in the Bay Area between 2010—2014.
I will also continue to host The Green Flame podcast as an independent project. If you’re not already subscribed, check out the show here. We’ve had some amazing guests over the years, and we’re on the verge of our 100th episode (which has been postponed from the originally scheduled airing date).
And—of course—I will continue to write here on Substack.
The seeds of a new organization
The key to social change is collaboration, which is why I have discussed the need to “organize, organize, organize” on The Green Flame. It’s not enough to take individual action. So, as I leave one organization behind, I’m continuing to collaborate with other activists around the world to start a new one.
On that note, I’d like to ask a favor. Many of you have experience in community organizing and revolutionary groups. In your opinion, what are the most important lessons and structures to help radical grassroots organizations grow and be effective?
Please share any thoughts you have in the comments. And stay tuned for more details, including how to support and get involved. You can sign up for the new organization’s email list here.
How to support
My previous job as Executive Director paid modestly, but it was enough for rent and food. Without that job, my only source of income is this Substack, which covers about 1/5th of my basic living expenses. If you would like to financially support me, please consider signing up for a paid subscription. Each one makes a significant difference in my ability to continue organizing and writing. And if you have ideas or job offers, feel free to reach out!
Thank you
As one journey ends and another begins, I want to pause and acknowledge those who walk beside me. Organizing is not solitary. You may see my face on video or my name on these articles, but what you don’t see is the dozens of people behind the scenes: my sweetheart, family, friends, donors and subscribers, advisors, and beyond. This work would be impossible without you.
Spring is here. The camas are blooming, the birds are nesting, and there are tadpoles in the pond. It’s a good time for new beginnings.
To lead, grow, and sustain any team, elevating the people is key. They need to feel valued and reminded of their importance.
In most of the activism and professional organizational efforts I have either participated in or observed, organizers focus on the issue, action, and opposition, but forget that the machine of their work runs on egos and fragile passions. You can't lead a concept. You can't lead an act. Being a "Thought Leader" is not really leadership. Intellectual inspiration is intense, frenetic, and short lived. Long term inspiration is emotional and subconscious.
You lead people. It's very hard to accomplish more than symbolic flashes of public interest without consistently empowered and inspired people. Serve people in their work, wins, and through failure. Offer opportunities to matter and let your success be a product of theirs.
Love you, Max. Miss you tons.
Get to know small, local producers of food (farmers) and other goods. For me, those community connections have been very grounding and beneficial - it makes me, and others in my grassroots networks, feel less isolated, more united, and more hopeful for the future.
Peas and love!
Rachel B.