What changes about the environmental movement when people of color are both the leaders and the audience? We teamed up with REI to send writer Amanda Machado to the third annual PGM ONE Summit in Philadelphia to answer that question first hand.
Recorder in hand, Amanda talked to outdoor educators, social entrepreneurs, nonprofit workers, artists, healers, and activists. She shares what was healing for the attendees, why this conference (and others like it) is a necessity for the environmental movement, what they want those who didn't attend to know, and how we can all learn from the leadership showcased at PGM ONE.
Woman featured in this episode: Amanda Machado, Wingyi Kung, Samantha Villatoro, Agnes Vianzon, Natalie Mebane, Anahí Naranjo, Chandrika Francis, Sophie Sarker, Grace Anderson, Mayra, Stormy Saint-Val, Yakuta Poonawalla, and Princella Talley.
Featured in the midrolls: Myrian Solis Coronel and Jaylyn Gough
Music featured from the PGM ONE Summit is by Femi Olatunji, Dwight Dunston, Rhetta Morgan, Lauren Scott, Aisha Fukushima, and Mariadela Alvarez.
Hosted by Amanda Machado
Sponsored by REI
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In this episode, you'll hear:
- About the PGM ONE Summit and what makes it unique
- What is special for attendees about a conference on environmentalism and the outdoors with only people of the global majority
- How ritual, art, and music added to the experience
- The importance of de-centering whiteness in the environmental movement
- How PGM ONE organizers made an effort throughout the conference to be inclusive but also acknowledged how they could do better
- The unique leadership traits showcased at the summit that would be beneficial throughout the environmental space
- Why race and racism should be acknowledged more often in nonprofit workplaces and everyday life
- What attendees want people who weren't there to know
- Takeaways from the summit
Resources
Sponsor Websites and Codes
- REI: Hear about Force of Nature and what REI is doing to make the outdoors welcoming for all in the midroll ads in the episode.
Organizations Involved in the Conference:
“The Urban Creators was founded in 2010 by a diverse group of young students, artists, activists, organizers, entrepreneurs, and creators in North Philadelphia. Inspired by our differences and shared passion for ‘creation’, we came together with a vision to transform a 2-acre garbage dump into a farm. We spent our first year organizing door-to-door to build and strengthen relationships with our closest neighbors and local allies. We spent our second year clearing away debris and planting our first seeds of change. Our third year saw the transformation this land into LIFE DO GROW; our urban farm, sanctuary, and our home.
Since then, we have revitalized over 3 acres of blighted land into a network of thriving urban farms and gardens from which we provide fresh produce to dozens of local families each year. Through our our work, we have contributed to a 40% decrease in Part 1 Violent crime since 2008 in our immediate area.
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Manaai: “We provide consumers with hand-pounded paiai and poi – a hypoallergenic, sustainable alternative to gluten, soy, dairy, and GMO products. Paiai is hand-pounded taro, using the least amount of water. By purchasing paiai or poi, you are supporting local and Hawaiian farmers and putting your dollars behind sustainable food sovereignty.”
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1149 Co-Op: A new co-op in South Philadelphia founded by food
makers for social change
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Additional music by Centric. Music is also by Kai Engel and Lee Rosevere using a Creative Commons Attribution license
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