Our Theory of Change
Principle 1: The United States and Canada are foundationally broken. We need to start new, with all voices represented.
The United States and Canada are foundationally broken systems founded upon hundreds of years of slavery, indentured servitude, exploitation, genocide, cultural erasure, colonialism, and torture. Ideas we have had to fight against ever since it was created. Only by removing ourselves from these systems, can we hope to build something more equitable and just.
Principle 2: Bioregionalism is the best pathway forward
Bioregionalism reflects perhaps one of the most important, yet least known or understood philosophies that may exist today. Bioregions are the natural countries of the planet, defined not by arbitrary line, but by the reality of mountains, rivers, deserts and forests and can be used as a lens to break global issues down to a local level, where our impacts can be measured and in which every person can go out and be involved.
Principle 3: Climate change and exploitation are profound threats to life on the planet and we have a responsibility to act.
Climate change is already wreaking havoc in vulnerable communities everywhere: those that are low-income, indigenous, and/or communities of color. We will take guidance from scientific and data driven policy, those on the frontlines of extreme weather and sea-level rise, as well as those on the frontlines of fossil fuel extraction, and support their fight for immediate and aggressive action on climate.
Principle 4: We are a pro: democracy, bioregional, sovereignty, human rights; BLM loving, anti-racist, anti-fascist, carbon-negative type of group.
We not only resist systemic oppression, but recognize that these issues are all interconnected, and that without changing the root problems of capitalism and the nation state, they will never change. We believe that bioregionalism is the best path forward, and building interconnected, intersectional movements with a healthy culture of organizing, that are transparent and accountable.
Because hate and oppression often exist in grey areas and ambiguity, the Department of Bioregion feels that it is important to take an active stand against these issues. We do not partner with any group or organization that has a one degree of separation from values that support white supremacy, racism, or values that are anti-thetical to bioregionalism.
Principle 5: Change starts here, and change starts with each of us.
Divided, we will never create the real change that our world needs. Each one of us has something special to offer, and we want to empower every person to be able to walk out their front door, get engaged with those already out there making a difference and who have the solutions, and make the difference our planet needs. Do the work. Be an ambassador for the things you care about, support others working to do the same. We’re all in this together.
