By Stella Little, Communications Intern
To me, Earth Day has always been a reminder not to take things for granted. Whether that’s recognizing big things like the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land we walk upon, or smaller joys like a visit to a local park or a cool dip in the ocean, Earth Day calls us into the present.
In the same breath, Earth Day urges us to look beyond our day-to-day. Its origins mobilizing millions after the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill remind us that it’s not just a single day of action, but an invitation to a larger movement.
At first, this invitation can be an overwhelming letter to receive: “Dear human, please join us in the face of endless obstacles to sustain movement all year round that will foster the long-term changes we wish to see in the world.” At this point you may feel lost as to how you, one person, can impact climate change’s current trajectory. I myself have spent many days in this sorrow, a vastness filled not only with my ecological grief, but a sense of helplessness and loneliness that was just as potent. In time I opened my eyes, I reached out, and I connected, and it brought me to my first lesson:
Step 1: Remember you are not in this work alone.
Welcome to the first stage of your activation. By heeding Earth’s invitation, you are joining a network of leaders worldwide fighting for a just, resilient future for all beings. Lean on this community as you embrace all your emotions, fearful and fantastic, because they will fuel your activism fire. Challenges that once felt impossible as an individual, are invigorating and surmountable together. The environmental movement needs every mind, every skillset, and every pair of hands at its disposal. Let’s begin!
Step 2: Consistency > Quantity
Whether this Earth Day marks years of your dedication and energy, or is just the beginning of your journey, let it be a reminder that your time and engagement matters, no matter how great or small. Sometimes over committing yourself too quickly leads to burnout which can dissuade future action. Seek balance and be mindful of times when you need to take care of yourself – humans need to be sustainable, too!
Step 3: Speak up and speak out!
As you nurture your activism, call in your community! Empower yourself and those around you to be Earth Day allies. Share this invitation, and with it your knowledge, your skills, your inspirations. Talk to your neighbors about composting, volunteer to lead an environmental justice workshop, donate to causes you feel strongly about.
At TIRN, we believe in the power of our collective network. That’s why this Earth Day, we are launching our newest and most accessible membership – “Network Advocate” – an opportunity to join our community and be witness to the incredible impacts we create together.
I know I found my antidote to climate anxiety through action. This Earth Day is a reminder to keep showing up. Let’s accept Earth’s invitation and keep getting our hands dirty, knowing that we are a part of something much greater than any one person: a momentum that will carry forth to future generations, protecting the blue-green planet we all call home.
