The Power in Speaking Up Together

Renee Patrick

Author: Lace Thornberg | Published: June 14, 2022 | Category: In the News 

Anyone who cares about climate change, biodiversity loss and other environmental issues will at times feel overwhelmed. When you feel like you are shouting into the wind, it can be reassuring to know that you are not alone. In your community, in your state, across the country, and around the world, many people care just as deeply about these issues as you do. 

We know this thanks to the people who are willing to join conservation organizations like ONDA, write letters to the editor, testify before Congress, and share their stories publicly in various ways. 

Sharing your environmental concerns and values publicly involves some vulnerability for everyone, but, for some of us, putting ourselves out there as conservationists also comes mixed with an extra layer of identity politics to overcome. 

As Emmeline Wang describes, in Tread Lightly, “If preserving the lands we love is of the utmost importance, staying silent and working as individuals is not an option. There are a multitude of systemic injustices, acts of violence and events that engender fear inside me as an Asian-American woman, but if stewardship stands at the forefront of immediate priorities, it’s time to stand up.”

This month, as we celebrate Pride and Juneteenth, we want to focus on sharing some inspiring stories about and by LGBTQIA+ and Black environmentalists who are working hard to see that the natural world is protected and preserved and can be enjoyed by everyone. 

Articles

Videos

Books

We hope the commitment, bravery, joy and perseverance reflected in these stories inspires you to be a strong advocate for the desert public lands you love.

voices

Helen Harbin, ONDA Board Member

Helen Harbin, ONDA Board Member

“I connect with Oregon’s high desert through my feet, my eyes, my sense of smell, and all the things I hear. Getting out there is a whole body experience.” Supporting ONDA, Helen says, not only connects her with wild landscapes, but is also a good investment. “I felt like if I gave them $20, they might squeeze $23 out of it.”

fact

Swallowtail

Swallowtail

The Oregon Swallowtail butterfly is the official state insect of Oregon and a true native of the Pacific Northwest. The Swallowtail can be seen in the lower sagebrush canyons of the Columbia River and its tributaries, including the Snake River drainage area.  Source: State Symbols USA

Latin name: Papilio oregonius

voices

Ryan “Dirtmonger” Sylva, ODT thru-hiker 2017

Ryan “Dirtmonger” Sylva, ODT thru-hiker 2017

“To me, it’s a thru-hike in an isolated place that promotes a conversation in land management, ethics and usage. Hiking across a vast and remote landscape and having a random and chance encounter with cowboys and hunters to discuss how ‘all of us’ should treat the land, how we all have a responsibility, no matter our political leanings, really showed me the pulse of the people in rural areas, especially here out west.”

Take Action

Speak up for Oregon’s high desert. Every American owns the public lands, waters and wildlife that make Oregon’s high desert special, and every one of us must be an advocate […]

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Our Vision, Mission and Values

Vision We envision a high desert in Oregon where eight million acres of public lands are conserved to ensure that fish and wildlife thrive and wild places exist for all […]

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