ΒΆ Spirit of WAO
In our April 2021 co-op day, we spoke about climate, justice, etc and would like to have a page that shows our spirit.
WAO is a collective of individuals who broadly agree on many things. Like any group of people, there are nuanced differences in our positions on the issues of the day, so instead of corporate pronouncements, this page exists to share what we believe in. It's the product of discussion and debate during our monthly co-op days.
We believe in:
- Placing ourselves and our work in historical and social contexts so that we can make thoughtful decisions about our behaviours and mindsets.
- Seeing ourselves as part of nature not the rulers of it and acknowledging that there is a climate emergency. We are conscious of the lost lessons and spirit of the indigenous and strive for climate justice.
- Sharing resources to help combat prejudice wherever we see it (including, but not limited to: racism, sexism, ageism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, and hostility relating to education or socio-economic status).
Instead of policies, we believe in dialogue that leads to action. Our members think carefully about charitable giving, and we have decided to make this an individual matter of conscience rather than a collective decision. As a cooperative, we consciously review the amount of travel we do for work, especially air travel.
One tool we've found useful in thinking about this is the Venn diagram (shown below) shared by the How to Save a Planet podcast. At the centre of what we're good at, what needs doing, and what brings us joy is the work that makes a difference.
So to summarise, while you absolutely will see WAO members out on the street doing in-person activism, that's not everyone's style. Some of us run websites dedicated to informing people about important issues. Others are members of hyperlocal groups helping make the world a better place. However we do it, WAO members do it intentionally and not because we have a policy for it.