Green America's Statement on Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion 

Holding Hands

"...if you come together with a mission, and it’s grounded with love and a sense of community, you can make the impossible possible.” –John Lewis 

Green America works to address multiple interrelated crises threatening our world. We believe we must work together to build a truly green economy that values all people and the planet. In doing so, we believe we must follow the lead of the people who are most disadvantaged by our current economic crises as we create a more just, equitable, and regenerative economy.  

At Green America, we embed social justice and equity in our work to create strong relationships among people of all backgrounds. We continue to join with, and learn from, the people, communities, businesses, and investors on the frontlines of fighting for social and environmental justice through collective economic action. Together, we are building a society that truly works for all people and the planet. 

Why Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are Central to our Work 

Historically and to this day, Green America’s work focuses on economic systems because our national and global economies structurally disadvantage people of color; Indigenous peoples; ethnic and religious minorities; women; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex, Asexual, and Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA+ and 2 Spirit) people; disabled people; and create other vulnerable communities worldwide. These structural injustices are embedded in capitalism and the history of White supremacy and core to the production of wealth for the few at the expense of the many. In the US, this history includes the enslavement of Black people and the mass killing of American Indians and forced removal from their lands, followed by ongoing racism and discrimination against Black and Brown peoples; xenophobia and exploitation of immigrant populations; and discrimination against women and those identifying as LGBTQIA+ and 2 Spirit. These are just a few examples. 

The capitalist system privileges the wealthy and powerful at the expense of natural systems and workers worldwide. These power dynamics, deeply embedded in current systems, reinforce oppression and the commodification of natural resources and people. The rampant exploitation inherent in ever-growing capitalist economies is causing the climate crisis, the collapse of ecosystems worldwide, and the sixth mass species extinction. The impacts of environmental crises are and will continue to be felt most strongly by people with less wealth, who are disadvantaged by the capitalist economy and the most burdened by environmental injustices, both within wealthier countries and poor countries worldwide. 

Workers throughout the world experience oppressive and dangerous working conditions to meet the unrealistic demands of corporate supply chains that prioritize profits above human life. In the US, agricultural workers, service workers, caregivers, and many other people in professions that rely disproportionately on people of color, immigrants, and women, do not receive a living wage, health care, or paid sick leave. This puts millions of people in a precarious economic position and leaves them unable to build wealth.  

Our Commitment  

Green America is an organization that works for a socially just and environmentally responsible society through economic action. We believe that:  

  • Our work is strongest when it fosters an inclusive and equitable society.  

  • Understanding and celebrating diversity strengthens our connections with each other and with communities.  

  • Continuing to learn from and partner with diverse communities creates inclusive solutions that incorporate the lived experiences and perspectives of these communities and deepens the impact of our programs and communications. 

  • Strengthening an equitable and inclusive organizational culture at Green America, which includes ensuring leadership and staff work collaboratively, sharing experience and expertise, and holding one another accountable to a shared vision of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in our relationships with one another, and in all our work.  

Green America works for a world where all people have enough, where all communities are healthy and safe, and where the abundance of the Earth is preserved for all the generations to come. To achieve this mission, we need to ensure that we bring together people from all backgrounds to work for a world where people who are most disadvantaged are heard and their voices help lead the way to a truly equitable and green economy.