It’s the day after the election, with many of the results still pending. What is clear, is that regardless of the outcome, we need to continue acting with hope, purpose, and solidarity to care for the most vulnerable parts of Creation — human and non-human. Chances are high that thinking about eco-faith holiday gifts is probably low on your list of priorities, or even what you have the attention for right now. So let’s keep this short!
Green Gifts
of the Spirit
As we continue with our segment on planet/people-conscious gift-giving this holiday season, we invite you to think creatively about what kind of gifts you might give. Specifically, could you support organizations or creatives stewarding right relations with our (BIPOC, LGBTQ+, poor) communities, God, and all of Creation on behalf of your loved ones? As a reminder, climate change most and first impacts Black, Indigenous people of color, LGBTQ+, poor, and other underserved communities. Supporting individuals and orgs that seek to center these groups is part of practicing eco-faith and ensuring that all human and non-human relations flourish.
Beyond limiting consumerism, how cool to think that our generosity and giving to our loved ones could go farther and positively ripple out to other parts of our communities this season. Consider planning with your gift receiver (or make it a surprise!) and support some hardworking orgs or folks with a one-time or ongoing gift. Here are a few ideas to get your creativity moving:
Sunrise Movement: “Sunrise is a youth movement to stop climate change and create millions of good jobs in the process. [They’re] building an army of young people to make climate change an urgent priority across America, end the corrupting influence of fossil fuel executives on our politics, and elect leaders who stand up for the health and wellbeing of all people.”
Community Alliance for Global Justice: This Seattle-based education and advocacy group focuses on food justice, agriculture justice, and trade justice, in order to “support…the movements for healthy local food economies here and everywhere.” Their program specifically works with many BIPOC farmworkers to ensure better working, living, and market conditions for the communities who grow so much of our food.
Black Farmers Collective/Yes Farm: We’ve already covered this Seattle-based, Black-led farm collective (and other Black farmers!). Support their efforts toward a more “sustainable, equitable future for communities of color [by] eliminating food scarcity and undoing the commoditization of the food industry.”
Art: Creative expression through various art mediums is a critical, imaginative part of our collective liberation! Consider donating to cultivate the arts in our region. Read more about Acts on Stage’s upcoming screening of 12 Angry Men. Also, check out the important work that Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery is doing in Burien to center Latinx artists and community events. Finally, consider supporting the Wing Luke Museum for Asian American Pacific Islander histories, especially in the Seattle area.
And remember, support doesn’t always have to look like pure donations. You can purchase produce, craft goods, services, and other experiences from these communities to sustain their businesses and creatively liberative offerings.
Do you have any particular artisans or companies that you like to donate to or purchase from? Share your favorites in the comments!