350 Manifesto

The 350 Manifesto

350 is the safe upper limit of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, above which the planet is in a state of climate crisis. Our work is to reduce dangerous carbon emissions by building grassroots political power, moving away from fossil fuels and harmful land use practices, and helping jump-start a clean energy economy -- and in the process, transforming our world into a livable, joyful and just place.

350.org is a network of citizens, organizers and advocates who believe that we will solve the climate crisis and remake our world. Though we live in so many different places, speak different languages and hold different spiritual beliefs, we are unified in our call for action. Our diversity is our strength - we engage our families, friends, neighbors, and connect with others around the world not on the basis of charity, but in solidarity. We are global citizens working to make our local communities better; together, we form a powerful worldwide network united by our common humanity and our commitment to solving the climate crisis.

We're not experts, but we know enough about the climate crisis to make the case. We keep up with the science and the politics as best we can, but we also know we don't need to know every bit of information to be advocates. We recognize that speaking the truth on science and injustice is both our responsibility and our most effective strategy.

We strive to build an inclusive and empowering movement. From the local to the international, we foster an organizing model that is open and receptive to new ideas and initiatives, and empowers new leaders to take them on. From faith groups to business leaders to schools to traditional conservation groups, we seek to work with as broad a diversity of groups as possible, believing that there is far more that binds us together than drives us apart, and that we urgently need everyone's ideas and commitment to create the change we need.

We are committed to real action, not just talk. We like collaboration, but not endless meetings. In committing to take action collectively, we tend to work out the details along the way. We work quickly and effectively, and we give away as much as we can; there's no place for ego in organizing, so we say "yes" as much as possible. Staying flexible, nimble and cheap is the best strategy.

We think and act to scale with the problem. We find that thinking big and being ambitious in our campaigns at all levels not only is what is needed to confront the climate crisis, but is also more effective in inspiring people to join us and gaining momentum.

Creativity is the touchstone of our work. Through symbols, art and creative actions, we help visualize both the problems and the solutions to climate change for our communities, the media, and our leaders. Each film, photo, song, sculpture and painting represents the idea of community and provides a beautiful reminder of what we strive to protect. Unique campaigns and actions help cultivate creativity amongst our friends, neighbors and acquaintances, and tends to require fewer resources than traditional campaigning.

As organizers, we connect with the heart and soul as much as we connect with the brain. The climate crisis is in the end an ethical issue; taking action in a meaningful way brings moral weight to our work. Bringing emotional depth to our work, whether through one particular faith or not, helps us to deepen our commitment and engage others. And through this connection with others and meaningful action, we are better able to cope with our dramatically changing planet, and imagine the world we want to build.

Any movement that isn't fun isn't worth being a part of. There are times when organizing is hard work; we recognize the need to push through, celebrate our victories and take joy in our togetherness. We dance, sing, eat, play and tell jokes together because it bouys our spirit, gives us hope, and keeps us motivated for the many challenges (and victories) ahead of us on the road to a sustainable, clean energy future.

We connect new technologies with time-tested organizing ideas to spread our message far and wide -- from organizing local meetups and educational presentations to spreading viral messages through social networks and mobile phones, we recognize the importance of organizing through the web and technology, and meeting up face-to-face. We recognize that new technologies are most useful when they are used innovatively, creatively and are reflective of our own human voices. We are a community of technology, linked together by the internet and mobile phones, and we practice the technology of community by building real relationships.

While science is important, stories make our movement seductive. We tell stories about ourselves, our friends, and our communities, because we can reach people and the media through those narratives. We all have our own compelling stories, and we use them to gain mass media coverage, to multiply our movement, and to confirm our common humanity.

We strive to be flexible, cheap and nimble, but we recognize the need to generate lasting change in our communities. That's why we take on incredibly ambitious campaigns, but make sure that anybody, anywhere can be involved -- we are all leaders. In the face of the climate crisis, only trust in each other and love in our communities will generate hope for a safe and just world.

http://wiki.350.org/Manifesto