When hiking in the eastern region of North America, one can always identify the American basswood (Tilia americana) by its unique branch structure; as the tree matures and grows upwards, its branches bend back towards the trunk, as if it is trying to revisit its roots.  The notion of reflexivity, which is central to feminist scholarship, is much like the basswood.  Reflexivity asserts that an essential part of growth and progress is reflection on one’s self, one’s identity and worldview.  This allows a person to explain their perspective and take ownership of the beliefs that influence how they operate within the world.  In doing this regular reflection, one is reminded of the interconnected nature of our world and that enacting change must include the self.

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As a born and raised Unitarian Universalist from Baltimore, MD, it is probably only natural that I became a feminist environmentalist, in both scholarship and practice.  In fact, I can trace much of my core worldview back to the seven principles of Unitarian Universalism, as follows:

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1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person

2. Justice, equity and compassion in human relations

3. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth…

4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning

5. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process…

6. The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all

7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part

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Of these seven, the first, second, and seventh have had the greatest influence on how I approach the world.  My strong belief in the first and second principles propelled me to define myself as a feminist, and eventually to study Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies at Dickinson College.  My desire to honor the seventh principle, as well as my childhood within the Chesapeake Bay and Newfound Lake, NH ecosystems, peaked my interest in environmental studies.  Many people ask how these two values are connected; what is the link between the fight for equity and the fight for sustainability?  To me, they are highly compatible.  I believe that to a large extent, the same societal structures that marginalize women and minority populations also drive the destruction of the environment, including the exacerbation of climate change, increased ocean acidification, and loss of biodiversity.  Correspondingly, the negative impacts of both these dynamics influence one another.  For example, poor people of color are often used as a scapegoat by wealthy, developed nations who seek to dodge their environmental responsibilities, while it is the same marginalized groups who will feel the greatest impacts of climate change.  

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A return to the three principles I highlight above helps to ground my perspective on these issues and my work as I seek to advocate for human rights and sustainability professionally and personally.  This work begun with an internship at the Fund for Global Human Rights as well as a cumulative year’s worth of experience organic farming around the world.  I’m not sure where the next stage will take me, but I know I will approach it like a basswood; growing upward, while staying in touch with my roots.