Civil Rights Goes Green!

As I learned about all of the different organizations that are trying to sustain Seattle, I was disapointed on how it seemed as if there was a slight disconnect. We met with Michael Woo, Director & Green Jobs Organizer.
Poised with passion, Michael described his dream for a more sustainable Seattle and I could not help but wonder why he was not at the other tables where I sat. As he talked and the class observed, I grew to understand why.

Michael is concerned with the triple bottom line but with an emphasis on the social aspect. As sustainability grows as a "buzz word" he wants to be sure minorities have their place at the table of opportunity - that sounds about right to me.

However, the more he spoke the more it seemed as if he felt the sustainable, green movement, was leaving out the disadvantaged but if the foundation of sustainability is to attempt to equalize and diversify - this seemed like a huge contradiction to what we are learning about.

Michael's concern is focused on job creation and community development. Got Green opened my eyes to a different perspective. Got Green is saying hey we want our civil rights to have fresh good food and well-payong jobs so we can sustain!

When we offered up ideas on how to partner with other organizations in Seattle, Michael did admit he may be the organizations set back due to to some bad blood that had occured previously between the leaders of Seattle and the community that he was representing.

I learned quickly, interdisciplinary skills would have to come into play inthis situation, Everyone wasn't to have their own piece of the pie but it is critical to the success of the Green Movemen that forces are made to make changes. How could the ideals be so different? I recognized there was more to the story but I did hear loud and clear that Mr. Woo is standing up for the environment and the people by encouraging sustainable social parameters.

 “What started as an exploratory research group became an advocacy and organizing group with the goal of ensuring that low-income communities will fully participate in opportunities that the Green Economy creates… I tell our Got Greeners that the only way we’re going to fail is if we let ourselves down – and that’s not going to happen!”