Board Resolutions on Anti-Authoritarianism, White Supremacy, Democratic Governance

On April 18, the Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund Board of Directors unanimously approved a resolution which reaffirms that attacks on democratic governance and efforts to undermine civil and human rights are inconsistent with the organization’s mission and values. 

"We welcome the Board’s leadership in speaking up for our commitment to defending environmental protections, democratic accountability, and the rights of communities disproportionately impacted by environmental injustice." ~ Lynn Thorp, President

"I am proud that in a moment of extremes, we chose to call out the harms. In the intersectionality-focused future we are building, the supremacy is a clean, collective, thriving, just GREEN" ~ Colron Chambers, Clean Water Action Board President

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Or read the resolution below:

Standing Against Authoritarianism and White Supremacy in Defense of Environmental and Racial Justice

WHEREAS, we are witnessing a dangerous rise in authoritarian governance, white supremacist violence, and regressive policies targeting racial equity, environmental protections, Indigenous sovereignty, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigrant communities; 
WHEREAS, these attacks disproportionately harm frontline and fenceline communities, especially People of the Global Majority, and actively undermine the goals of environmental justice and a sustainable future; 
WHEREAS, (our organization) is committed to advancing environmental and racial justice, and acknowledges that silence in the face of oppression is complicity; 
WHEREAS, we affirm that the current political climate—including the dismantling of DEI initiatives, implementing book bans, blocking the ability to protest, silencing dissent, structural violence against the disability community and the erosion of democratic institutions—directly threatens the people and principles we stand for; 
BE IT RESOLVED, that this board reaffirms its commitment to racial equity, justice, and democracy as foundational to environmental stewardship and sustainability;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that (our organization) will:

1. Publicly oppose authoritarian and white supremacist policies and actions, particularly those that target environmental, civil, and human rights; 
2. Integrate anti-authoritarian and anti-racist principles into our strategic plans, programs, and partnerships; 
3. Support and protect historically marginalized communities and staff most impacted by rising political repression, including but not limited to People of the Global Majority, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, immigrants, and low-income communities; 
4. Affirm the generational progress that broadens democracy. Continue to support staff by resourcing initiatives advancing equity and belonging within organizations. 
5. Invest in political education and solidarity work with Board members that builds intersectional resistance to environmental racism and authoritarianism; 
6. Engage our network and stakeholders in collaborative efforts to defend democracy, community safety, healing collective trauma, and environmental justice in this political moment.