A DECADE OF STORIES
This organization is an entity, a living organism developed from our collective consciousness, imagined by our need for community, to know ourselves, to know the earth, to protect her.
Since our public launch in 2014 this world has changed dramatically, for many it has become a place of fear, of us and them, of uncertainty. The change is constant, fuelled by media, and fear is our primal survival response inherited from our preyed upon ancestors. But what else is in our primordial DNA, our toolkit for survival ? What else holds us together and makes us stronger ? Where does purpose, compassion, empathy and belief take us ? How do we hold on to the diverse human experience, love the journey, learn from the hardships and support each other. This organization has allowed me to explore this, us to explore collectivity.
Beyond the impact metrics and the organisation structure, the strategies and financial planning, this is about being human. Connecting as people. These are the lessons of my late mother – love unconditionally, support dreams and have deep empathy.
I brought questions, learnt boundaries and made mistakes but through this there is growth, deep learning. In this last decade, amongst the seeming chaos, this organisation has grounded me, reminded me, motivated me, to return to nature and indigenous wisdom, to the knowledge in us, in our generational DNA, as our peoples have, always.
Stop. notice a bird passing, a glance, a fox in the morning light, bring meaning, learn ways. Live. Heal.
I am sorry, forgive me, thank you, I love you, repeat.
Paul Redman, Founder and Executive Director – If Not Us Then Who
“Our stories, even though they come from distant forests, are intertwined in the same pain, the same resistance, and the same dream for the future.”
– Edivan Guajajara, Filmmaker, Guajajara People, Brazil
Join us in celebrating a decade at If Not Us Then Who.
To mark this occasion we have created this beautiful zine.
Bursting with images, heartfelt words, stories, collective reflections on our journey thus far, as well as our future imaginings. Launched at New York Climate Week and now available online.
Best viewed at fullscreen. Enjoy.