Who We Are

Principles of 1000 Grandmothers

1. NONVIOLENCE - We commit to Nonviolence in all of our actions

2. CLIMATE CRISIS- While there are many issues of grave concern to all of us in 1000 Grandmothers, the focus of this group’s work is addressing the Climate Crisis, including doing whatever we can, at this moment in history, to expose, impede, and shut down the fossil fuel industry.

3. CLIMATE JUSTICE - We recognize that while the climate crisis affects all of us, poor people and people of color have been, historically and are today, disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis. Therefore, we commit ourselves to a focus on climate justice/environmental justice – To do this, we commit to learning from and aligning ourselves with Indigenous and frontline communities; and taking stands and raising awareness in support of their struggles.

At this moment in history, we understand that militarism as well as the threats to democracy need to be within our scope of work as well. Wherever we are, we try to include a climate sense on the issues.

4. INTERGENERATIONAL PERSPECTIVE - We celebrate that we are elder women (and allies)– who want to speak out and act in support of future generations. We support the leadership of youth in the Climate Movement.

5. KINDNESS - We ground and guide our discussions, involvement and actions, with kindness to ourselves and others.

6. LIMITATIONS - We accept that as elder women, many of us have disabilities, family responsibilities , maybe work – Anything we do has to take this into account, always designing, planning and executing with flexibility.

7. CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE/DIRECT ACTION - We create and support opportunities for elder women to step up courageously to acts of civil disobedience if they are motivated to do so. At the same time, we are committed not to create a macho culture that promotes the notion that doing civil disobedience, or taking 'risks', is more important than doing every other thing that grandmothers choose to do to address the climate crisis.

8. COLLECTIVE ACTION - Our projects and initiatives are oriented towards collective action, and/or building the capacity to act collectively, about the climate crisis. We support every individual’s efforts to do what she/he can for the environment. But the focus of 1000 Grandmothers’ work is on actions whose power comes from the fact that people are acting together.

9. COMMUNITY BUILDING - We see community building as a core part of our organizing around the climate crisis.

Our Structure

Our structure is ever-evolving. Right now, our organization consists of committees, circles/affinity groups, and work groups (some - short term, some ongoing).

Committees - provide organization-wide support
- Coordinating Committee - oversight, administrative and strategic leadership
- Communications Committee, website, newsletter and other communications (We have current openings on this committee we'd like to fill. please contact us if you're interested in checking us out)
- Engagement Committee- reaches out with info and support for 1000 Grandmothers
  - Town Crier Sub-Committee communicates to existing groups and circles
- Fundraising Committee -helps raise $ to support our technology infrastructure

Circles/Affinity groups support groups that often work on different projects/actions together:
- SF
- Redwood
- Green Grannies
- Long Haul
- Southern Humboldt
- Gutsy Grandmothers

Work Groups
- Make Polluters Pay
- Non Violent Direct Action (NVDA)
- Legislative
- Anti-Militarism
- Art Group
- Book Group
- Singing Group
- Election(s) Group

General Membership receives our newsletters and other communications, is invited to our gatherings actions and campaigns - and may join us in our work but may not be in an ongoing group or circle.

Our Organizing Guidelines

HOW TO ACT IN THE NAME OF THE 1000 GRANDMOTHERS

1) Any project or action taken in our name needs to be aligned with the 1000 Grandmothers principles. We are a Climate Justice Organization. Our actions, initiatives, circles, campaigns and working groups are all centered around Climate Justice and democracy

2.) Before Grandmothers initiate a new project or working group, in our name, the idea needs to be communicated to the Coordinating Committee for agreement. To initiate a work group or campaign, at least 3 people have to want to do the work together, (Examples of working groups are: Legislative working group, Electoral working group, and NVDA working group). This process of forming and bringing the initiative to the Coordinating Committee helps with communication and ensures we are all on the same page.

3.) Circles and working group initiatives are thought about in the context of building the community and power of 1000 Grandmothers, as well as enhancing self and small group support and development. When you are in a 1000 Grandmothers circle, work group, project or campaign, it is important to keep in mind that you are part of the whole 1000 Grandmothers for Future Generations network/organization; to stay in communication with the rest of the organization, and not to initiate new projects without that connection with the Coordinating Committee. When possible, it is helpful to have a designated ‘point person’ for each circle or work group to keep information flowing well with our Communications, and Engagement Work groups as well as our Coordinating Committee.

4) We understand that this organization/network will keep developing and changing as we learn from what we do, and refine our processes. Our hope is that everyone in 1000 Grandmothers will understand that we will make mistakes, and changes as we go along – and we will hold each other with patience, appreciation, and generosity. The Coordinating Committee is always helped by hearing people’s best thinking about how to keep 1000 Grandmothers strong, growing, healthy and mutually supportive.