Ecosocialism
Being an ecosocialist means standing in solidarity with our planet and its people through environmental activism.
We understand that Earth exists for us all—no one can lay claim to any more of it than another. While our current capitalist system exploits and destroys our natural resources for profit for the rich, we fight for equity so that we all may share in its abundance, and we fight for a sustainable future that gives back to and replenishes our planet.
We’re not only fighting for a Green New Deal; we’re also fighting for cleaner air, water, and soil in our hometown to make it a more beautiful, healthier place to live for all. You need no specific scientific or technical knowledge to join us—just a zeal for racial, social, and economic justice through environmental work! If you’re interested in getting involved, please contact us at ecosocialist.cvilledsa@gmail.com.
Our Work
Transit x Climate Justice
We’re out talking to our neighbors about the intersection of mass transit and climate change, as well as how a radical bus system would be a boon to not only individuals in our community, but to our community as a whole.
The facts are clear: The largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States comes from transportation. In order to combat climate change and maintain a habitable planet for us and future generations, we know that quickly re-centering infrastructure in our cities and across our country around mass transit rather than personal vehicles is of the utmost importance.
But a habitable planet is not enough. Our society must be equitable and serve the needs of all of us, not just the needs of cars and car owners. That’s why we’re amplifying the voices of those who may not have the time or means to speak out to our local officials and getting folks who never have taken action in local politics before to speak out.
Community Cleanups
Ecosocialism isn’t just about national-level politics and fighting for massive, progressive legislation—it starts and thrives at home.
Picking up litter and beautifying our public spaces is something that we’re taught to do as a public good from an early age. We are continuing that work to ensure that wealthy neighborhoods that can afford constant upkeep aren’t the only spaces that are maintained. Our public spaces should be able to be enjoyed by all—anyone should be able to come and enjoy nature with their family and friends without having to avoid setting up a blanket atop broken glass or having to pick a spot where they’re not gazing at plastic that has adorned itself to tree branches. This work gives back to the planet and ensures all forms of life—plants and wildlife as well as humans—can thrive.
We’re engaging in regular community cleanups that anyone can participate in. Supplies are provided and COVID precautions are adhered to!
Solidarity with the Youth Climate Strike
On September 24, 2021, students of Charlottesville led their second Youth Climate Strike, joining over 1,500 Fridays for Future events around the globe. We stand in solidarity with the youth’s demands of Charlottesville City Council as stated in their following letter:
In summer of 2019, city council committed to reducing community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 and 100% by 2050. In September of that same year, 800 people came out to urge the city council to honor their promises. Despite this, little action has been taken to work toward these goals, and climate has largely been ignored. As the generation that will live with the consequences of inaction, we call on you to:
Re-commit and take immediate action to meet the City’s resolved climate goals by requiring all City departments and projects to have a climate component and staff accordingly, and setting clear and public goals for the incoming climate planner.
Ensure a climate-first approach to all school renovation projects. This means funding only projects that move towards zero-carbon schools, as well as retooling existing projects like HVAC, wall reconstruction, etc.—so that they are energy-efficient, and funding new green school initiatives, such as retrofitting existing infrastructure for efficiency and accessibility, installing solar panels, and more.
Improve mass transit and increase density throughout the city to cut reliance on single-occupancy vehicles. Prioritize recommendations set forth in the Community Climate Collaborative’s Transit and Equity Report, including increasing service frequency to 30 minutes or less; electrifying the bus fleet; adding covered seating and lighting to bus stops, and redeveloping roadways to prioritize bus, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic. Finally, focus rezoning efforts on making the city as dense and affordable as possible.
City Council made a commitment to us and future generations and it’s time to take action on that commitment.
Green New Deal
In conjunction with the DSA National Green New Deal Campaign Committee, we took action on D12—December 12, 2020—to put establishment Democrats on notice that we will be fighting for our future via a Green New Deal.
Our target was VA-07 Representative Abigail Spanberger. Rep. Spanberger garnered national attention when she decried that socialism was the cause of Democrats losing ground in the House of Representatives despite evidence that candidates who supported socialist policies like a Green New Deal and Medicare for All overwhelmingly won their races regardless of being in a “red” or “blue” district.
We made over 50 calls to Rep. Spanberger as well as sent dozens of postcards and emails to let her know that we would not stand idly by while she scapegoats those who are fighting for justice—we instead are waiting for her to join us in ensuring our future by endorsing a Green New Deal.
Anti-Pipeline
Members of our chapter are part of the DSA Anti-Mountain Valley Pipeline Coalition.
Read a statement that our members helped make as part of the Coalition that calls out Virginia House and Senate for accepting $15,000 from the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP).
On March 13, 2021, we took a direct action against Bank of America. Alongside our comrades in other DSA chapters around the state and in North Carolina, we dropped off letters to banks that have invested millions of dollars into this ecological disaster and encouraged the banks’ patrons to money their money elsewhere.
For more info on the MVP and how to divest, head to this page.