What professionals, unions and associations can do
Message from "Teia das 5 Curas" Indigenous network
No matter what profession you work in, there is an ethical responsibility to protect the future of the planet and of future generations, both human and non-human. If you understand the importance of the Amazon forest for the Earth's climate, and for all its beings, you already know that there is a serious threat. No ecosystem and no people can survive that much sustained abuse over such a long period of time. Whatever profession you are in, I ask you to sound the alarm and to join forces for the protection of the Amazon and of Indigenous rights in Brazil and everywhere.
Send us statements of support and volunteer your time and skills
Join forces with other members of your profession and prepare a joint statement or record a video in support of the campaign. Your union's or association's statement is invaluable to this campaign! See this letter of support from the British Columbia Teachers Federation as an example.
It is important to remember that, although the most urgent threat to Indigenous peoples and the Amazon at the moment is the Supreme Court Case being ruled in August, the Brazilian government has several bills being voted in congress to cancel Indigenous rights and to remove environmental protections around ecologically sensitive areas in Brazil. It is a coordinated attack on the Amazon and on Indigenous peoples. We need you for the long-haul of this fight, especially in case there is a humanitarian emergency and the threat of a new wave of genocide in Brazil.
It does not matter what type of work you do, we need to get the Brazilian government to understand that there are no professions anywhere in the world that would support legislation that can lead to ecocide and genocide. Let them know who you are and why you are against the destruction of the Amazon and the cancelation of the rights of Indigenous peoples. Use your personal and professional networks to help spread word about this campaign. Use mailing lists, social media and any other platforms that you have access to, to reach out to as many people as possible. Use the specific experience, knowledge, influence and networks of your profession to help this campaign in ways that others cannot. Organize public events, mobilize media attention, join forces with other professions and movements. Make connections within and between professions. If we cannot unite behind the protection of the Amazon and the de-escalation of the climate crisis, what would it tae us for us to work together?
We are also organizing a database of professionals who can offer their skills and time pro-bono to Indigenous communities in this fight and in case of a humanitarian emergency. If you work in the areas of health, law, communications, education, translation, ecology, technology, engineering, fundraising - or if you otherwise feel you have something to contribute, please fill in the form below.