Just Sustainability, Episode 31A: Meeting Michelle Garvey

I’ve noted elsewhere that what I wanted to do when I started working on the Just Sustainability podcast was to be able to share some of the wonderfully edifying conversations that I find myself in proximity to. I’ve been lucky enough over the years to become friends with a number of folks who are brilliant scholars, organizers, and advocates. All those friends have contributed enormously to efforts to nudge our communities towards being more ecologically responsible and socially just and each instance of listening to them talk about their work is akin to attending a masterclass about building a better future. Michelle Garvey is one of those friends.

I first got to know Michelle about five years ago (the story of that meeting is included in the beginning of this episode so I won’t repeat it here) and, every time we chat, Michelle still gets me thinking about environmental justice and organizing to promote environmental justice in ways that I hadn’t previously. I’m pretty sure that Michelle is constantly reflecting on equity and sustainability and how to more effectively teach people in ways that helps build the solidarity, skills, and capacities necessary to more effectively work towards a healthier and more equitable society. Conversations with her are always thought provoking, refreshing, and joyful. So, without further preamble, I’m happy to introduce you to Michelle Garvey.

Dr. Michelle Garvey is an Institute on the Environment Educator. She previously served as the Director of the Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs (HECUA) as well as the Internship Coordinator for Minnesota Transform (MNT). She is a community organizer, a climate and sustainability educator, and a scholar who works to promote environmental justice.

Links:

• https://environment.umn.edu/news/ej-stories-michelle-garvey-supports-changemaking/
• https://environment.umn.edu/news/ione-educator-spotlight-dr-michelle-garvey/
• https://minnesotatransform.com/about-us
• https://mndaily.com/281407/campus-administration/umn-community-addresses-regional-environmental-injustice-through-new-assistance-center/
• https://climategen.org/blog/climate-justice-education-from-the-capitol-to-the-classroom/
• https://www.existentialtoolkit.com/

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