Alaska Just Transition: Get Involved!

Alaska Just Transition: Get Invovled!

Get Involved With Alaska Just Transition justtransitionak.org/getinvolved

Introduction The purpose of this document is to describe the structure of Alaska Just Transition and provide a set of guidelines for engaging with a Just Transition in Alaska. We recognize that many individuals, organizations, groups, and communities who are not necessarily a part of the entry points listed here are inherently engaged with Just Transition work because it is in the framework of their communities and cultures. After all, economies of care have existed in Communities of Color for millenia. Remembering Forward by implementing Indigenous economic principles is at the core of what we aspire to do.

The Just Transition Collective has a long way to go. There are many underrepresented identities in our work that we are committed to bringing to the forefront of our narratives. We understand that big picture change and allyship are ongoing processes of healing, listening, and taking direct action alongside our beloved communities, lands, and waters. Care is an ongoing practice.

The following information is essential to understand our structure and engage with the Just Transition Collective. On the last page, please ensure you agree with the Onboarding Agreement to continue to the JTC Intake Form.

Please ensure you’ve thoroughly read and agree to these onboarding principles before proceeding at justtransitionak.org/getinvolved.

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Alaska Just Transition History Mission & Vision Points Of Entry & Structure How Collective Partners Join How Tables/Caucuses Join How Project-Based Collaborators Interact How Members Join Accountability & Onboarding Agreement

Alaska Just Transition History What Is The Alaska Just Transition Collective?

The Alaska Just Transition Collective (JTC) is an intersectional cohort of regional and state-wide organizations that collaborate through an aligned vision for the future. We recognize Indigenous knowledge as essential to our work and look to intersectional Communities of Color for guidance on the path forward. We work to build a practice of centering Alaska Native languages, knowledge, and values, which hold a deep relationship to lands and waters.

The Collective’s Core Partners are: Fairbanks Climate Action Coalition, Alaska Public Interest Research Group, Native Movement, Alaska Community Action On Toxics, The Alaska Center, and Native Conservancy.

What Is The Just Transition Framework?

“Just Transition strategies were first forged by labor unions and environmental justice groups, rooted in low-income communities of color, who saw the need to phase out the industries that were harming workers, community health and the planet; and at the same time provide just pathways for workers to transition to other jobs. It was rooted in workers defining a transition away from polluting industries in alliance with fence line and frontline communities.” - Climate Justice Alliance The Just Transition principles exist with the understanding that the problems we face (climate change, health disparities, and worker exploitation, for example) are connected. Therefore, the tactics we use to solve problems must encompass these connected systems.

“Just Transition” is another way of saying “fair and equitable shift.” The Just Transition framework is a set of guidelines for communities to shift away from extractive economies and toward regenerative economies.

The word “economy” derives from the Greek words for “care and management of home.”

“Extractive economies” create jobs and systems in our home that take from lands, waters, workers, and families without giving back in return. There is a lack of balance in extractive economies, which is why transitioning away from industries that deplete lands and cultures is important.

“Regenerative economies” show us how care and management of home can be balanced.

Resources and labor are sustainable because of this balance. In regenerative economies, industries value the offerings of lands, waters, and people and give back to them without stripping our home of resources or harming communities for profit.

Equitable regenerative economies have existed in communities of color in Alaska for millenia, so we use the phrase “Remembering Forward” as a reminder that the solutions to economic crises already exist within the fabric of our communities. We must lay the groundwork for a

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transition to an economy that cares for communities and the land. Transition is inevitable.

Justice is not.

How To Get Involved Alaska Just Transition holds regular online gatherings and a biennial in-person summit to connect community members from around Alaska who are committed to a better future. Visit justtransitionak.org to learn more, sign up for our newsletter, and join us to learn how you can be a part of a Just Transition in your community. Learn more about the Just Transition Principles.

For a more complete list of how to get involved with the JTC, please see the section on Points of Entry & Structure.

Mission & Vision Vision The Alaska Just Transition Collective strives to illuminate a path forward for interdependent social and economic movements, guided by self-determined, regional leadership on the front lines of intersectional crises in Alaska and beyond. “Just Transition” means uplifting multi-racial, working-class, queer, and Indigenous place-based knowledge systems while we shape regenerative economies, steward lands and waters, and build more just and equitable communities for all.

Mission The Alaska Just Transition Collective stewards collaborative networks and spaces for movement growth by providing equitable access to leadership development, organizing tools and added capacity. Our goals are centered on creating a broad movement to connect change-makers across regional issues to move our communities toward economic, social and political transition.

What We Do The Alaska Just Transition Collective: - Facilitates collaborative spaces to transition communities from an economy based on extraction and exploitation to one rooted in care.

- Builds networks of local leaders to foster collaboration on a large scale.

- Cultivates a broad movement to connect different change-makers and move communities toward economic, social, and political transition.

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Points Of Entry & Structure As the Just Transition Collective (JTC), we recognize there are many intertwined movements with the same goal: a just, transformed society that prioritizes community health and wellness over extraction and profit. Core Collective Partners drive the JTC’s strategy, events, and communications. Beyond that, our developing network is made up of Members, Tables/Caucuses, and Project-Based Collaborators who support each other through reciprocal and non-hierarchical relationships of information sharing, strategic leadership, and both in-kind and financial support of the broader movement. We also intend to align with, collaborate with, and support the communities we serve whether or not they interact through points of engagement listed here. Our larger community can join us for in-person events like the Just Transition Summit, as well as monthly virtual gatherings.

Alaska Just Transition has the following levels of engagement:

Core Collective The Alaska Just Transition Collective is an intersectional group of organizations that work on narrative development, outreach, and convening. The Core Collective Partners commit to meeting regularly, organizing collaboratively, and weaving our work together. These organizations have dedicated staff time to focus on supporting and developing Just Transition work in Alaska with time commitments including daily correspondence, biweekly meetings, and regular events.

Table/Caucus Tables are made up of collaborators who are aligned and working on specific issue areas or sectors. A Caucus is a group of collaborators who are aligned over a shared identity that represents a segment of the population. Table/Caucus groups join with the JTC to receive communications support and cohere with the Just Transition movement on specific targeted areas or issues affecting specific identities in Alaska.

Project-Based Collaborator Project-Based Collaborators align with the JTC and organize, teach, and share alongside our network for specific one-off projects or campaigns. These groups are in relationship with the JTC and their campaigns align with Just Transition framework, but this is a short term commitment to amplify specific projects.

Member Members are individuals and organizations who want to stay updated, be involved, and support/be supported when possible, but do not have capacity to commit to the Collective or a Table/Caucus regularly. Members are part of regular member meetings. Organizations as members agree to learn, teach, and share with us and with our larger network, but may have

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limited capacity to commit to Just Transition coordination and events. Member Organizations may not necessarily work on every Just Transition principle, but may do work that aligns with the Just Transition framework.

How Core Collective Partners Join Criteria for New Organizations To Become Core Collective Partners ● ●

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The organization must be in alignment with the Just Transition framework and our Onboarding Agreement.

The organization must maintain our minimum required level of involvement: ■ JTC bi-weekly meeting ● If the organization has two consecutive and unexplained absences without letting us know, the JTC Coordinator will schedule a check in. ● If the organization then has two more consecutive and unexplained absences, the JTC Coordinator will ask them to consider redefining their level of commitment and partnership.

■ Summit assistance ● The organization must have at least one staff member available to help organize regular Just Transition Summits.

The organization must commit to dedicating staff capacity for involvement.

At least one staff person within the organization must include JTC in their work plan; ideally, this person is not an Executive Director.

Perks Of Joining The Collective ● ● ● ● ● ●

Amplification through our newsletter (3,000+ on our listserv), website, social networks, and collaborative publications including zines.

An opportunity to vision, plan, and participate in the Just Transition Summit, highlighting your work and amplifying across the state.

Bi-annual retreats across Alaska with other Collective members.

Broad collaboration and connection across a growing network.

Opportunity to be a key visionary in defining what Just Transition looks like in Alaska.

Collaborative fundraising means that Partner orgs may receive monetary support, when available, to participate in the Collective. This is not guaranteed.

Process To Join The Collective ●

Upon completing the Onboarding Agreement at the end of this document, candidate organizations must complete the JTC Intake Form, which is reviewed by the Collective; OR, the Just Transition Collective reaches out to organizations directly with interest in collaborating.

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After initial review of the JTC Intake Form, the JTC schedules a listening session to let candidates know what to expect and listen to what their needs and expectations would be.

A decision is made by the Collective.

How Tables/Caucuses Join Tables are made up of collaborators who are aligned and working on a specific issue area or sector. Examples include groups working on climate justice, environmental justice, and carceral abolition.

A Caucus is a group of collaborators who are aligned over a shared identity. Examples include groups who are Black-led and focus on campaigns that impact the Black community, LGBTQ2S+ groups, and groups led by and for union workers.

Table/Caucus Criteria To qualify as a Table/Caucus, a group must: ● Include more than one organization who have agreed to collaborate. ● Work on at least one area of Just Transition with goals that reflect the goals of Alaska Just Transition (even if not explicitly stated or framed in that way) and in a way that is aligned with Just Transition values and principles. ● Want to join a larger network of Just Transition aligned collaborators who work in reciprocity with one another. ● Have a clear process for adding/removing members from the Table. ● Identify a clear point of contact who has capacity to meet with someone from the Just Transition Collective regularly.

Perks Of Joining As A Table/Caucus 1. Connection to other organizations and Tables that work in the Just Transition framework.

2. Media amplification through the Just Transition Collective social media, newsletter, and printed materials, as well as developing collaborative communications strategies that allow us to develop a shared narrative in Alaska.

3. Funding support, as available, from the Just Transition Collective. This is not guaranteed.

Process To Join As A Preexisting Table/Caucus 1. The Table/Caucus expresses interest in formalizing collaboration with the JTC by completing the Onboarding Agreement at the end of this document, followed by completing the JTC Intake Form; OR, the JTC reaches out directly with interest in formalizing collaboration.

2. A representative from the JTC sits in at one of your Table/Caucus meetings.

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3. After the initial discussion, the Table/Caucus decides if they are interested in moving forward with the relationship. The JTC representative also makes a decision with the JTC. 4. The Table/Caucus and the JTC draft a written agreement of joining as a JTC Table, explicitly stating: a. What area of Just Transition the Table/Caucus works on. b. A commitment to Just Transition and Just Transition Collective agreements, frameworks, and protocols. c. An identified point person to attend regular Collective–Table meetings. d. An identified organization to receive and disburse funds for the Table as needed. e. Information about how individuals join that Table/Caucus, for the JTC to share with interested parties as appropriate.

5. The Table/Caucus and the JTC consent to the written agreement and set up a regular time to revisit, modify, and re-consent to the collaboration agreement.

Process To Create A Table/Caucus There are many active initiatives around Alaska vital to a Just Transition that might benefit from greater coordination and collaboration. There are also many issues that are not currently being addressed through the Just Transition framework. In order to create a Table, focused on policy issues, or a Caucus, focused on issues facing a certain segment of a population, the following is required: 1. A network of collaborators interested in forming a Table/Caucus.

2. Ability to demonstrate that there is not a group already focused on the same issue with a Just Transition lens, and that the issue fits within an area of Just Transition.

3. Commitment to meet consistently and have at least one representative at JTC–Table/Caucus coordination meetings.

4. A commitment to Just Transition and Just Transition Collective agreements, frameworks, and protocols.

5. Clear protocols for other individuals and organizations to join/leave the Member Table/Caucus.

How Project-Based Collaborators Interact Project-Based Collaborator Criteria To apply as a Project-Based Collaborator, a group must: ● Present a clearly defined project, which: ○ Explicitly states project goals and metrics for measuring success. ○ Has clear start and end dates. ○ States how Alaska Just Transition can support the project and what kind of collaboration the group envisions.

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Work on at least one area of Just Transition with goals that reflect the goals of Alaska Just Transition (even if not explicitly stated or framed in that way) and in a way that is aligned with Just Transition values and principles.

Want to connect with a larger network of Just Transition aligned collaborators who work in reciprocity with one another.

Identify a clear point of contact who has capacity to meet with someone from the Just Transition Collective for the duration of the project or campaign.

Project-Based Collaborator Perks ● ● ●

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Connection to other organizations that work in the Just Transition framework.

Organizing tools and resources for your campaign or project.

Media amplification through the Just Transition Collective social media, newsletter, and printed materials, as well as developing collaborative communications strategies that allow us to develop a shared narrative in Alaska.

Funding support, as available, from the Just Transition Collective. This is not guaranteed.

Process To Become A Project-Based Collaborator ●

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The Project-Based Collaborator candidate expresses interest in formalizing collaboration with the JTC by completing the Onboarding Agreement at the end of this document, followed by completing the JTC Intake Form; OR, the JTC reaches out directly with interest in formalizing collaboration.

A representative from the JTC sits in at one of your project meetings or schedules a discussion with a representative from the group.

After the initial discussion, the Collaborator candidate decides if they are interested in moving forward with the relationship. The JTC representative also makes a decision with the JTC. The Collaborator candidate and the JTC draft a written agreement of details, metrics, and timelines of collaborating, including: ○ The campaign or project goals and timeline. ○ The project’s relationship to one or more Just Transition principles. ○ A commitment to Just Transition and Just Transition Collective agreements, frameworks, and protocols. ○ An identified point person to attend regular Collective–Collaborator meetings. ○ An identified organization to receive and disburse funds for the project or campaign as needed.

The Collaborator candidate and the JTC consent to the written agreement and set up a regular time to revisit, modify, and update the collaboration agreement until the project has concluded.

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How Members Join Membership Criteria Membership to Alaska Just Transition is designed for people in our community who want to stay updated, get involved, volunteer, and interact with the JTC more actively than passively receiving updates via social media and email. These are folks and organizations in Alaska who may amplify the Just Transition narrative, take part in Just Transition work in their own communities, and align with some or all the Just Transition principles, but do not necessarily make a living doing Just Transition or nonprofit work. Organizations that are not actively working in opposition to our framework are welcome. Members are community constituents who want to be more involved.

Membership Perks New Members receive a brief onboarding and more information about the Just Transition principles, as well as the link to the virtual JTC Member Meeting, where the JTC regularly shares updates and calls to action, hosts special guests, and connects with the community and occasional Member-specific emails and activities.

Process To Become An Member In order to become an Member, an individual or organization must: 1. Have a desire to learn more about, understand, uphold, and commit to the Just Transition Principles.

2. Review our website and toolkit.

3. Agree to and uphold the Onboarding Agreement at the end of this document, followed by completing the JTC Intake Form.

Screening Process Upon committing to the onboarding agreement as part of this document and engaging in the onboarding process, the new Member is initially considered a candidate. The Just Transition Collective will regularly review Member candidates to ensure safety in our community and have the right to revoke membership. See more on accountability below.

Expectations Of Members Members are encouraged to get involved with our events, messaging, and volunteer opportunities to the best of their desire, ability, and capacity. This is a low time commitment level of engagement for people who may be in alignment with the Just Transition principles and are excited about being a part of a community who organizes around this framework. Joining as a Member builds power across regions and increases our capacity to hold local events in different areas. The door is open for members to attend Monthly Member Meetings when they are able and have interest, but there is not a required level of engagement to retain Membership status, nor is there a required financial commitment.

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The Just Transition Principles cover many sectors, so it makes sense that the framework impacts, involves, and needs different people from different industries and backgrounds in Alaska. We expect Members as well as everyone involved in Alaska Just Transition to be respectful of one another and of lands and waters, and we hope we can safely hold each other accountable to this standard. Membership may be revoked for those who practice harmful behaviors inside or outside of our events and meetings. Members are expected to not only agree to but abide by the Onboarding Agreement. Email info@justtransitionak.org with questions or concerns.

Accountability & Onboarding Agreement Community Accountability As allies to Communities of Color across Alaska, it is crucial that Core Collective Partners, Tables/Caucuses, Project-Based Collaborators, Members, and the general public with whom we collaborate and interact do not perpetuate systemic racism, power hierarchy, and/or other forms of white supremacy. It is our role, as the Alaska Just Transition Collective, to listen and learn from Black, Indigenous, working class, gender expansive, and Disabled communities and amplify Alaska Native economic values. Indigenous Peoples have lived in good relationship with the land, waters, air, plant and animal relatives for millennia, establishing knowledge systems that provide a path forward in the Just Transition.

The Alaska Just Transition Collective also recognizes that a Just Transition must include the justice liberation for Black lives and are, therefore, accountable to Black communities. We are committed to the principles of anti-racism and work to combat anti-Blackness. We know that we will make mistakes and call for a commitment to public learning.

Movement Accountability Alaska Just Transition Collective recognizes that Just Transition strategies were first forged by labor unions and environmental justice groups who saw the need to phase out the industries that were harming workers, community health, and the planet; while also providing just pathways for workers into new livelihoods. This original concept of Just Transition was rooted in building alliances between workers in polluting industries and fence-line and frontline communities. We also understand that we live in a system that perpetuates white supremacy, capitalism, and racism and it is our responsibility to actively dismantle and decolonize. The Collective empowers individuals, communities, and partners to dedicate energy to their own healing and wellness as an act of resistance against these oppressive systems. It is a first step in reconciling historical injustices, supporting Indigenous Sovereignty, and centering Indigenous knowledge systems.

Collaborator Accountability Advancing a Just Transition in Alaska requires the work of a broad collective of organizations and communities filling vital roles & holding different pieces. As we advance a Just Transition, 10

we intentionally build & strengthen relationships with collaborators, as well as Tribes, organizations, community movements, and other individuals who are advancing a Just Transition even if separate from the JTC. By building stronger networking opportunities and more dialogue, we create alignment in Just Transition Principles and framework.

We strive to create a safe and welcoming space for BIPOC, LGBTQ2+, and frontline communities. To do so, we abide by the Jemez Principles and the Defend the Sacred Principles:

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Be inclusive Emphasize on bottom-up organizing Let people speak for themselves Work Together in Solidarity and Mutuality Build Just Relationships Among Ourselves Commitment to Self-Transformation

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Unlearn, dismantle, heal, and create: DECOLONIZE Organize from the bottom up Uplift a matriarchal, decentralized, and marginalized leadership Grow an inclusive movement for all Create space for people to speak for themselves Work together in unity, solidarity, and accountability to each other Strive to build just relationships in our organizing Uplifting marginalized and oppressed voices that align with Defend the Sacred Alaska values 9. Commit to a just and equitable transition away from an extractive, oppressive economy toward a regenerative, holistic, living worldview 10. Acknowledge that we exist in a tangible system of racial injustice and that it is our responsibility to dismantle it.

11. Be soulful.

Please ensure you’ve thoroughly read and agree to these onboarding principles before proceeding at justtransitionak.org/getinvolved.

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