Masada Disenhouse, SanDiego350 Executive Director and Co-founder
Dear SanDiego350 community,
I am writing in response to the recent news that 350.org (the international organization that SanDiego350 is affiliated with) is suspending its programs in the United States.
I know some of you have concerns about how our work will be impacted – and I want to assure you that this change at 350.org will not affect our funding, our campaigns, or ability to achieve our mission.
While we have successfully partnered with 350.org’s US campaigns many times (notably on the Keystone Pipeline, the Dakota Access, divestment campaigns), and are disappointed and saddened that 350.org will be suspending its U.S. programs, our important work will continue.
SanDiego350 is a legally and financially independent organization with its own non-profit status and we decide what programs, campaigns, and initiatives we engage in. Unlike chapter-based organizations (such as the Sierra Club or Surfrider), SanDiego350 and other 350 state and local organizations are loose affiliates – not chapters. 350 affiliates are each legally independent organizations that were established and built locally, operate autonomously, and do not receive funding or direction from 350.org.
The 100+ 350 affiliates across the U.S., many of whom we collaborate with regularly, remain vibrant and dynamic forces for change. While all of the affiliates have shared roots in the movement, and appreciate 350.org’s bold and transformative leadership early in the climate movement, it is no secret that the work of the 350 affiliates has been a huge contributor to 350.org’s achievements in the U.S., with affiliate successes frequently attributed to 350.org. It is unfortunate that Politico’s coverage did not include this information, found in 350.org’s letter to partners.
We are a founding member of the 350 Network Council, an independent coalition of 16 of the stronger 350 affiliates in the U.S. with a collective budget of more than $7 million dollars and employing more than 70 full time staff. Network Council organizations are committed to organizing a powerful and active base of the public to win systemic change and political action for climate justice. We work together on national-level campaigns, and individually run powerful grassroots campaigns. As a network, we leverage the experience and knowledge of our members to build the capacity of our organizations and to seed the growth and development of smaller 350 affiliates.
We also are part of a legislative coalition of 350 affiliates in California, where we work jointly on legislation to advance a just transition to 100% renewable energy and to end fossil fuel extraction.
Beyond the 350 network, we are deeply embedded in the San Diego and California climate movement. Our youth and adult leaders participate actively in the Last Chance Alliance, a statewide coalition focused on building a fossil-free future for California. We are a founding member of the Transportation Equity Coalition and of the San Diego Building Electrification Coalition here in San Diego. We participate in dozens of other coalitions and work with over 100 partner organizations.
While it is disappointing to learn that 350.org needs to step back from the U.S., we hope they will return to operations in future. In the meantime, in partnership with our many allies, SanDiego350’s important work will continue (scroll down for a brief list of some of SD350’s accomplishments).
Note – I wrote this quickly to get something out to our staff and team leaders and active members, but we will share something similar with our broader membership shortly. You’re welcome to share this note or direct any inquiries to me. As always, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions.
I have so much gratitude for everyone in the SanDiego350 community! You – our volunteers, staff, members, partners, and supporters – are what make our work and our impact possible and powerful.
Onwards,
Masada Disenhouse
SanDiego350 Executive Director and Co-founder
Check out SanDiego350’s accomplishments.