As a newcomer to D.C., I am eager to explore all this city has to offer. Despite the sprawling National Mall and the throngs of tourists, D.C. is also a network of communities. This blog explores the ways that D.C. residents are banding together to strengthen communities, and building an inclusive green economy from the bottom-up.
Some people dream of the day when they will meet their favorite musician or movie star. In D.C., people live in anticipation of catching a glimpse of President Obama, or of shaking the hand of a favorite Congresswoman. This very same sense of giddy excitement is what I felt last Tuesday night when I went to hear one of my heroes give a speech at a fundraiser for The Green DMV.
After an enjoyable half hour meandering through the LongView Gallery where the fundraiser was held, perusing the art, and striking up conversations, I had almost forgotten my nervousness. Then, entirely unexpectedly, my mouth half-full of miniature mushroom tart, I caught a glimpse of the very person I was so excited to see.
I recognized Van Jones from photographs, countless articles, and the jacket of his book, The Green-Collar Economy. Despite my attempted nonchalance, the little start I gave coupled with a muffled squawk I let slip as I grabbed my friend’s arm most definitely gave me away. If that wasn’t enough, I am almost positive I blushed as Van looked in my direction. I tried to play it cool, but he had noticed my reaction, and as I passed by him Van reached out and introduced himself.
As if he needed an introduction.
I pulled myself together enough to shake his hand, tell him my name, and that my time interning at Green For All—an organization that he founded—fundamentally changed the way that I think about the environmental movement. Phew…
Later, as he gave his speech, I was impressed by the way he balanced wit, an appeal to common sense, and a call to action. But I have read interviews and speeches by Van Jones before.
Meeting Van Jones had an entirely unexpected effect on me. It reminded me that he’s just a person—albeit a motivated, passionate, and exceptionally intelligent person, but a person nonetheless. He helped found a movement that is restructuring our economy, but he didn’t have to be superhuman in order to effect large-scale change. Each one of us has the potential to make just as big an impact on society.
Van’s core message had taken on a new meaning. “Not green for some,” he concluded his speech, “green for all.” I had always taken this to mean that everyone deserves a chance to be a part of the green economy. I now understand that it also means that responsibility for making change does not belong to only some of us, it belongs to us all.
