Liberation Ecology Field Course
“[The course] changed my perspective on what is possible in my own journey ... That little piece of knowledge is an invaluable gift and I cannot thank CEL enough for giving me that. I know it’ll serve us all well as we change the world. I’ll carry it with me always.”
“This course was life-changing in so many ways, I can’t even begin to count how many seeds of inspirations this course has planted. But overall, I’m taking away the friendships I made here and a large community of people ready to collectively build together.”
Course Description
The Liberation Ecology Field Course (LEFC) aims to prepare young adults working in environment-related fields to better understand and mitigate the climate crisis by addressing the role of racial capitalism and social inequality shaping ecosystems and society. The course integrates:
technical and historical knowledge of local and global environmental change phenomena
methods for environmental analysis
critical social theory of environmental change
inner work to repair the harmful effects of interpersonal and structural social injustices and build emotional resilience and dignity
Our vision merges scientific training with decolonial and anti-oppression theory/praxis in the legacy of the Freedom Schools of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. LEFC teaches ecological systems thinking, critical analysis of power structures, field research skills, while building a reflexive and affirming environment that centers the knowledge, experiences and healing of Black, Indigenous and people of color.
Experience with the outdoors (hiking, camping, etc.) is NOT required for participation. LEFC is intended to be accessible to all levels of comfort with the outdoors and levels of ability.
Foundations
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The Liberation Ecology Field Course aims to build the capacity of its participants to:
Apply analytic and field skills to pursue questions that unite BIPOC experiences with patterns of ecological change in order to dismantle persistent colonial systems.
Seek ways to be good ancestors and descendants in the face of social and planetary crisis.
Heal from ecological trauma and reclaim a relationship with nature that is a foundation for personal, environmental, epistemic, and political transformation.
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Course Dates: February 22- April 19 2025
Further details to be announced.
Four virtual sessions providing orientation, introducing critical ecological theory, addressing and developing trust among educators and students.
Four field-based day-long lessons and two overnight camping trips in locations ranging from old growth redwood forests to urban coastlines.
Reading and writing assignments on core concepts of ecological and climate science, liberation theories, and hands-on data collection methodology.
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The Liberation Ecology Field Course is seeking applicants who demonstrate that they have thought deeply about:
Their identity and positionality in relation to the unfolding of the current environmental crisis
A specific problem or question at the intersection of environmental change and social justice that they are committed to addressing
The social and planetary future they wish to help build.
We strongly encourage applications from people who are from socially marginalized backgrounds and who are historically underrepresented in the natural sciences, including but not limited to queer, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, people of color, and disabled people.
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With support from
