billion relatives
An ambitious all-inclusive campaign to gift Unci Maka (Grandmother Earth) a billion allies in our fight against climate catastrophe.
billion relatives
We are all related
Our world is confronting environmental challenges of monumental proportions and is struggling to cope with the escalating impacts of climate change. In response to this urgent crisis, and guided by the principle that “Mitakuye Oyasin” – we are all related, we are launching the “Billion Relatives” campaign. This initiative seeks to unite diverse communities in a shared mission of ecological restoration, aiming to orchestrate a global tree planting effort that aspires to plant a billion trees. Central to this initiative is a profound respect for Indigenous wisdom and a commitment to collaborate with Indigenous communities, beginning with the partnership of a tribal community as the campaign’s first collective action partner.
You are all invited
In leading the “Billion Relatives” campaign, we embrace the teaching of “Mitakuye Oyasin,” infusing this ethos into every facet of our endeavor. Our initiative invites tribes, communities, organizations, and individuals from across the globe to join us in this monumental task. Each tree planted represents a healing step for our planet, a rekindling of our interconnectedness with the natural world, and a testament to the shared responsibility we hold.
We stand together
As we stand together, on the precipice of launching the “Billion Relatives” campaign, it’s clear that we are embarking on a journey of unprecedented scale and significance. Rooted in the profound wisdom of “Mitakuye Oyasin,” this initiative aims to weave together the threads of Indigenous knowledge, institutional reforestation expertise, community engagement, and global collaboration into a vibrant tapestry of ecological restoration. With the ambitious goal of planting a billion trees by 2040, we are not just aiming to combat climate change and restore biodiversity; we are striving to rebuild the ancient bond between humanity and the natural world.
Our Unified Vision
Envisioning a future where the collective endeavor of planting a billion trees has manifested, the “Billion Relatives” campaign foresees a world transformed. This vision anticipates newly forested areas standing tall as a testament to unity and collective action. By 2040, these trees will not only symbolize the bridging of modern society with the natural world but also serve as a beacon of ecological balance. It’s a future where the global community, inspired and united under the banner of interconnectedness, witnesses the fruits of their labor: a healthier planet. This vision embodies a world where the restoration of our environment mirrors the revitalization of our relationship with Earth, reinforcing the intrinsic link between the health of our planet and our own well-being.
Our Mission in Action
Driven by this vision, our mission is to ignite a worldwide movement, forging a network of partnerships that span across diverse societal spectrums. From the deep-rooted wisdom of Indigenous tribes to the bustling energy of urban communities, schools, corporations, and individuals, our call to action is inclusive and far-reaching. How we achieve our ultimate goal is in the hands of everyone who takes part, as we invite every strategy, and effort to contribute to the whole. The campaign transcends the physical act of planting trees, aiming to educate and empower participants about their integral role within the world’s ecosystems. Our goal is to instill a culture of stewardship and a profound appreciation for our planet, ensuring that in future generations the trees we plant today stand as a living legacy. These trees will not only combat climate change but also weave a green tapestry for the future, symbolizing the unity and commitment of the “Billion Relatives” campaign to create a sustainable and flourishing Earth. As we plant we aim to capture the name and the geolocation of each tree in a forever database.
Launching together
The launch of the “Billion Relatives” campaign is a pivotal moment, marking the beginning of a global effort to foster ecological restoration through unity and collective action. This strategy outlines a comprehensive approach to initiating the campaign, ensuring it gains the momentum needed to achieve its ambitious goals.
Phase 1: Partnership and Collaboration
Indigenous Leadership: Initiate dialogue with Indigenous communities to establish the campaign’s foundation in partnership and respect for traditional ecological knowledge. Our first action will be to plant trees in collaboration with a tribal community, symbolizing the campaign’s commitment to Indigenous wisdom and leadership.
Building a Coalition: Extend invitations to environmental NGOs, educational institutions, businesses, and community groups to join the campaign. This coalition will be instrumental in amplifying our message and mobilizing resources.
Phase 2: Public Engagement and Awareness
Launch Event: Organize a symbolic tree-planting ceremony that embodies the spirit of “Mitakuye Oyasin,” highlighting our interconnectedness with all life. This event will feature Indigenous ceremonies, guest speakers, and interactive planting activities to inspire and engage participants.
Media Outreach: Partner with media outlets to cover the launch event, sharing the vision and mission of the “Billion Relatives” campaign. Utilize press releases, social media, and influencer partnerships to reach a broad audience.
Digital Campaign: Launch a digital platform that serves as a hub for engagement, education, and action. This will include the “Digital Register of Heroes,” where individuals and groups can log their tree-planting efforts, contributing to the global goal.
Phase 3: Mobilizing Action
Community Planting Events: Facilitate local and regional tree-planting events, empowering communities to take direct action. Provide resources, such as planting guides and educational materials, to ensure the success and sustainability of these efforts.
Educational Programs: Develop and distribute educational content that emphasizes the importance of trees, biodiversity, and Indigenous perspectives on conservation. Target schools and youth organizations to foster a generation of environmental stewards.
Volunteer Network: Establish a global network of volunteers who can lead and participate in planting events, serve as campaign ambassadors, and contribute to the campaign’s outreach efforts.
Phase 4: Sustained Growth and Engagement
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Partnership Expansion: Continuously seek new partnerships with organizations, corporations, and governments to expand the campaign’s reach and impact. Leverage these partnerships for funding, land access, and increased visibility.
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Ongoing Digital Engagement: Keep the digital platform dynamic and engaging, with regular updates, stories of impact, educational content, and live events to maintain momentum and encourage ongoing participation.
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Annual Milestones: Celebrate annual milestones with global events, recognizing the contributions of all partners and communities. These events will serve to assess progress, set new goals, and renew the commitment to the vision of planting a billion trees by 2030.
Year One specifics, lets start somewhere
Objective
- To plant 1,000 trees as the foundational step towards the broader goal, simultaneously building a community of engaged individuals committed to environmental restoration.
Strategies
Community Planting Events: Organize local tree planting events that bring communities together, fostering a sense of ownership and direct involvement in environmental stewardship.
Individual Pledge Program: Launch a digital campaign encouraging individuals to pledge to plant a tree. This campaign would emphasize the importance of each tree to the environment and future generations.
“I Did My Bit” Social Media Challenge: Encourage participants to share their tree planting efforts through a selfie video or photo, using a campaign-specific hashtag. This will not only serve to verify participation but also act as a powerful tool for viral marketing and community building.
Digital Register of Heroes: Develop an online platform where each planted tree, along with its planter’s name (if they agree), location, and date, is registered. This “forever” register will serve as a living legacy of individual contributions to the planet, accessible to future generations.
Donation for a Tree: For those unable to plant a tree themselves, offer the option to donate towards the planting of trees. Each donation would directly correspond to a tree planted by volunteers, with the donor’s name optionally included in the digital register.
Funding and Resources
Seek initial funding from local businesses, environmental grants, and crowdfunding to cover the costs of seedlings, event organization, and the development of the digital platform.
Partner with local environmental NGOs, schools, and community groups to maximize reach and impact.
First-Year Budget:
- Seedlings and Planting Materials: $20,000
- Event Organization: $15,000
- Marketing and Outreach: $10,000
- Digital Platform Development: $25,000
- Administrative Costs: $30,000
- Community and Educational Programs: $20,000
Total: $120,000
This launch strategy is designed to ignite a widespread movement of ecological restoration, rooted in respect for Indigenous wisdom and the power of collective action. Through careful planning, broad engagement, and sustained effort, the “Billion Relatives” campaign aims to inspire a global community to come together in the shared mission of planting trees and healing our planet.
