51. Intersectional Environmentalist: Harnessing the Power of Interdependent Community with Diandra Marizet Esparza

When an online community goes from 10k to 500k members seemingly overnight, there’s definitely some secret sauce involved. In this episode of What the Fundraising we learn from Diandra Marizet Esparza, the co-founder and Executive Director of Intersectional Environmentalist (IE), about why the platform has resonated so profoundly. It starts with understanding the way that cultural identities shape nature and nature shapes cultural identity, and that the two cannot be disconnected. At the core of IE is a commitment to activating community among those whose voices have been long ignored – the very citizens most deeply and directly impacted by environmental injustices. First breaking down the historical context and meaning of “intersectional environmentalism,” Diandra goes on to explain the organic evolution of IE and its mission to revolutionize business as usual among environmental decision-makers, educational and political systems, and the non-profit industrial complex.  Environmental and conservation groups of all sizes have something to learn from the way IE promotes a high-profile value proposition for brands seeking both to do good and be good. And their platform is full of resources and networking tools available to everyone. In this episode, you’ll learn tips for strengthening partnerships and get a glimpse into how this social media powerhouse keeps everything going. If you’d like to take a deeper dive into understanding this new approach to environmental healing, IE has an informative book available in print and audible formats: "Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle Systems of Oppression to Protect People + Planet," by Leah Thomas. You’ll also want to check out IE’s new podcast, The Joy Report. And the learn more about how to raise money from the right funders in a way that is aligned and in integrity with the work of your organization, make sure to check out the Power Partners Formula and register for my free masterclass here. Episode Highlights: (02:38) – A brief intro to Diandra’s work fostering conversation across sectors  (03:55) – Understanding the ways in which cultural identities shape nature and nature shapes cultural identity. (07:07) – What is intersectional environmentalism (10:37) – Evolving from performative to a focus on concrete environmental solutions based in root causes whose historical legacy is only now being acknowledged (12:30) – IE’s early days (14:08) – What captured the imaginations of people introduced to the IE platform (16:41) – Since Day 1 the momentum of IE has been astonishing (19:37) – Social media was initially a safe place, IE grew out of a need to promote partnerships that made people feel seen. (25:20) – Negotiating the space between IE’s historically free, organic platform and the “nonprofit-industrial complex,” (26:38) – Redundancy in the nonprofit sector and why IE was a necessary addition (31:20) – How brands decide to partner with different nonprofits (32:18) – How to break through to prospective partners (35:04) – The role of nonprofits to help brands define and articulate their environmental values (41:06) – Diandra’s Top Tips for building your community or organization (44:51) – How does IE spend their time on social media to nurture community  (46:15) - Where to find Diandra and learn more about IE.