Wayne’s Sierra Club World: United We Stand, Divided We Fall - Creating Safe Harbors

By Wayne Tanaka, Chapter Director | Reading time: 3.5 minutes

“An injury to one is an injury to all.” - Industrial Workers of the World 

This month we have seen waves of manufactured chaos continue to pound our islands’ shores, leaving increasing numbers of us adrift in ever-more turbulent waters of economic, environmental, and social uncertainty.

As we gasp for air and grapple with the still-incoming impacts and consequences of decisions being made thousands of miles away in Washington, D.C., one thing is becoming undeniably clear: things may never go back to “normal,” in the way that so many still seem to hope, at least implicitly.

Also clear is that the obvious federal drive to free corporate interests from protective regulations and hard-fought standards will inflict untold harms upon us, our children, our islands, and our planet – harms that will be felt for generations, and ultimately felt by all, regardless of political affiliation or identity.

Unfortunately, this means we must resist the temptation to hide, keep our heads down, and wait for the growing storm to pass - the otherwise natural reaction to unpredictable times.  

With more and more people being cast aside, stripped of fundamental protections, and left to fend for themselves, and as our foundations of social opportunity, understanding, and justice continue to be targeted and eliminated in the name of “waste,” now is the time to start gathering together with all who have felt or seen the impacts of this King tide of change. 

History has shown that only by banding together, across our human differences and in recognition of our common threats, can we create the harbors of safety and unity that will be the key to building a less bleak and truly hopeful future.

The old union saying, “An injury to one is an injury to all,” defined the wide-ranging, cross-sector movements that pushed back against the oligarchal powers that had been undermining the still-young vision of democracy, and oppressing working families across the world - including right here in Hawai‘i. A similar motto, and mindset, will be needed to come together to not just defend workers’ rights, but in this case, our very right to survive. 

Step one, then, may be to seek out those opportunities for connection, understanding, and shared action, to spread the idea that our collective fate depends on our ability to stand united across our differences, in defense of each other and all that we love.

Two such opportunities are on the near horizon.

First, the Environmental Legislative Network, an informal network of people from all walks of life with a shared concern for our environmental and cultural integrity, will be holding a virtual crossover gathering on Thursday, March 6, at 5 p.m., to discuss legislative proposals and share policy priorities that can help safeguard our islands and communities despite, and in response to, the radical actions of the federal government. Come to learn, share, and most importantly, connect with others who are already working to build a better future for our islands. Register and join at bit.ly/eln2025. 

Second, the Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi and friends will be hosting an informal “weekend pau hana” on Saturday, March 15, from 5pm to 7pm at the Church of the Crossroads - the first intentionally interracial church in Hawaiʻi, established in a period where plantation-driven racial segregation had become our islands’ uncharacteristic norm. Stay tuned for an evening of pupus and additional opportunities to celebrate the diversity that has defined the “environmental” movement in Hawaiʻi - including activities that can help us express and recognize a vision of mutual support and protection for both people and ʻāina.

These are just two small opportunities - of many hopefully being formed - to begin taking the first steps in a journey that only grows longer with every passing day. 

More opportunities will inevitably become available this month - so please be sure to sign up for our announcements and action alerts at sierraclubhawaii.org/subscribe. 

In the meantime, if you would believe in this vision for the direction we need to take, consider supporting our ongoing efforts by making a contribution or signing up as a volunteer - and asking others to do the same. 

In unity and with steadfast hope,

Wayne