The purpose of 'Solidarity Rides' are not just to tour frontline communities, but to strategically bring leaders together, in Solidarity to catalyze Environmental Justice.
We believe that when PoP’s Media & Solidarity Rides for Environmental Justice amplify stories with a focus on untold narratives, then we inspire a base big strong enough to ignite change. We believe that if we foster trust by centering lived experiences and research that acts as a starting point for audiences to learn more about the climate and plastic crisis (as well as other intersectional issues), then we inspire the masses to collectivize their voices and actions for change.
We have already seen frontline communities replacing Toxic Tours with Solidarity Rides. As a counter-narrative to this extractive framing and practice of Toxic Tours, PoP’s Executive Director, Michael McKenzie in fellowship with other EJ leaders in Texas coined the phrase Solidarity Ride in 2023. The term ‘Solidarity Ride’ was inspired by civil rights activists of the past who organized ‘Freedom Rides’ and ‘Sit ins’ to collectivize movements and demand justice.
We believe that when PoP’s Media & Solidarity Rides for Environmental Justice amplify stories with a focus on untold narratives, then we inspire a base big strong enough to ignite change. We believe that if we foster trust by centering lived experiences and research that acts as a starting point for audiences to learn more about the climate and plastic crisis (as well as other intersectional issues), then we inspire the masses to collectivize their voices and actions for change.
We have already seen frontline communities replacing Toxic Tours with Solidarity Rides. As a counter-narrative to this extractive framing and practice of Toxic Tours, PoP’s Executive Director, Michael McKenzie in fellowship with other EJ leaders in Texas coined the phrase Solidarity Ride in 2023. The term ‘Solidarity Ride’ was inspired by civil rights activists of the past who organized ‘Freedom Rides’ and ‘Sit ins’ to collectivize movements and demand justice.
