Have you heard the good news? On December 19, 2023, Philanthropy Northwest, in partnership with an extensive network of regional partners across the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Region 10 (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and tribal communities), was selected as the Region 10 Grantmaker for the Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program. Our goals are to distribute resources to historically underinvested communities by leveraging powerful partnerships, facilitating participatory grantmaking and designing a simplified application process. As a regional grantmaker, Philanthropy Northwest stands alongside other leaders selected to steer these funds effectively to where they can make the greatest difference, distributing $40 million in Region 10 over three years.
We’re buzzing with excitement about this program! In the spirit of building more equitable and thriving communities, we asked our core EPA Thriving Communities team at Philanthropy Northwest to share some of their favorite environmental reads and films. Here’s what they couldn’t wait to recommend:
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Melissa Koepp, Program Officer and Danielle Crystal, Director, Grantmaking
A top pick across our team, ‘Braiding Sweetgrass’ is a beautiful blend of Indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge. In this heartwarming and insightful book, Robin Wall Kimmerer explores the lessons nature offers us—if only we listen. Through stories of sweetgrass, goldenrod and more, Kimmerer invites us to recognize our deep connection with the natural world and how giving back is key to healing both the earth and ourselves. Melissa shares, "It’s a book I’ll revisit every few years. Kimmerer’s approach, weaving Native knowledge with Western science, is truly transformative."
Youth Unstoppable by Slater Jewell-Kemker
Karen Westing, Vice President, Marketing and Communications
Karen’s pick is an inspiring documentary that captures the unstoppable spirit of youth fighting for climate justice. Filmmaker Slater Jewell-Kemker began documenting young activists at just 15 years old, offering an up-close view of the Global Youth Climate Movement. Spanning 12 years, ‘Youth Unstoppable’ showcases the resilience and determination of youth as they demand a more just and sustainable future. It’s a powerful reminder that the next generation is leading the charge for change.
Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit by Lyanda Lynn Haupt
Danielle Crystal, Director, Grantmaking
Danielle highlights ‘Rooted’, a profound exploration of the connections between land ownership, racial injustice and generational poverty in America. Through her family’s history of land loss and reclamation in Kentucky and North Carolina, Brea Baker shines a light on the legacy of stolen land and the ongoing fight for equity. Despite historic struggles, her grandparents created Bakers Acres, a sanctuary of love and sustainability. Rooted celebrates Black farmers and envisions a future where land justice leads to true healing.
The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson
Melissa Koepp, Program Officer
For sci-fi lovers, Melissa recommends ‘The Ministry for the Future,' a gripping novel set in the near future that tackles climate change head-on. Kim Stanley Robinson imagines a world where the climate crisis is no longer a distant threat but an immediate reality. Through vivid storytelling and realistic scenarios, this book challenges us to rethink what collective action could look like as we confront global challenges. No wonder it was one of Barack Obama’s favorite reads!
All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katharine K. Wilkinson
Danielle Crystal, Director, Grantmaking and Dana Binnendijk, Senior Manager, Communications & Community Outreach
Danielle’s final pick, ‘All We Can Save,' highlights the leadership of diverse women at the forefront of climate action. This anthology brings together essays, poetry and art from voices that are too often sidelined but are crucial to real change. With perspectives from scientists, activists and creatives, this collection shows how compassion, creativity and collaboration are the keys to a sustainable future. It’s a powerful reminder that to truly solve the climate crisis, we need everyone’s wisdom and contributions.
We hope these recommendations inspire you to dive deeper into environmental justice and the voices leading the way. Stay tuned for more updates on the EPA Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program by visiting our website and subscribing to our emails. Let’s continue to support local talent and diverse perspectives as we build a more just and sustainable future. For more books by Pacific Northwest authors, visit Select Books, or check out BIPOC Books for voices that need to be heard. And for audiobooks, don’t forget to support your local bookstore with Libro.fm!
