What Does Collective Truth Telling Look Like? with Rob Shetterly

In this enlightening episode, we explore the notion of collective truth-telling through a poetic introduction and a compelling conversation with Rob Shetterly, the artist behind the portrait series "Americans Who Tell the Truth." We begin with Lilace Mellin Guignard's evocative poem "The Great Reimagining," a heartfelt call to rekindle our imagination and respect for our planet and its intricate ecosystems.

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Grounding

Lilace Mellin Guignard reads her poem, The Great Re-Imagining. She first shared it publicly at The BTS Center’s 2022 Convocation. 

Lilace Mellin Guignard is a poet who realized long after completing her MFA that she had, in fact, followed in her father’s footsteps. A pastor’s daughter, being raised in a liberal social justice church in the suburbs of Maryland meant her childhood was filled with music and art and faith. Her best memories of her father are when, on his weekends off, he’d take her with him to Greenbelt National Park where he’d lead outdoor worship for those camping. 

Lilace is the author of the memoir, When Everything Beyond the Walls Is Wild: Being a Woman Outdoors in America and the poetry chapbook Lost in the Homeland, winner of the 2015 Helen Kay Chapbook Poetry Prize. Her poems have appeared in the journals Calyx, Hawk & Handsaw: The Journal of Creative Sustainability, Northern Appalachia Review, The Fourth River: Climate Change Issue, and Poetry Magazine’s ecojustice issue. Her poems have also appeared in anthologies, including Facing the Change: Personal Encounters with Global Warming and Ghost Fishing: An Eco-Justice Poetry Anthology. She taught creative writing, outdoor recreation leadership, and women’s studies at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania. She is now Associate Publisher at Beagle Media, publisher of Mountain Home magazine. 

Lilace’s webpage: www.tentofonesown.com

Lilace on Facebook: www.facebook.com/lilace.guignard/

Lilace on Instagram: www.instagram.com/lilaceguignard/

Main Conversation

Our main conversation features Rob Shetterly, a Maine-based artist and social advocate. Rob opens up about how his portrait series, "Americans Who Tell the Truth," emerged as a response to feelings of grief, guilt, and alienation during the run-up to the Iraq war. His transformative project now boasts over 200 portraits, each portraying an American truth-teller, from historical figures like Henry David Thoreau to contemporary voices like Bryan Stevenson.

Shetterly's insights into environmental justice offer a profound perspective. He discusses the destructive tendencies of modern culture to commodify nature, mentioning examples like mountaintop removal and the importance of organizations like Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association in countering destructive practices. The episode expands on various forms of truth-telling — whether through art, civil disobedience, organization-building, or eloquent writing like Robin Wall Kimmerer's — and their vital role in establishing a more sustainable and equitable world.

Next Steps for Climate Change Engagement and Community Involvement

• Take Local Action: Recognize that while one person can't solve the world's problems alone, individuals can make a significant impact at the local level. Whether it's green energy, sustainable transportation, or local politics, your efforts can make a difference.
• Engage Emotionally: Taking on local projects not only contributes to solving climate issues but also changes your emotional relationship with them. Instead of feeling fearful, you become empowered, knowing you are making a difference.

Specific Action Steps

• Connect with Local Groups: Identify local organizations, committees, school groups, etc., that are taking action on climate change and see how you can contribute.
• Educate the Youth: Utilize educational programs like the Samantha Smith Challenge to inform young people about climate issues and empower them to take action.
• Pressure Governments: While working on local projects, continue to put pressure on governments to make policy changes that address climate issues.

Additional Resources and Actions:

• Watch Truth Tellers: After listening to the podcast, watch the documentary Truth Tellers to learn about individuals who are making a difference. Consider hosting a community screening to spur conversation and action.
• Thank Someone: Write a note of thanks to someone in your community who is doing courageous work in tackling climate change or social issues, especially if their efforts are going unrecognized.
• Visit AmericansWhoTellTheTruth.org: Learn more about individuals who are courageously telling the truth through Rob Shetterly's portraits and narratives.

By following these guidelines and specific actions, you can make a meaningful contribution to combating climate change and fostering community involvement.

Climate Changed is a podcast about pursuing faith, life, and love in a climate-changed world. Hosted by Nicole Diroff and Ben Yosua-Davis, Climate Changed features guests who deepen the conversation while also stirring the waters. The Climate Changed podcast is a project of The BTS Center. The show is produced by Peterson Toscano.