Political Endorsement Policy
The Cascadia Department of Bioregion is a democratic movement and organization. Every supporter and member is allowed to suggest ideas they think would benefit our movement and region. Issues specify what we should prioritize and care about, Campaigns are the work we do.
The Cascadia Department of Bioregion endorses political activities which:
are based in Cascadia or within the context of Cascadia,
better the livelihood of those living in the bioregion, or the bioregion itself,
support groups, businesses, food, items and events that are local, sustainable and ethical; that fit into a global system responsibly,
value and protect the diversity of our place, people and culture and create spaces where those most impacted by issues can take the lead on those issues,
expand civil liberties, privacy, rights and freedoms of Cascadians,
spread bioregionalism and grow a network of watershed movements; for a bioregion that is vibrant, resilient and autonomous,
support systems that are democratic, accountable and transparent, and increase our regional ‘inter-dependence’ and independence, in mutual collaboration,
encourage locally generated energy based on renewable resources, and a net negative carbon impact,
And use peer reviewed, and data driven information to arrive at these conclusions.
We support these policies through:
Direct Delegates: Cascadia Department of Bioregion supports Cascadian Delegative Democracy, a form of scalable, direct and delegative form of Democracy for internal organizing and elected delegates. Any candidate doing so as a movement delegate - bound to vote as their constituents choose, with acceptance of our shared values can receive automatic endorsement.
Candidates: Cascadia Department of Bioregion can endorse candidates within the Cascadian Bioregion if submitted by a member or diplomat, with approval of our voting membership. The Cascadia Department of Bioregion does not endorse political parties.
Campaigns, Initiatives and Referendums: Cascadia Department of Bioregion supports campaigns and initiatives and referendums in line with our bioregional principles as outlined by this document.
Have an idea or feel we are missing something?
SUBMIT YOUR IDEA HERE
Organizational Policies:
Any supporter or member may propose what we endorse, or activities we undertake. On a local level of the submitter - if the policy or suggestions meet our shared values, it can be automatically approved. For a regional scale, any adoption of policies will be listed as pending, and must happen with approval of the full voting membership of those affected, or our governance body or executive staff. Depending on the type - it is okay to have split geographic regions, with some in support, some remaining opposed, and members are invited to draft language for and against.
All political endorsements or opposition should align with our Guiding Values and organizational policies, including the Diversity Inclusion Policy, Kindness Policy, and Partnership Policy. No political endorsement or opposition should negatively impact our ability to support any future activities.
The Department of Bioregion is confident in all of its members intentions to further positive change across Cascadia. In the unlikely and unfortunate event that an individual or chapter undertakes activities which involve political endorsement or opposition, and which violate the above-outlined criteria, the Department of Bioregion reserves the authority to prohibit allocation of Department of Cascadia resources, including use of the name to said activities, and may revoke membership or participation of groups or individual future involvement with the group.
Diversity and Inclusivity Policy
The Cascadian community is diverse. The Department of Bioregion is committed to valuing, respecting, and embracing the richness of a diverse Cascadia citizenry, regardless of background or way of life.
Department of Bioregion does not, and shall not, discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any other differentiating factor in any of its activities or operations. We will not affiliate with, or provide resources to, organizations that engage in unlawful discrimination of any kind.
Decolonization & First Nation Partnership Policy
The Cascadia Department of Bioregion recognizes that the Cascadia bioregion exists on traditional ceded, and unceded lands of first nation and indigenous inhabitants who have lived here for thousands of years, as well as a deep context of colonialism, displacement and genocide. The Department of Bioregion feels that Cascadia, and bioregionalism, offer the best chance for real decolonization - including a removal of colonial borders and boundaries towards ones that are more representative of the land and people, and a pathway of indigenization for the 15 million people living here for healthier, more livable communities & bioregion. We are excited to invite the participation of, partner with and support first nations and indigenous organizers in building systems that are more just, and our collective futures.
Anti-Hate Policy
The Cascadia movement works to partner with and create a safe space for frontline and traditionally marginalized communities and voices. We reject all forms of hate, prejudice, and believe in an inclusive movement, that shows the beauty of this region, it’s people and our incredible diversity. We reject racism, hate, fear, sexism, white supremacy, or any type of discrimination based on sexual orientation, religion, personal beliefs or choices, and these stances are reflected at every level. We look forward to building a coalition movement that empowers every person and community, and provides space for indigenous, POC, and traditionally marginalized communities, and of course the millions of amazing Cascadians who live here, to advocate with their own voices, find solidarity and support, and break down boundaries which are harmful and negative.
Partnership Policy
To ensure that all partnerships and sponsorships help the department to further its mission, the following criteria should be used to determine whether a company or organization is a good fit as a partner: Demonstrated a commitment to the betterment of Cascadia and organizational or business practices that align with our Guiding Values; abide by our Diversity Inclusion Policy and the Kindness Policy; and have all, or a significant portion of, their operations within the Cascadia bioregion. The Department has the authority to decline partnership with or sponsorship that does not meet the above criteria.
