Van Jones interview

grist.org

I hope that everyone will take some time and head over to read my interview with Van Jones, civil rights lawyer, founder and director of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, and rising star of progressive activism. His message is that largely white, affluent "eco-elites" need to broaden their coalition by reaching out to low-income and minority youth, promising them training and jobs in the new clean energy economy.

As he says: "For people with a bunch of opportunity, you tell them about the crisis. For people with a bunch of crisis, you tell about the opportunities."

That's something the green movement should have heard and taken to heart long ago -- and it's only one memorable line out of many from an incredibly charismatic community leader. I expect we'll be hearing much more from him in coming years. Give it a read.