Our Mission
We are allies committed to amplifying the voices of Micronesians in the United States in order correct structural injustices born of U.S. imperialism.
Visit of U.S. authorities to the Marshall Islands, 1976. The sign reads “Please release us from the bondage of your trusteeship agreement”
Theory of Change
The United States’ historical and current actions in Micronesia have produced structural injustices, including poor health, loss of access to natural resources, loss of cultural practices and languages, loss of land, and environmental degradation. Climate change, also caused by the US, exacerbates these challenges. Now is already too late to fully right the past wrongs our country committed in the region, but we can prevent further injustices and promote self-determination; and we can provide a good life for Micronesians living in the US.
We will amplify Micronesian voices through education, advocacy, and legal channels. Because Americans are poorly educated about our historic and current actions in the region, there is little political pressure to right our wrongs and promote justice. We will educate academics, members of the public, and policy-makers through academic publications, media, and white papers. We will also develop legal arguments that Micronesian states can employ in pursuit of justice.
“Insightful quote that links through to a Kathy video poem. Haven’t decided on one yet...”
Our Methods
Educate the American Public
Americans poorly understand Micronesia, if they can even identify it on a map. There is a need to educate Americans about the relationship between our country and Micronesia.
Educate Policy-Makers
Parallel with the lack of knowledge about Micronesia among the American public, American policy-makers are also largely ignorant of our history and current actions in the region. This can lead to policies that worsen the situation of Micronesians
Pursue Legal Channels to Justice
Micronesian states lack the resources to pursue justice on their own. This challenge is worsened by the fact that the majority of financial capital in the region comes directly from the US government.
Promote Ethical Research
American funders, journalists, NGOs, and researchers often fail to meaningfully include local voices in their processes. This can lead to unhelpful or even harmful interventions that reproduce injustices and maintain Micronesian dependency on the US.