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Green Commons

Announcing Green Commons: the new name for this forum

Hi everyone,

I am writing to let you know about a change we are making here at BuildingGreen. We will be changing the name of this all-Peer Networks forum “Green Gurus” to “Green Commons.” 

We’ve made this decision after learning that using the term “guru” outside of its cultural context is appropriative. In an effort to center social justice in our work, our team got together and came up with a new name that we believe is a great fit for a space dedicated to the entire Peer Networks community.

We also recognize that “Green Gurus” has been informally used by BuildingGreen staff and Peer Networks members to refer to the community itself in addition to the forum. We welcome you to join us in transitioning to using phrases like “Sustainability Leaders” and “Peer Network members” moving forward.

If you’d like to learn more, here is an educational resource from the KOJO Institute on cultural appropriation and the word “guru,” among other words.

The name change to “Green Commons” will take effect on our website next week. Please feel free to reach out to me at amanda@buildinggreen.com with any questions!

 

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Sarah Gudeman
Principal | Practice Lead
BranchPattern
LEEDuser Premium Member
6 thumbs up

Mon, 09/18/2023 - 11:01

Thanks for continuing to encourage this group to think with sensitivity and creativity, team BuildingGreen. Appreciate it and applaud the name change. 

Mon, 09/18/2023 - 14:44

As a member of the Indian diaspora I am very glad to read this! The use of this word is a constant niggly annoyance that I file under misunderstood cultural appropriation and glad to see Building Green continue to lead the way on progressive change.

On a personal note, one of the first prayers my parents taught me as a child was the Guru Brahma Mantra. The title of Guru is conferred on a truly remarkable person who dispels ignorance - something to strive for and why Indians are very respectful of teachers. Read a bit below and in the link to learn more. 

The Guru Mantra means that the Guru is one who dispels the darkness of ignorance and is equated to the Hindu trinity, the guru is Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the sustainer), and Shiva (the destroyer), since the Guru creates, sustains knowledge, and destroys ignorance. By doing so they liberate the student from the ocean of samsara, the trap of maya, and allow a student to attain Moksha (ultimate enlightenment and a transcendent state). For this reason Hindus are taught to bow down with humility and gratitude to their Gurus.
Guru Brahma - In Sanskrit, English with Translation, Meaning, Audio, Lyrics and Notes (shlokam.org)

Best,
Arathi
 

Tue, 09/19/2023 - 19:42

Arathi, thank you so much for sharing this story! And very glad you hear you are happy about the name change. Thank you for your words as well, Sarah!

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