7 Directions of Service

What 7 Directions of Service does

7 Directions of Service (7DS, legal entity 7 Directions of Service Inc.) is an Indigenous-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2018 by Crystal Cavalier-Keck and Jason Campos Crazy Bear Keck, operating on the ancestral Occaneechi-Saponi homelands in Haw River, Alamance County, North Carolina. The organization pursues environmental justice, advocacy, and education across land, water, and community rights, with programmatic pillars including protection of Sacred Places from fossil fuel infrastructure (Transco SSEP, MVP Southgate, Enbridge T-15, Buc-ee's gas station), advancement of Rights of Nature laws in North Carolina, preservation of the Great Trading Path, operation of YESA Farm for food sovereignty and intergenerational cultural learning, community-based air monitoring, and international climate advocacy at UNFCCC COP forums.

The organization runs a portfolio of community-facing programs rather than a unified technology product: a sliding-scale annual membership with a Paid Members Portal, self-paced online trainings hosted on Teachable (e.g., the $75 lifetime Introduction to Rights of Nature course), recurring fundraising events (Rooted in Motion virtual race, kayaktivism, Truthsgiving, Putting for People Water and Land), branded merchandise, and the Remembering Forward Fund structured as a voluntary land-tax. Distribution is event-driven and grassroots, supported by digital fundraising infrastructure (Action Network, PayPal), coalition partnerships (Sierra Club, Appalachian Voices, NC Pipeline Watch, WECAN, GARN, UNFCCC delegations), and earned media.

The revenue model is donation- and event-led: individual donations, sliding-scale membership contributions, occasional merchandise and training sales, and named restricted funds (Landback, Remembering Forward). There are no disclosed equity funding rounds, anchor institutional donors, or technology licensing streams; the organization is privately funded and controlled by its co-founders, with Tax ID 33-1777226. Notable outcomes include the 2025 World Monuments Fund Watch List recognition for the Great Trading Path, the indefinite halt of the MVP Southgate pipeline, the 2021 blocking of the Buc-ee's mega gas station in Orange County, and mobilization of 1,000+ community members in opposition campaigns.

Name

7 Directions of Service

Legal name

7 Directions of Service Inc.

Website

https://7directionsofservice.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

7 Directions of Service is an Indigenous-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2018 that advances environmental justice, Rights of Nature laws, and protection of Sacred Places for Indigenous and frontline communities in North Carolina and at international climate forums.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Justice Advocacy

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Human Rights Organizations (813311), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200), Forestry (800)

akta.pro primary industry

Environmental Justice & Community Environmental Health (BPAGAGAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Land Trusts & Protected Areas (BPAGAGAC), Community Forestry & Indigenous Land Stewardship Services (IMAMAJAM), Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems (BPAGAGAI)

Keywords

• Environmental justice advocacy
• Indigenous community organizing
• Rights of Nature education
• Cultural land stewardship
• Grassroots coalition building

Headquarters

HQ city

Haw River

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: The organization relies heavily on individual donations via online platforms (Action Network, PayPal) and check/cash contributions. Donations support Landback/Rematriation efforts, YESA Farm operations, and general advocacy work.
2. Annual Membership Program: Annual financial contributions on a sliding scale from individuals and organizations. Members receive access to the Paid Members Portal, virtual briefings with the 7DS team, member events, trainings, and special announcements.
3. Self-Paced Online Trainings: Sale of online educational courses including Introduction to Rights of Nature (6 modules, $75 lifetime access). Additional historical and cultural courses planned.
4. Remembering Forward Fund (Land Tax): Voluntary land tax contributions from non-Indigenous community members living on Indigenous land, supporting Indigenous-led land stewardship and YESA Farm programming in NC and VA.
5. Merchandise Sales: Sale of branded merchandise (hoodies and other swag) through the organization's website storefront.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

7 Directions of Service is an Indigenous-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers environmental justice advocacy, land and cultural stewardship, and Rights of Nature education from its base on the ancestral Occaneechi-Saponi homelands in North Carolina. Core offerings include grassroots organizing against fossil fuel and polluting infrastructure (Transco SSEP, MVP Southgate, Enbridge T-15, Buc-ee's gas station), operation of YESA Farm for Indigenous food sovereignty and cultural revitalization across 13 gardens, self-paced online trainings on the Rights of Nature, a sliding-scale annual membership program, fundraising events such as kayaktivism and the Rooted in Motion virtual race, branded merchandise, and international climate advocacy at UNFCCC COP events.

Product overview

7 Directions of Service (7DS) is an Indigenous-led environmental justice nonprofit organization operating on the ancestral homelands of the Occaneechi-Saponi in rural North Carolina. Rather than a unified software platform, 7DS offers a portfolio of interconnected programs and services: YESA Farm provides land-based cultural programming and food sovereignty work; Self-Paced Online Trainings offer educational courses on Rights of Nature; the Membership Program provides exclusive access to briefings and events; the Protect Sacred Places Campaign fights pipeline and fossil fuel infrastructure; Global Climate Leadership engages in international climate advocacy; Rooted in Motion Virtual Race hosts fundraising movement challenges; and the Donation Portal processes contributions. The organization also operates an Occaneechi Community Air Monitor and maintains advocacy campaigns for Rights of Nature laws and Great Trading Path preservation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• YESA Farm: A sanctuary for Indigenous and BIPOC communities to reconnect with ancestral knowledge, food, and the Earth, located in Alamance County, NC. Named for the Siouan Tutelo word meaning 'the People.'
• Rooted in Motion
• 7DS Action Fund
• Remembering Forward Fund

Products and services

• YESA Farm Program An Indigenous farm and community sanctuary located in Alamance County, NC, offering land-based cultural programming, food sovereignty work, and intergenerational learning. The farm grows Three Sisters (Corn, Beans, Squash), traditional fruits, berries, herbs, and medicines, and hosts seasonal teachings, community celebrations, and YESA Farm land days. Targeted at Indigenous and BIPOC communities, cultural learners, and supporters seeking to engage with ancestral knowledge and Earth-based practices.
• Self-Paced Online Trainings (Introduction to Rights of Nature) A 6-module self-paced online course titled 'Introduction to Rights of Nature,' delivered via the Teachable platform for $75 lifetime access. Includes educational videos, curated resources, reflection prompts, and assessments covering legal, cultural, and ecological frameworks for the Rights of Nature. Additional historical and cultural courses are planned. Targeted at learners, advocates, and community members seeking structured education on Rights of Nature law and Indigenous environmental frameworks.
• Annual Membership Program An annual sliding-scale membership open to individuals and organizations that includes access to the Paid Members Portal, virtual briefings with the 7DS team, member events, an annual celebration, trainings, and special announcements. Membership contributions are recurring on an annual basis. Targeted at supporters who want sustained engagement with the organization's Indigenous-led environmental justice work.
• Rooted in Motion Virtual Race A virtual movement-based fundraising challenge in which participants register and complete distances by walking, running, biking, hiking, paddling, or rolling during the event period. Proceeds support Indigenous-led environmental justice initiatives, cultural revitalization programs, MMIW NC advocacy, youth leadership, food sovereignty, and community healing. Targeted at individual supporters anywhere in the world looking for an active way to support the mission.
• Events Program A program of community and fundraising events including the Great Guessing Jar, Silent Auctions, Putting for People Water and Land mini-golf fundraiser, virtual races, kayaktivism for the Dan River, the Truthsgiving event, and the Southeastern Indigenous Coalition Environmental Conference. Events serve as primary touchpoints for recruitment, awareness, and donations. Targeted at community members, supporters, and volunteers.
• Branded Merchandise (Swag) Sale of branded merchandise including hoodies and other swag through the organization's own website storefront, supporting fundraising and awareness. Targeted at supporters who want a tangible way to show engagement with 7DS's mission.

Quantifiable outcome

• MVP Southgate fracked gas pipeline has never moved forward after coordinated opposition
• +3 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Sierra ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental coalition partner in opposing the Transco Southeast Supply Enhancement Project pipeline. Sierra Club and other groups condemned the Army Corps permit decision and are working with 7DS and allied organizations to protect waterways and communities from pipeline construction risks.
• Appalachian VoicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental coalition partner in opposing the Transco Southeast Supply Enhancement Project pipeline. Part of the coalition of environmental groups strongly condemning the Army Corps permit decision.
• NC Pipeline Watch CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition of environmental groups and volunteers launched to monitor construction of the Southeast Supply Enhancement Project pipeline in North Carolina, detecting violations and advocating for stronger regulatory oversight.
• WECAN (Women Earth Alliance for Climate Actions)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner7DS co-founders Crystal and Jason Keck have participated in WECAN panel series including 'Women Leading Solutions for a Healthy and Just Planet' and 'Indigenous Women on the Frontlines of Climate Action.' 7DS engaged with WECAN for COP30 preparation.
• GARN (Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner7DS has participated in Rights of Nature Tribunals and Indigenous Leadership Panels organized by GARN. The partnership supports advancing Rights of Nature legal frameworks globally.
• Sogorea Te' Land TrustminorStrategic or Co-development Partner7DS references and shares resources from Sogorea Te' Land Trust, including the 'How to Come Correct Guide' and educational materials on Rematriation. 7DS promotes the Sogorea Te' Land Trust definition and framework for Landback and Rematriation practices.
• UNFCCC / COP DelegationsmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner7DS co-founders have represented Indigenous, Afro-Indigenous, and frontline communities at COP28, COP29, and COP30 as frontline delegates, participating in UN side events and strategy sessions on fossil fuel phase-out.
• Global Climate and Health AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Crystal Cavalier-Keck provided expert testimony to the Global Climate and Health Alliance for a report on health harms caused by fossil fuels, with special emphasis on impacts on vulnerable communities.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Earthjustice: Major U.S. environmental law organization that litigates on fossil fuel infrastructure and environmental justice. Comparable adversary on the Transco SSEP permitting fight, though operating as a legal organization rather than grassroots nonprofit.
• Sierra Club: One of the largest U.S. environmental organizations, active coalition partner with 7DS on pipeline opposition. Operates broadly across conservation, climate, and advocacy — overlapping on fossil fuel resistance but not Indigenous-led.

Direct peers

• Honor the Earth: Indigenous-led nonprofit focused on Indigenous environmental justice, land defense, and cultural revitalization. Highly comparable mission and programming model (landback, food sovereignty, cultural preservation), though based in the Upper Midwest.
• Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN): International alliance advancing Rights of Nature legal frameworks, with which 7DS co-founders have participated in tribunals. Direct peer in Rights of Nature advocacy, though with a broader international policy mandate.
• Indigenous Environmental Network: Indigenous-led environmental justice nonprofit opposing fossil fuel infrastructure and advancing Indigenous rights. Highly comparable as a grassroots mobilization organization working on pipeline resistance and COP advocacy, but with broader national/international scope.
• Women Earth Alliance (WECAN): International Indigenous and women-led climate justice organization that has hosted 7DS co-founders on panels and COP delegations. Directly comparable as a global advocacy network operating at the same international forums.
• NC Environmental Justice Network: North Carolina-based environmental justice coalition that has partnered with 7DS on the Buc-ee's campaign and pipeline opposition. Closest geographic and tactical peer, working on overlapping rural NC pollution and infrastructure issues.
• Movement Generation: Indigenous and people-of-color-led organization building grassroots power for environmental justice, climate, and economic alternatives. Directly comparable mission and base-building approach, though with a stronger focus on political education curriculum.
• Appalachian Voices: Regional environmental nonprofit operating across the Appalachian South, partnering with 7DS on the Transco SSEP pipeline fight. Comparable as a coalition partner on fossil fuel opposition and regional community organizing.
• Sogorea Te' Land Trust: Indigenous women-led land trust returning land to Indigenous stewardship in the San Francisco Bay Area. Comparable as a Landback/Rematriation organization with similar frameworks, though operating in a very different geography.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about 7 Directions of Service