Navigating electoral advocacy as a 501(c)(3) is not always easy but we have some great tips for those that are interested.
Environmental Justice Advisory Boards - A Scorecard for States
An Environmental Justice Advisory Board (EJAB) is a group that advises government agencies on issues related to environmental justice, ensuring that policies and actions address the needs and concerns of marginalized communities disproportionately affected by environmental harms. These boards play a crucial role in promoting fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race or income, in environmental decision-making processes. The importance of EJABs lies in their ability to bridge the gap between communities and policymakers, advocating for equitable solutions to environmental challenges. The goal of this document is to compare the strengths and weaknesses of different EJAB bylaws to provide informed recommendations for communities to advocate for strong Board structures that have the power to move their vision and needs forward.
The Last Line of Environmental Defense...You
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that it would be suspending all enforcement of environmental protections. The full announcement can be read here.
Filing a Right to Know Request
If you are experiencing some environmental harm and you want to get to the bottom of it then you might want to start by filing a Right to Know (RTK) request with the proper local, state, or federal agency. Right to Know requests provide individuals with an opportunity to obtain any “open records,” as defined by each states laws. Depending on the state, the laws that guide your right to know information may be called “Freedom of Information Act”, “Open Records Laws”, or “Right to Know Laws”. For further reading on these laws check out the links for our services areas of Ohio and Pennsylvania.
How to Start a Community Garden: Converting a Vacant Lot
It’s mid-winter, the perfect time to start planning a community garden and have it ready for the thaw. Community gardens are a great way to turn previously unused land into a vibrant community space that promotes health and education for members of all ages! All throughout the Appalachian basin communities are finding creative ways to reuse land as shared gardens.
