 NAAC is excited to announce a new partnership with West Harlem Environmental Action Inc. (WE ACT for Environmental Justice), a leader in the fight for environmental and climate justice. This collaboration is part of a broader effort initiated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which awarded WE ACT the responsibility of operating the Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (TCTAC) for EPA Region 2. Covering New York, New Jersey, and 8 Indian Nations, the TCTAC provides technical support to underserved, rural, and remote communities so they can access crucial grant funding and resources.
As part of this effort, NAAC will be vital in focusing outreach in South Jersey, particularly in our core service areas of Atlantic, Cape May, Salem, and Cumberland Counties. Expanding Access to Environmental Justice Support The WE ACT TCTAC is designed to help historically marginalized communities that often lack the resources to tackle pressing environmental, climate, and energy justice challenges. By offering training and technical assistance (TA), the center helps community organizations and local governments build the capacity to:
The goal is simple: to provide these communities with the tools they need to access and leverage funding opportunities that can help them advance their environmental, climate, and energy justice goals. WE ACT TCTAC Community Voices: A Platform for Advocacy A unique feature of the TCTAC is developing a rotating network of Community Voices across New York and New Jersey. This network will play a vital role in amplifying the voices of the communities most affected by environmental and climate issues, ensuring their needs are heard and addressed. NAAC will be instrumental in mobilizing this network in South Jersey and connecting communities to WE ACT's extensive resources and services. The TCTAC Community Voices cohort will:
NAAC's outreach will be concentrated within a 50-mile radius of its territory, covering Atlantic, Cape May, Salem, and Cumberland Counties. This focus allows us to maximize our impact by ensuring that communities within this region can fully benefit from the services and support provided by WE ACT. Building a Stronger Environmental Justice Movement The partnership between NAAC and WE ACT for Environmental Justice is about more than providing technical assistance; it's about building a movement. Over the next two years, TCTAC Community Voices participants will regularly convene to discuss regional environmental, climate, and energy justice priorities. These discussions will lay the foundation for a Regional Environmental Justice Network, which will continue to build capacity and drive advocacy in the future. By working together, we can ensure that South Jersey's communities have a powerful voice in shaping the environmental policies and decisions that affect their lives. Join Us in Making a Difference Suppose you're a community leader or advocate in South Jersey looking to make an impact. In that case, we invite you to join us in this critical work. With your involvement, we can strengthen the capacity of our local communities to fight for environmental justice and ensure that they have access to the resources needed to thrive. For more information on how to get involved, contact NAAC to learn more about the opportunities available through this groundbreaking initiative. Together, we can create a healthier, more equitable future for all.  We are thrilled to announce NAAC's new partnership with the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance (NJEJA). Together, we are launching the Environmental Action and Literacy Hub Seminar Series, a program designed to empower community members in Environmental Justice (EJ) communities across New Jersey. From September 2024 to January 2025, this series is your opportunity to engage, learn, and make a difference.
Through this collaboration, we aim to recruit four passionate community members who will participate in a transformative journey to develop a deep understanding of environmental justice issues and acquire the tools to advocate for their community's interests. With the increased demand for public engagement due to the NJ Environmental Justice Law, which enhances the power of residents in EJ communities to influence local environmental decisions, this initiative comes at a critical moment. Why This Matters The NJ EJ Law requires robust public participation, allowing residents in EJ communities to contest and potentially block permits for industrial facilities that could negatively impact their neighborhoods. However, understanding the complex governmental processes and effectively voicing concerns can be challenging for many community members. This is where the NJ EJ Education Collaborative steps in. The Environmental Action and Literacy Hub Seminar Series is designed to demystify the intricacies of environmental justice issues and provide a clear blueprint for navigating governmental and legal processes. We aim to train youth and adults, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to advocate for their communities' well-being. About the Seminar Series Participants will gain in-depth insights into environmental justice topics, including the history of EJ in New Jersey, strategies for public advocacy, and tools for engaging in dialogue with government and private entities on critical environmental decisions like permitting and land use. The seminar series will culminate in forming an outreach network, connecting participants to experts and fellow community leaders, and creating a ripple effect of advocacy throughout the state. Timeline and Key Events The seminar series will kick off in February 2025 and will be hosted quarterly by partner organizations. Each session will focus on a section of the comprehensive EJ curriculum developed by NJEJA in collaboration with Kean University's John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). Here's a glimpse of what's in store:
Join Us! Suppose you're passionate about environmental justice and want to make a meaningful impact in your community. This is your chance to get involved. We are looking for four dedicated community members to participate in this exciting initiative. This is more than just a seminar—it's an opportunity to become a key player in advocating for a healthier, more just environment for all. Contact us at NAAC to learn how to join this groundbreaking initiative. Together, we can drive real change in New Jersey's environmental justice landscape. |
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