NAAC and NJEJA Partnership: Empowering Environmental Justice Communities

​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:

• Seminar 1 – Hosted by NJEJA: February 22, 2025, or March 1, 2025
• Seminar 2 – Hosted by Isles: June 21, 2025
• Seminar 3 – Hosted by N.A.A.C.: August 23, 2025
• Seminar 4 – Hosted by OCEAN Inc.: November 8, 2025

​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.
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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.