Empowering Communities Through Justice and Training
As educators and advocates, we understand that environmental justice is not merely about addressing pollution or restoring ecosystems—it's about equity, empowerment, and human rights. Environmental justice seeks to remedy the disproportionate harm caused to marginalized communities—particularly BIPOC communities, low-income families, and Returning Family Members—by environmental degradation and systemic injustices.
At our organization, we are guided by the 17 Principles of Environmental Justice as articulated at the First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit in 1991. These principles serve as the cornerstone of our advocacy, influencing not only our approach to environmental health but also how we engage communities and fight for systemic change.
Environmental Justice (EJ)
The 17 Principles of Environmental Justice:
Affirms the Sacredness of Mother Earth and recognizes the interconnectedness of all beings.
Demands Public Policy based on mutual respect and justice for all peoples, free from discrimination or bias.
Mandates the Right to Ethical, Balanced, and Responsible Uses of Land and resources.
Calls for Universal Protection from Nuclear Testing, Extraction, and Disposal of toxins.
Affirms the Fundamental Right to Clean Air, Land, Water, and Food.
Demands a Halt to the Production of Harmful Toxins and that corporations be held accountable.
Advocates for Equal Participation in decision-making regarding environmental issues affecting communities.
Affirms the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to Self-Determination and sovereignty.
Calls for Urban and Rural Ecological Policies that reclaim and revitalize communities.
Opposes the Construction of Hazardous Waste Facilities near communities of color and poor neighborhoods.
Advocates for the Education and Empowerment of Communities on environmental issues.
Demands the Right to be Free from Occupational Hazards and unsafe working conditions.
Opposes the Military’s Destruction of the Environment and its impact on human health.
Calls for Action to Stop Violence Against the Environment and communities.
Recognizes the Importance of Self-Healing and Reclamation of Cultures for communities.
Supports International Action and Solidarity with movements for environmental justice globally.
Demands Reparation and Restitution for lands and resources damaged by exploitation.
These principles outline the urgent need to address the human condition through an environmental lens. As educators, it is our role to raise awareness, equip individuals with the tools they need to advocate for themselves, and challenge the structures that have historically disadvantaged communities of color.
AB 617: A Legislative Step Toward Equity
One of the pivotal laws in California that supports this mission is Assembly Bill 617 (AB 617). Enacted in 2017, this bill aims to address the disproportionate exposure to air pollution in disadvantaged communities by fostering community-driven air quality monitoring and emission reduction programs.
As educators, we can use AB 617 to demonstrate the power of community advocacy in shaping public policy. The bill provides funding and resources for local communities—often the ones most affected by industrial pollution—to monitor air quality and develop Community Emission Reduction Plans (CERPs). It prioritizes disadvantaged neighborhoods, including those in Oakland, giving residents the ability to influence the types of projects and industries that exist within their communities.
Environmental Justice in Oakland: A Case Study
Oakland's communities, particularly East and West Oakland, have long suffered from the cumulative impacts of environmental racism. Pollutants from the nearby Port of Oakland, industrial operations, and traffic congestion have contributed to higher rates of asthma, cancer, and other illnesses in predominantly BIPOC communities. The consequences of environmental degradation go beyond health—they permeate every aspect of life, from education to employment, and even housing stability. The majority of Oakland's homeless population includes Returning Family Members, whose struggle is compounded by environmental injustice.
By aligning with the 17 Principles of Environmental Justice and leveraging legislative tools like AB 617, we aim to not only remediate these conditions but empower community members to lead. Our programs offer:
Green workforce development, where individuals can train for sustainable jobs that improve their neighborhoods.
Life skills education for Returning Family Members to ensure that when they re-enter society, they can do so with the tools needed for long-term success.
Healing Circles and Support Groups, which provide emotional intelligence training, mental health support, and community-building opportunities that address the root causes of systemic inequities.
A Vision for the Future
Our commitment to environmental justice is centered on improving the human condition while ensuring that marginalized voices are at the forefront of policy discussions. Through education, advocacy, and grassroots mobilization, we believe that we can change the trajectory of not only Oakland but cities across the country facing similar environmental challenges.
As advocates, it is our duty to pass on this knowledge to the next generation of leaders. Our aim is not only to clean the air and water but to ensure that those most affected have the power and resources to reclaim their communities and thrive.
Together, by teaching, advocating, and taking action, we can create an Oakland—and a world—where environmental justice is more than an ideal. It becomes reality.We believe social justice is the foundation of true environmental reform. Guided by our 5 Principles of Social Justice, we advocate for equity across Oakland, particularly for those who have historically been marginalized.
Under AB 617:
Local Air Districts partner with community groups to implement emission reduction strategies.
Communities can monitor stationary sources (factories, refineries) and mobile sources (vehicles, trucks), which contribute significantly to poor air quality.
There is an emphasis on collaborative action to reduce exposure to harmful air pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)—substances that exacerbate asthma, cardiovascular disease, and other health issues.
AB 617 is not just a technical regulation but a blueprint for environmental justice in action, as it recognizes the right of residents to clean air, particularly in neighborhoods that have been systematically neglected.
