As educators and advocates, we understand that social justice is deeply intertwined with environmental justice. The communities most affected by environmental harm—BIPOC communities, low-income families, and Returning Family Members (formerly incarcerated individuals)—are also those facing systemic barriers to equity in education, employment, housing, and healthcare. Social justice is about dismantling those barriers and empowering individuals and communities to achieve fairness, opportunity, and dignity.

At our organization, we view social justice through the lens of education, empowerment, and transformation. This perspective drives our work, from grassroots advocacy to green job training programs. It informs our engagement with marginalized communities, helping to uplift and galvanize them to take charge of their futures.

The 5 Principles of Social Justice

Our approach is rooted in the 5 core principles of social justice:

1. Equity: We fight for fair access to resources, opportunities, and rights for all, ensuring that everyone—regardless of race, background, or status—has the support needed to thrive.

2. Access: Our work ensures that historically disadvantaged communities have access to the systems and opportunities that will help them succeed—whether in education, housing, healthcare, or employment.

3. Participation: Social justice cannot be achieved without full participation from the community. We empower marginalized groups to have a seat at the decision-making table, so their voices are heard and respected in shaping their futures.

4. Rights: We advocate for the protection and expansion of basic human rights, particularly for vulnerable populations. This includes the right to clean air and water, the right to live free from environmental hazards, and the right to fair treatment in the justice system.

5. Recognition: We recognize the unique struggles faced by marginalized groups, celebrating their resilience while also advocating for systemic change to alleviate the challenges they face. This means acknowledging their history, their contributions, and the injustices they continue to endure.

Advocating for Justice in Oakland and Beyond

In Oakland, where deep social inequities exist, social justice advocacy is essential for transforming lives. Our city faces immense challenges: high rates of homelessness, systemic discrimination, and barriers to education and employment for Returning Family Members. Social justice here is about addressing these issues holistically, working to improve conditions for everyone, especially those who have been historically marginalized.

Our focus is on:

• Returning Family Members: Fifty percent of Oakland's homeless population consists of formerly incarcerated individuals. These Returning Family Members often face steep barriers when reintegrating into society, from securing housing and employment to reuniting with their families. Our organization helps bridge these gaps through targeted life skills education, green workforce development, and mental health support.

• BIPOC Communities: Oakland’s communities of color are disproportionately impacted by poverty, lack of access to quality education, and environmental degradation. We work to level the playing field, providing educational opportunities, advocating for policy changes, and uplifting these communities through programs that address the root causes of social and environmental injustice.

Our Advocacy Work: Fighting Social Injustice

Our role as educators and advocates is to ensure that social justice is more than a concept. It’s a practice. Our advocacy work focuses on eliminating social inequities, whether they arise from environmental conditions, systemic racism, or the criminal justice system. We engage directly with the communities most affected by these issues, working alongside them to create change.

Through community engagement, we:

• Educate: We offer workshops, forums, and training sessions on social justice issues to raise awareness and provide people with the tools they need to advocate for themselves.

• Advocate: Our team works with local government and social justice organizations to push for systemic reforms that benefit the most marginalized. This includes working on issues related to housing access, criminal justice reform, and workforce development.

• Support: We provide essential resources and support systems for those affected by social injustice, including housing assistance, legal aid referrals, and job placement services.

Addressing Social Injustices in Environmental Advocacy

As we tackle environmental issues, we understand that environmental injustice is often the result of social injustice. Disadvantaged communities—especially in urban areas like Oakland—bear the brunt of pollution, industrial activity, and poor environmental conditions. These environmental hazards disproportionately affect BIPOC communities and Returning Family Members, exacerbating existing inequalities.

That’s why our environmental advocacy is deeply tied to social justice. When we fight for clean air and water, we are also fighting for fair housing policies that prevent low-income communities from being placed next to polluting industries. When we advocate for green jobs, we are fighting for economic justice, ensuring that underserved communities can access stable, middle-class jobs that will uplift not only individuals but entire neighborhoods.

The Importance of Advocacy: A Case for Change

At the heart of our social justice work is the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. This belief drives our programs, whether it's helping Returning Family Members re-enter society, providing green workforce training, or advocating for policy changes that support marginalized communities.

Our programs are designed to address the full spectrum of social injustice:

• Life Skills for Returning Family Members: From learning to use a smartphone to navigating emotional intelligence in the workplace, we equip formerly incarcerated individuals with the tools they need to re-enter society with confidence.

• Educational Support: We offer educational programs for youth and adults alike, focusing on environmental justice, advocacy skills, and community engagement.

• Green Job Training: Our workforce development programs provide skills in environmental restoration, sustainable industries, and the green economy. This not only offers stable employment but also contributes to the environmental restoration of communities historically impacted by industrial activity.

Creating Sustainable Communities Through Social Justice

Our vision for social justice is rooted in the belief that we can create a sustainable future by addressing the underlying inequities that harm our communities. We see social justice as the key to building thriving, resilient neighborhoods where everyone—regardless of background or circumstance—has the chance to succeed.

As educators and advocates, we are committed to:

• Empowering marginalized voices: By educating and advocating, we amplify the voices of those most impacted by injustice.

• Challenging systemic barriers: Whether through policy advocacy or direct community engagement, we work to remove the structural barriers that prevent marginalized groups from accessing opportunities.

• Creating pathways to success: From green workforce development to life skills training for Returning Family Members, we provide tangible pathways for individuals and communities to rise above their circumstances and contribute to a more just and sustainable world.

Together, through the power of education and advocacy, we can break the cycle of inequality and build a future that is just, equitable, and sustainable for all.