Programs
"In the end, the community is the expert, not the developers, because the community is the one who lives here, takes care of the land, works in this place, and in the end the community is going to bring the future."
-Gabriela Mendez
Our work within the Inland Empire is particularly strategic in advancing the goals of the environmental justice. We work to train future generations of leaders, particularly women of color, whose voices would otherwise not be heard through the following:
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CCAEJ recognizes that community members are much more than consumers, customers, or clients whose behavior is studied, managed and manipulated by powerful outside forces. Residents in frontline communities are family, neighbors, and individuals, who recognize the necessity of sharing power and sharing responsibility. Their voice brings perspective to the need for zero emissions and stringent action on pollution to address the most urgent needs of those affected by the nation's worst air quality and other toxic hazards.
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The goal of CCAEJ is to build a strong movement for change that challenges:
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Exploitation of workers and the environment
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Oppression of people on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation and class
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Concentrated power of scientists, elitists, politicians, developers, and corporations