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Beck, Nyah E. | Winter 2023 EiJ Annotations

nebeck

CCAEJ functions within the environmental justice movement, a sector that seeks to address the unequal distribution of environmental burdens and benefits that often fall along racial and socioeconomic lines. The organization is based in California's Inland Empire region, known for its heavy industry, poor air quality, and high rates of poverty and pollution-related health problems. Within this regional ecology, CCAEJ has established itself as a prominent community-based organization that advocates for the health and well-being of residents disproportionately impacted by pollution and other environmental hazards. The organization works closely with community members, government agencies, and other organizations to advance environmental justice goals and promote sustainable and equitable development.

Beck, Nyah E. | Winter 2023 EiJ Annotations

nebeck

 The Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ) collaborates with various organizations, including labor, faith-based, LGBTQIA, immigration, and prison reform/abolitionist organizations. For example, the organization has worked with groups such as Sierra Club, Earthjustice, Robert Redford Conservancy for Southern California Sustainability, and the California Environmental Justice Alliance on various campaigns and initiatives related to environmental justice.

Beck, Nyah E. | Winter 2023 EiJ Annotations

nebeck

 CCAEJ is likely to face many challenges and concerns regarding the problem spaces in which they work, which would include environmental injustice, community health, and land use planning. Some examples might include lack of political will, limited resources, complex and interconnected problems, systemic barriers, and community engagement and empowerment.

Beck, Nyah E. | Winter 2023 EiJ Annotations

nebeck
  1. This organization does not explicitly state that its approach to addressing environmental justice issues is unique; however, in this project and reviewing other organizations, I was surprised to see on their website they do outwardly believe in a zero-emission future and regenerative and sustainable economies. Given precedent, this could be perceived as quite a radical approach, especially to corporations or other stakeholders seeking to profit from the industrial landscape of the Inland Empire. 

Beck, Nyah E. | Winter 2023 EiJ Annotations

nebeck

The Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice produces and shares a variety of data and research related to its focus areas, including environmental justice, community health, and land use planning. The organization conducts original research, partners with academic institutions and other organizations to produce reports, and compiles and analyzes data from various sources. The organization's approach to evaluating and monitoring the credibility of the information it uses and circulates likely involves a combination of internal review and external validation.

Beck, Nyah E. | Winter 2023 EiJ Annotations

nebeck

 CCAEJ engages in a range of initiatives to address environmental health and justice issues in California's Inland Empire region. Some illustrative examples of the organization's work include Environmental justice advocacy, community-based research, education and outreach, coalition building, and environmental health monitoring. CCAEJ's initiatives are designed to promote environmental health and justice in the Inland Empire by empowering community members, conducting research, providing education and outreach, building coalitions, and monitoring environmental health conditions.

Beck, Nyah E. | Winter 2023 EiJ Annotations

nebeck

CCAEJ has physical office space in Riverside, California, and this serves as the hub for the organization's staff, volunteers, and community members. The office is equipped with standard office infrastructure but also has ample space for meeting rooms as community space for events and gatherings. Regarding technology, CCAEJ uses various tools and platforms to support its outreach, communications, and advocacy efforts. These include social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and email and SMS messaging services for communicating with members and supporters.

Beck, Nyah E. | Winter 2023 EiJ Annotations

nebeck

CCAEJ receives funding from federal, state, and local government agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). These grants support CCAEJ's research, community organizing, and advocacy efforts. Their entire budget is funded through government grants, foundation grants, and individual donations.

Beck, Nyah E. | Winter 2023 EiJ Annotations

nebeck
  1. CCAEJ is a non-profit organization with a hierarchical structure that includes a Board of Directors, staff members, and volunteers. The organization's structure is designed to facilitate collaboration and collective action among a broad range of stakeholders committed to creating a healthy and sustainable environment for all residents of the Inland Empire.

Beck, Nyah E. | Winter 2023 EiJ Annotations

nebeck
  1. On the organization's website, its mission is explained as follows: "The Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ) is dedicated to empowering and organizing communities to protect public health and the environment in the Inland Region of Southern California. We focus on issues affecting the most vulnerable communities - low-income, communities of color - and seek to promote policies and practices prioritizing health, equity, and justice."

  2. CCAEJ's stated mission is to promote environmental justice and the empowerment of communities in the Inland Empire region of Southern California. The organization seeks to address the disproportionate impacts of pollution and other environmental hazards on low-income communities and communities of color through advocacy, organizing, and education.