The OCEJ works closely with community members in the region; this includes the University of California, Irvine, and other community-based organizations and advocacy groups working on environmental issues in Orange County.
This organization was conceptualized in 2016 and officially notated as a non-profit in 2019, garnering it as reasonably new; with that comes challenges to bring about awareness and build communal support for OCEJ. As with other environmental justice organizations, the nature of the work and the mission to center marginalized communities present challenges and overcome historical and systemic oppressions that have contributed to disproportionate exposure to environmental harm.
OCEJ does not explicitly state they have a unique approach to organizing in their non-profit. Still, within their mission and considering the individuals who comprise their staff and advisory board, I would argue they have a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic approach to environmental justice. There are members from the Acjachemen and Tongva Nations, Asian American-Pacific Islander, and Latinx communities who are working collaboratively to achieve environmental justice.
OCEJ has conducted several studies to highlight the environmental disparities within Orange County. Notably, this includes campaigns like Communities Organizing For Better Water !Plo-No! Santa Ana and Environmental Justice Organizing Academy
As a new organization, OCEJ is focused on building awareness and advocating for environmental justice issues in Orange County. The main initiatives illustrative of the organization’s work include; advocating for clean air, addressing water contamination, climate change action, and community engagement. They seek to advocate for marginalized communities disproportionately exposed to and impacted by environmental harms.
This organization utilizes its website and social media to disseminate information, share updates on its work, and engage with the public community.
Funding information for the OCEJ is not readily available. Still, given it is a nonprofit organization, they likely receive funding from various sources, including grants from government agencies, private foundations and individual donors, and fundraising events. Additionally, the dues for membership probably go to supporting operational costs.
“The OCEJ comprises a general body, staff members, and an advisory board.” The staff members are responsible for the day-to-day tasks and operations of the organization, leading various projects and campaigns for the organization within the local community. The advisory board shapes the direction the organization will go towards in the future. This organization has a unique role for members as they play a significant role and hold the power to make collective decisions. Members are initiated through an orientation process and pay dues (a $25 donation) to support the organization's collective power, or members can commit to two hours of volunteer service.
OCEJ’s mission, as stated on its website, is the following: “Our mission is to fight for environmental justice by mobilizing and empowering marginalized community members.”
Data produced by the OCEJ has had a significant impact on the organization's evolution as they revealed through their studies that there were high levels of air pollution in some regions of the county, contaminated water sources, and the impacts of climate change, including increased temperatures and more frequent wildfires. Historically, Orange County has placed many toxic waste sites and other hazardous facilities in low-income minority communities.