Search

Given the nature of environmental justice work, it is likely that this organization finds it challenging to address these issues related to environmental justice, public health, and education because of the systemic inequalities, lack of resources, and opposition from other stakeholders like corporate institutions with wealth and political power who prioritize profit over social and environmental justice.

CCV does not claim to have a unique way of addressing problems. Still, the organization’s approach o environmental justice through community engagement and education can be considered different from traditional methods of advocacy that often include technological solutions or top-down decision-making. CCV emphasizes education and views the root causes of environmental injustices as social and political rather than technical or economic. The involvement of local communities is viewed as a critical component of addressing environmental justice issues within the organization.

CCV researches environmental justice, health education, and civic engagement. In the past, CCV has produced research on air and water quality in the Imperial Valley, including the health effects of pesticide exposure and other pollutants. These reports and publications are available on their website. It relies on a combination of academic and government institutions as collaborators to ensure the credibility of the information it circulates. Most CCV research is conducted in partnership with universities and research institutions; the organization works closely with residents and community leaders to ensure that research is relevant and responsive to the community's needs.

1. CCV has a range of programs that, from what is listed on their website, include: Promotoras, CCV employees of community health works to engage in health education and outreach within the community. Community Outreach Events where the CCV offers various services, including health screenings, education and advocacy, and other resources. Educator training, Health Education, and Environmental Health Research.

2. The CCV also hosts an Annual Environmental Health Leadership Summit that invites community members, advocates, and policymakers to discuss and strategize around environmental justice issues in the region.

The CCV has a physical office location in the Imperial Empire. Additionally, they actively update their website and have accounts on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The CCV also has an email newsletter and can use its online website to contact them directly.

1. Funding information for the CCV 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.

The CCV is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Imperial County, California. It is governed by a Board of Directors responsible for setting the organization’s strategic direction, ensuring its financial stability, and overseeing its operations. CCV also has a suite of staff that includes a team of experienced professionals and community advocates responsible for implementing the organization’s programs and initiatives. The staff consists of a Director, Program Managers, Community Outreach Coordinators, Promotoras, and additional administrative support.

The mission statement of Comite Civico de Valle is: “‘Informed people build healthy communities’, Comite Civico del Valle (CCV) was founded on this principle and continues to incorporate this mission statement in all partnerships, research studies, and civic engagements initiated or comprised by our organization. CCV’s extensive background and accomplishments date back to our grassroots origins in 1987. In over three decades of serving the communities of Imperial Valley, CCV now serves various California communities through collaborative efforts with other established Environmental Justice organizations and in partnership with researchers, academia, and government agencies.”

The CCV develops its research following events that influence the programs and initiatives that the organization supports. One major event includes the discovery of high pollution levels in the Imperial Valley, specifically in the Salton Sea, which lead to health issues and concerns for residents. In 2006, the passage of the AB32 bill set goals for reducing greenhouse gasses and emissions to reduce environmental harm and increase awareness to address ecological issues in California. This led the organization to include climate change and energy issues. On their website, there are a lot of slides that address the most recent global event relating to the Covid-19 pandemic, which exasperated the socioeconomic issues many communities were facing.

The Imperial County, where CCV was founded and continues to operate, has had a long history of environmental degradation, mainly due to the heavy presence of agricultural and military operations and the Salton Sea. The local community of Imperial County is predominantly Latinx and low-income and suffers from a range of environmental health problems, including respiratory illness, cancer, and congenital disabilities, which through research conducted by the CCV and other community partners, was linked to exposure to pollutants and toxins in the environment.