As we begin the new year, we’re proud to announce that A2 now represents 400 climate and environmental justice organizations in all 50 states and five U.S. territories. By this time next year, it will be 500 members, with five or more member communities in most states. Together we’re building a grassroots movement to protect communities from environmental harms. It won’t be fast or easy, but we’ll get there.
I’ve been Executive Director of A2 since our founding in 2017. It has been the challenge and joy of my life to do so, but now is the time for me to step back from the role. Family obligations have required me to return to England with my dear husband and A2 co-founder (and Director of Strategy), Stephen Eisenman. It isn’t right or practical for me to continue to direct the organization from abroad.
That’s why we have begun a search for my replacement. Our hope is to get somebody in place by the end of March. I’ll stay on for a few months after that to help with the transition and then take up a half-time position as Head of Development. That’s work that can easily be done from abroad. Stephen will shift from Director of Strategy (an unpaid job) to Art Director (still unpaid).
An advertisement for the new Executive Director has been posted on Idealist. If you know any energetic, courageous, and compassionate candidates for the position — people as comfortable on the road organizing communities as reviewing budgets and directing a staff of 18 (16 full-time) — please forward the job description to them.
The new Executive Director will benefit from the presence on our staff of a new field team, headed by Tanya Harris-Glasow, and supported by Christopher Williams. They are both headquartered in New Orleans and have begun the hard and essential work of “building our base.” That means, increasing resident involvement in the struggle for environmental and climate protection and justice, and ensuring that community organizations have the muscle to persuade local and state regulators and elected officials that good plans get implemented and destructive ones stopped.
One more thing: On our way out the door, we’ve created a redesigned website! It represents both the urgency of A2’s mission and a future in which it’s fulfilled. A2 members deserve not just security from environmental hazards, but rich, fulfilling lives marked by creativity, challenge, imagination, and equal opportunity for growth. That’s why there’s so much art, photography, good writing and original design on the site. There’s no music or dancing yet but wait!
Please notice especially:
The new logo: Do you have any idea how hard it is to achieve simplicity?
Easier navigation: A child could master it. Now we’ll test it on adults!
Updated banners: Yes, the fate of human civilization is at stake, but what’s wrong with a bit of humor?
Photo mosaic: Meet at-a-glance our community members, staff, board, and leaders.
As with any project of this size, there will be errors and oversights. So, if you notice anything that needs fixing, please let us know and we’ll get our special de-bugging unit on it!
Thank you for your continued support.
With love,
Harriet
