WE ACT at Columbia Climate School's
First Commencement
Peggy Shepard (above) delivered the keynote address at Columbia Climate School’s inaugural Class Day ceremony, and former intern Briana Carbajal (below) was the student speaker at the event. Watch the video replay here.
US Department of Health & Human Services Assistant Secretary Admiral Levine Visits WE ACT
We’d like to thank Admiral Rachel L. Levine, Assistant Secretary for Health for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, for visiting our headquarters along with representatives from the New York State Department of Health to talk about environmental health priorities in Northern Manhattan and beyond, such as air pollution, lead poisoning, extreme heat, and exposure to toxics. The Admiral took notes and introduced us to her regional representative to continue the dialog.
Take Action to Ensure Equitable Energy Efficiency WE ACT drafted the New York State Energy Efficiency, Equity, & Jobs Act (EEEJA) to address the challenges of weatherization upgrades in frontline communities. EEEJA will enable energy efficiency funding to be distributed more equitably, while creating numerous union jobs to address legacy environmental hazards like lead, mold, and asbestos that prevent these communities from weatherizing their homes. The bill has stalled in the New York State Assembly (A.3996C), so we are urging you to contact Assemblymember Michael Cusick, who is the chair of the Assembly's Committee on Energy (where the bill is being held up) and Assemblymember Pamela Hunter, who is the bill's sponsor, to let them know that you would like to see A3996 move out of committee and onto the floor for a vote before the session ends on June 2. Take action here.
Take Action to Improve New York’s Flood Disclosure Law New Yorkers have a right to know their flood risk before renting or moving into a home. Yet our state has the weakest flood disclosure law in the country. Please take a moment to urge New York State Assemblymember Charles Lavine and the rest of State Assembly to pass A.7876 to protect New Yorkers. The New York State Senate passed its version of this bill, which will require disclosure of information concerning flood insurance on property condition disclosure statements, so that people will know whether they are moving into a home that is a flood risk. Take action here.
Peggy Shepard to be Honored at Futures Ignite Gala
Peggy Shepard will be honored at Futures Ignite’s spring gala on Wednesday, May 18 at 6:00 PM in support of advancing its whole-school model of programming, counseling, and advocacy that equip BIPOC students to direct their college and career futures. One of the schools Futures Ignite works with is the Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School (WHEELS), where we have been providing youth Environmental Health & Justice Leadership Training. Learn more here.
A Moral Call for Peace & Climate Justice
Join us for Dayenu’s free interfaith event at 5:00 PM on Sunday, May 22 at the Marble Collegiate Church (Fifth Avenue & West 29th Street) to urge our leaders to pursue peace, good jobs, justice, and a rapid and equitable transition to clean energy for all. It will be livestreamed on their Facebook and Twitter channels. Learn more and reserve your spot here.
LJ Portis on the Waterfront Alliance's Youth Climate Movement Panel
LJ Portis will be part of a panel discussing the youth climate movement on Tuesday, May 24 at 11:20 AM as part of the Waterfront Alliance’s 2022 Waterfront Conference. Tune in to learn how the youth movement can work together to meet the expectations placed on their collective shoulders. Learn more here.
Workshop to Report Truck Idling
On Thursday, May 26 at 6:30 PM we will have a virtual workshop to help you better understand New York City’s Citizens Air Complaint Program, which enlists the help of New Yorkers in identifying trucks that are illegally idling, and how you can get compensated for participating. RSVP here.
Too Hot to Handle: Webinar Addressing Extreme Heat in NYC
Join us on Wednesday, June 1 at 12:00 PM for this comprehensive webinar on extreme heat, the deadliest impact of climate change, on the residents of Northern Manhattan, and how you can help address it. We will be presenting the findings from our 2021 Cooling Center Report, based on in-person audits of Northern Manhattan’s cooling centers, along with our 2022 Heat Plan, which includes policy and strategy recommendations to proactively prepare New Yorkers for rising temperatures and mitigate the corresponding health risks. RSVP here.
Help Get Harlem Ready for Climate Change
Tune in on Saturday, June 4 at 10:00 AM for a webinar on how to prepare for this summer’s extreme weather events fueled by the climate crisis, including heatwaves and flooding. Learn more here.
Help Clean Up Harlem
Join us for Team Up to Clean Up on Saturday, June 25 at 10:00 AM as we come together to tackle trash in our community. Read about it in Harlem World Magazine and sign up here. Cleaning supplies will be provided!
Peggy Shepard weighed in on the appointment of Dr. Jalonne L. White-Newsome as Senior Director for Environmental Justice at the White House’s Council on Environmental Quality. Many of you may be familiar with Dr. White-Newsome, who was WE ACT’s first Director of Federal Policy, managing our federal policy office in DC. Read Peggy’s remarks in the Washington Post and E&E News.
Bailey was profiled in Walden Magazine, a publication from Walden University, where he earned his Masters in Health Education & Promotion last year. Download a copy here (PDF).
Sonal Jessel was among the voices who spoke to Grist about the importance of New York’s cumulative impacts legislation, encouraging New York State Governor Kathy Hochul to sign it into law.
Annie Carforo talked about the need for equitable weatherization programs in Epicenter-NYC’s article on the need for comprehensive climate change policies.
In the Gothamist, LJ Portis weighed in on New York City Councilmember Lincoln Restler’s Climate Action Roadmap for City Council District 33 in Brooklyn.
Columbia's Manhattanville Community Day
At 12:00 PM on Saturday, May 21, Columbia University will be opening the doors to all of its Manhattanville buildings in West Harlem to the greater community. Children can learn about the future of the mind at Saturday Science, sketch the Harlem Streets with the Viaduct View at the Wallach Art Gallery, take a ride on the BioBus, enjoy free samples and shop local from clients of the Columbia-Harlem Small Business Center, dance to DJ Stormin' Norman on the ones and twos, watch a performance from the Harlem Chamber Players, and get an opportunity to tour the new Business School buildings. Learn more here.
Arts & Jazzfest NYC Returns!
Mark your calendar for the return of Arts & Jazzfest NYC this summer. Head to Governor’s Island on Saturdays June 4, July 23, and August 13 from 1:00-6:00 PM. Artist, educator, and Arts & Jazzfest NYC Founder (and WE ACT member) Gwen Black is the force behind this annual festival, celebrating its 19th year. And on Friday, June 10, she is hosting the 6th annual Visual Arts Jazz Day, which is an intergenerational celebration of music and art. That will be at the Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park at 145th Street from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Learn more here.
