Dear John,

As the seasons change and we usher in new growth and vibrant colors, we are also witnessing new political victories thanks to communities organizing in increasingly effective and exciting ways. In this edition of Frontline Temp Check, we celebrate all those who have organized tirelessly throughout the summer and into the fall to ensure our elected officials stayed true to their word to respect and honor environmental justice communities’ policy wishes. Whether through direct action in Congress as happened last week to stop Senator Manchin’s dirty side deal, or letter writing campaigns and rallies, we honor those from the most impacted communities who are making their voices heard to impact critical legislation. (Featured below: Tom BK Goldtooth, Executive Director, Indigenous Environmental Network, being arrested after a sit in outside of the Senate protesting Manchin's Dirty Side Deal).

Read on for a few more highlights from CJA members. The power of frontline, environmental justice communities should inspire us all!

We did it! "The announcement of Senator Manchin’s withdrawal of his dirty side deal from the Continuing Resolution this week is a testament to the power of frontline community organizing and a victory for environmental justice communities everywhere.

Climate Justice Alliance Co-Executive Director Ozawa Bineshi Albert stated, ‘We are ecstatic about this decision. Frontline voices, those directly impacted by this climate crisis, the ones who are hit first and worst, will be heard. This dirty side deal was not good for our communities and we will continue to fight for what is right, the protection of our communities and homelands. We also know that this fight is far from over.’” Read our full statement here.

Communities from Appalachia, Indigenous Environmental Network, Just Transition Alliance and other allies participated in direct actions in the US Senate as highlighted above, while others coordinated local campaigns to influence their elected officials.

In New Jersey for example, in the lead up to the actions in DC, over 100 allied groups mobilized to rally against the proposed #dirtysidedeal.

Ironbound Community Corporation, Inc., South Ward Environmental Alliance, and New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance hand delivered a letter to Senator Booker’s staff and were able to apply local pressure resulting in local elected officials support against the dirty side deal.

For additional information check out CJA members and more analysis below (Featured in photo below: Ana Baptiste of the New School, Maria Lopez Nunez of Ironbound Community Corporation, Inc., and Nicky Sheats of New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance)

• Score It a Win! - Bill McKibben & DN! Video
  
• Activists Arrested at Senate in Protest Over Joe Manchin’s Pipeline Bill - Independent
• Fight Over Manchin’s Permitting Overhaul Clouds Outlook for Stop Gap Funding Bill - Wall Street Journal
  
• Activists Gird for Round Two in Manchin Permitting Fight
  

Last week, CJA Co-EDs and staff joined members in the New York area for Climate Week, along with local celebrations organized by CJA members. It was wonderful to once again be in and build community with our grassroots members. 

The week started off with New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance’s 20th Anniversary Conference and was followed by Taproot Earth's Black Climate Leadership Summit. We closed the week with a panel at the New School. The panel provided space for environmental justice communities to discuss how Climate Justice movements can make real change and are in a unique position to do so through disrupting business as usual at the upcoming United Nations’ climate change conference, known as COP27. Moderated by Angela Mahecha of the Tishman Environment & Design Center, panelists included Bineshi Albert, CJA’s Co-ED, Jesus Vazquez, ED of Organizacion Boricua, Jacquie Patterson, ED of the Chisholm Legacy Project, Jade Begay, Director of Climate Justice at NDN Collective, Colette Pichon Battle, Vision & Initiatives Partner at Taproot Earth, and Osprey Orielle Lake, ED of WECAN (many of whom are featured in the above photo).

To be human is to tell stories and make meaning–through art, music, words, and creation. Just as some stories help to maintain the status quo, stories can also be the currency of change. When they compel us to question dominant narratives. When they bring us together in communion. When they heal us. When they make a Just Transition future feel attainable. 

In our latest podcast episode, you’ll hear from two of Climate Justice Alliance’s three co-executive directors, Bineshi Albert and Monica Atkins, who share the ways their art and storytelling intersect with their leadership and organizing. 

Environmental justice and climate justice are inherently creative– against all odds, communities are building ways to tackle climate change and social injustices at the same time. You’ll also hear from Lenina Nadal and Cris Laguna from Center for Story-based Strategy on how to use narrative strategy for cultural organizing and building collective power.