South Ward Environmental Alliance - SWEA

South Ward Environmental Alliance - SWEA (SWEA) is an alliance of residents and community based organizations whose mission is to create healt

Help us collect the data that helps drive change.SWEA is recruiting community members, residents, students, and voluntee...
06/11/2026

Help us collect the data that helps drive change.

SWEA is recruiting community members, residents, students, and volunteers to participate in our Community Air Monitoring & Truck Count Project. Together, we'll document truck traffic and monitor air quality in Newark's South Ward to support environmental justice advocacy and healthier neighborhoods.

Participants will receive training, work alongside community leaders, and help gather valuable data that strengthens efforts to reduce pollution and protect public health.

📅 Mandatory Training: August 4, 2026 at 6:00 PM
📍 SWEA Office, 1067 ½ Bergen St., Newark, NJ
📅 Monitoring Dates: August 5-6, 2026
Register today by scanning the QR code on the flyer.

Questions?
📧 [email protected]
📞 862-658-9573

What happens when community voices meet data, research, and action? Real change begins to take shape.At ASIC 2026, SWEA ...
06/11/2026

What happens when community voices meet data, research, and action? Real change begins to take shape.

At ASIC 2026, SWEA connected with environmental justice leaders, researchers, and organizations from around the world to strengthen our Hyperlocal Air Quality Monitoring Project in Newark’s South Ward.

The conference reinforced the importance of turning local air quality data into advocacy, education, and long-term community impact. From exploring new sensor technologies to discussing future dashboard development, SWEA continues building tools that help residents better understand the air they breathe every day.

🌎 Learn more: www.southwardea.com

SWEA’s work and advocacy were recently represented in a feature by our partner Earthjustice through a contribution from ...
06/10/2026

SWEA’s work and advocacy were recently represented in a feature by our partner Earthjustice through a contribution from our very own Dr. Leah Owens, helping to bring attention to the urgent fight for cleaner air and stronger environmental protections in overburdened communities.

The article highlights the growing push for Indirect Source Rules (ISR) across New York and New Jersey, focusing on the impact warehouse expansion, diesel truck traffic, and freight activity continue to have in already overburdened communities.
These are the same issues our communities in Newark’s South Ward and our entire city continue to face every day. SWEA remains committed to pushing for healthier neighborhoods, cleaner air, and accountable development.

We’re proud to see this important conversation continuing on larger platforms and grateful to everyone helping to amplify the voices and experiences of impacted communities.

Read the full article here:
https://earthjustice.org/article/indirect-source-rule-new-york-new-jersey

Real change starts when communities understand both the problem and the path forward.Our Ports, Power, & People Shipping...
06/09/2026

Real change starts when communities understand both the problem and the path forward.

Our Ports, Power, & People Shipping Justice Teach-In Series brought together residents to explore the impact of port activity on frontline communities and discuss solutions that can reduce pollution and improve public health.
Participants learned about topics such as port electrification, zero-emission solutions, health disparities, and ways to engage in the decisions that affect Newark's South Ward.

One participant captured the spirit of the series best:
"It will take a community to engage in speaking up to get the help we need. This will not be an overnight process, but when we come together and stick to it, we will see changes being made."

Together, we're building informed, engaged, and empowered advocates for Shipping Justice.

06/08/2026

Healthy communities start with healthy environments. 💚

At the Greater Newark Health Care Coalition’s 2nd Annual Pediatric Asthma Day, SWEA was proud to join healthcare professionals, families, advocates, and community organizations in conversations about improving health outcomes for Newark residents.

Asada Rashidi represented SWEA as a panelist during the discussion on Access to Care and Managing the Changing Healthcare Landscape, sharing how environmental conditions, air quality, and community advocacy directly impact asthma and respiratory health in our neighborhoods.

Through both our community resource table and panel participation, we were able to connect with residents, share information about our environmental justice initiatives, and continue elevating the importance of clean air, healthy housing, and community-driven solutions.

Thank you to the Greater Newark Health Care Coalition for creating space for these important conversations and for bringing together partners committed to healthier futures for Newark families.

Understanding how the Port operates is important. Understanding how to influence it is powerful.Through our Ports, Power...
06/08/2026

Understanding how the Port operates is important. Understanding how to influence it is powerful.

Through our Ports, Power, & People: Shipping Justice Teach-In Series, residents, advocates, and community members came together to learn about the systems shaping Newark's air quality and the solutions that can help create a healthier future.

From exploring clean-port strategies like shore power and electrification to practicing public testimony and advocacy skills, participants gained tools to engage decision-makers and advocate for meaningful change.

As one participant shared:
"There are solutions available to stop pollution being spewed into portside communities and how to advocate and testify at board meetings."

Community power grows when knowledge turns into action.

People power looks like showing up.Across multiple intersections in Newark’s South Ward, community members came together...
06/03/2026

People power looks like showing up.

Across multiple intersections in Newark’s South Ward, community members came together to support SWEA’s Truck Count & Air Monitoring Project by collecting real-time truck traffic and air quality data.

Every clipboard, every count sheet, every air quality reading contributes to a larger fight for healthier communities and environmental accountability.

Proud of everyone who dedicated their time and energy to this important work.

🌐 www.southwardea.com

The breakout sessions at the 5th Annual Environmental Summit created space for deeper conversations, shared learning, an...
06/01/2026

The breakout sessions at the 5th Annual Environmental Summit created space for deeper conversations, shared learning, and real community engagement.

From environmental justice and public health to organizing strategies, development, and community solutions, attendees had the opportunity to connect directly with important topics impacting Newark and the South Ward.

These sessions were more than presentations. They were spaces for residents to ask questions, share experiences, learn from one another, and continue building collective people power together.

Thank you to every speaker, facilitator, organizer, and participant who contributed their knowledge, perspective, and voice throughout the day. 💚

It starts with a conversation.At the University High School Health and Wellness Fair, SWEA had the opportunity to connec...
05/30/2026

It starts with a conversation.

At the University High School Health and Wellness Fair, SWEA had the opportunity to connect with students, families, and community members right where it matters most.

From introducing young people to environmental justice, to having deeper conversations with residents about air quality and community health, every interaction helped build awareness and strengthen connections.

Our team shared resources, answered questions, and invited the community to get involved in upcoming initiatives, including our EJ Summit and truck count efforts.
And the response was real. New faces, new sign-ups, and growing interest in the work we are building together.

This is how community grows. One conversation at a time.

🌐 www.southwardea.com

For two days, residents, youth leaders, volunteers, and community advocates showed up across Newark’s South Ward to docu...
05/29/2026

For two days, residents, youth leaders, volunteers, and community advocates showed up across Newark’s South Ward to document truck traffic and monitor air quality in real time.

This work goes beyond counting trucks. It’s about gathering community-driven data that supports stronger advocacy for cleaner air, healthier neighborhoods, and environmental justice.

Thank you to everyone who participated, helped coordinate sites, transported materials, monitored air quality, and represented the power of community action throughout this initiative.

When communities collect data, communities build power.

🌐 www.southwardea.com

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Newark, NJ
07108

Telephone

+18626589573

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