Latinx and BIPOC communities are disproportionately exposed to pollution and toxins on the job, at school, and in our homes. Often the first and worst hit by the effects of climate change, it’s no surprise that people of color are also some of the strongest advocates for climate action, strongly advocating for and supporting government action to protect la Madre Tierra. Not only are people of colo
r affected, but they care greatly about the issues plaguing their communities and others from dirty air to pesticide and toxic exposures to a lack of clean energy resources and healthy communities to live and play in. The Chispa approach is an approach born out of of Latinx and BIPOC communities putting solutions on the table, making our community’s political power seen, heard and felt by decision makers across the nation and in the seven states – Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Nevada, and Maryland – where Chispa programs are underway. It is more important than ever to ensure that our families have a strong voice in the decisions and policies that impact their communities and the environment that we all depend on. Moreover, it is imperative that the environmental movement better represents the diversity of our nation, and reflects the solutions necessary to confront the legacy of environmental injustices that disproportionately impact BIPOC and Latinx communities. We are one of the only environmental programs truly engaged in traditional community organizing, and who builds the capacity of Latinx families to influence policy makers and pressure polluters to protect communities’ rights to clean air and water, healthy neighborhoods and a safe climate for generations to come. In the long term, we’re committed to building powerful communities whose environmental voice cannot be ignored.
