Leadership
"A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent"
-Douglas MacArthur-
Leaders in environmental justice aim to make changes so that there is "fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies." So that, "no population bears a disproportionate share of negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, municipal, and commercial operations or from the execution of federal, state, and local laws; regulations; and policies."
International or Iowa City, Environment is All
Although not during our time of service, Greta Thunberg coming to our local community displays the importance of environmental justice leadership. The strike, organized by teenagers similar in age to Greta, are society members that could not have caused the environmental issues present today. Potentially impacting those unable to advocate for themselves against environmental destruction, our local community is moved by the leadership of just a few.
Everyone can help leaders in environmental justice!
As more advocates and leaders for environmental justice arise, the more social inequalities caused by systemic racism are illuminated.
Environmental racism: racist, discriminatory policies at every level of government that intentionally and disproportionately burden low-income and/or communities of color with environmental hazards.
Practice self-education: in order to amplify the voices of vulnerable communities in Iowa, we first spent time researching the disparities in the communities we would be volunteering. Educating ourselves on the zoning areas in Johnson County and Black Hawk County, learning of the excessive degree of environmental hazards that underprivileged communities are susceptible to, and understanding that most leaders in environmental justice tend to be middle class and white (being conscious of the fact that not all environmental justice leaders and organizations are advocating for ALL people).
Elevate the voices of impacted communities: Most likely there are other members of your community that are impassioned for change just as much as you are, like AmeriCorps! By finding groups in your community that are already actively advocating for environmental justice, you can help elevate these voices.This can also be helpful to keeping local representatives accountable.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Their Vision Our Hands
"A world where everyone has a decent place to live." Leaders in community development, Habitat for Humanity enriches communities globally. Instilling hope to those betrayed by society, a new sense of dignity is given with new shelters.
Women Build
Had it not rained, our original plan was to participate in Women Build with Habitat! Encouraging women to become community leaders for change, Habitat for Humanity states, "Women helping women sends a positive and powerful message."
Goal for Good
Focusing on sustainable and transformative developments, Habitat understands the need for affordable housing. From recycled plastic building blocks to bamboo usage, giving back in an environmentally friendly manner is a large focus.
Rain or Shine!
Rain or shine, our team devoted time to assisting community partners, such as Habitat for Humanity. We got the opportunity, due to rain, to help our fellow helpers in the Habitat for Humanity's ReStore!
The ReStore, Habitat's retail store, accepts donations from the local community to then resell at an extremely lower price than other retailers! By reusing tables, cabinets, paint, and other household items they are contributing to making local houses homes!
BLACK HAWK COUNTY CONSERVATION
While our team was in Cedar Falls, we joined with a small group of leaders from AmeriCorps to help out Black Hawk County Conservation! Big Woods Lake Campground just opened April 1st for the season and we were eager to add a few more helping hands to getting the campground ready.
Black Hawk County Conservation maintains over 9,000 acres of land, providing various open outdoor spaces for public recreation, and education and resources about the land and the animals that live on the land.
(Pictured above is our team and the team from AmeriCorps standing in front of the Black Hawk County Conservations' wood chipper)
AmeriCorps has had the opportunity to serve at Big Woods Lake before and were wonderful mentors in helping us know where certain tools and equipment went, and even how to safely use a wood chipper!
Their mission as a program is to "empower Iowa's communities and school districts to make more environmental, conservation-minded decisions and improvements through direct service work, environmental education, professional developmental opportunities and volunteer engagement"
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