CCJ staff members Heaven and Veronica, along with members Will Behm, Rick Heinze, Dwayne Thomas, and George Barnhart, attended a state-wide “Climate Equity Table” meeting in Harrisburg on August 20th. The meeting was attended by members and staff of various organizations working across the state on a range of issues from criminal justice to immigrant rights and economic justice.
A PA Climate Equity Table has been recently formed to connect communities across the state to build power among marginalized communities. From these communities, those in leadership roles will work to pass equitable climate and environmental policies. Current organizations at the table are One Pennsylvania, Make the Road PA, Keystone Progress, CASA, POWER, and CCJ.
Overall, the meeting was informative and promising, as the climate crisis can only be addressed if we all work together and focus on the root causes, which will also reduce the many inequalities in our communities.
“I found [the climate table] to be a very empowering experience. I was able to grasp the true scope and interdependence of issues in Pennsylvania with which I have no contact, while also acknowledging the importance of the issues that affect my local community. I was amazed to find that everyone was willing to embrace their differences and contribute their unique experiences to a movement that knows no boundaries.”
-Will Behm, Waynesburg, PA
If you are interested in getting involved with the Climate Table work CCJ is engaging in across the state, you can direct your questions to Nick Hood at nick@centerforcoalfieldjustice.org or call at 724-229-3550 ext. 7.
