Not Business as Usual: Using Collaborative Partnerships to Address Environmental Justice Issues

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Identify how environmental justice (EJ) collaborative partnerships work Produce a tool to help communities considering an EJ collaborative partnership Build knowledge in the EJ field Purpose of Study

Cross-site analysis of 4 case studies selected from among the Interagency Working Group for Environmental Justice (IWG) National Environmental Justice Demonstration Projects Methodology

Vision 2020 Children’s Health Environmental Justice Partnership Anniston, Alabama Barrio Logan Environmental Justice Partnership San Diego, California ReGenesis Environmental Justice Partnership Spartanburg, South Carolina Bridges to Friendship Environmental Justice Partnership Washington, D.C. Case Studies

Sites Insert map with location of sites here.

Nature of the Issue Finding 1. Environmental justice (EJ) is a difficult issue for community organizing. Other considerations: Stigma Lack of understanding Scope of issue Perceived relevancy

Finding 2. Outside influences impact the ability of collaborative partnerships to achieve their goals. Other considerations: Perceptions, images, or reputations Limited budgets Policy decisions Collaborative Partnership Nature of the Issue

Mechanics and Structure Finding 3. Collaborative partnerships have a unique organizational structure and operate differently than other types of organizations. Other considerations: Voluntary Self-governed Central Coordination Public Face and Champion Horizontal Structure Recruitment Government Participation, not Government-Driven

Mechanics and Structure Finding 4. Strong arguments exist both for and against using a written formal agreement among partners.

Mechanics and Structure No formal agreement Formal agreement under discussion Formal agreement with some input from partners Formal agreement developed by partners

Mechanics and Structure Finding 5. Collaborative partnerships begin with centralized leadership, but leadership responsibilities are more widely shared as partnerships evolve. Other considerations: Working Groups Subcommittees

Approaches and Strategies Finding 6. Collaborative partnerships build relationships within the community. Other considerations: Professional roles versus individuals Personality traits

Approaches and Strategies Finding 7. Collaborative partnerships are people- oriented. Other considerations: Healing process Diversity and inclusiveness

Approaches and Strategies Finding 8. Collaborative partnerships need to have a clear vision of their purpose. Other considerations: Work plans Small victories Time horizon Accountability

Approaches and Strategies Finding 9. Stakeholders share a commitment to finding solutions. Other considerations: Time horizon Accountability

Approaches and Strategies Finding 10. Collaborative partnerships provide a communication network for environmental justice issues. Other considerations: Formal versus informal communication Outreach and education

Thoughts on the Future Finding 11. Collaborative partnerships change attitudes within the community. Other considerations: Ease tensions Focus on solutions, not past problems

Moving Forward Finding 12. Local government involvement in collaborative partnerships is crucial for long-term sustainability. Other considerations: Code enforcement Coordination and communication Grant eligibility and administration

Cory Fleming International City/County Management Association Phone: For More Information