Environmental Justice gaining momentum and love

DRCC as a Reginal Hub for Justice40

The Federal Government has made it a goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments such as the Inflation Reduction Act flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution.  As this funding becomes available, DRCC is proud to announce that it will be serving as a Regional Hub in partnership with the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice and the Bullard Center.  We will work together with these organizations and We ACT for Environmental Justice to pursue and advocate for federal dollars that can improve environmental conditions and address climate risks in their communities.

“Our Justice40 work has been designed with that history in mind so that our community-based organizations can advocate with authority, equipped with the tools necessary to successfully secure Justice40 funding and resources that will have a lasting impact on their communities.” said Dr. Beverly Wright, Founder & Executive Director of the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice.

Stay tuned for our local community meeting where we will be discussing with local partners collaboration coming up in Spring! 

Program Updates

Superfund

There is a lot going on in and around the Duwamish River! Join us for a community meeting on Saturday, Mar 4, 2023 from 11 am-1 pm at the South Park Community Center to get updates on all things Duwamish.

Current Open Public Comment Periods

Duwamish Waterway Park || January 30, 2023-March 15, 2023

Department of Ecology is seeking comment on an Agreed Order and Public Participation Plan.

PROVIDE COMMENT HERE

South Park Landfill || March 13, 2023-May 11, 2023

More details to come

Harbor Island Draft Community Involvement Plan || Open until May 1, 2023

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CIP

Climate Justice must include Mental Health

Duwamish Valley Youth Corps update

Already this month, the DVYC had the opportunity to advocate for environmental justice in the Duwamish Valley during a visit from Mayor Harrell. Although their time was limited, they did not mince words when it came time to speak up for their community. Youth were very direct in voicing their disappointment when highlighting the stark fact that residents of the Duwamish Valley have on average 40 square feet of green space compared to folks in most other parts of Seattle, who have over 350 square feet per resident. While addressing some of the disproportionate challenges that South Park faces, they had creative solutions ready for the mayor to take back to his office. Ideas such as more staff and fundraisers to support the community center, funding to build parks at the end of dead end streets, reclaiming abandoned houses and lots for community use, and hosting farmer's markets in the plaza. The youth not only used their voices to call for change, they also used their imaginations to show the mayor how much can be done to uplift their community.

No matter what position you are in or how much power you have, you should still stand up for those with less power.

- Duwamish Valley Youth Corps member, 14 yr old

DRCC IS HIRING

Duwamish Air Improvement Study for Youth (DAISY)

Project Manager and Research Specialist

The Georgetown and South Park communities of the Duwamish Valley face higher levels of environmental pollution and poorer health outcomes compared to the rest of Seattle. For many years the communities have organized to address these environmental and health disparities, prioritizing air pollution and asthma.

This position will be an essential part of the DRCC Team. Under the direction of the Principal Investigators from DRCC and the University of Washington . This 30 hour/week position will be

responsible for daily coordination, recruitment, implementation, and effective management of DAISY activities, including the development of the goals. This position will be responsible for coordination of core activities, adherence to timetables and work plans, support to the core team and partners, communication with the research team, and fiscal accountability of the project

Call for a Request for Proposal

Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund Site Technical Advisor

We are seeking a technical advisor to review technical documents and information related to the remediation of the Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund Site (LDW site) and provide technical assessment and advice to DRCC, EPA’s Community Advisory Group (CAG) for the LDW site.

Applicants shall provide documentation of expertise in environmental engineering and/or experience in marine sediment remedial design and remediation, sediment sampling and water monitoring, water quality/pollution source control, and public involvement and communications. Applicants shall demonstrate experience providing services to community-based and/or non-profit organizations.

Upcoming Events

Honoring Black History Month

#BlackHistoryMonth has been observed in the United States since 1976. We observe and celebrate Black history—which is inherently American history. More people are choosing to challenge longstanding racist narratives and find creative ways to uplift narratives that are rooted in racial justice, abundance, and radical joy and brilliance.

Racial justice, health equity, and resilience are embedded in health, safety, and wellbeing. We want to honor this month looking into our own internal work and how to be better as an anti racist - pro blackness organization as well as highlighting Black brilliance and mentors. Black history is happening now. It is vibrant, it is resilient, and it is in building a future that is rooted in justice and equity.

This month, we would like highlight Dr. Beverly Wright who has been been working alongside us to promote Justice 40 funding to our communities and who we will be having the honor to host in our neighborhood this coming Spring, May 6,2023, as DRCC becomes a regional hub.

Want to learn more about health, wellness and community with Creative Justice?