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CRPE Clients
The Central California Environmental Justice Network (CCEJN)
The Central California Environmental Justice Network is a network
of environmental justice organizations from throughout California's
Central Valley, who have come together to try to find solutions
to the ongoing pollution and environmental injustices occuring
in the mostly low income and communities of color in the Valley's
rural areas. CCEJN was formed by members of CRPE's
Delano Advisory Board in December of 1999, and was soon joined by other EJ organizations
interested in our work. CCEJN's mission is to try to preserve our
natural resources now and in the future, by seeking better ways
to minimize or eliminate environmental degredation in Central Valley
communities. This mission is crucial because rural communities
in California's Central Valley suffer a disproportionate amount
of negative health, social, and financial impacts.
CCEJN supports its mission statement by:
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Educating and empowering communities, with a focus on rural
communities, to advocate for themselves and by providing them
with technical assistance and resources;
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Networking with other
organizations which have the same interest;
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Promoting alternative
methods for a safer environment;
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Advocating for lifestyle changes
for a cleaner environment; and
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Encouraging youth to be aware
and participate in environmental issues.
CCEJN held its first environmental justice conference in Fresno
in California's Central Valley in November 2001; over 120 people
attended. This was the first EJ conference ever held in the Central
Valley. CCEJN adopted the theme “Striving For A Healthier
Central Valley,” and followed with a second conference also
in Fresno in March 2003. Over 150 people came from all over the
state (and a few from out of state!). The conference featured workshops
on Air Quality, Water Quality, Pesticides, Incinerators and Landfills,
Prisons, Youth and the Environment and many others. CCEJN held
its third conference in July 2004, in Bakersfield, and over 200
people attended.
Network members also attend many training sessions on capacity
building and go to other conferences and workshops to learn more
about environmental issues in other parts of the country and other
countries. If you are interested in becoming a member or other
information about CCEJN go to the contact information on our homepage or call 661-720-9140.
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