May 21, 2021 | The Latest News
Today, the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice and groups around the state called on Governor Edwards to set a moratorium on permitting oil, gas, and other industries that release toxic pollution and greenhouse gases in Louisiana. Our letter recognizes that this call has gone unanswered for decades as Black and Indigenous communities in Louisiana have been harmed and displaced by these industries.
This week the International Energy Agency joined the call with a warning to governments and investors to stop new fossil fuel projects in order to avoid the worst of climate change. The time is now for us to center equity in the transition to renewable energy and electrification.
“There can be no climate action without environmental justice. Whether it’s shutting down the Dakota Access Pipeline or making communities greener and healthier, our work with advocates around the world shows that the power for change is in our hands. As a leader in both climate and toxic pollution, there is much we have to do in Louisiana for the people and our future,” said Dr. Beverly Wright, DSCEJ Executive Director.
Read the letter by DSCEJ and groups to Governor Edwards
May 19, 2021 | The Latest News
We will soon have the opportunity to set a new direction for renewable energy in New Orleans that lowers electric bills, creates jobs, and avoids the pollution that harms our neighborhoods and warms our planet. On May 19, 2021 at 10:00 am, City Councilmembers on the utility committee will hold a public meeting to hear residents’ input on the draft Renewable Portfolio Standard or RPS.
Read more on the Council’s draft RPS – the good, the bad, and the ugly – and what you can do to have your voice heard.
Fill out the Public Comment Form and submit it between Tuesday, May 18th and before 10:00 am on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
May 4, 2021 | The Latest News
PROGRAM MANAGER POSITION
Worker Training Program (WTP)
Position Description – Program Manager
The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice is seeking an experienced Program Manager. We are interested in hiring a highly motivated person who can perform day-to-day administrative duties including tracking data, writing reports, attending WTP meetings and trainings, tracking WTP graduates’ progress, and processing contracts and invoices.
About the Organization
The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families harmed by pollution and vulnerable to climate change in the Gulf Coast Region through research, education, community and student engagement for policy change, as well as health and safety training for environmental careers.
Currently, the DSCEJ employs 13 people. The DSCEJ directs projects involving universities and community-based organizations in seven states.
The DSCEJ was founded by Dr. Beverly Wright in 1992 in collaboration with community environmental groups and universities in the Southern region to advance environmental justice. Since this time, the DSCEJ has become a powerful resource for environmental justice research, education, advocacy, as well as health and safety training for environmental careers.
The DSCEJ provides opportunities for communities, scientific researchers, and decision makers to collaborate on projects that promote the rights of all people to be free from environmental harm as it impacts health, jobs, housing, education, and quality of life. A major goal of the Center continues to be the development of environmental justice leaders in African American and other communities of color along the Mississippi River Chemical Corridor and the broader Gulf Coast Region.
Position Responsibilities
· Incumbent must be experienced in and demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills. The position requires significant report writing, data collection, and communicating with community partners and employment agencies.
· Incumbent will report to the Assistant Director for Training and Operations implementing day to day administration and program activities including tracking data, writing reports, attending WTP meetings and trainings, tracking WTP graduates’ progress, and processing contracts and invoices.
· Requires in-depth knowledge of WTP regulations and laws as well as knowledge of effective case management procedures. The ability to analyze data, problem solve and understand complex situations. The ability to communicate orally and in writing. The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employment agencies and other partner agencies. Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Skills and Qualifications
· Bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, or a related field.
· Minimum of five years of experience.
· Excellent time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
· High work ethic and integrity.
· Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel programs, and Google platform.
· A flexible, creative, entrepreneurial spirit and a shared mission, vision, and values of the DSCEJ.
· An approachable nature and ability to handle questions and requests timely.
· Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
· Ability to work independently and complete tasks.
· Ability to contribute and collaborate with the team and across the organization.
· Strong analytical and organizational skills.
· Experience working with diverse constituents, teams, and colleagues.
· Ability to employ flexibility and creativity in the face of ambiguity and challenge.
· Organizational and program management experience.
Salary & Benefits
Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with qualifications and experience. Salary range: $55-65K.
It is the policy of the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
HOW TO APPLY: Please email a detailed cover letter highlighting your interest, your resume and three professional references in Microsoft Word to maryw@dscej.org. Please include the Program Manager Position in the subject line.
Apr 27, 2021 | The Latest News
We are very proud of and happy for this year’s Environmental Career Worker Training Program (ECWTP) Graduating class. This is our 26th annual class, and one of our finest in recent memory. The difficult and shifting conditions the COVID19 Pandemic did not weaken their determination and focus. Our New-Orleans based program took place from January 11th through April 14th (Graduation Day). Twenty (20) highly motivated male and female trainees participated this year learning through a virtual six week basic skills curriculum using a work-based model. The ECWTP also features six weeks of technical skills training which blends hands-on / interactive learning and classroom instruction.
Graduates earned certificates in forty (40) hours hazardous waste operations, thirty-two (32) hour Asbestos Abatement, sixteen (16) hours Mold Remediation, sixteen (16) hours Lead Abatement, ten (10) hours OSHA General Industry, forty (40) hours General Construction, and forty hours (40) hours Weatherization Installer.
The DSCEJ was able to hold an in-person Graduation Ceremony for our trainees at City Park. This event allowed our instructors, counselors, program staff and administrators to recognize their hard work and achievements – from Best Student to Most Improved Student in each course. This year, Kenisha Daggs was chosen “Best All-Around Student.” The “Deborah Bates Survivor Award” went to Damian Crockem Sr. and Tia Kelly (Tribute to Deborah Bates Robinson). Our students found job opportunities waiting for them. As they fill these positions, we are confident that the good name and reputation the DSCEJ has earned will be reflected in them. Join us in wishing our ECWTP 2021 graduates all the best in life and their new careers.
Apr 21, 2021 | The Latest News
On Earth Day, President Biden kicked off a two-day Leaders Summit on Climate in which New Orleans Mayor, LaToya Cantrell presented the work taking place in the Climate Action Equity Project, a partnership of the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice, City of New Orleans, and the Greater New Orleans Foundation. Our project brings together community-based organizations to recommend and implement climate action that tackles entrenched inequities in our city.
Click here to view the roundtable discussion”Climate Action at All Levels,” in which Mayor Cantrell highlights the Climate Action Equity Project.
Check out our report, Taking Steps Together on Equity & Climate Change: A Report by and for New Orleanians
Apr 6, 2021 | The Latest News
Dr. Beverly Wright is featured in The Washington Post Environmental Racism Article.
They came from Prince William Sound, Alaska, where the Exxon Valdez oil spill had ruined Native American fisheries; from Albuquerque, where open uranium mines were emitting high levels of radiation; from Chicago, where power plant pollution had dirtied neighborhoods. They came from Houston, where garbage dumps were located next to Black communities. Some of their homes had terrible names, such as the strand of tiny towns between New Orleans and Baton Rouge known as Cancer Alley.
On opening day, only organizations with people of color in executive positions were allowed to participate. Over the four-day summit, activists prayed into microphones in English and Sioux, Korean and Spanish, long prayers seeking deliverance from suffering.
