We are excited to offer a range of Community Leadership Opportunities designed to empower individuals and strengthen community engagement. These initiatives include:
- Community Resource Fairs: Join us at our Community Resource Fairs, where, with the support of our regional partners, we bring together local organizations to share resources, information, and support for community members. These events provide a platform for networking, learning, and fostering collaboration among community members and local organizations and are free to the community. Check out our calendar to stay updated on when we’re coming to your community!
- Advocacy Resources: Our advocacy trainings and resources equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively advocate for environmental justice and community needs. You can gain access to advocacy resources, strategies, and templates. Visit our advocacy resources page to learn more about what learning opportunities are available to you!
- Community Champions Program: The WEST Environmental Justice Center's Community Champions Program builds on local knowledge and community expertise by providing capacity building, leadership training, and peer learning through a cohort approach. Participants engage in monthly virtual meetings that cover essential topics like policy development, public speaking, and community advocacy, along with smaller accountability group sessions to delve deeper into specific issues with the goal of gaining valuable skills and tools to address environmental and energy justice challenges in their communities. The 2025-2026 application is expected to open in Summer 2025. To stay updated sign up for our newsletter
- Student Internship Program: Our Student Internship Program provides students with hands-on environmental and energy justice experience under the mentorship of organizations serving the WEST Environmental Justice Center’s service area. Interns receive a stipend of $5,000 upon working a minimum of 180 hours, submitting a reflection of their experience, a feedback survey, and a digital story presentation. Students have up to a year to complete the internship, with the option to work full-time or part-time, on-site or remotely, depending on their goals and organization needs.