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Screening has begun for the 2009 Green Jobs Training Program. Call 313-833-3935 to schedule your appointment today.
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Green Jobs
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You hear it everywhere: Green Jobs is going to save the economy. What does this actually mean for Detroit, who is doing it, and how can it help you?
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DWEJ December E-Newsletter
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Greetings!
Welcome to the 2008 issue of our e-newsletter.
We will keep you updated on our programs, campaigns and upcoming events, as well as current environmental justice issues.
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR: 
Our vision for Detroit has expanded.
While environmental justice issues from airborne, water and land
based sources remain wide spread throughout Southeast Michigan,
advocacy continues to be a necessary strategy we employ to achieve
some balance in places like the city of Detroit. DWEJ will stay on the
course to achieve the goals of a cleaner healthier community. We have built a reputation for taking those to task that perpetuate pollution-based
decisions on Detroit's citizens. But we have added new strategies to
the way we do business. In that vein, we realize that the fulfillment of
the 17 Principles for Environmental Justice does not limit us to striving
against the causes of problems inherent in our community but rather
provides a platform for seeking solutions that are tangible and realizable.
To that end DWEJ has been on a journey to carve out a niche which allow us to dream big and reach for what seems impossible.You will notice that we have a new look , new energy and new momentum. The promise of sustainable development, the emergence of green jobs and a nations need to transition itself from a pollution based economy to a more environmentally friendly economy provides new avenues to achieving environmental justice across the board.
We call it Build UP Detroit (BUD).Imagine if you will Detroit green. Take it a step further, imagine Detroiters indigenous to the city leading the movement towards a green vision.
I invite you to look at the work we have been involved in over the past year or two and join us in changing Detroit through a sustainable development lens.
Our analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats shows there is much that can be accomplished around the intersection of environmental justice concerns, finding solutions to land based environmental health issues and the need for economic growth and wealth development is looking to demonstrate that holistic linkages can be made between job creation strategies, healthy living conditions, social justice considerations and wise land use decisions. More importantly, these linkages and synergies must be achieved for cities such as Detroit to truly rebound.Our concept for doing business differently can serve as a model for other organizations looking for solutions to similar challenges.
Today we have an opportunity to combine the principals of environmental justice with the best practices of development and sustainable business. There is much opportunity to not only transform how environmental justice advocates do their work but more importantly, how community development practitioners do their work as well.
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DWEJ welcomes new full-time staff
This year, three new program staff joined DWEJ: Build Up Detroit program manager Sandra Yu, Job Developer Kinnus Paul and Director of Policy Initiatives Shawn Kimmel.
Also coming on full-time are Business Manager Sue Collins and IT/Administrative Assistant Jessica Patton.
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What we've been up to...
The Coalition for a New Business Model for Solid Waste Management has been holding community forums around Detroit to inform citizens of the current status of the Detroit incinerator, as well as plans for a curbside recycling pilot program. For more information on the Detroit Incinerator and the need for a New Business Model for Solid Waste in Detroit visit Ecology Centers website.
Program Updates:
GREEN JOBS TRAINING PROGRAM
The Green Jobs Training Program is expanding and growing to meet the new demands of the green industry, as well as responding to great job opportunities. DWEJ is putting more emphasis in its training on "green tracts" such as energy auditing, phytoremediation etc. Our advisory council had a great first meeting this year with new potential employers and trainers. We are very excited to start our next March Program.
Recruiting has begun for the 2009 Green Jobs Training Program. Contact Roshani Dantas at (313) 833-3935 for more information or to sign up.
BUILD UP DETROIT
Nov. 20, 2008 DWEJ joined Michigan Department of Economic Growth, New Economy Initiative and Detroit Economic Growth Corporation for a panel titled "Developing a Sustainable Southeast Michigan," hosted by Next Energy and the Southeast Michigan Sustainable Business Forum. A video of the session will be available on our website shortly.
Oct. 23, 2008 Over 100 people representing public, private and nonprofit sectors representing city and state officials, as well as a range of industries from environmental services, alternative energy technology and deconstruction to community development, education and media/communications attended the event at Next Energy.
Oct. 12-15, 2008 DWEJ co-sponsored Creative Cities Summit 2.0. The time has come for Detroit to take its place in the new economy. We were delighted to be a sponsor of such an exciting event and welcome the new ideas, relationships and opportunities formed through the Summit. [PHOTO FROM DONELE]
YOUTH ON PATROL AGAINST POLLUTION
Nov. 22, 2008 Our youth participated in an event hosted by the Belle Isle Nature Zoo, Detroit Water and Sewerage department, U.S Fish & Wildlife service and National Wildlife Refuge System to restore the habitat for the common tern, a signature bird of the Detroit River. The youth spent the day spreading sand and gravel, as well as cleaning up litter on a peninsula off of Belle Isle so that the common tern will have a flat and open area to nest and reproduce. It was a great opportunity for the youth to learn how they can positively impact their natural environment.
Over the last few months, the youth conducted four toxic tours for various community and university groups. Students researched major brownfield sites in the city, and described each site's history, environmental health concerns and current status.
After the holiday season our students will continue working towards bettering the environment and their communities. If you are interested in joining our youth program please contact Domiana Carter at (313) 833-3935.
COMMUNITY HAZARD AWARENESS TRAINING SEMINAR (CHATS)
Are you interested in the health, wealth, and safety of your community? Do you want to make your home and/or neighborhood cleaner and healthier for your kids?
Our program teaches basic techniques to prevent asthma attacks, problems and solutions of lead in our homes and community, how to recognize and handle safety hazards, how to recognize discriminatory problems of health, safety, and environment and what to do about them. If you are interested in scheduling a CHATS presentation for your school,church and neighborhoods please call Roshani Dantas or Domiana Carter at (313) 833-3935.
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Tip of the month
Healthy Toys
What toys are safe, non- toxic and less chemicals for your child during this holiday season.
Toy Testing in Your Area
Learn about the dangers of toxic chemicals in the home and in children's products from public health experts, and get your toys tested (for free!).
Ann Arbor Event
Ann Arbor District Library - Malletts Creek Branch
Meeting Room A/B
3090 East Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Saturday, December 13th - 10am-12pm
East Lansing Event
Hannah Community Center - Banquet Hall
819 Abbott Road, East Lansing, MI 48823
Tuesday, December 16th - 7pm-8:30pm
Visit there site at www.healthytoys.org
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DWEJ appreciates your continuing interest in and support for environmental justice in Detroit.
Sincerely,
Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice
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