Mission Statement: Department of Climate Justice Initiatives
At IMPACT Community Action, we believe that climate justice is not just an aspiration—it is a fundamental human right. Since our inception in 1964, we have stood as a beacon of hope and progress in the fight for justice. As the Department of Climate Justice Initiatives, we are committed to leading the charge towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
In partnership with the residents of Columbus and Franklin County, we have been at the forefront of driving tangible change in our community. Our mission is clear: to mitigate the disproportionate impacts of climate change on those who can least afford it.
To align with the values and principles outlined in the manifesto, the Department of Climate Justice Initiatives at IMPACT Community Action will focus on projects that directly address the needs and priorities of marginalized communities while advancing environmental sustainability through an equity lens. We prioritize five key focus areas that guide our efforts:
Equity and Inclusivity: We are committed to ensuring that all individuals, regardless ofrace, income, or background, have equal access to resources and opportunities to mitigateand adapt to climate change. We prioritize the voices and needs of marginalizedcommunities in our decision-making processes. Our projects aim to increase access toresources and opportunities for underserved communities, particularly thosedisproportionately affected by climate change. Whether it's expanding access to cleanenergy careers, improving green spaces or enhancing public transportation options, weprioritize initiatives that promote equity and inclusivity.
Environmental Justice: We advocate for environmental justice by addressing thedisproportionate impacts of climate change on low-income communities and communities of color. We strive to dismantle systemic barriers and promote solutions that prioritize the well-being of historically disadvantaged communities. We focus on projects that build resil ience and adaptive capacity in communities vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This may include initiatives centered around the creation of resiliency hubs, increasing access to urban greenspaces, developing and sharing heat mitigation strategies or disaster preparedness planning, all aimed at safeguarding the well-being and livelihoods of residents.
Community Empowerment: We believe in the power of community-led solutions. We empower residents to become agents of change in their own neighborhoods, fostering collaboration, ownership and resilience in the face of environmental challenges. We prioritize projects that are community-driven and responsive to the unique needs and challenges faced by residents in Columbus' opportunity neighborhoods. These projects are designed in collaboration with community members, ensuring that their voices and perspectives are central to the planning and implementation process. Additionally, our projects involve advocacy efforts to address environmental injustices and systemic inequalities. This may include advocating for equitable climate policies, challenging environmental racism and discrimination and promoting policies that prioritize the health and well-being of disadvantaged communities.
Sustainability and Resilience: We promote sustainable practices and initiatives that enhance the resilience of our communities and ecosystems. We prioritize solutions that minimize harm to the environment while maximizing social, economic and environmental benefits for current and future generations. We believe in the power of education and capacity building to empower communities to act on climate change. Our projects include educational workshops, training programs and outreach initiatives aimed at increasing awareness, building skills and fostering leadership among community members.
Collaboration and Partnership: We recognize that addressing climate change requires collective action and collaboration across sectors and stakeholders. We actively seek out partnerships with government agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses, academic institutions, community-based organizations and community members to amplify our impact and achieve shared goals. We actively seek out opportunities for collaboration and partnership across sectors and stakeholders to maximize our impact and leverage resources, expertise and networks in support of our shared goals.
These values serve as guiding principles for our work; guiding our decisions, actions and interactions as we strive to create a more just and sustainable future for all. And as we look towards the future, our commitment to climate justice remains steadfast. We are not content to rest on our past achievements, we are driven by an unyielding determination to do more, to be more and to achieve more for our community. By focusing on projects that align with these principles, the Department of Climate Justice Initiatives can effectively address the intersecting challenges of climate change, environmental justice and community resilience, ultimately creating positive and lasting impacts for the communities we serve in the City of Columbus and Franklin County.
Our vision is ambitious, our goals are bold, but with the support of like-minded partners and allies, we know that anything is possible. Together, we will continue to innovate, advocate and inspire action at every turn. Join us as we embark on new and innovative climate justice initiatives and pave the way towards a more just, sustainable, and resilient future- for this generation and generations to come. One band, one song!
In solidarity,
The Department of Climate Justice Initiatives at IMPACT Community Action