Urban Environmental Institute
NJEF, Clean Water Fund, and Quest Ink! Inc. are proud to launch the Urban Environmental Institute (UEI), a leadership initiative project in Newark, NJ.
The institute was established to create the next generation of urban environmental advocates. The first UEI leadership training course April-June 2008 was just completed. Read the press release about the project and graduation. A week long summer acadamy is currently being planned. Read on to find out more about the program or print out the flyer and brochure listed below.
- Print out theUEI Brochure (pdf, 194kb)
Why do we need an Urban Environment Institute in Newark?
Newark needs a loud and clear voice for environmental justice.
Newark loses many precious lives to homicide, but the city's biggest silent killer is its polluted environment. It attacks our children, elderly and already ailing. It is no accident that:
- 1 out of every 4 of our urban school children is likely to have asthma, double the state and national average. The #1 reason for school absenteeism in the nation.
- Newark's asthma related death and hospitalization rates are twice that of the Essex County suburbs. With Essex County overall being ranked 2nd worst in the state after Bergen County.
Preserving and Protecting Our Environment One Step At a Time
Protecting the environment is not just a birds and bunny issue. It is about protecting the health and well being of our communities and its people. It's about standing up to the polluters, engaging public officials, thereby making them more accountable and responsive to our neighborhoods.
There are many environmental injustices in our neighborhoods: lead paint in our homes, contaminated sites, polluting industries, too much traffic, just to name a few. Our neighborhoods and residents are getting sick from asthma, cancers, heart conditions and more. Individuals are often blamed for their condition; yet the environment we live, play, attend school, work and worship in is often the unhealthy culprit. We can not let these environmental injustices continue.
The Urban Environmental Institute (UEI)has been established to create the next generation of urban environmental advocates. Together, we will form a strong, unified voice and leadership for environmental justice throughout our Newark neighborhoods.
The ultimate goal is to ensure that our homes, workplaces, play areas and schools are as free as possible from the environmental and health harms caused by the pollution found in the air we breathe, water we drink, fish and recreate in, as well as the buildings we occupy.
What is the UEI?
It is a leadership training institute designed to provide:
- knowledge of environmental and related public health problems as well as potential solutions, and
- skills in media communications, community outreach, grassroots organizing and engaging in public decision-making arenas.
When is the Urban Environmental Institute Course being held?
- Summer 2008 TBA
Where is the training course located?
Training sessions will be held primarily at Quest Ink!
28 Irvine Turner Blvd., Newark, NJ
Occasional field trips will be held at other locations including a "Toxic Tour."
Who is eligible to apply?
- Qualified Newark residents
- Must be 16-35 years of age
- Committed to positive social change
- Seeking solutions to environmental injustices
- Eager to learn new skills and apply them in your community
- Sponsored (at no cost) by a local civic, school, community, or religious entity
- Must be able to attend all sessions
How do I apply?
Call 973-704-4312, E-mail: kgaddy@cleanwater.orgWho is sponsoring the UEI?
Clean Water Fund in coordination with Quest Ink! Inc. have created the leadership training program and materials, selected eligible applicants, and all other matters related to the operation of the institute.
Clean Water Fund (CWF) is a national environmental education, research, training and advocacy organization based in NJ for over 25 years.
Quest Ink! Inc. has been serving Newark for over 30 years with its food pantry, after school, youth and summer programs.
Weequahic Park Association (WPA) has been serving Newark for over 15 years. Through UEI, WPA will pursue environmental vocational training in addition to supporting environmental educational opportunities.
This project was made possible with the generous support of the Ford Foundation, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Fund for New Jersey, and Schumann Fund for New Jersey.
