This past November, I facilitated a skilled panel of candidates and organizers at the Health Environmental Funders Network meeting in Pittsburg. During 2018 Elections: Taking Stock, we discussed this surprising and consequential election year and its implications for environmental health and justice issues.
Opening speaker, Summer Lee (newly-elected Pennsylvania State Representative, District 34), kicked off the discussion that included Jordan Estevao (Climate and Clean Energy Equity Fund), Andrea Mercado, (New Florida Majority) and Ryan Strode (Franciscan Sisters of Mary). With the 2018 elections having already revealed major reorientations in voting patterns, the effects of long-term power building – perhaps even more than ballot box initiatives – will have enormous influence over vast numbers of pressing social justice issues. I was honored to be a part of such an inspiring and invigorating conversation, and look forward to following the ideas of my fellow-panelists and their organizations.
To learn more about HEFN visit: https://hefn.org/