WE ACT for Environmental Justice: Comprehensive Company Profile

Background

WE ACT for Environmental Justice (WE ACT), originally established as West Harlem Environmental Action Inc. in 1988, is a community-based nonprofit organization headquartered in Harlem, New York City. The organization's mission is to build healthy communities by ensuring that people of color and low-income residents participate meaningfully in the creation of sound and fair environmental health and protection policies and practices. WE ACT has grown to become a recognized leader in the environmental justice movement, with a membership exceeding 1,100 individuals and serving the Northern Manhattan area, including Harlem, Washington Heights, and Inwood.

Key Strategic Focus

WE ACT's strategic focus encompasses several core objectives:

Community Empowerment: Engaging local residents in environmental decision-making processes to address issues such as air quality, climate justice, energy justice, environmental health, and sustainable land use.

Policy Advocacy: Influencing environmental policies at local, state, and federal levels to promote equitable environmental practices and address systemic injustices.

Education and Outreach: Raising public awareness through workshops, forums, and educational programs to inform communities about environmental health risks and solutions.

Research and Innovation: Utilizing community-based participatory research to identify environmental hazards and develop tailored solutions.

Financials and Funding

As of May 2025, WE ACT for Environmental Justice reported an estimated annual revenue of $1 million. In April 2023, the organization was selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to serve as an Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (EJ TCTAC), receiving approximately $10 million over five years to assist communities in accessing federal funds for environmental justice initiatives.

Pipeline Development

WE ACT is actively involved in several key initiatives:

Environmental Justice Center: The organization is constructing a state-of-the-art Environmental Justice Center in Harlem, designed to serve as a hub for education, training, and community engagement. The center will feature educational and training spaces, up-to-date technology for STEAM education, and outdoor areas for citizen science activities.

Model Environmental Justice Legislation: In July 2023, WE ACT, in collaboration with the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School, launched a suite of model local and state environmental justice bills. These legislative tools aim to assist legislators and advocates in advancing environmental justice solutions across the U.S.

Technological Platform and Innovation

WE ACT employs several innovative approaches:

Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR): Engaging community members directly in identifying environmental hazards and developing tailored solutions.

Environmental Health Report Card: Developed in collaboration with the Community Outreach and Engagement Core (COEC), this tool assesses New York City communities based on indoor/outdoor air quality, recreational water quality, solid waste management, open space, and access to healthy food.

Leadership Team

Peggy Shepard: Co-Founder and Executive Director. Shepard has been instrumental in leading WE ACT since its inception and has served in various advisory roles, including chairing the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council to the EPA.

Dana Johnson: Senior Director of Strategy and Federal Policy. Johnson oversees strategic initiatives and federal policy advocacy efforts.

Evelyn Joseph: Senior Director of Operations and Finance. Joseph manages the organization's operational and financial activities.

Morgan Fritz: Director of Development. Fritz leads fundraising and development strategies.

Sonal Jessel: Director of Policy. Jessel directs policy initiatives and advocacy campaigns.

Leadership Changes

As of the latest available information, there have been no recent significant changes or appointments within WE ACT's leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The environmental justice sector is experiencing increased attention and funding, driven by heightened awareness of environmental inequities and governmental initiatives like the Biden-Harris Administration's Justice40 Initiative. Organizations in this space focus on addressing environmental health disparities, advocating for policy changes, and empowering marginalized communities.

Competitor Analysis

Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services (TEJAS): Based in Houston, TEJAS focuses on environmental justice issues affecting communities in Texas. The organization engages in community education, policy advocacy, and legal actions to address environmental health concerns.

Environmental Justice Leadership Forum: Founded by WE ACT, this coalition comprises various environmental justice organizations advocating for policies addressing environmental injustices. The forum emphasizes community engagement and policy reform.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

EPA Partnership: In April 2023, WE ACT was selected by the EPA to serve as an Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center, receiving significant funding to assist communities in accessing federal resources for environmental justice initiatives.

Sabin Center for Climate Change Law: Collaborated to develop model environmental justice legislation, providing tools for legislators and advocates to advance environmental justice policies.

Community Outreach and Engagement Core (COEC): A collaborative program with the NIEHS Center for Environmental Health in Northern Manhattan, focusing on understanding and preventing environmental aspects of diseases through policy and legislation.

Operational Insights

WE ACT's strategic considerations include:

Community-Centric Approach: Prioritizing community engagement and empowerment to ensure that environmental policies reflect the needs and concerns of marginalized populations.

Policy Advocacy: Leveraging partnerships and collaborations to influence environmental policies at various governmental levels.

Capacity Building: Developing resources and tools, such as the Environmental Justice Center, to enhance the organization's ability to serve as a movement-builder and technical assistance hub.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

WE ACT's strategic roadmap includes:

Expansion of the Environmental Justice Center: Completing the construction and operationalization of the center to serve as a hub for education, training, and community engagement.

Implementation of Model Legislation: Promoting the adoption of the model environmental justice bills developed in collaboration with the Sabin Center to effect policy changes nationwide.

Enhanced Community Engagement: Strengthening outreach and education programs to empower more communities to participate in environmental decision-making processes.