Serve-Learn-Sustain Events Shed Light on Environmental Justice

Participants discuss the idea of environmental justice at the kickoff event earlier this semester.
Participants discuss the idea of environmental justice at the kickoff event earlier this semester.

The environmental justice movement is concerned with making sure no community takes on an unfair share of environmental burdens and that environmental benefits are shared equitably, regardless of race, class, gender, or orientation.

The Center for Serve-Learn-Sustain has embarked on a yearlong journey to introduce the movement of environmental justice to Tech’s campus and community partners. 

Environmental justice is one of Serve-Learn-Sustain’s core themes for the year. The idea came from colleagues in the College of Sciences. 

The environmental justice movement is concerned with making sure no community takes on an unfair share of environmental burdens and that environmental benefits are shared equitably, regardless of race, class, gender, or orientation. A series of events and engagement opportunities this year will help the community learn more about this idea.“The goal of the series is to generate serious conversation, examination, and action around justice as it relates to the environment and sustainability,” said Jenny Hirsch, director of the Center for Serve-Learn-Sustain.

Upcoming opportunities:

River Rendezvous: Water Sampling at Proctor Creek with West Atlanta Watershed Alliance and Chattahoochee River Keeper

Saturday in November; TBD 

Engineering and Public Service Panel Discussion

Tuesday, Nov. 1, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Peachtree Room, Student Center

Taboo Talk: Dismantling Racism in a Society That Doesn’t Believe In It

Thursday, Nov. 3, 11 a.m. – noon, Room 117, Smithgall Student Services (Flag) Building

Global Community Engagement and Service: A Service Project with Global Growers and Trip to Your DeKalb Farmers Market

Saturday, Nov. 12, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (transportation provided)

Environmental Justice and Business/Community Engagement: Challenges and Opportunities in the Extractives Industries with Michael Oxman, Managing Director, Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business

Monday, Nov. 14, 12:15 – 1:30 p.m., Technology Square Research Building

What Does Environmental Justice Have to Do With Me? A Student’s Guide to the Responsibilities of Engineers with Bob Kirkman, School of Public Policy, and Chloe Arson, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Tuesday, Nov. 15, 11 a.m. – noon, Room 469, Clough Commons

Those who attend three events this semester will receive two tickets to the Center for Civil and Human Rights in Downtown Atlanta. 

To learn more about the environmental justice series and to keep up with additional opportunities, visit serve-learn-sustain.gatech.edu/environmental-justice-series