Fall 2011

Earlier this month, ACE members in our T Riders Union (TRU) spoke to newly appointed transit officials at the MBTA board meeting.

"Increases will impact people…who can't afford it," said Gwen Vincent, telling the board that fare hikes would hit lower-income communities hard, forcing people to choose between necessities like groceries and medications.

One after another, we shared how raising prices would hurt our neighborhoods. Unfortunately, the Globe reported this week that "riders should expect a substantial fare increase."

An affordable and reliable public transportation system is not only necessary for economic recovery, it is instrumental in combating climate change and creating sustainable, vibrant communities. Ridership hit a record high this year, but if fares are raised and service is cut, these numbers will drop. And that affects all of us, whether we ride, drive, walk or bike.

During last month's tropical storm, the T partially reversed a day-long service suspension after hospitals intervened on behalf of their employees. What would happen to our neighborhoods if doctors, nurses and medical staff couldn’t get to work? What about our families, friends, teachers, firefighters and service workers?

As an EJ organization, we recognize that transit jobs are also green jobs, and that budget problems also affect T employees. Last week, TRU stood with workers from the Amalgamated Transit Union to send a strong message to legislators: Don't X Transit! Our rally was one of many across the country demanding that Congress support public transit instead of slashing it by a third when the federal transportation bill expires at the end of the month. Fortunately, the bill was extended through March maintaining current funding levels!

While six months is a welcome reprieve, cuts are still not off the table. As we push for solutions to fund our struggling public transit system, the political climate is increasingly hostile, pitting car drivers against T riders and implementing policies that only benefit the wealthiest Americans. We can't be defeated by these tactics—our only alternative is to fight back and organize.

ACE is a member of Right to the City (RTTC), a national movement-building alliance working to reclaim cities from crisis. This weekend, grassroots groups from across the country will be convening in Boston for RTTC’s annual gathering, sharing visions and strategies for achieving access to housing, jobs and healthy food. Join our kick off march on banks that have foreclosed on families and decimated our economy, followed by two days of events and workshops open to all.

With your help, our future looks so much brighter. I am inspired every day by what we can accomplish, here in Boston and beyond. Thank you for your support of environmental justice!

With gratitude,

Kalila Barnett
Executive Director

In this issue:

• Youth Organizer Profile: Dakeria Fulks

• All out for fair housing and food justice campaign launch!

• Workers and riders for public transit

• Increasing recycling, reducing pollution

• Welcome new REEP Youth Organizers!

• Lawyers and Organizers Unite!

• Save the date for ACE's Annual Meeting!

Youth Organizer Profile: Dakeria Fulks

I grew up in Dorchester with my mom, my sister, and my cousin Ronneshia. My cousin was in REEP when she was in high school. I’ve always wanted to work here, ever since I was a volunteer. When you come in, there’s this feeling of love. The fact that REEP is youth-led means that youth finally have a say—people listen to us. Read more...

All out for fair housing and food justice campaign launch!

This week, ACE is helping to host the national Right to the City gathering in Boston, an opportunity for grassroots communities around the country to strategize on how to build a movement for sustainable, healthy neighborhoods and achieve environmental and economic justice. Read more...

Workers and riders for public transit

Last week, ACE members in the T Riders Union (TRU) rallied downtown with the Amalgamated Transit Union to show support for federal funding of public transportation. This Don’t X event was held as part of a national day of action, inspired by protests in Atlanta. Read more...

Increasing recycling, reducing pollution

This fall, we are taking on a new campaign for cleaner air and waste reduction. In partnership with Clean Water Fund, we will be working with residents in environmental justice communities about the environmental impacts of incinerating waste and what we can do to change the system of waste disposal. Read more...

Welcome new REEP Youth Organizers!

We’re pleased to introduce our three new REEP Youth Organizers: Dacia Jordan, Autumn Ghafoor, and Stanley Gourgue.
Dacia Jordan: I’ve been a REEP member for two years. I like that our campaigns don’t only benefit us. You can’t go wrong with things like healthy, affordable food. It’s good for everyone! Read more...

Lawyers and Organizers Unite!

The New England Environmental Justice Forum will bring EJ advocates together in a collaborative learning environment on October 14 and November 19. Read more...

Save the Date for ACE's Annual Meeting!

Save the date for ACE’s Annual Meeting, Wednesday, November 2. We’ll be sharing our annual plan and holding elections for our board of directors. Come join us for the food and festivities! Time and place TBA. Read more...

More:

• Check out upcoming events

• See our blog

• Sign up for ACE newsletters!

ACE builds the power of communities of color and lower-income communities in New England to eradicate environmental racism and classism and achieve environmental justice. We believe that everyone has a right to a healthy environment and to be decision-makers in issues affecting our communities.