ELI’s Community Education and Training Program provides citizens and grassroots groups with information on environmental law and policy that can help them participate effectively in the decisions that impact public health and the environment in their communities. These activities aim to provide practical, strategic information on how citizens can use the system of environmental law to change government and industry practices. The Program seeks to marshal ELI’s considerable experience in creating environmental training and education programs, to benefit those who traditionally have not had a voice in the law and policy arena.
The Program’s activities have included training courses on right-to-know laws and series of workshops titled “demystifying the law,” which focused on using the tools of public participation to address issues ranging from hazardous waste disposal to land use planning. We have also developed a number of community guidebooks, assisted citizens in tracking down information on different subjects, and helped groups in locating federal, state and local resources.
Related Publications
- Environmental Enforcement in the U.S./Mexico Border Region: A Community Guide to Enforcement in Texas and Chihuahua (English) / La Aplicación y el Cumplimiento de la Legislación Ambiental en la Región Fronteriza Estados Unidos-México: Una Guía Comunitaria sobre la Aplicación y el Cumplimiento en Texas y Chihuahua (Spanish, 2007)
- A Citizen’s Guide to Using Federal Environmental Laws to Secure Environmental Justice (2002)
- Opportunities for Advancing Environmental Justice: An Analysis of U.S. EPA Statutory Authorities (2001)
- Community Environmental Health Assessment Workbook: A Guide to Evaluating Your Community’s Health and Finding Ways to Improve It (2000)
- Building Capacity to Participate in Environmental Protection Agency Activities: A Needs Assessment and Analysis (1999)
- SLAPP Suits (1997)
- A Radon Guide for Tenants (1997)
- Safe Drinking Water Workshop for Consumers (1997)
- Working with Lawyers: A Guide for Community Residents and Environmental Justice Groups (Spanish and English) (1997)
- Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs): A Guide for Community Residents and Environmental Justice Advocates (1997)
- Working With Lawyers: A Guide for Community Residents and Environmental Justice Advocates (1996)
- Working With Lawyers: A Guide for Community Residents and Environmental Justice Advocates - Spanish Version (1996)
Related Conferences, Seminars and Workshops
- Environmental Law Training for the Southwest Network for Environmental and Economic Justice (for Citizens in the Southwest) — Austin, TX (2000); Oakland, CA (1999); Albuquerque, NM (1998, 1995)
- Cleaning Up Our Communities: Tools for Environmental Health Assessment — Atlanta, GA (1998)
- Health Promotion Through Pollution Prevention: Investigating Toxic Releases in Your Community (for the National Coalition of Hispanic Health and Human Services Organizations) (1994)