““We are each a drop. Enough drops fill a bucket. That’s what it takes to make a city.””
— Mike, Parkersburg Ambassador
 

Community Democracy Program

 

We believe that communities should be the drivers of decisions that impact their air, water, and the places where they live work and play. 

 
A group of six people standing together. Each person is holding a certificate of completion for completing the Community Ambassador program.

Ambassador community

Bringing together groups of neighbors to be part of decisions about the things they care about, and support, tools, and resources to move their vision into action.

    • Parkersburg, WV: November 4, 2023 from 10:30-4.

    • Beaver County, PA: Fall, 2023 - dates coming soon!

  • Fill out this quick form, and our team will be in touch with you in the next few days! Ambassador Interest Form

Community Democracy coordinator standing behind a table at a community event. On the table are flyers for Fair Shake and a community vision board.

community education + workshops

In-person and virtual events, workshops, and clinics for communities to be involved in decisions about the things they care about.

  • Below are topics we have facilitated in community.

    Reach out if there is a new topic that we can bring to your community!

    • Community Visioning

    • Environmental Justice

    • Layers of Decision-Making & Navigating Bureaucracy

    • Public Participation + Commenting

    • Community Benefit Agreements

    • Levers to Move your Vision to Action

    • Community Engagement

    • Lead + Housing Rights

    • Approval processes for proposed new developments

    • Self-care for activists


A table with pieces of construction paper taped together. On each piece of construction paper, community members drew their vision for their town. There are drawings of people, parks, hopes for safety and belonging

SUPPORT, RESOURCES & technical assistance

Support, resources, and technical assistance for community members and decision makers.

get in touch!

get in touch!

Meagan Niebler, Community Democracy Program Manager, mniebler@fairshake-els.org I 412-664-5811

Shawnta Reed, Community Democracy Program Coordinator, sreed@fairshake-els.org

Why Community Democracy?

In many towns in the Ohio River Valley, low-income communities, communities of color, and LGBTQ+ communities are unfairly exposed to poor air and water quality, unhealthy living conditions, and harmful land use, just because of their zip code.  The historic and current decisions that have created environmental injustices have led to higher rates of asthma, heart disease, cancers, mental health challenges, and lead poisoning.  Take a look to see how your community is doing:  EPA Environmental Justice Mapping Tool.

Fair Shake’s Community Democracy Program supports Environmental Justice communities in the Ohio River Valley feel healthy, happy, and connected to their community because they have meaningful involvement in decisions that impact the places they live, work, and play.

Looking for Support?

Let us know how we can help.

Stay in touch!

 
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