About Community Democracy
Fair Shake’s Community Democracy Series aims to give people like you the tools they need to participate in the processes that shape their communities. Each segment of our 5 part webinar series are hosted by our staff attorneys and dive into important aspects of our local and regional democratic processes that are often overlooked. Some examples include zoning, long term land-use planning, environmental permitting, lead hazards, environmental justice, and organizing around risk-management.
WORKSHOP 1
Introduction to Community Democracy
Would having your own attorney help your community reach its goals?
In this FREE webinar we will introduce you to our newest outreach program that aims to help communities get ahead of environmental risk by working beside them to plan the future they want to see.
For most communities in our region having a personal attorney is just not feasible. We want to change that. That is why we are beginning to offer pro bono legal services to at-risk communities with strong leadership who want to change their future for the better. This webinar will teach you to how you can engage with our attorneys and get your community on the track to success.
WORKSHOP 2
Thinking Like an Attorney Before and After Risk
Do you know what risks your community is currently taking on?
In this webinar entitled “Thinking like an Attorney Before and After Risk” we will explore how to assess and manage risk in your own neighborhood.
Communities, especially low income communities, have been assuming risk that they have not agreed to and would never agree to and the situation is only getting worse. We want to help stop this vicious cycle by providing you with practical understanding of decision-making opportunities including: Environmental permitting, Public participation, Open records, Gathering the facts, and Organizing for advocacy.
Join us for a presentation that will demystify what us attorneys do and show you how you can engage in you community through leadership and holding elected officials accountable to the law. We will also provide context through some of our favorite examples of real communities using these techniques to make a positive change throughout our region.
WORKSHOP 3
Building Your Community Through Zoning
How can you participate in deciding the fate of your communities?
In this webinar entitled Long Term Success Through Zoning we will explore how to make long term decisions about your neighborhood through zoning and public participation.
Zoning laws provide an opportunity for long term community decision-making and we want to help you understand the process so you can make the positive changes you want to see in your neighborhood. When used wisely they can fix problems like systemic and environmental racism, but only when the public's voice is heard.
We at Fair Shake want to go beyond the courtroom to give community members the tools they need to become equal players in the decisions about their health and future. Community strength against risk comes from knowledge and action. Understanding the laws in place will help you take your communities back and defend your environment.
Join us for a presentation that will teach you the basics of zoning permitting, land use planning, how you can engage in the zoning process through leadership and holding elected officials accountable. We will also provide context through some of our favorite examples of real communities using zoning to make a positive change throughout our region.
WORKSHOP 4
Lead Hazards and Environmental Justice
Do you have what it takes to turn a risk into an opportunity? We think so!
In this webinar entitled “Lead Hazards and Environmental Justice” we will explore how to work with your neighbors to create a safer, lead-free community.
Lead is prevalent throughout the Rust Belt region in our drinking water and in the paint inside our homes. This heavy metal is a toxin that provides a serious risk to children and developing youth, yet many do not know that they are exposing themselves to it. Understanding where risks lie and the laws that protect you is an important step to a safer healthier community.
Join us for a presentation that will teach you all you need to know about your rights when it comes to lead exposure and how you can engage in getting the justice you deserve through leadership and holding those responsible accountable.
WORKSHOP 5
Entrepreneurship in Agriculture Planning for Revenue Diversity
Are you an urban or suburban farmer or food producer? Have you experienced hardships while trying to navigate the complicated legalities of multiple revenue sources? Are you trying to get ahead of issues that might arise? We are here to help!
Fair Shake’s Community Democracy Series aims to give people the tools they need to participate in the processes that shape their communities. Strong, healthy communities cannot exist without access to sustainable, local agriculture, so we want to help urban and suburban farmers succeed in providing this critical service.
We know that farming in the cities and suburbs provides unique challenges and in this FREE webinar we will talk about some of them and how we can work together to help you overcome the issues holding you back. We also hope to help you identify future hurdles you may face and discuss how you can get ahead of the curve and avoid costly risks. Your work is too valuable to your communities to let laws get in the way. We want to help you rebuild democracy by revitalizing our food system!
