The C4 is a facilitator and mediator of partnerships, of education, and of consensus building, and creates the space for a robust climate justice movement in our community. C4 will provide spaces for partners and residents to engage, resolve conflicts, build strategies, share resources, align vision, and most importantly shift the focus of environmental work to be more equitable.
Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and historically white environmental organizations will dismantle extractive systems and build new systems to address climate change – centered in human wellbeing, the interconnectedness of life, and access to shared leadership.
Climate justice is a concept that addresses the just division, fair sharing, and equitable distribution of the benefits and burdens of climate change and responsibilities to deal with climate change.
Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) are more disproportionately negatively impacted by climate change.
BIPOC aren’t authentically and consistently represented in the current environmental and climate movement
Grand Rapids lacks a solid and stable infrastructure to challenge systemic barriers necessary to make bold changes necessary for a just climate future
Climate change is both urgent and long-term
Lack of awareness and understanding surrounding climate change, diversity, equity, inclusion, and climate justice
Together we can provide resources directly to community members and activists of color impacted by climate change to self-identify solutions
Redefine values and resources in a give-take relationship between individuals and organization representatives
Leverage a stronger network of organizations and community leaders to develop short-term and long-term strategies to increase impact
Address urgent and systemic needs simultaneously
Increase awareness and understanding of climate change, diversity, equity, inclusion and climate justice
Protect people
& the environment
Dismantle
Injustice
Challenge the
Status Quo
Cultivate
Belonging
Interdependence
Share
Leadership
Honor and
Support Agency
Dismantle Barriers
To Access
Reflect
Community
Honor Community
Agreements
The C4 Planning Team created the infrastructure needed to launch a 3-year pilot. This infrastructure includes a vision statement, values, community agreements and Leadership Team governance. We also sketched out a 3-year plan and accompanying budget to launch and pilot the C4. Review our 3 year plan, key budget items, and understand
how C4 is set up to elevate marginalized voices in Grand Rapids.
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