Four Corners Environmental and Economic Justice

Vision

Vibrant and diverse communities throughout the Four Corners region that are thriving as they transition toward a zero-carbon economy.

Mission

To assist communities throughout the four corners to make a rapid and meaningful transition to a green and sustainable economy that honors culture and tradition while addressing the root causes of poverty and improving quality of life for all.

Organizational Purpose

1. To provide direct legal services and engage in related anti-poverty efforts, such as community education, small business development, and other community support programs.
2. To assist grass-roots groups and low-income individuals with capacity building so that they can communicate needs and ideas to non-profits and tribal and local governments. 
3. To help tribal governments and local communities decarbonize and plan for a just and sustainable future
4. To provide information and support to NGOs, governments, and communities to facilitate more productive dialogue with low-income communities about a decarbonized future

Scope of services

1. Legal services related to anti-poverty efforts throughout the geographic region
2. Community education, capacity building, and support programs
3. Policy engagement with tribal and local governments and NGO coalitions

The need for this organization

Successful environmental groups are largely disconnected from communities and community needs. While there are several organizations working hard to change this dynamic, there are financial, cultural and trust-related challenges that make productive and meaningful dialogue and relationships between community members and environmental nonprofits difficult.

We believe that there is a particularly pressing need for healthier dialogue among communities and stakeholder groups as climate change and a shifting economy require a transition away from fossil fuels and toward a zero-carbon economy. At the same time, there is a dearth of anti-poverty programs that provide direct services to low-income people throughout the four corners region. This organization, by providing community-based anti-poverty work while also engaging specifically in policy work aimed at facilitating a just transition, can foster the depth of community engagement necessary to develop well-informed policy positions rooted entirely in community needs and perspectives. A core belief behind this proposal is that helping low-income people navigate poverty-related problems is integral to building the relationships, networks, and infrastructure that will ensure that they are not left behind by the transition away from fossil fuels.

• Organizational Establishment

  Additional Info

  The Sustainable Community Development Clinic at University of Colorado Law School has been supporting us in preparing the documents and applying for nonprofit status.

  ---

  Location

  outside colorado

  Dates

  Ongoing

  Public or Private

  Public Program (open to the public)

  Program Fee

  Not Applicable

• Board Development

  Additional Info

  We have been working to establish our founding board, develop founding documents, setting program priorities, and prepare a fundraising strategy.

  ---

  Location

  online resource

  Dates

  Ongoing

  Public or Private

  Private Program (by request only or for a specific audience or group)

  Program Fee

  Not Applicable

• Collaborative University Grant Application

  Additional Info

  We are working with a coalition of University partners to put together a $10 million, 10-year grant proposal for a collaborative just transition project in the Four Corners.

  ---

  Location

  online resource

  Dates

  1/15/2021 - 3/11/2021

  Public or Private

  Private Program (by request only or for a specific audience or group)

  Program Fee

  Not Applicable