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GET INVOLVED & TAKE ACTION...!

As the title of this website suggests, partaking in eco-social work action efforts (aimed at achieving both social and environmental justice) is an ethical imperative that is central to our profession.

“Advocating for the victims of pollution and for the communities suffering from the impacts of climate change and environmental injustice are core practices of the contemporary social worker. Key intervention skills would include advocating for ‘improving public monitoring and enforcement of air, soil, water, quality standards;’ promoting and enforcing ‘policy change to reduce air, soil, and water pollution;’ and developing ‘advocacy programs for victims of air, soil, and water pollution’” (Gray et al., 2013, p. 309, as cited in Lysack, 2015, p. 442).

 

Source: Lysack, M. (2013). Effective policy influencing and environmental advocacy: Health, climate change, and phasing out coal. International Social Work, 58(3), 435-447.

Climate justice protest led by Calgary Climate Action Network prior to the 2015 Alberta provincial election. (Photo Credit: Angela Gislason, 2015)

It is important for both eco and non-eco social workers alike to consider how advocacy and activism activities can be incorporated into their current and future practice. We recommend social workers who are interested in engaging in eco-social work activities consider joining and supporting local, national, and international community organizations in order to take action and effect positive eco-social change.

 

The following list outlines a number of possibilities to take the next steps towards achieving greater environmental and social justice:

 

INTERNATIONAL GROUPS & ORGANIZATIONS:

 

  • 350: Actions, projects, and campaigns from the grassroots in 188 different countries striving for environmental justice; Numerous resources available on website including movies, brochures, T-shirts, and supports to design posters and presentations, and to start local groups. Website: 350.org

 

  • Global Justice Now: Runs international "campaigns for a world where resources are controlled by the many, not the few. We work in solidarity with social movements to fight the causes of poverty and injustice." Includes environmental justice. Website: http://www.globaljustice.org.uk/

 

  • Greenpeace: Greenpeace operates in more than 40 countries with its main headquarters located in Amsterdam. Website: www.greenpeace.org/

 

  • Amnesty International: Non-governmental organisation focused on human rights with over 7 million members and supporters around the world. The stated objective of the organisation is "to conduct research and generate action to prevent and end grave abuses of human rights, and to demand justice for those whose rights have been violated." Website: https://www.amnesty.org/en/

 

CANADIAN-BASED GROUPS & ORGANIZATIONS:

 

  • Greenpeace Canada: Greenpeace Canada currently has more than 90,000 supporters in Canada (and 2.9 million members worldwide). Website: www.greenpeace.org/canada/

 

  • RAVEN: Fundraising and public education campaigns to assist Indigenous Peoples in their legal rights to protect traditional lands and their environments. Website: http://raventrust.com/

 

 

  • The Leap Manifesto: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has acknowledged shocking details about the violence of Canada’s near past. Deepening poverty and inequality are a scar on the country’s present, and Canada’s record on climate change is a crime against humanity’s future. Sign the manifesto, endorse as an organization, and/or share The Leap's vision with your community. 'Resources' page has downloadable versions of the manifesto in 8 languages, posters, and social media materials.  Website: leapmanifesto.org

 

ALBERTA (AB)-BASED (including Calgary):

 

  • Canadian Youth Climate Coalition: Organizational and individual members act locally, provincially, federally, and internationally for climate justice. Campaigns include The Canadian Youth Delegation, Go Fossil Free (a fossil fuel divestment movement), and Power Shift (youth group for youth interested in engaging with climate change and other issues in Canada) Website: www.ourclimate.ca

 

  • Alberta Green Economy Network (AGEN): "Brings together labour, NGO, green business and First Nations partners to advocate for policies that support a transition to a low-carbon economy;" Aimed at organizations versus individuals. Website: www.albertagen.ca

 

  • Blue Dot - David Suzuki Foundation: Volunteers across Canada striving to obtain government municipal declarations for human rights around healthy environments; Sign the petition and/or utilize a free tool kit for community organizing. Website: www.bluedot.ca

 

 

  • Green Calgary: Local volunteers engage in projects aimed at community sustainability and simple environmental action. Website: www.greencalgary.org/

 

  • Keepers of the Water / Athabasca: First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Peoples, environmental groups, and Athabasca Watershed citizens who have joined together to protect land, water, air, and all living things. Website: www.keepersofthewater.ca/athabasca

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