Environmental Justice Organizing in a Gentrifying Community: Navigating Dilemmas of Representation, Issue Selection, and Recruitment. Issue 2 (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Krings, Amy; Copic, Colette
• Is Part Of: Families in society. Volume 102:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 154
• Page End: 166
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: community practice -- community development -- community organizing -- environmental gentrification -- gentrified organization -- public participation; Social service -- Periodicals; Social case work -- Periodicals; Family social work -- Periodicals; Social service -- United States -- Periodicals; Family social work; Social case work; Social service; United States; Periodicals; 362.82097305
• DOI: 10.1177/1044389420952247
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1044-3894

Abstract

Environmental justice organizations aim to secure an equitable distribution of environmental resources through the participation and self-determination of affected people, particularly communities of color. Yet organizing in a market economy is complicated: As communities become greener, gentrification can follow, thereby inadvertently displacing low-income communities of color and reproducing environmental injustices. This study informs antiracist community practice methods by examining strategic and ethical dilemmas embedded within an environmental justice organization that is located in a gentrifying Mexican American neighborhood in Chicago. Drawing from interviews, we examine members' perceptions relating to representation, recruitment, and issue selection. We reveal key considerations for community organizations and residents as they work to promote environmental equity without contributing to the marginalization or displacement of communities of color.