Reflecting on World Day of Social Justice
For me, the term social justice brings up a few concepts: fairness, equality, well-being, rights, opportunity, community. The United Nations notes, “social development and social justice are indispensable for the achievement and maintenance of peace and security with and among nations…” In honoring the work that has already been done in the name of social justice and understanding that there is more to do to build fairer, more equitable societies, today we recognize and shed light on World Day of Social Justice.
Each year more and more communities across the US, specifically low-income and communities of color, are disproportionately impacted by extreme climate-related disasters (i.e. flooding and drought), and access to clean drinking water. These life-threatening impacts are perpetuated by a history of systemic oppression on a national and global level. At River Network, we believe people, places, and nature are interconnected and must adapt to survive in a rapidly changing world and that equitable and enduring solutions start with community – created with, by, and for the people most impacted.
As we reflect on World Day of Social Justice, and our own mission to grow and strengthen a transformational national network of water, justice, and river advocates, we asked members of our staff, “how is social justice tied to your work?”
Access to safe, affordable drinking water is inherently a social justice issue. When it comes to our policy advocacy and training development, we’re attempting to tackle really complex issues of equal access, meaningful participation in public processes, and ensuring that communities have the resources they need to provide reliable, clean water to all community members.”
–Erin Kanzig, Drinking Water Program Director
In the areas of federal and state water policy, our work intersects with social justice in the following ways: we advocate (in coalitions with our partners) for policies and funding to advance equal access to healthy rivers, climate resilient communities, and safe and affordable drinking water for all; we provide tools, training, and resources – such as the Clean Waters Act Owner’s Manual, the State Policy Hub, and State Revolving Funds Advocacy Toolkit – to support the network’s advocacy to advance equal access in their communities, watersheds, and states also.”
–April Ingle, Advocacy Director
Social justice is inherent to the design and purpose of the Climate Justice and Water Equity Flow Fund Circle, providing philanthropic dollars to individuals and organizations in frontline communities that don’t qualify for or have the capacity to access traditional grants. Our funders are leaders in their communities and have deep ties and understanding about where those dollars can best be directed.
The Urban Waters Learning Network also creates and promotes resources that center community needs. Through the equitable development and anti-displacement collaborative, we’ve been able to understand the risk of displacement to disproportionately impacted communities from projects that build resilience or provide access to green space. And, through the development of an equitable development toolkit, we are working to raise awareness in our networks about the importance of centering community and creating equitable processes to mitigate displacement pressures.
I see both of these initiatives through the lens of environmental and social justice. I don’t see them as separate.”
–Renee Mazurek, Resilient Communities Manager
The theme for World Social Justice Day 2024 is “Bridging Gaps, Building Alliances,” or the importance of collaboration and partnership in addressing the world’s challenges. The efforts described above highlight how partnership is at the heart of our work. Our local, regional, and national partners are necessary to supporting our belief that all living beings share a common home and a fundamental right to clean water.
So, I ask you, how can you integrate social justice into your environmental work? I promise you, there’s a way.
Learn more about World Day of Social Justice.
