Envisioning the Future of the Environmental Justice Movement
On Tuesday, September 22nd, WE ACT is hosting Envisioning the Future of the Environmental Justice Movement, a day-long (8:00 AM-7:30 PM) series of discussions on the future of the environmental justice movement. In commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the First National Environmental Justice Leadership Summit, the historic gathering that established the 17 Principles of Environmental Justice and helped shape the modern environmental justice movement, this special event will celebrate the movement’s accomplishments while bringing together leaders, advocates, researchers, policymakers, students, and community members to chart the path forward.
The event will take place at the Lee C. Bollinger Forum at Columbia University, which is located at 601 West 125th Street (the corner of Broadway & West 125th Street). It is co-hosted by WE ACT for Environmental Justice, the Columbia Climate School, and Beyond Petrochemicals. And it is free to all who register, though we gladly welcome donations. Click here for details, and follow the registration link to select which sessions you want to attend. As we expect a high turnout, please only register for what you are certain you will attend. Learn More & Register
West Harlem Environmental Justice Walking Tour
WE ACT is hosting two free and informative environmental justice walking tours of historic West Harlem on Friday, September 25th. The first will begin at 1:00 PM and the second at 2:00 PM. The tour will provide you with a deeper understanding of environmental and climate justice, and the issues we are facing here in New York City. It will showcase some of the work we have done in the community as well as give an overview of what our organization is currently working on.
Last year’s tours filled up quickly, so please only register if you are confident you will be able to attend – and arrive on time. Be sure to arrive at our office at least 15 minutes before your tour starts for a brief orientation. Our office is located on the Second Floor of 1854 Amsterdam Avenue, which is at the intersection of 152nd & Amsterdam. These outdoor walking tours, which will likely take 2 hours each, will end on West 125th Street, near Broadway. Learn More & Register
Our staff will be participating in the following events during Climate Week NYC 2026:
Monday, Sept. 21 – 12:00-1:00 PM
Data to Action—What Communities Know, How Cities Lead
Valentina Rojas will talk about our work to address extreme heat as part of the Data to Action—What Communities Know, How Cities Lead panel with Brandi Jenkins of the Beyond Petrochemicals Campaign and
moderator Sarah Vogel of the Environmental Defense Fund. This is part of the Frontline Resource Institute’s Climate Justice Hub, a day-long series of events that explore how integrating frontline leadership into climate decision making leads to better outcomes for people and the planet. The event will run from 10:00 AM-5:30 PM at the Leon Lowenstein Center, which is located at 113 West 60th Street on Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus. Learn More & RSVP
Wednesday, Sept. 23 – 5:00-9:00 PM
Wardrobe Rescue: NYC Climate Week Benefit Boutique
Custom Collaborative’s Wardrobe Rescue is a fun way to turn talk into action during Climate Week NYC 2026. This pop-up boutique will be stocked with designer and quality pieces, donated by brands you love and rescued from the landfill. Peggy Shepard has donated items to this event and will be in attendance. The event will run from 5:00-9:00 PM at Custom Collaborative’s studio, which is located at 253 West 35th Street. Tickets are $25 and include massive discounts and refreshments. Custom Collaborative is a nonprofit that provides workforce development training and worker-owned business incubation in the fashion industry. Learn More & RSVP
CHECK BACK – MORE UPDATES TO COME
If your organization is a Tides Foundation WE LEAD grantee and you are interested in receiving a general operating support grant towards attending Clime Week NYC 2026, please apply here before Wednesday, August 26th.