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CCAEJ Ambassador Program
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This Is What Community Looks Like
The CCAEJ Ambassador Program is a dynamic initiative that empowers community members to become leaders in the fight for environmental and social justice. The program is built on four core pillars: the Environmental Justice Class, Urban Gardening Class, Transportation Justice Class, and Civic Engagement Class. Each class equips participants with essential knowledge and skills to address local issues, from pollution and sustainable food systems to equitable transportation and political advocacy. Together, these pillars foster a strong, informed community dedicated to creating a healthier, more just future for all.
Environmental Justice
Our Ambassador Program is designed to cultivate leadership and empower frontline community members in the fight for environmental justice through popular education. This comprehensive course equips participants with a foundational understanding of environmental justice principles, focusing on the unique issues impacting communities in the Inland Valley region.
Through immersive learning experiences, participants engage directly with seasoned community leaders and environmental advocates, gaining real-world insights into the transformative power of grassroots organizing and policy advocacy.
Ambassadors have gone on to create their own community organizations, serve on local boards and commissions, and host impactful community resource events, continuing the ripple effect of change in their neighborhoods.
Urban Gardening
The Urban Gardening Ambassador Program introduces participants to the fundamentals of sustainable urban gardening, from composting and sowing seeds to proper watering techniques and beyond. This hands-on course, taught by Randy, the founder of Amy’s Farm, provides an in-depth understanding of how to cultivate thriving gardens in urban spaces.
Participants learn essential gardening skills and explore the benefits of growing their own food, all while connecting with the land and fostering community resilience. Through this program, ambassadors are equipped to share their knowledge and inspire others to build greener, more sustainable neighborhoods.
Transportation Justice
The Transportation Justice Ambassador Program equips community members with the knowledge and leadership skills to address the critical challenges posed by transportation pollution in our region. This program focuses on the environmental and public health impacts of the transportation industry, emphasizing the importance of transitioning to zero-emission solutions and advocating for accessible, reliable public transportation.
Participants engage with seasoned advocates and grassroots organizers to explore strategies for effective community-driven change. Through workshops and hands-on learning, they gain practical tools to advocate for cleaner air, better transportation policies, and justice for the most affected communities.
This year transportation justice ambassadors joined a large mobilization of 150 community members to the SCAQMD headquarters where they collectively and successfully advocated for a railyard indirect source rule that will reduce pollution coming from railyards.
Civic Engagement
The Civic Engagement Ambassador Program empowers participants to take an active role in shaping their communities by deepening their understanding of civic involvement. This program focuses on the importance of community engagement, movement-building, and the critical role of voting in creating change. Participants also explore political structures, learn how to navigate ballot measures, and gain the skills needed to advocate effectively for the issues that matter most.
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Through real-world examples and guided learning, ambassadors leave the program ready to make an impact—whether by organizing grassroots movements, getting involved in local governance, or educating others about the power of civic participation.
