Community Action Teams and Leadership Development in San Diego/Tijuana

Environmental Health Coalition (EHC) is a 27-year-old environmental justice organization working in the San Diego/Tijuana region. A foundational principle of EHC is that authentic social change requires an engaged community. Community Action Teams (CATs) have become EHC's primary method for building a community organizing base for policy advocacy, and provide leadership development for emerging community leaders. Each EHC community campaign consists of staff community organizers and policy advocates who work with community leaders and are supported by research, education, and media efforts. Each campaign is led by a Community Action Team of grassroots leaders and allied organizations. The role of the CAT is to work with staff to set goals and develop a strategic plan; identify problems and solutions; identify key milestones; and develop and help implement the work plan. The CATS meet monthly in a location that is convenient for the community members All CAT leaders participate in EHC's leadership development training, Salud Ambiental, Líderes Tomando Acción (Environmental Health, Leaders Taking Action). This five session popular education training provides CAT members with the foundation to develop, implement, and evaluate strategies to achieve the environmental justice goals identified for their community.