The Urban Environmental Institute (UEI) is a leadership initiative project in Newark, NJ.

The institute was established to create the next generation of urban
environmental advocates. The UEI has completed three leadership
training courses since April 2008. The next training course is being
planned for 2009. Read on to find out more about the program or print
out brochure listed below.

• Print out the UEI Brochure (pdf, 194kb)
• Read the press release about the project and graduation (pdf, 116kb)
• View pictures and read a story about UEI's "Green Jobs" day of action in Newark (pdf, 3.5MB)

Why do we need an Urban Environment Institute in Newark?

Newark needs a loud and clear voice for environmental justice.

Newark loses many precious lives to homicide, but the city's biggest
silent killer is its polluted environment. It attacks our children,
elderly and already ailing. It is no accident that:

• 1 out of every 4 of our urban school children is likely to
  have asthma, double the state and national average. The #1 reason for
  school absenteeism in the nation.
• Newark's asthma related
  death and hospitalization rates are twice that of the Essex County
  suburbs. With Essex County overall being ranked 2nd worst in the state
  after Bergen County.

Preserving and Protecting Our Environment One Step At a Time

Protecting the environment is not just a birds and bunny issue. It is
about protecting the health and well being of our communities and its
people. It's about standing up to the polluters, engaging public
officials, thereby making them more accountable and responsive to our
neighborhoods.

There are many environmental injustices in our neighborhoods: lead
paint in our homes, contaminated sites, polluting industries, too much
traffic, just to name a few. Our neighborhoods and residents are
getting sick from asthma, cancers, heart conditions and more.
Individuals are often blamed for their condition; yet the environment
we live, play, attend school, work and worship in is often the
unhealthy culprit. We can not let these environmental injustices
continue.

The Urban Environmental Institute (UEI)has been established to
create the next generation of urban environmental advocates. Together,
we will form a strong, unified voice and leadership for environmental
justice throughout our Newark neighborhoods.

The ultimate goal is to ensure that our homes, workplaces, play areas
and schools are as free as possible from the environmental and health
harms caused by the pollution found in the air we breathe, water we
drink, fish and recreate in, as well as the buildings we occupy.

What is the UEI?

It is a leadership training institute designed to provide:

• knowledge of environmental and related public health problems as well as potential solutions, and
• skills in media communications, community outreach, grassroots organizing and engaging in public decision-making arenas.

When is the Urban Environmental Institute Course being held?

• 2009 TBA

Who is eligible to apply?

• Qualified East Ward Newark residents
• Must be 16-35 years of age
• Committed to positive social change
• Seeking solutions to environmental injustices
• Eager to learn new skills and apply them in your community
• Sponsored (at no cost) by a local civic, school, community, or religious entity
• Must be able to attend all sessions

How do I apply?

Print out the UEI Course Brochure and Application (pdf, 194kb)

Or call Jeanette Mitchell at 347-742-3465 or
e-mail jmitchell@cleanwater.org

Who is sponsoring the UEI?

Clean Water Fund has created the leadership training program and
materials, selected eligible applicants, and all other matters related
to the operation of the institute.

Clean Water Fund is a national environmental education, research,
training and advocacy organization based in New Jersey for over 25
years.

This project was made possible with the generous support of the
Andy Cappon Community Action Project, Ford Foundation, Geraldine R.
Dodge Foundation, Fund for New Jersey, and Schumann Fund for New Jersey.   One Voice, One Community, One Earth