We kicked off the year by collaboratively fundraising with staff and friends to support the restoration and replacement of windows in the historic 3-building complex that was gifted to EMEAC by the Unitarian Universalist Detroit church. Together we raised close to $100,000 in grants and donations to reduce energy costs in the complex and invest in an important community resource. The campus houses six community organizations and hosts numerous meetings and gatherings by local, state and national groups and individuals.  We are excited about the work we've done so far and look forward to showcasing the windows, beautiful architecture and woodwork, and more as part of our historic building tour schedule in the new year.

Additionally, EMEAC continued its environmental and climate justice work through the media, youth and policy advocacy teams. For example, our youth team sent young leaders to participate in and lead conversations at the Our Power Camp in Black Mesa, AZ (June), Global PowerShift in Istanbul (July) and PowerShift in Pittsburgh (October). They organized several community report backs and information shares and have been meeting weekly to plan their work in the coming year.

Members, friends and supporters have helped EMEAC create engaging and interactive learning experiences with children and families to deepen relationships with nature and to learn about healthy lifestyles -- characteristics we consider important in creating an environmentally just world.  EMEAC's summer program interns, whose ages ranged from 14 to 19, designed a series of justice superheroes to be used as popular education tools for younger children learning about the many parts of the food system, including access to quality land, water, air and more.

EMEAC staff also continued to work collaboratively with other local, state and national allies to bring about greater awareness of issues facing communities impacted by environmental injustices.  As a steering committee member of the Climate Justice Alliance, EMEAC has worked with other grassroots groups around the country to move toward what we call a Just Transition from heavy reliance on polluting fossil fuels to greater use of more sustainable, renewable forms of energy, while consuming less.

You will be able to read more about our great work in our end of year newsletter (available the end of this week) and in the 2013 Annual Report, which will be sent out the end of January.  

In 2014 we will continue to foster collaborations among environmental and justice groups in an effort to create and support green and just solutions to race, poverty and environmental concerns in southeast Michigan.  With your support we will be able to build space for Detroit and grassroots leaders nationwide to model share, to expand digital justice capacity and cultivate the next generation of earth's caretakers.  We hope that you will help us make all of our programs possible with your gift.  Please click here to donate online or send your contribution to EMEAC 4605 Cass Ave Detroit, MI 48201.

On behalf of the EMEAC staff and Board of Directors we wish you a peaceful holiday season and a Happy New Year.