Lois Marie Gibbs, Executive Director, Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ), Institute for Local Self-Reliance, P.O. Box 6806, Falls Church, VA 22040-6806, 703.237.2249, lgibbs@chej.org

CHEJ seeks to help local citizens and organizations come together and take an organized, unified stand in order to hold industry and government accountable and work toward a healthy, sustainable future. Learn about working with and organizing impacted communities to respond to toxic threats, such as commercial hazardous waste landfills, and moving towards establishment of environmentally sound and less expensive methods of managing waste. CHEJ has assisted groups in developing and then passing many laws to protect health and the environment, including state Superfund programs. Learn about the "Green Flag Program," which helps schools become healthier places for kids, and teaches students about the school's environment. In the program, parents, teachers, and kids work together to investigate environmental issues in their school, identify problems, create solutions, and improve their school environment.

Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation, the participant (learner) will be able to

• Understand how communities can work together to improve the local environment.
• Communicate environmental and public policy concepts to the community by engagement in a process of promoting and implementing environmental activities and programs.

Keywords: Environment, Sustainability

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.