Mission

Communities for a Better Environment (CBE) is an environmental health and justice non-profit organization promoting clean air, clean water and the development of toxin-free communities. CBE's unique three-part strategy provides grassroots activism, environmental research and legal assistance within underserved urban communities.

CBE addresses environmental racism by directly equipping residents impacted by industrial pollution with the tools to inform, monitor, and transform their immediate environment.

Issues

Air pollution, Children's health, Community organizing, Environmental racism, Facility siting/permit review, Toxics, Water pollution, Worker Safety

Activities

Technical assistance, Issuing reports, Proposal/grant writing, Health surveys, Pollution monitoring, Media/press campaign, Fund raising, Organizing, Legal, Research, Exposure assessment, Advocacy, Mapping/GIS

Programs/
Projects

CBE currently uses its organizing, legal and research strategies in three Bay Area communities: Richmond, Rodeo/Crocket and Southeast San Francisco. The work in these communities includes training community youth to take leadership in organizing direct actions and public presentations; the development of community advisory boards to direct local campaigns; and educating community members about specific actions they can take, such as air sampling, working with government agencies and protesting unjust policies and practices. Current issues in these communities include clean-up related to the naval ship yard, development of a multi-lingual emergency warning system and exposing factory emissions. CBE also works nationally and internationally to provide research and technical assistance to local community organizations.

Constitutency

Low income, Communities of color, Youth, Urban

Geographical Focus

Regional, Statewide

Staff

15

Volunteers

5

Membership Base

Low-income, Middle income, Urban, People of color, Grassroots, Schools, Youth

Publications

Quarterly newsletter Environmental Review; List available

Annuual Budget

$1,000,000-5,000,000

Year Founded

1978