Civic Engagement

Fighting for Environmental Justice by Sowing Deep Democracy

CBE builds community power through grassroots civic and voter engagement led by and for environmental justice communities. Our work is rooted in communities on the frontlines of industrial pollution, government disinvestment and corruption, and voter apathy. These communities are also rich in culture, resilience, and organizing power. 

What is Deep Democracy?

When community members are registered to vote, informed, and mobilized, they have the power to transform the conditions in their neighborhoods. That’s why we focus on growing an empowered electorate, increasing voter turnout, and creating pathways of civic participation that are rooted in local leadership and deep democracy.

In the Just Transition strategy framework for a regenerative economy, deep democracy is the pilar of a governance structure that allows for redistribution of political power to workers and communities so that they have control over the decisions that affect their daily lives. CBE communities build their political and people power by centering the voice and wisdom of their neighbors in decision-making processes.  

When deep democracy is in practice, we advance into a more participatory and equitable society that values diverse voices and diverse forms of civic participation.  

People Power Through Civic Mobilization

We have the right to be at the table—where decisions about our communities, our health, and our future are being made. Frontline environmental justice neighborhoods have experienced decades of disinvestment. Black, Indigenous, Latine/x, Asian, Pacific Islander, and other communities of people of color have been sidelined by career politicians and greedy corporate special interests—like Big Oil and Luxury Real Estate—influencing our democracy.

Elected decision-makers have a responsibility to represent people in their districts and work to address our most urgent needs. We hold our elected officials accountable. We mobilize at City Hall and in Sacramento to educate and advocate on environmental and social justice policy that centers community-rooted solutions.

We don’t have billions of dollars for lobbyists. We have frontline students and their families coming together to fight for a more resilient, equitable, healthy and strong democracy.

Our Voice, Our Vote, Our Power

We see access to voting as one of many tools our communities can use to reclaim power and shape a more just future. Our approach to address voter apathy begins with cultivating a culture of voting in environmental justice neighborhoods by meeting people where they are—in their communities, at their doors, on their phones, and in their languages. We focus on local and statewide elections, where our voice and our votes can make the most direct impact. 

From our ballots to public hearings, to our elected leaders’ offices, the voices of people must be centered over corporate profits.   

Our Work

  • Voter Education

    We inform frontline families on key environmental and social justice issues on local and statewide ballots, ensuring voters are empowered to cast their vote that is aligned with their values for equity and justice.

  • Voter Registration 

    Every election there are new eligible voters, returning voters, and youth voters that can pre-register to vote. We are building a movement of frontline leaders who are registered to vote, who understand the struggle for voting rights and who are vigilant in identifying voter suppression tactics.

  • Voter Mobilization

    We mobilize voters during elections and drive their participation to ensure their vote is counted. We employ voter outreach teams of community leaders to get out the vote in their own communities and lead with deep organizing conversations.

Our Partners

Take Action

Join our email list to attend civic and voter engagement trainings, workshops, and outreach efforts as we demonstrate what deep democracy looks like in our communities so our families can thrive and be unstoppable. 

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