Environmental Groups Announce Alliance to Bring Women to Forefront on Climate Solutions

Washington, DC-- Today, the Sierra Club Gender Equity Program and Women’s Earth Alliance (WEA) launched the U.S. Accelerator for Grassroots Women Environmental Leaders-- supporting a diverse group of women leaders working on the frontlines of environmental and climate justice. The program will deepen cross-organizational strategies for change, build powerful alliances within and across movements, and scale solutions for environmental protection, health, and justice.  

The 4-month Accelerator is designed to catalyze the critical efforts of women leaders who have stepped forward to protect families, communities, and ecosystems from environmental and climate threats. The program-- launching its Call for Nominations during Women’s History Month -- emphasizes their incredible achievements.

“The recent climate reports tell us everything we already know: we are living in tremendous imbalance--in terms of wealth, natural resources, and power. One of the best ways to tip the scales toward balance is to invest in women's leadership.” said WEA Executive Director, Melinda Kramer.

“Women’s contributions to the climate movement are profound and undeniable. Yet, when it comes to having a seat at the decision-making table, the gender gap is still staggering. We are enthusiastic and wholeheartedly committed to working alongside organizations dedicated to bringing women to the forefront of climate justice solutions,” said A.Tianna Scozzaro, Director of Sierra Club’s Gender, Equity and Environment Program.

More About the Accelerator Program

Design Team members include Corrina Gould, Kerene Tayloe, Niria Garcia, and Pandora Thomas. Organizational Partners include groups like Women’s Voices for the Earth, amplifying women’s voices to eliminate the toxic chemicals that harm our health and communities; and WE ACT for Environmental Justice, empowering and organizing low-income, people of color to build healthy communities for all.

The Accelerator will be designed by leaders like Corrina Gould from the Confederated Villages of Lisjan/Ohlone. Corrina is  Chochenyo and Karkin Ohlone, born and raised in Oakland, CA. She is the Co-Founder and a lead organizer for Indian People Organizing for Change, a small Native run group that works on Indigenous peoples’ issues. In 2011, Corrina joined Johnella LaRose to protect Sogorea Te, a 15-acre sacred site in Vallejo CA. 109 days of organizing and protest resulted in a cultural easement--the first indigenous rights agreement signed in an American city. Corrina co-founded the Native women-led Sogorea Te Land Trust and her work includes preserving and protecting the ancient burial sites of her ancestors in the Bay Area, including the West Berkeley Shellmound site. In an interview, Corrina called on leaders throughout the country to apply for the Accelerator: “…For women who want to apply-- we are excited to work with you, and we are looking forward to the power that you bring as a woman and as an environmentalist, as someone who wants to save the planet…We are looking forward to your brilliance, to your laughter, to your tears, and to everything that you bring as a full human being.”

ABOUT WEA

The Women’s Earth Alliance mission is to equip women leaders with the skills and tools they need to protect the earth and strengthen communities from the inside-out. Since its start — one circle of 30 women — WEA has given rise to thousands more circles around the world. WEA produces trainings where leaders share skills and tools in appropriate technology, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. Leaders gain seed funding, mentorship, and a global alliance. With these resources in hand, women participants go on to launch and scale environmental projects, while enrolling others to do the same. Learn more at womensearthalliance.org.

NOMINATE A LEADER OR APPLY HERE