Community Organizing

Community Organizing

Youth for Environmental Justice

Since 1997, Youth for Environmental Justice (Youth EJ) has been building youth power to fight for environmental and social justice in frontline communities. Youth EJ develops youth leadership to lead campaigns, challenge corporate polluters, and transform the conditions in their neighborhoods. Our Youth Action! clubs create space for young people to organize their peers in local high schools.

Community & Adult Organizing

Alongside our youth work, we organize with adult community members to confront environmental racism, hold polluters accountable, and advance policies that protect health and prioritize people over profit. Through regular meetings, trainings, and campaigns, our community members lead local and regional fights—from stopping toxic developments to pushing for cleaner air, affordable housing, and renewable energy solutions.

Scroll to learn more about our campaigns and programs across the state.

Featured Initiative

Clean Up AB&I

For over 100 years, the toxic AB&I Metal Foundry operated at 7825 San Leandro Street, emitting pollution into the air, soil, and water of East Oakland. Thanks to long-term community advocacy AB&I finally shut down in 2022. Now we fight to ensure the toxic site is cleaned up.

East Oakland

  • East Oakland Community Air Protection Program (AB 617)

    Assembly Bill (AB) 617 requires regional Air Districts and the California Air Resource Board to address and reduce the air pollution in environmental justice communities, such as East Oakland. CBE has been a part of East Oakland’s AB 617 process since 2022.

    East Oakland

  • Stop the Oakland Airport Expansion

    Despite clear harm to Oakland residents, airport workers, and the planet, the Port of Oakland voted in November 2024 in favor of pursuing a massive expansion of the Oakland International Airport (OAK). We have an ongoing lawsuit against the Port of Oakland for violating the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

    East Oakland