Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice (DWEJ)

Dwej focuses its efforts on reducing Environmental health disparities, specifically those related to asthma, lead poisoning and cardiovascular disease (cvd). Our approaches to reducing these disparities involve combining education about impacts of Environmental hazards and climate change with political action to reduce the Environmental factors that lead to disease. In 2022, through our climate and energy Justice work we provided over 500 energy efficiency products to families to help reduce households' energy and economic burden and increase the safety and health of their homes. In 2022, through our community engagement and education work we engaged youth in our inaugural art and awareness and advocacy through art (aaa) program where local artists and activists worked with youth to develop visual and performance art that raised awareness around student-identified and locally-relevant Environmental Justice issues and 43 pieces of protest art were displayed during an art exhibition. In 2022, through our policy and advocacy work we provided training workshops, technical assistance, and ongoing support to 63 Detroiters to enhance their capacity to effectively advocate for a healthy environment. As a result Detroiters made public comment, wrote letters and made phone calls to decision makers to voice issues and potential solutions.