How to be an environmental justice activist with Raul Grijalva: Episode 11

The Caroline Gleich Show

What can you do to advocate for environmental justice for all, fight for underrepresented voices and protect our frontline communities? What inspires you to protect public lands? How can we find healing through these turbulent times? On this episode of the Caroline Gleich show, U.S. Representative Raul Grijalva dives deeper into these questions and finds solutions on how we can transition towards a sustainable future.

Congressman Raul Grijalva is a Democrat serving Arizona’s 3rd District. He began his career in public service four decades ago as a community organizer in Tucson. Throughout his career, he’s always fought for underrepresented voices. In 2018, Rep. Grijalva became the Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee and I had a chance to meet him in February 2020 when I was invited to testify in support of his bill, The American Public Lands and Waters Climate Solutions Act (HR 5435). Testifying was strangely intense and scary experience, but whenever I got scared, I felt comforted by his presence. I feel better about our country knowing there are people like him advocating for livable wages for American workers, immigration reform and land protections to safeguard our nation’s natural treasures for the next generation.

On the show today, we discuss the story behind the American Public Lands and Waters Climate Solution Act, how public lands can be a part of the climate solution, and the intersectionality of climate, environment, and racial/social justice. He shares what inspired him to protect public lands and gives us tips on how we can make our environmental activism intersectional and inclusive to build resilience coalitions to advocate for public lands and to unite against climate change.

Thank you to Protect Our Winters Action Fund for supporting this as a part of their Virtual Lobby Camp and Fat Tire.