How do scientists and researchers get involved in coalitions and organizing at the local, state or federal level? #EarthDay #EJvoicesnow

1: Identify the issue of interest. When I began my doctorate in Environmental Engineering @Cal_Engineer, I knew I wanted my air quality research to be in service of environmental justice communities

2: Build genuine relationship with community. I began by volunteering with a few organizations, not as a researcher, but as myself in support of community. It is for this reason that I remain connected with folks beyond and outside of a research partnership

3: Clarify how you define community in your research. Community is a broad term, and it is important to understand the lens through which you are doing the work – racial, economic, gender, sexuality, ability, etc.

4: Ask questions that are useful to that specific community and its organizing. Through genuine engagement, you learn issues of concern and use your tools to co-create questions and methodologies

5: The work is not over once the paper is accepted for publication. Do organizing work in support of community. This can be through attending public hearings, summitting written public testimony, and/or volunteering on community campaigns