For me, the term social justice brings up a few concepts: fairness, equality, well-being, rights, opportunity, community. The United Nations notes, “social development and social justice are indispensable for the achievement and maintenance of peace and security with and among nations…” In honoring the work that has already been done in the name of social justice and understanding that there is more to do to build fairer, more equitable societies, today we recognize and shed light on World Day of Social Justice.
Each year more and more communities across the US, specifically low-income and communities of color, are disproportionately impacted by extreme climate-related disasters (i.e. flooding and drought), and access to clean drinking water. These life-threatening impacts are perpetuated by a history of systemic oppression on a national and global level. At River Network, we believe people, places, and nature are interconnected and must adapt to survive in a rapidly changing world and that equitable and enduring solutions start with community – created with, by, and for the people most impacted.
As we reflect on World Day of Social Justice, and our own mission to grow and strengthen a transformational national network of water, justice, and river advocates, we asked members of our staff, “how is social justice tied to your work?”
