MWEJN Member & Partner News
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The Data Center Next Door
Of the roughly 11,000 data centers worldwide, nearly 40% are being built in the United States. Within the last year, the Midwest has become an epicenter for data centers–with approximately 1000 campuses planned in the region. But environmental justice organizers in the region know what it means to rally together and defend their communities against unchecked corporate projects.
Partner Spotlight: Ujima
Since 2018, Ujima has been thriving and striving to build and maintain a healthy community through collective problem-solving, food justice, youth empowerment, and environmental stewardship.
The Place We Call Home
For much of my life, I felt unrooted. My family immigrated to rural Minnesota to work on a small dairy farm from Russia when I was only five years old. Since then, I have struggled with the question: What does it mean to call a place home?
When I was placed with the Midwest Environmental Justice Network as part of the University of Michigan Tishman Center’s community research partnerships, the pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place for me.
“What time is it on the Clock of the World?”: Immigration and Environmental Justice in the Midwest
Today, as the social fabric of our communities is being torn apart by federal violence, the immigrant-led environmental justice networks in the Midwest are rapidly mobilizing on the frontlines of this fight—here’s how.
Spotlight on Our Minneapolis Partners
Our communities hold the solutions to the biggest issues we are facing today.
Environmental Justice Is Still Here: MWEJN Gathering Recap and 2025 Highlights
2025 was a year…and environmental justice is still here.
Homegrown Hubs 🌱 What Community-Built Resilience Hubs Can Teach Us
MWEJN grantee partner organizations are designing resilience projects that are built on decades’ worth of community trust, relationships, and input. This is the crucial community infrastructure that is standing tall, even as federal priorities change.
August Partner Spotlight: The Junction Coalition
From the heat-beaten streets to the sewage-contaminated banks of Swan Creek, The Junction Community (“TJC”) is carving out a bright future.
The Time is Now to Reinvest Midwest
The Midwest Environmental Justice Network (MWEJN) is proud to announce the launch of Reinvest Midwest- a transformative vision to generate resources for a more just, healthy, and vibrant region.
A Bright Idea 💡 What Energy Justice Looks Like for Frontline Communities in the Midwest
Our regional partners advocating for energy justice are in a balancing act between increasing access to affordable utilities for customers, and building sustainable infrastructure for renewable energy systems in their communities. While these issues can be pitted against one another in renewable energy discussions, community-driven solutions offer pathways that address utility affordability and sustainability.
July Partner Spotlight: Tri-City Community Development Corporation
Tri-City CDC represents the heart and soul of Southwest Detroit, Ecorse, and River Rouge’s rich legacy of community-driven work. Founded in 1999 as a true alliance of community-minded individuals from faith-based organizations, local businesses, and schools, their aim was to enrich the quality of life of residents in Michigan’s most polluted zip code—one transformative investment at a time.
How Rise4EJ Is Fighting For Clean Air in Kansas City
Across the country, communities are grappling with the potential rollbacks of public health protective emissions standards that the federal administration attempts to rescind – because national policy has local impacts. Public participation and vigilance on local issues, including land use and industrial permits, are critical to protecting the health of our communities, especially of overburdened neighborhoods. This is how federal actions can have broad reaching impacts – especially when these decisions have a hyperlocal impact. Here’s how Rise4EJ is working on the ground to protect clean air for Kansas City.
March Partner Spotlight: P.E.R.R.O
The Pilsen Environmental Rights and Reform Organization (P.E.R.R.O) has advocated for environmental justice in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood and surrounding communities since 2004. They envision a future for their community that thrives with clean, healthy places to live, work, and raise children.
February Partner Highlight: Cheyenne River Youth Project
Since 1988, The Cheyenne River Youth Project (CRYP) has been serving Lakota youth and community members on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. Their mission is to give Lakota youth and families access to the culturally relevant, enriching, and enduring opportunities they need to build stronger, healthier communities and a more vibrant future.
January Partner Highlight: A Red Circle
A Red Circle seeks to transform the results of systemic disinvestment in the county’s residents through food justice and food ecosystem restoration work.
Applications Now Live - Great Lakes Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program
Communities in EPA Region 5 may now apply for the Great Lakes Environmental Justice Thriving Communities grantmaking program. Here’s what you need to know to apply.
November Partner Highlight: Citizens Resistance Against Fermi Two
Citizens’ Resistance Against Fermi Two was formed as a small but mighty Indigenous-led coalition of concerned citizens fighting for a future free from radioactive waste.
Meet Our 2024 Frontline Fund Grantees
We are honored to introduce you to the organizations across the Midwest who have received the 2024 Midwest Frontline Fund grant. The organizations in this year’s cohort represent a broad spectrum of environmental justice work across the region—meet them here!
September Partner Highlight: Fort Berthold POWER
Fort Berthold Protectors of Water and Earth Rights (POWER) is dedicated to ensuring that the voices of tribal communities are heard in the fight against climate change and pollution. Through public awareness campaigns, such as the statewide ads calling on President Biden to strengthen federal rules on flaring, and continued advocacy for stricter EPA and BLM regulations, Fort Berthold POWER is leading the charge for environmental justice on tribal lands.
August Partner Highlight: Community Members for Environmental Justice
This month’s partner highlight features Community Members for Environmental Justice, the North Minneapolis-based coalition with deep roots in the Twin Cities’ environmental justice movement.