Fairmount Indigo CDC Collaborative, which is made up of three Boston CDCs: Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation, Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation, and Southwest Boston Community Development Corporation, seeks racial, climate, and health equity and justice in our communities. Part of their work is to organize local residents to coordinate action.
The collective is currently running a 3-part training series called “Community Action 101,” in which community members can learn how to use the MA state policy process to advocate for the change they wish to see in their communities.
The trainings cover how the legislature works, how to engage with elected officials, and the five steps to be an effective advocate. The goal of the trainings is to provide residents with the knowledge, tools, and skills they need to create change.
Throughout the trainings, community members learn how to locate and speak with their representatives, what to ask for, and how to message their needs in a compelling manner. For example, participants learned that stories are often “stickier than data” in the minds of legislators looking for examples of how policies effect community members.
The trainings also include guest speakers such as staff from the MA Public Health Association and local Representative Rob Consalvo. Participants also learned about two important bills that the collaborative is organizing for: The Housing & Environment Revenue Opportunities (H.E.R.O) Bill to invest in affordable housing and climate change reslience, and An Act Improving Rail Service on the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line.
The training concludes with a visit to the Massachusetts State House and a virtual meeting with the Boston delegation, as well as a certificate of completion.
“Community Advocacy 101” is just one of many ways that Fairmount Indigo CDC Collaborative is working to organize our community to bring climate justice and health equity to all residents.
Click here to learn more about the Fairmount Indigo CDC Collaborative and how you can get involved.
