Black Workers for Justice (P.O. Box 1863, Rocky Mount 27801; 919/977-8162): Combats racism and sexism in the workplace and other arenas. Organizes and strengthens unions. The Abner Berry Freedom Library and Worker's Center in Rocky Mount sponsor forums, a workers' hotline, legal clinic, and a health and safety committee. Publishes Justice Speaks, a monthly newspaper, and conducts a weekly one-hour radio show with the same title.
Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League (BREDL) (P.O. Box 878, Glendale Springs 28629; 910/982-2691): A network of 24 chapters across N.C., three in Virginia, and some in other southeastern states. Works on a variety of issues including environmental justice. Provides sample letters and technical assistance in using Freedom of Information Act and in examining state documents. Conducts research.
Center for Community Action (P.O. Box 723, Lumberton 28359; 910/739-7851 or 7854): A multi-cultural, community-based group which conducts community organizing, leadership development programs for adults and youth, educational programs, research, and advocacy for environmental protection. Works on a broad range of issues including civil rights, toxic and low-level radioactive waste facility siting, water quality, occupational health and safety, and poverty. Provides training and support for the development of community-based satellite groups. Works mostly in southeastern N.C., although training is provided for a larger area.
Charlotte Organizing Project (1300 Baxter St., Ste. 200 or P.O. Box 36006, Charlotte 28236; 704/372-0675): Fosters leadership development and organizational skills in low and moderate income Charlotte communities. Assists residents who are beginning to build local community organizations. Builds groups around concerns and strengthens existing groups.
Concerned Citizens of Tillery (P.O. Box 61, Tillery 27887; 919/826-3244): Addresses environmental threats and other quality of life issues for low-income, rural, and citizens of color. Focuses on issues of large-scale, intensive hog farming. Provides technical information regarding the hog industry including how it relates to environmental justice. Provides assistance for community organizing. Works primarily in eastern N.C. but also statewide and in South Carolina.
Hamlet Response Coalition (P.O. Box 2514, Durham 27715; 919/286-9249): A coalition of individuals and environmental, labor, religious, and women's groups which works to improve workplace health and safety conditions through policy reform. Conducts educational workshops, gives talks, and publishes fact sheets. Presently compiling a manual on workers' rights in N.C.
Institute for Southern Studies (P.O. Box 531, Durham 27702; 919/419-8311): Develops investigative and publication projects on various issues affecting the South, including environmental justice related to race and economic status. Conducts grassroots organizing. Acts as a resource for activists, community leaders, scholars, policymakers, and others. Publishes Southern Exposure, a quarterly journal of investigative articles on a wide range of topics. Publication list available.
Jobs and Environment Campaign Fund - Southeast Regional Office (606-100 Willard Place, Raleigh 27603; 919/832-2629): Formerly the National Toxics Campaign Fund. Assists low-income and minority neighborhoods and communities in opposing the siting of dangerous waste facilities and influencing companies and the government on the use and disposal of toxic chemicals.
N.C. Occupational Safety and Health Project (P.O. Box 2514, Durham 27705; 919/286-9249): An organization of workers, union locals, and health and legal professionals which provides training and technical assistance to workers on job safety and health. Holds workshops on topics such as toxic chemical and reproductive hazards. Responds to enquiries about specific occupational and health problems and houses a small library. Works for stronger OSHA standards and Right to Know laws. Publishes a Right to Know Fact Sheet and Handbook and NCOSH Health and Safety News. Publication list available.
Piedmont Peace Project (406 Jackson Park Rd., Kannapolis 28083; 704/938-5090; or 175 E. New Hampshire Ave., Southern Pines 28387; 910/692-1158): A multi-racial network of textile mill workers, farmers, and other rural people in the Piedmont and Sandhills region. Works to empower community members and to improve the quality of life in the rural Piedmont. Conducts programs on education, community organizing, literacy, and getting out the vote. Publishes educational pamphlets.
Rural Southern Voice for Peace (1898 Hannah Branch Rd., Burnsville 28714; 704/675-5933): Provides organizing assistance, networking, and training in the rural communities and small cities of the South. Promotes positive alternatives for conflict resolution through their Listening Projects, which address many issues including racism, environmental justice, and community development.
Sierra Club - N.C. Chapter - Robbie Cox, Environmental Justice Issues Chair (102 Boulder Bluff, Chapel Hill 27514; 919/962-5096)
Southerners for Economic Justice (P.O. Box 240, Durham 27702; 919/683-1361): A group of workers, civil rights and religious leaders, and activists. Works for the political and economic advancement of the unorganized working poor in the South through documentation and publication, worker organization, leadership development, education, public policy advocacy, church partnerships, and coalition building. Conducts projects specific to youth and women.
Dumping in Dixie: Race, Class, and Environmental Quality. By Robert D. Bullard. Boulder: Westview Press, 1990.
Environmental Politics: Lessons from the Grassroots. Edited by Bob Hall. With contributing writers. Published by Institute for Southern Studies (P.O. Box 531, Durham 27702; 919/419-8311). 1988.
Health for the Nation's Harvesters: A History of the Migrant Health Problem in its Economic and Social Setting. By Helen L. Johnston. Farmington Hills, MI: National Migrant Workers Council, Inc., 1985.
Toxic Waste and Race in the U.S. By Benjamin A. Chavis. United Church of Christ Commission for Racial Justice. 1987. Available from the Commission at 700 Prospect Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115; 216/736-2100.