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From September 13–15, 2024, in Greenville, SC, the Lower Richland community came together for an inspiring Capacity-Building Retreat aimed at enhancing leadership, collaboration, and resilience in the face of environmental justice challenges. Hosted by the BLOW Foundation and the Lower Richland EJ Academy, the retreat provided a platform for community members, activists, and leaders to gain tools and knowledge to tackle issues affecting their environment and their futures.
Empowering Through Knowledge and Collaboration
The retreat’s focus was to strengthen the community’s ability to address pressing environmental justice concerns, such as disaster preparedness, food insecurity, health outcomes, and energy efficiency. Over the three days, participants engaged in dynamic workshops, training sessions, and collaborative discussions designed to promote sustainable solutions to these challenges.
Key Sessions and Discussions
The retreat featured influential speakers from across the environmental justice sphere:
Dr. Mildred McClain opened the retreat with a compelling keynote on the historical roots of environmental justice, setting the stage for understanding the community’s past and future.
Harold Mitchell Jr. shared insights from his work revitalizing communities through sustainable development and community empowerment.
Dr. Yewande Addie led a session on building narratives for community empowerment, highlighting the power of storytelling in advocacy.
Kyle Bryant of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced EPA resources and provided an overview of federal support for environmental justice initiatives.
Participants also explored practical approaches to establishing a new community-based organization aimed at driving long-term impact in the Lower Richland area. Interactive sessions facilitated by the Keystone Policy Center guided attendees through leadership development, strategic partnerships, and trust-building.
The Vision and Leadership of Robert Reese
Robert Reese, CEO of the BLOW Foundation, played a pivotal role in organizing the retreat and furthering the mission of environmental justice in Lower Richland. As a dedicated advocate for underrepresented communities and an expert in grant writing and nonprofit management, Reese’s vision was instrumental in driving the retreat’s focus on creating sustainable progress. Throughout his career, he has championed efforts to close the working capital gap for minority entrepreneurs, making significant strides in ensuring businesses remain operational despite financial hurdles. His passion for uplifting marginalized communities and his leadership in environmental justice provided the backbone for this retreat, aligning with his lifelong commitment to creating opportunities and giving a voice to the voiceless.
Building Trust and Sharing Power
A significant focus of the retreat was fostering trust and collaboration within the community. Sessions emphasized the importance of shared decision-making, conflict resolution, and inclusive leadership. Discussions revolved around shifting from “power over” to “power with” approaches, encouraging participants to find common ground and collective strength.
Looking Ahead: Post-Retreat Opportunities
The retreat concluded with actionable steps for moving forward. Attendees committed to ongoing community listening sessions, environmental data collection, and strategic grant applications to fund future projects. The retreat also underscored the importance of youth engagement and the need to involve the next generation in leadership roles to ensure the continuity of these efforts.
This retreat marked an essential milestone for the Lower Richland community, laying the groundwork for future collaborations and sustainable progress in environmental justice. As the community continues to rally around these issues, this gathering demonstrated the power of unity, knowledge, and action in creating lasting change.
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