Overview
Our core philosophy is based on two critical beliefs. First, resourced mentorship methods, based on experiential learning additive to Environmental Justice coursework, contribute to student success. Tishman mentors have practical expertise in nonprofit, government and organizing fields. Second, student participation in community-led partnerships fosters grassroots greater community capacity, including the development of new research that directly benefits community self-determination. Tishman Center hosts mentorship cohorts and community research partnerships in order to build a sustained leadership ecology in social justice and the environment.
Below you will find the five story tablets about how we foster student success, grow the field, catalyze a just transition, and advance Indigenous rights with sustainable partnerships. Long-term, the Tishman Center for Social Justice and the Environment seeks to grow self-determination of communities that have long been disenfranchised politically and economically, resulting in environmental injustices we see and experience today.
While this doesn’t represent ALL of the work in which the Tishman Center is engaged, stay tuned for more updates.
Grow the Field
Midwest Catalyst Fellowship
With generous support from the Builder’s Initiative the Tishman Center for Social Justice and the Environment launched the Midwest Catalyst Fellowship in 2022. The idea: resource students in ways that remove barriers so they may gain critical experience in the field, while building the core capacities of environmental justice organizations, and communities long-term. By shifting the equation from debt-bearing to leader-full we are building the next generation.
Here you can read or listen to three case studies that exemplify how we are building capacity for EJ in the Midwest.
See their final projects here.
Sikh Approaches to Sustainability and Environmental Justice
“Now, what is my relationally to a community that I still consider myself a part of, that I'm still coming into as new to do sustainability, new to doing environmental justice, and to doing educational programming?” - ਜਪਜੋਤ ਸਿੰ ਘ (Japjyot Singh)
Master’s Capstone and Internships
The Tishman Center also supports community-led initiatives by supporting students in pursuing research and professional development through capacity-building for those on the frontlines of environmental injustice. From policy development, to urban planning, to oil and gas regulation, students are helping grow the field. Master’s Capstones and internships play a role in on-the-ground experience in regulation, policy, and organizing.
Strengthening Solidarity Across Justice Movements
How can diverse social justice movements build unity and solidarity to achieve systemic change?
Conducting Environmental Justice Policy Research
“What can we, students, do to aid EJ organizations that are extremely busy and have so much on their plates, in achieving their vision and mission?" –Danielle Moore
Catalyze a Just Transition
Bold grassroots leadership helps to ensure a just transition away from fossil fuels. The Tishman Center supports community-led research that works towards creating sustainable and inclusive futures for generations to come.
