OneRouge Celebrates 250 Calls and Mobilizes for Environmental Health

On April 18, the OneRouge coalition marked a major milestone: its 250th community call. The gathering brought together advocates, residents, and local leaders to reflect on Earth Day and build momentum for environmental efforts in Baton Rouge. The call recognized not only the longevity of these weekly meetings but also the impact of ongoing conversation, collaboration, and locally driven action.

Related Post: OneRouge Friday Call Week 250

This special edition of the OneRouge call focused on moving from discussion to implementation, with monthly calls now structured to lead into quarterly Action Summits. These summits are designed as working sessions where participants develop strategies to address the challenges contributing to poverty in the region.

The call featured presentations from:

• Kaitlyn Joshua, Earthworks, who spoke on the environmental concerns surrounding Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) projects and their impact on communities located near these developments.

• Jeff Osei, Ag Center, who shared current research and highlighted the importance of neighborhood involvement in land use and conservation.

• Dr. Joy Semien, The Kaps Disaster Club, who emphasized the need for disaster preparedness and building community capacity to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

  
  

Facilitated by Sherreta Harrison, the group discussed shared goals for fostering a safe, healthy, and well-maintained environment for local residents. Participants explored actionable ways to contribute, from taking care of local land and water resources to supporting those already experiencing environmental challenges.

This energy carried into the first-ever OneRouge Action Summit on April 19, where residents, organizers, and partners came together to develop action plans based on the previous day’s conversations. With a focus on the environment as a key factor in overall community well-being, the Summit reinforced the coalition’s goals around advancing prosperity, sustainability, and resilience.

As OneRouge celebrates 250 calls and looks ahead to continued collaboration, the message remains the same: when communities stay connected and engaged, meaningful change can happen.