OneRouge Community Check-In: Week 248

OneRouge
Apr 4
4 min read

The Root of It All

OneRouge Coalition Call #248 dug deep into the true meaning of environmental justice, kicking off April’s theme by challenging the idea that it’s just about trees, recycling, or pollution. Instead, participants explored how environmental issues are deeply connected to economic inequality, public health, and historic systems of injustice. Oxfam America led a powerful discussion on how policy decisions—like tax structures and funding cuts—shape everything from access to healthcare to the quality of the air we breathe. The call also highlighted real ways to take action, including lobbying local representatives, organizing grassroots events, and using storytelling as a tool for change. Community members shared a packed list of upcoming trainings, rallies, and forums, all pointing toward one common goal: building a more just, equitable, and livable Louisiana—from the ground up.

Notes

Meeting Notes

Date: April 4, 2025

Meeting #: 248

Topic: Environmental Justice

Theme: "Science, Systems, and Solutions"

Welcome and Icebreaker

This month's focus: Environmental Justice, addressing broader issues beyond typical environmentalism, such as health disparities, redlining, and resource inequities.
Icebreaker: "If you were a tree or plant, what would you be and why?"
- Examples included persimmon tree, pecan tree, rose, lotus flower (resilience), and sweet pea (healthy yet unassuming).

Main Presentation: Oxfam America

Guest Speaker: Ben from Oxfam America
Topic: Oxfam’s role in fighting poverty and injustice, with specific emphasis on policies and systemic inequalities.

Key Points from Presentation:

Oxfam’s mission: End poverty and injustice through advocacy, education, and immediate humanitarian support.
Current advocacy focus: Opposing the renewal of Trump Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) due to its negative impacts on Medicaid, SNAP, and the environment.
- TCJA benefits fossil fuel industries at the cost of public health and safety, especially harming marginalized communities.
Highlighted increased pollution, health problems, and financial inequities resulting from TCJA policies.
Emphasized the need for fair tax policies that could instead fund childcare, climate initiatives, and economic equity.

How to Take Action with Oxfam:

Join the Oxfam Action Network—lobby politicians, host community events, and participate in advocacy campaigns.
Effective strategies include hunger banquets (immersive poverty simulations), local lobbying efforts, petitions, and public education events.
Highlighted successful advocacy trips, such as visiting representatives in DC, as effective tools for change.

Community Response:

Members expressed interest in joining Oxfam’s lobbying visits to local legislators.
Encouragement for participants to get involved and collaborate.

Q&A and Group Discussion Highlights:

Questions on neutral sources for economic/tax policy analysis—Oxfam will provide unbiased sources for participants.
Concerns around the safety and security of immigrant communities when engaging in public advocacy—Oxfam emphasizes safety first and provides specific security training.

Community Announcements & Events:

Equity on Earth (Earth Day Poverty Summit)
- Date: April 19, 2025
- Location: BREC Howell Park 5509 Winbourne Avenue, Baton Rouge

Interactive summit addressing environmental justice through collective actions.
Register Here.

Poverty Immersion and Coaching Trainings (hosted by the Board of Regents)
- Dates: April 24-25 (New Orleans), April 29-30 (Baton Rouge), May 1-2 (Coaching Training)
- Scholarships available (first-come basis).
World Refugee Day (Louisiana Organization for Refugees and Immigrants - LORI)
- Month: June 2025
- Invitation for broad community participation; more details to come.
Interfaith Community Event (LORI)
- Date: April 28, 2025
- Discussions on the faith community’s role in democracy and social justice.
Candidate Forum (Bayou Progressive)
- Community encouraged to engage candidates on economic and social policies.
SNAP Advocacy (Feeding Louisiana)
- Emphasized the critical role SNAP plays in local economic stability and food security.
LORI Community Gathering
- Date: April 11, 2025
- Theme: Protecting democracy, combating hate, strengthening community ties.
Love Ministries 5K Fundraiser
- Date: April 26, 2025
- Location: Baker, LA
- Seeking volunteers and participants to support local nonprofit fundraising.