BASE Initiative visits Pine Bluff, Arkansas

The BASE Initiative just returned from a community board meeting in Little Rock and Pine Bluff, Arkansas.  Twenty two participants flew in from twelve states, representing fifteen community based organizations.  The diversity of the BASE initiative was well represented, with youth and elders, community based organizations and funders, African American, Latino/a, and Indigenous leaders all participating in the three day meeting.

The participants were treated to a taste of the local culture as leaders from Pine Bluff for Safe Disposal, BASE's local member, hosted the community board for a feast with members of the local community during their Homecoming weekend.  Pine Bluff for Safe Disposal works to educate and empower the local community, which is surrounded by a chemical weapons incinerator and three paper mills. 

We were honored to have the meeting facilitated by Omowale Satterwhite, founder of the National Community Development Institute.  With his help, the community board was successful in updating our mission, vision, niche, and principles of unity.  Together, we also updated our workplan, rotated new members onto BASE's Leadership Circle, approved the budget for the upcoming year, and continued to strengthen our family bond. 

BASE's International Working Group was also able to meet and continue developing our strategy as we prepare to send representatives to Copenhagen, Denmark, to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference.  The eight member delegation will also represent BASE's diversity in age, race, culture, and geography.  The delegation will represent the community's views, visions, and principles, including fighting the possibility of a renewed nuclear industry in an effort to combat climate change.  By giving a voice to the very people who live near the mines, research, storage and waste sites of this dangerous and harmful industry, BASE is ensuring that the people most directly impacted are at the table. 

BASE is a multi-generational movement, with elders mentoring and developing the leadership of the next generation. From left to right, top to bottom: Evelyn Yates and son Earl, Teresa Juarez and grandson Miguel, Brendolyn Jenkins and daughter Rozlyn, Martin Yanez and daughter Crystal, and Melton Martinez and daughter Autumn.

The BASE Youth Leadership Circle makes a presentation to the rest of the Community Board.

Autumn Martinez from Eastern Navajo Uranium Workers, Martin and Crystal Yanez from the Northwest Social and Environmental Justice Institute.

Dr. Mildred McClain of Citizens for Environmental Justice, PDF's Board Chair Teresa Juarez from New Mexico Alliance and Rev. Brendolyn Jenkins from the Imani Group.

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