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The JTC in Action

Mission

We engageÌýin community partnerships to advance social and environmental justice in the transition from fossil fuels to a renewable-based economy and in response to climate change. We workÌýto support leadership of underrepresented groups to foster more equitable energy, climate and employment practices and policies, and to produce community-relevant research.Ìý

History

The JTC was founded in 2016 by Manuela Sifuentes, Michelle Gabriellof-Parish, Phaedra C. Pezzullo and David Ciplet. The impetus for the JTC occured whenÌýManuela and Michelle voiced concerns that the City of Boulder's planning process lacked a focus on equity and justice. Shortly after, the four co-founders organized the JTC to encourage and support the City of Boulder to advance social justice and inclusivity in its climate and energy planning. From 2017 until 2019, Magnolia Landa-Posas worked as the JTC's Community Engagement Manager.Ìý

In 2020,ÌýManuela and MichelleÌýaccepted jobs elsewhere, continuing the important work needed for a Just Transition.ÌýManuela became a Language Access Program Manager with the City of Boulder. In 2020, Manuela helped to launch this important ÌýMichelle works remotely for Movement Strategy Center, the NGO Boulder County hired in 2019Ìýas facilitators and consultants on a just transition, along with the JTC. David and Phaedra remain on faculty at CU Boulder, and as Co-Directors of the JTC.

Guiding Principles

  • Foster move away from fossil fuel to reinvest in a renewable and regenerative energy economy.

  • Support implementation, communication, and critical assessment of model just transition projects.

  • Educate about the intersection between environmental policy and social justice, power and privilege.

  • Strengthen representation of marginalized communities and advance social justice in climate policies.

  • Create transformative and engaged student opportunities and mentorship to advance environmental justice.

  • Challenge racism, classism, sexism, ableism, and other oppressive systems and build equitable internal processes.

  • Amplify the struggles, concerns, and solutions frontline communities face to bring about a more nuanced, smarter, and humane future.

  • Produce community-relevant and evidence-based research for present and future planning in light of significant social, economic, and ecological challenges.