Anthropocene Alliance is the reason our fledgling nonprofit has begun to fly! Tani and Michele’s expertise in communication was just what I needed! I must have applied for 50 grants - we received 2 non monetary local ones to sample water - and then Emily - WOW! She wrote our first successful monetary grant proposal to the CDC Foundation - it is for $100,000. I am so excited to really begin to grow our capacity with it! It would not have been possible without Emily, Tani, and Michele. And Harriet, none of this is possible without her! I am so grateful to them for including our group in their good work. They are the best and I am in awe when I wake up each morning and read all the messages from A2 staff and other groups like ours who they assist. They are doing important work helping folks like me make a difference in our own backyards! In my neck of the woods, we will be more protected from a catastrophic wildfire because of Anthropocene Alliance.
With gratitude,
Karen Wickersham
Chair of the Board, Thompson Chain of Lakes Stewardship Coalition
Anthropocene Alliance is an incredible organization. As the Chair of a newly formed 501 3c, I needed help and guidance to raise money, grow our capacity and so much more. They were ready to help with expertise in each area I needed help in - and suggested areas I hadn’t yet considered! I can’t sing their praises loud enough!! Great job, Anthropocene Alliance!! Thank you to Anthropocene Alliance for helping our group make meaningful change in our own Montana backyard - what they do really matters!
We've only been a member of Anthropocene Alliance for a short time, but have already received so many opportunities in the form of grants and resources. Their team is dedicated to support nonprofits who work towards a climate positive future.
I have only been a member of Anthropocene Alliance for a short time, but have already received numerous opportunities to access unforeseen grants, informative resources, and a dedicated community earnestly working toward collectively solving the climate impacts we are experiencing today.
Anthropocene Alliance was there for us when the people of Richwood, Tx and Brazoria County, Tx. flooded after Hurricane Harvey.
Water was diverted into our neighborhoods by sandbagging and pumping.
This event effected close to 600 families and we all lost everything we had, and we had to start all over again.
Several residents then took action, formed the Richwood Advisory Council, and we took action against the municipality and others that flooded our neighborhoods. We have sued and we are still in court today, and we believe we will win our lawsuits.
I was elected as the Chairman of this non-profit organization and at first I had no idea where I was going to start. I received a message from Harriet Festing and she requested to speak with me. After the first conversation this lady went into action and had me going in the right direction. We were connected with the right organizations who also helped us fight our cause. Because of this Great Organization it has fueled all of us here to continue to fight for our rights, and to continue to fight for our planet. Without Anthropocene Alliance we would not be this far along in the fight in our flooding lawsuit. Thanks to all that continue to care
In 1972, Hurricane Agnes flooding devastated Ellicott City, Maryland. Much attention was centered in the tourist section in Howard County, where Main Street was severely impacted. After two more recent 100-year storms, in 2016 and 2018, when 3 lives were lost, Howard County is now building large mitigation ponds and planning a mile-long, 18’ diameter tunnel to transfer stormwater off Main Street. However, Baltimore County, across the river, floods too.
Anthropocene Alliance enthusiastically embraced the start-up group, Oella-Catonsville Flood Solutions, who want to educate the residents in Baltimore County about flooding and petition local politicians to do more about stormwater mitigation. Oella and Catonsville are impacted by stormwater from the Patapsco River, many streams and surface flooding. Catonsville received 10” of rain in a single event in 2018.
The attached pictures are just one example of how flooding affects our area. One shows the 1972 damage to our massive mill, another is a current picture of the mill (which our county approved high density housing, retail and restaurant and is now being legally challenged) and another depicts the 2023 changes to our flood plan map, with the mill building removed!
Anthropocene Alliance has been a tremendous resource, and mentor, through our struggle to reach our goals. They have not only provided guidance, but assistance with our website, petition, merchandise and introduction to the Silver Jackets, a division of the Army Corps.
We could not be more grateful for their assistance, and patience with us, as we move forward to keep our community safe.
Winnie Carpenter
Oella-Catonsville Flood Solutions
Anthropocene Alliance has been extremely helpful to Southeast Queens Residents Environmental Justice Coalition (SQREJC) as we are a new organization that came together to focus on environmental issues facing our community. A2 offered guidance, direction and valuable resources. Because of Anthropocene Alliance we were exposed to grant opportunities that have allowed us to build out our capacity, as well as develop a website. A2 also introduced us to organizations that will be instrumental in addressing the problems facing our EJ community. They have been an extremely valuable partner and resource to SQREJC.
Thank you A2!
Southeast Queens Residents Environmental Justice Coalition
Cherokee Concerned Citizens is so very grateful for A2. Helped us in so many ways. Words can not express our gratitude.
Harriet, and team have been so great to work with. Harriet reached out to us and met with me to hear the communities' issues and immediately began to match us to resources. The forums that they hold are always very informative and helpful. I look forward to our continued work.
Anthropocene Alliance, is dedicated to assisting grassroots communities of color who live in Environmental Justice communities. Voces Fieles Comunitarias Contra la Opresión is a community that has experienced numerous environmental injustice issues including urban flooding.
Anthropocene Alliance shares their knowledge, skills, and resources to grassroots folks without a fee. If you are seeking knowledge and expertise join our members at Anthropocene Alliance
Anthropocene Alliance has done an amazing job helping the Greater Greener Gloster (grassroots) Project in Gloster, Mississippi. They have connected us to tools and resources to help us to be successful in our organizing and advocacy work. They are always available to assist anytime that we need them.
I've been on the list serv for AA since it started and find it to be an excellent source of support and information. The AA communications provide nationwide networking, giving us all opportunity to solve local issues by learning and getting help from others that have had success. Solving local environmental problems is a hard, very discouraging endeavor, and having support like what AA provides keeps you going. AA sends relevant tips often, such as conference events, grant announcements, employment openings. I use and pass this information to my local contacts and non profit groups, and it is a truly valuable, saving us dollars we otherwise would be paying someone to provide! Finally four stars only because I have not worked on a personal level yet with AA, am involved more on a peripheral basis.
Rio Rancho Intel has been sickening its neighbors for decades. A community group of concerned citizens organized but was never able to quite make it off the ground.
Decades later, many deaths and illnesses later, Dennis O'Mara, co-chair for Clean Air For All Now sought out Anthropocene Alliance.
They have been nothing short of a miracle for our small organization. They have helped us to grow, they have provided us training on technical matters, they have provided us resources. The list goes on and on and on. We feel like we hit the jackpot when we met Anthropocene Alliance and their incredible staff. They are always available, always helpful and have provided so many resources, our group has grown leaps and bounds since first meeting them almost a year ago.
The people that work for or volunteer for Anthropocene Alliance are some of the nicest people I've ever had an occasion to meet and I've been a professional over 40 years. They are kind, they are concerned, they are caring and they are ready to leap at every chance to help communities build themselves into healthier environments for humans, plants and animals.
If you are lucky enough to work with Anthropocene Alliance, Lucky enough to meet them, lucky enough to receive their generous resources, you have hit the jackpot.
Clean Air For All Now has had so many advances since meeting and working with Anthropocene Alliance. We give All of the credit to their generous outreach, trainings and advisories. We have even received free merchandise to hand out to our community members. They have offered us assistance with public meetings.
Anthropocene Alliance is made up of some of the greatest Earth Angels on the planet.
We were one of A2's first flood groups. They are so important to us. They are like family. Without them we would have quit long ago. Instead we continue to fight for Environmental Justice. Our small town in De Soto MO flash floods and few people believe in Climate Change. We keep working to help our town. With the help of A2 we have had a small NFWF GRANT and we have a successful story from that grant. None of this would have been possible with out Anthropocene Alliance.
Our relationship, support and interaction with A2 is phenomenal. Harriet Festing and her team of Brilliant Thought and Action Leaders are incredibly supportive, knowledgeable, and generous! As a Community land trust, it can be challenging communicating the value of this practice and community model. The support from A2 is an answer to a prayer, and the networking, guidance, information and collaboration is priceless, really. Kudos to Anthropocene Alliance!
I've connected several groups to Anthropocene Alliance and plan to keep doing so. I am beyond impressed at how savvy and scrappy and sharing they are. The determined spirit of Anthropocene Alliance makes this coalition one the the best nonprofit responses to climate change and environmental racism out there. Their work is guided by the needs and wants of members and they will not give up.
With the help LEAD Agency has received from Anthropocene Alliance our organization has grown and our capacity and our ability to meet the needs of our community increased. LEAD has found new partners and started projects we never would have been able to dream of doing before!
It has been and continues to be so awesome to have a platform where community-based frontline groups come together as one and help the fight, causes, and protests that affect our different regions across the globe. We are united in saving and protecting our natural resources. A2 introduces us to valuable learning and training that has catapulted our efforts into enlightenment.
Anthropocene Alliance is doing great work by helping grassroots organizations like ours do the much-needed work to empower marginalized and disenfranchised communities. AA is definitely making a difference in this space and the staff is great at what they do.
FreshWater Accountability Project is a small non-profit working for over 10 years in Appalachia Ohio because of the onslaught of the fracking industry and its associated infrastructure. The fracking industry has caused environmental and public health devastation and is a massive destroyer of our precious freshwater. When we first met A2, we were very impressed by their depth of knowledge in organizing and their support system for our efforts. We have benefited greatly from A2's experience, advocacy, professionalism and assistance, and now they are helping us to help those in the Ohio Valley faced not only with fracking but petrochemicals and plans to barge plastic in to the river for incineratIon. We highly recommend A2 to all those in need of an experienced non-profit based truth, goodwill and collaboration. We are thankful to receive the, support and guidance necessary during these difficult times. Thank you, A2, for all you have done for us - we look forward to many more years of working together to right the wrongs, protect public health and the environment and combine forces with others to combat climate change and all its many devastations. We have a big job to do, but with A2, it's become not only manageable but pleasurable working with those on their staff who have helped us greatly.
A2 serves its members with the goal of actually helping them solve the problems they are facing. The organization is always listening and adapting its outreach to give members the help they actually need. Everyone involved in the organization is enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and compassionate.
At A2, frontline community members are everything. A2 works with joy, and grit and knowledge to serve the needs of communities who are brilliantly fighting for climate justice. As A2 resources flow directly to community leaders, health, stability, livelihoods and hope are enhanced. For decades, a growing volume of climate information has been created. A2 is different: they are applying this information to action where it is needed most.
Anthropocene Alliance is an organization full of passionate, dedicated people who go the extra mile to support people in vulnerable communities. Their grasp of the issues and resources available are a lifeline for low capacity communities struggling to ensure the physical and emotional health of residents by making their neighborhoods safer and more resilient to climate impacts.
A Community Voice is proud to be a part of the nation's fastest growing environmental/climate change fighting coalition, A2. The ability to mobilize quickly on issues of serious consequences is one of A2's major strengths, along with top flight staff and group members whose leaders are on point in moving grassroots environmental programs. A2 consistently provides trainings, experts, major grant writing assistance and venues that move issues and mutual aid.
Photos show work supported by A2: 1. building raingardens and bioswales 2. Mutual Aid w A2 members after hurricane 3. Marching for justice 4. Protest against flooding
Anthropocene Alliance was an incredible resource to us during our water quality testing project of the Mississippi River last summer. They introduced us to numerous technical experts that helped us plan and refine our project. Since then, we have completed our study and are working with communities on equitable solutions for cleaner, safer water. - Rebecca Malpass, Director of Policy & Research with The Water Collaborative of Greater New Orleans
Anthropocene Alliance has helped Save our Soundside become a household name in northwest Florida. We are a grassroots organization of citizens fighting for the survival of our peninsula. This area is environmentally sensitive, and literally what happens on the land effects the surrounding waterways. We didn't know how to gather and present evidence, what tools would be effective, how to navigate the labyrinth of red tape and environmental laws - not to mention how we could make a difference and be seen and heard among the big, powerful developers and politicians who were exploiting and destroying our homes and land. When we needed an idea - A2 had one; when we came up against a brick wall - A2 showed us a way around. They care! They know our names! They come to the aid of the little guys in the David and Goliath stories of this world. We have made great progress with the help of Anthropocene Alliance, and we have earned the respect of the citizens who live and vote here. Unethical politicians are being voted out or are retiring. Local news outlets call us for opinions and facts from boots on the ground. We are now working with local government to make things better. All this is due to the help and support of Anthropocene Alliance. I, we are ever grateful!
We joined Anthropocene Alliance less than a year ago, and in that short period, we've already received so much support from them, including staff support. Among other things, they're leading us through a complicated and cumbersome grant process that involves coordinating meetings and establishing relationships with government agencies. As a small, grassroots organization, this support is immensely meaningful, as we would not have had the capacity to pursue this grant on our own. In short, A2 is great! And we look forward to remaining in the A2 family.
The Waccamaw Indian People is a tribe located in the northeastern portion of South Carolina, the first recognized tribe by the state in 2005, through the SC Commission of Minority Affairs. It is strange to think that a Senator once told me he was the reason I could call myself an Indian, as if it were something bestowed upon us.
One of the greatest barriers to equity for state recognized tribes in South Carolina has been the lack of capacity, the ability to have a voice in the decision-making process concerning the many issues that impact Native Americans. The Chief has been fighting for equality for our people his entire life. WBTW-Waccamaw Indian Chief Strives for Equality. But equality never existed for indigenous people from the beginning. Through exploitation and dispossession of land it created a lack of access to spaces that keep communities together, it nearly dismantled what is culturally meaningful. It birthed inequity. Equity recognizes that we don’t all start from the same place and that imbalances exist creating hardship; keeping groups of people away from the table and from the resources that are essential to thrive. This is true today for nearly all BIPOC communities, and Anthropocene Alliance is helping to bring balance to an otherwise imbalanced structure.
As the Vice Chief of my tribe, and the Chairperson for SC Idle No More, I have been active on Environmental Justice issues for over a decade, advocating to address the harm created from unequal treatment and environmental injustice, and working to find solutions. In the short time that the Waccamaw tribe has been a member of Anthropocene Alliance, we have made great strides in developing a cultural and environmental resiliency plan; a plan that will help to protect the 20 acres that is our remaining tribal land using nature-based solutions. As development overtakes the area, and the ecosystem is continuing to be threatened by the impacts of climate change, we hope to make a difference through providing a space that will connect young people to nature and by protecting what remains. As the original stewards of the land, we recognize the importance of stepping up in that role.
The support from Anthropocene Alliance has already proven to be instrumental for capacity building. Understanding that there is a need for partnerships to accomplish our goals, we immediately received a grant for Community Engagement. Our first event, earlier this month, brought tribal members, stakeholders, and partners together to strategize and begin to lay out the plan for our vision. The vision has been with us a long time, but through the support from Anthropocene Alliance we are finally at a place where it can be achieved.
The Anthropocene Alliance is a wonderful organization full of great people and resources to help nonprofits grow. We are the Greater Neighborhood Alliance of Jersey City, NJ, an alliance of 25 block and neighborhood associations in a very underserved community in JC, they helped us with our marketing needs and provided us with a small grant that allowed us to get business cards, banners, etc, and helped us to build our capacity. We appreciate the support and we are looking to what's next in 2023. Thank you, Sandra Lovely -Founder (GNA)
The Coalition for Wetlands and Forests and I were so lucky to be told about the Anthropocene Alliance (A2) in 2017. We joined that year. A2 was one of the only groups that realized what danger we were trying to avert with the loss of a forested wetland that saved this EJ community from flooding during Hurricane Sandy in 2012. 24+ people died in the storm surge on Staten Island, NY alone. A2 provided so much of what we needed, financial support, emotional support, in addition to finding a new lawyer for us. And they led us to other resources. I don't know where we would be today if it were not for A2. I joined the Mutual Aid Steering Committee to try to give back to them, in gratitude!
My name is Dawne Dunton and I'm just an ordinary person who needed help to save my community from developers who in my opinion were destroying my community.
I started a group called "Saving Island Green Wildlife & Beyond" a little over 3 years ago and called anybody and everybody I could find online that might listen to our plight, even if they couldn't help. I called conservation organizations all across the US, big wig political people in my state and out of state, anything to do with both wildlife and history, Archeology and Anthropology, and Fire Marshalls about safety. If there was a phone number for any group I was calling it. I had no idea what I was doing, but I knew I had to do something. I never in my life had done anything like this before, but I was going to do my best.
After posting in a group in my area of Horry County in South Carolina, I came across Harriet Festing and Anthropocene Alliance. She talked to me about what was happening in my community and she LISTENED to everything, she asked questions and she really heard me. Harriet and Anthropocene Alliance have been my guardian angels ever since. She brought to me things I never thought of like the Thriving Earth Exchange, a Political Scientist, and expert Hydrologist Dr. Steven Emerman. With A2 and the Thriving Earth Exchange's help, Dr. Emerman came to my community to help us determine if more development here will flood our community. It's still a work in progress but I couldn't have done ANY of this without Anthropocene Alliance.
They've been with me through the good times of the discovery of a rare bird living in our community and breeding. And the bad times after the developer had me arrested after I filmed a sinkhole they caused from their development in our community. They were there for me more than anyone. They've heard me cry more times than I care to count.
To me, they are more than just an organization, they are my best friends. So many people to thank, because they ALL help, they all reach out, they all take the time...they listen and they don't think you're crazy...they get why we...the ordinary people do what we do if that makes sense. I really couldn't have done more than half of what I've done in 3 years without them. I wish I could do for them, what they have done for me. Our fight isn't over yet in Island Green and they still stand with me and I appreciate them so very much...I wish I could explain in better words what they have done for me and my group "Saving Island Green Wildlife & Beyond". I just know I would never have gotten this far and probably would have given up a long time ago if it wasn't for this organization.
Anthropocene Alliance people are seriously the best people you need in your life when you think your world, your community, your county, or your state is crumbling down around you.
Thank you...THANK YOU Anthropocene Alliance for taking me and my community of Island Green under your wing. I feel stronger with your help than I ever did before.
#islandgreenstrong
Dawne Dunton
Our organization New Image Life Skills Academy m, Inc. was introduced to Anthropocene Alliance a little over a year ago. We are an “on the ground - In your face” truly grassroots organization that still knocks on doors to share vital information to our community who might not otherwise know about things that affect them. A 2 has supplied us with funding to help us with Capacity Building and community organizing. This is a hugh gift and so very much appreciated. We are here to help and join forces with others who need our support. THANK YOU A2, Harriet and ALL of you for the wonderful work that you all do for us.
Vel Scott
The Anthropocene Alliance (A2) is an amazing organization! They provide their 140 member-communities with organizing support, scientific and technical guidance, and better access to foundation and government funding. The Environmental Protection Network partners with A2 to provide their grassroots climate and environmental justice organizations with pro bono assistance on issues from air monitoring, flooding, hazardous waste, and just about any issue that EPA works on. A2 tirelessly supports the frontline leaders they represent and are completely guided by the experience, research, and solidarity of their members. We greatly admire A2's work and are so fortunate to have them as partners!
Anthropocene Alliance is truly making a difference with providing technical assistance for BIPOC grassroots orgs. It helps us remain true to our respective missions and visions and not burnout like so many underfunded and underresourced BIPOC organizations experience.
Our organization joined Anthropocene Alliance (A2) in 2017 after being devastated by Hurricane Harvey. We were skeptical at first, being in recovery mode with little resources to dedicate to yet another coalition. A2 was persistent in making sure we had the resources and connections to wonderful partners to start to create a more resilient community. They have supported our work through sub-grants and through an incredible amount of technical support. In my opinion what makes A2 different is that they are guided by what members want and need. They do not pigeonhole members to fit grants, rather they provide capacity building and help us apply to grants that fit our work. A2 has created this amazing network of grassroots leaders who can connect with and learn from each other. We stand together in support of one another, it is beautiful, powerful and unlike any coalition I have ever been a part of.
A2 is truly committed to grassroots leadership in a way that is extremely rare in national organizations. From strategy and funding to technical assistance they make sure to support your success in a way that empowers. And best believe, if they don't have the answer/resource, they will go FIND it! Love A2!
We recently joined Anthropocene Alliance and my expectations were low. They have far exceeded the low rating and now are a good resource for micah 6:8 mission. We work for justice in southwest Louisiana and A2 has given us resources to do that. I would recommend them to any nonprofit working with environmental issues.
Our neighborhood-rooted non-profit, Un Nuevo Amanecer, Inc. works with 18 communities within the largest coastal barrio in south Puerto Rico. Many of our neighbors are at extreme risk of flooding, sea-level rise, extreme heat and drought, as well as displacement. In 2020, we began our association with Anthropocene' Alliance (A2) and have benefited from the institutional contacts, funding leads and funding, as well as technical assistance from scientists and federal experts. Additionally, the camaraderie that A2 facilitates through frequent member meetings has helped us appreciate the common struggles of many front-line communities across the US and territories. A2 is a small, yet mighty non-profit -- one to watch in the coming years.
I was introduced to what was then Higher Ground through an organizational network. At the time, they were not in Mississippi. I said we needed Higher Ground in our state. We received an immediate response and they have been steadfastly at our side ever since. We continue to call Harriet our Guardian Anget. They’ve assisted us with efforts to protect our communities against flooding and other environmental injustices. They’ve helped up obtain pro bono attorneys, expert witnesses and amplifying the tremendous injustices confronting our communities, along with guiding and assisting us with grant writing.
A2 has been a phenomenal help to our grass roots organization trying to Save Blackwater River! They have educated us, aligned us with like minded environmental groups and supported us in so many ways.
Wanted to thank AA for much needed support in our efforts to have climate and health information on all ⛽️ here in Hawai’i. AA came along right when I needed them!
James Brooks thinkbeyondthepump.org
My name is Jacqueline Jones and I lead a small group called Reidsville Georgia Community Floods.
Reidsville and the surrounding areas have been long neglected and overlooked for nearly a century. Sewer lines are antiquated and the drains (where there are drains because in the majority of places there are no drains, so much so that school has to be shut down as many unpaved roads are flooded and the buses can't get to the kids to take them to school) are over 55 years old.
Long buried asbestos has become an issue due to the inadequate and antiquated drains being worthless (stormwater has nowhere to go so it digs up the dirt and exposes the asbestos). Many are sick here.
I used to cry myself to sleep at night, especially on March of 2020 when the rain and flood waters were about to come into my home. I tried reaching out to various federal and state agencies on my own but they would not listen to me. They ignored me, told me that the problem was my own and nothing could be done. However this changed when I reached out to Anthropocene Alliance! What a Godsend! Over the past year I have been in numerous meetings with various Federal and state agencies who are stepping up because of A²! Harriet Festing, Executive Director of A² is a powerhouse who seems to never sleep! Without her a USAC Flood Inundation Study would not be taking place in my area, and a nearly $285,000 grant would not have been awarded for this area and I would not be able to sleep at night if it wasn't for this organization. Yes there is more work that needs to be done and more funding is needed to address the many issues in this area but we are far more advanced in getting things done than we were in the beginning simply because of A2's influence and dedication.
This is a video of how bad it gets https://www.facebook.com/groups/reidsvillegacommunityfloods/permalink/1516331775402558/?mibextid=Nif5oz
I am a proud member of Anthropocene Alliance! For more info on the issues facing Reidsville please go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/reidsvillegacommunityfloods/?ref=share
A2 has done so much to help our group in such a short amount of time. We as a group thank you for the support and assistance we have received. I feel a action will come now. Sincerely Barbara Weckesser Cherokee Concerned Citizens
A22023 01/22/2023
Thank you Barbara, the toxic contamination and flooding that residents face in your neighborhood of Pascagoula is horrifying. You urgently need to be relocated to a place of safety. I'm so grateful for your organizing work to help make this happen.
Groundswell Charleston is a grassroots homeowners group. We formed after three years of successive major flooding events in the city of Charleston, SC. A2, formerly Higher Ground, has supported our efforts all along. Its quarterly virtual meetings with flood mitigation leaders from around the country have been especially informative. Harriet has organized an inspiring national movement aimed primarily at helping low-income and minority communities cope with the devastating impacts of climate change. She brings the best minds and critical financial help to areas where people’s voices were previously unheard. Anthropocene Alliance has grown to represent nearly 200 communities as the threat of sea level rise has risen. Those communities are now being aided by the nation’s most important philanthropies and government agencies. A2 also provides expert legal, technical, and scientific help where needed. It is a privilege to be associated with this movement.
A22023 01/22/2023
Thank you so much Susan, your work in Charleston, and your thoughtfulness and wisdom has been incredibly useful to us, as we learn from your experiences.
A22023 01/22/2023
We are so proud and honored to work with you Ms Jackie, you are one fearless leader!