FILIPINO-AMERICAN COALITION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SOLIDARITY (FACES)

Geographic areas served: US and international

Programs: Launched in February 2000, the Filipino/American Coalition for Environmental Solidarity, formerly the Filipino/American Coalition for Environmental Solutions, originated as a growing movement of church, environmental, peace and justice groups, students, scientists, professionals, and other concerned citizens who are committed to seeking environmental justice for the communities affected by toxic contamination at former U.S. military bases in the Philippines. Efforts in the United States to address the issue began in 1994 when the United States Working Group for Philippine Bases Clean Up (USWG) was formed to support the Philippine non-governmental grassroots organization, the People?s Task Force for Bases Clean Up. Mostly technical in makeup, the USWG provided scientific advice, reviewed documents and studies concerning the contamination problem in the former bases, and communicated their recommendations to both the United States and Philippine governments. While the counterpart of FACES in the Philippines--the People's Task Force for Bases Clean Up--continued to gain ground and support across the Philippines, there was a clear call for American citizens to organize and send a clear message to their own government to take responsibility for their toxic legacy. Because of the change in political climate in the Philippines and US, conflicts between People's Task Force for Bases Clean Up (PTFBC) organizations and the affected communities, and the lack of movement in the campaign since FACES' formation, the organization carefully examined its vision, mission, goals and strategy. In 2004, FACES launched a comprehensive assessment process that employed participatory methods for building capacity and strategy around FACES potential future direction. (Also please see: Position Paper and 2004 Trip Report Back under Resources include link) In January 2005, FACES members attending the biennial national conference decided to redefine and expand organizational and campaign strategy and goals. Through the recent FACES assessment process, the need emerged to extend the scope of FACES to capture the broader environmental justice framework. FACES wanted to deepen our notion of ?solidarity? and recognize the reciprocity of our relationship with Philippine partners. This fueled the discussion around the change o f"S' in FACES. Through a vote, Filipino/American Coalition for Environmental Solutions was eventually changed to Filipino/American Coalition for Environmental Solidarity. At the national conference, FACES members agreed on a new FACES' future strategic direction, a new vision and mission, and a new organizational structure under which FACES currently operates. (Also please see: 2005 National Conference Summary under Resources include link) After our 3rd National Conference, the Filipino American Coalition for Environmental Solidarity (FACES) emerged a reinvigorated organization. We decided to broaden FACES' scope of concerns to address transnational issues of environmental justice that impact Filipino communities in both the United States and the Philippines. FACES' is excited to advance our environmental justice work in the coming years as we refine our strategy and deepen our commitment through our current programs. As we embark on this new phase in the struggle for environmental justice, FACES invites new and old members to join us. We promise to remain grounded in the personal stories, lives, and struggles of those affected by environmental injustice worldwide. Join us.