INpowerment Science

CEEJH’s approach to environmental justice aims to “INpower” residents to be more engaged and act to address environmental injustice and related health concerns. We intentionally use the term “INpowerment”, rather than empowerment. INpowerment is about helping stakeholders connect to the power that they already have individually and collectively, and making that power more active instead of trying to bring them power.  Through INpowerment, impacted stakeholders are provided the space, resources, and access to use their power for change.  INpowerment is about shifting power, and equity in how power is used.  Through INpowerment, residents are galvanized to reconnect to the spirit of collective efficacy by using scientific knowledge to become more engaged civically and local environmental decision-making.

CEEJH practices “liberation science” inspired by Paulo Freire’s “Pedagogy of the Oppressed”. Freire’s pedagogy centers the idea that liberation is not given nor earned, but rather a mutual process that is built. Liberation science or “INpowerment science” values evaluative thinking, self-determination, collaboration, and co-learning alongside environmental justice communities.