Impact

Solidarity Economy St. Louis is a network of groups and individuals striving to grow an economy that embodies the values of justice, sustainability, self-determination, and cooperation. When the coronavirus pandemic began, Solidarity Economy St. Louis anchored the launch of the STL Mutual Aid network, connecting St. Louisans to one another for support. The Mutual Aid network is just one example of the need and the potential for a “solidarity economy” – in other words, an economy which resists the notion of “every person for themselves.” Engaging in mutual aid is a way of embodying the beliefs that we all truly depend on one another’s survival for our own survival and that, together, we can thrive. Solidarity Economy St. Louis is continuing to grow their network, educate the St. Louis community about the principles of solidarity, and lift up the leadership of those who are most impacted by financial hardship. We are grateful for their efforts to make our region a more compassionate, equitable, and consciously interrelated place.

Community First Plus is an intersectional environmental organization committed to regenerative community development, sustainable living, and raising awareness of the environmental racism that impacts Black, Brown, and low-income zip codes in St. Louis, MO. Community First Plus is a new initiative fiscally sponsored by Metropolitan Congregations United.

The Midwest Environmental Justice Network (MWEJN) connects and strengthens frontline and grassroots organizations to achieve environmental justice in the Midwest. The MWEJN coordinates regional efforts, builds capacity and increases resources available for groups addressing environmental justice issues across the Midwest.

Great Rivers Environmental Law Center (GRELC) is a public interest law firm providing free and reduced-fee legal services to those who protect the environment and public health. FSM supports GRELC’s Environmental Justice program, through which GRELC monitors permitting processes and takes legal action to help protect communities of color and low-income communities across Missouri and Southern Illinois.

Metropolitan Congregations United (MCU) puts faith into action by developing leaders who move their congregations, organizations, and communities to change public policy for the common good. MCU works throughout the St. Louis region to unite and activate congregations to act on issues important to their members. In 2020, MCU began organizing around environmental justice issues such as air pollution, energy efficiency, and food access, alongside faith communities.

Equity Legal Services (ELS) provides free services to low-income individuals in St. Clair County, IL. Current efforts address the long-standing environmental justice crisis of sewage overflows and flooding in Centreville, IL. You can read more about this issue at the Centreville residents’ website, or in several publications including The Guardian, the St. Louis Post Dispatch, and the Belleville News Democrat. ELS supports the Centreville residents, the Centreville Citizens for Change, as they pursue justice for their community.

The Chicago Frontlines Funding Initiative (CFFI) is a collaboration of funders supporting grassroots environmental justice organizations in the Chicago area. FSM partnered with the Regeneration Fund and the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization to create this Initiative as a way to resource the communities most impacted by poor environmental conditions.

WEPOWER helps St. Louis communities build power by taking into account the needs of the most marginalized groups among us and the planet. We see this approach as being very similar to that articulated in Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’. FSM’s support for WEPOWER’s Elevate/Elevar Accelerator Program helps Black and Latinx founders grow businesses with an emphasis on ecological and economic sustainability.

The Economy of Francesco is a global network of young economists, entrepreneurs, and environmentalists committed to giving a new soul to the global economy. FSM is supporting the creation of a “Livable Future Investor Workshop” in partnership with a few Economy of Francesco leaders. In the workshop, U.S.-based investors will learn together about how to invest in initiatives which are good for people and planet.

Operation Noah is a London-based Christian charity working in collaboration across Christian denominations and faith groups in the United Kingdom to address the climate crisis. Operation Noah is home to the Bright Now campaign, which encourages and supports churches as they divest from fossil fuels.