It has become increasingly clear that relying on the politicians in office is no longer sufficient to advance environmental and climate justice initiatives. We also need to have a voice in who gets elected to these positions, to ensure that they are willing to take action on these issues.

That is why we have launched WE ACT 4 Change Inc., a political organization affiliated with WE ACT for Environmental Justice. As a 501(c)(4) nonprofit registered in New York State, WE ACT 4 Change can take direct political action, which is not something WE ACT for Environmental Justice can do as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

The goal of WE ACT 4 Change is to build and leverage political power in our fight to achieve environmental and climate justice for communities in Northern Manhattan. We will use it to engage in voter and civic engagement activities as well as ranking and endorsing political candidates. We will also use it to lobby for policies and programs as well as hold elected officials accountable.

We have already begun our voter engagement work in New York City, conducting candidate forums, hiring and training canvassers for a get-out-the-vote campaign, and developing the city’s first environmental justice candidate report card. We will also use this new entity to advocate for state and federal policies that advance climate justice.

2024 Candidate Endorsements

WE ACT 4 Change is now reviewing candidates to endorse in the 2024 Elections. We invite all candidates running for an office in New York City or New York State that represents the people of Northern Manhattan (West Harlem, Central Harlem, East Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, and Inwood) to complete this form.