Our Programs

United Congregations of Metro-East (UCM) embraces an Environmental Justice Framework rooted in equity, community empowerment, and systemic transformation. Guided by the belief that environmental issues are inherently tied to social justice, UCM’s framework addresses the disproportionate environmental burdens faced by marginalized communities, particularly in the Metro-East region.

Current Projects:

Listen. Lead. Share (LLS)

Overview:
The Listen. Lead. Share. project aims to create a platform for meaningful dialogue, capacity building, and actionable solutions on environmental justice. It focuses on engaging community members, leaders, and stakeholders to listen to their concerns, empower them to take leadership roles, and share their experiences to drive change.

Goals of Listen. Lead. Share.:

  1. Listen: Establish safe spaces for the community to voice their environmental concerns and priorities.
  2. Lead: Empower participants with tools, knowledge, and skills to advocate for environmental justice.
  3. Share: Build a network of community leaders and stakeholders committed to sharing solutions and advocating for equitable outcomes.

Project Progress:

  • Learning Sessions:
    One-hour sessions have begun to provide a space for community members to share their perspectives and begin building an understanding of local environmental justice challenges. While most of these sessions are held virtually, we will transition to include in-person events through May 2025. These in-person sessions will focus on deepening connections and translating discussions into actionable plans.

Partners:
We are proud to partner with Neighbors for an Equitable Transition to Zero-Emissions Campaign (NET-Z) and Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC) in this initiative, leveraging their expertise and networks to strengthen community engagement and amplify environmental justice efforts.

Future Plans:
As the project progresses, we aim to highlight success stories, share actionable insights, and report on measurable outcomes. These in-person events will help solidify the foundation of this initiative and set the stage for long-term impact.

Join the Conversation: https://secure.everyaction.com/56_1mFnitkO56WZD2KYtwg2
We invite you to participate in these sessions, contribute your unique perspective, and collaborate toward a healthier, more equitable future. Sign up for updates on upcoming events.

Comprehensive air pollution monitoring of industrial sources in disproportionately impacted communities in Metro-East, Illinois. (Air Quality)

The Metro-East area faces a growing air quality crisis, with reports from the Illinois EPA and U.S. EPA consistently showing high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter in industrial zones. Data from the American Lung Association and Illinois Department of Public Health reveal alarming health disparities, with vulnerable communities experiencing increased rates of respiratory illnesses. Research from ProPublica and the Union of Concerned Scientists highlights the environmental inequity, as industrial pollution disproportionately affects minority and low-income neighborhoods. However, solutions exist—real-time air quality monitoring, as supported by Harvard and the Environmental Defense Fund, has proven effective in raising awareness and driving change.

Our Air Quality Monitoring Project is a community-focused initiative designed to study and address air pollution risks in Metro-East, Illinois. Key components of this project include:

  • Air Quality Sensor Network: A real-time monitoring system providing public access to data on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and air pollutants.
  • Community Supersite: A central monitoring station measuring particulate matter (PM10) and toxic metals.
  • Education and Outreach: Engaging schools, congregations, and residents through workshops, awareness campaigns, and air quality alerts.
  • Data and Impact: Using collected data for source identification, health risk assessments, and advocacy for policy improvements.
Partner Organizations

UCM works with incredible partners to amplify our impact and provide additional resources for learning and action. Explore these organizations and tools:

References for Statistics

Metro East Air Quality Concerns
  • Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA): Air quality reports consistently show elevated levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter in industrial zones such as Metro East.
  • S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Data from the National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) highlights higher pollutant concentrations in Metro East compared to state averages.
  • Link: https://www.epa.gov/national-air-toxics-assessment
Health Disparities
  • American Lung Association (ALA): Studies in Illinois show increased risks of respiratory illnesses like asthma and bronchitis in low-income areas with high pollutant exposure.
  • Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH): Health reports identify disproportionate impacts of air pollution on vulnerable populations.
  • Link: https://www.lung.org/research/sota
Environmental Inequity
  • ProPublica Environmental Justice Mapping Tool: Highlights Metro East as a hotspot for industrial pollution, with clustering near minority and low-income communities.
  • Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS): Documents the disproportionate placement of industrial facilities near disadvantaged neighborhoods in Illinois.
  • Link: https://www.ucsusa.org
Community Impact and Air Quality Monitoring
  • Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: Real-time sensor networks have been shown to improve public awareness and lead to actionable outcomes in disproportionately impacted communities.
  • Environmental Defense Fund (EDF): Research underscores the effectiveness of air quality sensors in covering large geographic areas.
  • Link: https://www.edf.org

Climate Bank

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