Downwinders at Risk Education Fund

Overview

Downwinders at Risk Education Fund is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing air pollution issues and promoting environmental justice, with a focus on North Texas. The organization is part of the broader efforts of Downwinders at Risk, which has been a leading advocate for clean air in the region since 1994.

Mission and Goals

The primary mission of Downwinders at Risk Education Fund is to take effective action on behalf of individuals harmed by air pollution. Its goal is to build a strong grassroots constituency and develop strategies for achieving cleaner air in North Texas. This is accomplished through informing, connecting, and mobilizing communities to address ecological and conservation issues.

Achievements

Downwinders at Risk has had significant achievements in environmental advocacy. Notable successes include eliminating thousands of tons of air pollution from local cement plants, shutting down an illegal lead smelter in Frisco, and passing model gas drilling ordinances in Dallas. Additionally, the organization has worked to reduce particulate matter pollution in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area as part of its environmental justice agenda.

Community Engagement

The organization is committed to community organizing and education. It provides training and expertise to citizens who want to advocate for cleaner air. Downwinders at Risk offers free training on portable air monitors and sponsors a semester-long community organizing class to teach participants organizational skills.

Organizational Structure

Downwinders at Risk is not affiliated with any national or state organization, ensuring that all its board members are from North Texas. The board is diverse, with many members being People of Color and veterans of local grassroots movements. This local focus allows the organization to be dependent on community support, enabling it to maintain a full-time staff dedicated to both cleaner air advocacy and community organizing.

Organization Type

Downwinders at Risk Education Fund operates as a 501(c)(3) organization, focusing on educational purposes related to ecological and conservation issues.