Metropolitan Group is overjoyed to introduce our new Vice President of Digital, Rebecca Gerber! Rebecca is a dedicated digital leader with over 15 years’ expertise in digital advocacy, creative storytelling, and multichannel engagement strategies that inspire and mobilize people to take action. Please join us in welcoming Rebecca to the MG/ISMG team, we look forward to working with her and doing incredible social impact work together.

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“Environmental justice has become a buzzword and a shimmering pearl at the heart of the Biden-Harris administration’s approach to mitigating climate change. My introduction to environmental justice (EJ) began when I started working at Metropolitan Group. Though my passion for the environment was ignited more than a decade ago, I wasn’t aware that there was a term to describe the necessary work of demanding equity for communities that have been disproportionately impacted by environmental toxicity and the consequences of industrial growth and governmental negligence. I’ve since learned that for more than 40 years, a dedicated group of advocates has been building a movement that has finally gained federal support from the current administration.”

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Here are some highlights from the convening.

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To see more photos visit our Facebook page.

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He plays an active role as a resident advocate in the City of Salem, Oregon. He has served on the City of Salem’s Citizen Budget Committee for five years. He serves as the Land Use Chair for the Grant Neighborhood Association, supporting and working with others to create awesome projects that bring communities together.

Paul and his family live in Salem, OR and are in a long-term relationship with a cottage north of downtown. He is usually learning to play a new musical instrument of some kind–maybe even trying to build them–but never quite mastering them. He plays on a recreational ice hockey team, loves to be outdoors, and values the time he spends with his family, friends, and neighbors.

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In June of 1969, a group of LGBTQIA+ people in New York City rioted following a police raid of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar located in Greenwich Village. This was a turning point for the LGBTQIA+ community and marks one of the most significant events leading to the modern gay rights movement. The following year in June, organized demonstrations took place in New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco to mark the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. As the years went on, additional cities in North America and Europe began to hold their own public demonstrations, eventually leading to what we know today as Pride Month. June ’22 marks 53 years since the Stonewall Riots.

We also want to lift up an important issue that will need allies and voices: protecting same-sex marriage. There are growing concerns that when Roe v. Wade is overturned, that same-sex marriage, which was legalized in 2015, will be next. We need to encourage our lawmakers to take all necessary steps to protect the right for any LGBTQIA+ person to marry. #loveislove 

The post Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Communities: Pride month is every month! appeared first on Metgroup.

The discussion was informed by the participation of about 85 thought leaders spanning disciplines, sectors and organizations. If you would like to view the full conversation, click here or watch the video below. We have also recapped highlights from our panelists in this Medium blog—we encourage your comments and shares.

If, after reviewing the above links, you have questions or reflections related to infrastructure and its connection to environmental justice, climate or health equity, we’d be happy to set up some time to continue the conversation. We welcome the opportunity to shape ideas together.

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