Working in rural and disadvantaged areas, our staff and volunteers put into practice the ideals of love of community and love of neighbor. The issues center on industry's dependence on toxic chemicals, utilities' refusal to adopt sound energy alternatives, industrial development and highway construction at the expense of public health, intensive livestock operations' effects on agriculture and the environment, and huge waste dumps. These are social problems with devastating environmental and public health effects. They are also the clarion call for community action. Our mission is difficult.
Nothing creates hopefulness out of helplessness like a successful grassroots campaign.
In fact, so far we have never lost a campaign. Some communities which have organized to oppose an existing facility have an image of themselves as victims. Establishing small steps, incremental goals, and short-term projects helps to develop a sense of power. Celebrating victories elevates the human spirit and creates unity of purpose. The preservation of local control and the promotion of clean industry have enhanced social and economic aspects of human life.