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Southside ReLeaf is a community-based organization committed to environmental justice in South Richmond. Our goal is to improve the life expectancy and quality of life for Southside residents by increasing green spaces, reducing pollution and improving infrastructure. We believe in uplifting voices that are often unheard and people-powered advocacy to build climate resilient neighborhoods.
Greening Projects
We are committed to planting the right trees in the right place and ensuring they are maintained to live a full life. More trees will not only cool neighborhoods and provide much-needed shade, but increase health outcomes for residents. Since 2019, Southside ReLeaf has planted and given away more than 1,000 trees to green Southside neighborhoods. We work with amazing volunteers and community partners to make this happen.
Outreach and Engagement
Community engagement is often a barrier in implementing and sustaining projects in historically under-resourced communities. It’s important to work with people from the community who have a relationship and understanding of other social issues, such as culture, mobility, accessibility, language, and housing.
Southside ReLeaf works with community partners in creating educational programming that will build the brain trust of our neighbors so residents have the capacity to join in decision making about how to make Richmond’s Southside resilient, greener, and more beautiful.
Policy and Advocacy
We “pass the mic” to our neighbors and empower Southside residents to advocate for the change they want to see in their own community. Through education, civic engagement and thoughtful dialogue, we advocate for sound policies that preserve our natural environment, strengthen climate resiliency, and provide opportunities for communities to thrive.
Our advocacy includes:
- Developing policy proposals that prioritize climate action in the city’s budget to reduce emissions, mitigate heat island effects, expand access to green spaces, and phase out Richmond’s reliance on fossil gas.
- Working with state legislators at the General Assembly to support legislation that will benefit localities like Richmond.
- Hosting listening sessions and attending civic association meetings to uplift community concerns.
- Elevating stories of environmental racism through the news media.