Framingham has more urgent toxic action problems than current staff can
add to its already full plate, according to Mike Hugo, Public Health
Director.
He repeatedly made that case at the recent Special Town
Meeting, when the latter voted down an article and motion that were
regarded as far too vague in its call for action by Framingham
officials.
The language for both, and the background information, were spelled out in the September 10th Warrant and on Xtra Xtra.
Given
Framingham's acute financial dilemma, The Toxics Action Center
contacted Xtra Xtra with a recommendation as to how local community
groups could work on these problems in conjunction with the Board of
Health.
Sylvia Broude, Executive Director of the Center sent the
following Xtra the following advisory regarding in-depth training
programs it provides to local community groups fighting major
environmental problems.
She leads off saying, "In reality, we
know politics is much messier, and it takes more than the right facts
and data to get our voices heard and stand up to big polluters.
Over
our 25-year history, we've learned that most environmental problems are
political problems. To ensure clean air, clean water, and healthy
communities for our children, it takes organized citizen pressure and
civic engagement. That's why I wanted to share with you our new
community organizing guides. We've updated them for our 25th
anniversary this year.
From developing a strategic plant to
holding a press conference to fundraising, these guidebooks walk through
the steps to planning a winning campaign. We've designed these guides
to be useful if you're fighting a polluter in town, working to make your
community more sustainable, holding a fundraiser for your local school,
and more.
Our team of community organizers is always available
to travel out to meet with you and your neighbors and facilitate these
trainings in person. If you have questions, want advice on your local
effort, or need help with a pollution problem in your town, I urge you
to get in touch..."
Broude added that one can see the results of trainings here: http://www.toxicsaction25.org
The email address for the Center is action@toxicsaction.org