An Agent of Positive Change

Sep 26, 2019

Author: John Hernandez, President, Our Roots Multicultural Center

“The summits are unique event experiences that can empower individuals to be part of a growing movement of change happening globally.”

Many people see Comite Civico del Valle as an agent of positive change, impacting not just locally but nationwide. And their annual environmental summits are excellent opportunities for the community to be part of that change.

John Hernandez, President of Our Roots Multicultural Center Director, said “I’ve been involved and interested in the work of Comite Civico, especially involved around environmental justice and the protection of our environment, for about the last ten years.”

He said the upcoming 10th Annual Environmental Health Leadership Summit will give the community once again the opportunity to share their concerns with regional leaders and state officials.

“I realized, early on, in attending the summits that there’s always information that comes in to our community from the outside, from experts in not only science and education but also those scientists in education that are connected to government that are there to serve the people and the community and I find that the information that comes in to our community from resources, very beneficial and well-received by those of us who are looking for answers to resolve some of our environmental issues,” Hernandez said.

He said the summits have served to open the eyes of the community about issues affecting them and what can be done about those issues, and how the average person could make their voices heard.

“The summits and the work of Comite Civico have increased and improved the awareness in our community, and this awareness has led to action by members of our community, and action by the government in order to establish policies and enforce existing rules and regulations that are ready in place for environmental justice and environmental protections for our communities, especially around air quality and water quality in our community.”

Hernandez said the summits are unique event experiences that can empower individuals to be part of a growing movement of change happening globally.

“Our community should attend these summits because there is a wealth of information to be had and shared and thereby open the doors for participation to those members of the community that are looking for ways to engage,” Hernandez said.