Here are brief descriptions of the major projects that I am involved in.
Upham’s Corner Action Research
In 2018, Tufts UEP and Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative was awarded a two-year federal grant by the Corporation for National and Community Service to conduct community action research. The project is titled: From Civic Participation to Community Control: Assessing and Strengthening Participatory Planning for Commercial District Development Without Displacement in Boston’s Dudley Neighborhood.
CoRE (Co-Research/Co-Education) Partnership
CoRE (Co-Research/Co-Education Partnerships) is a collaborative model of community-engaged research, learning, participation, and action that goes beyond traditional models of service learning and university/community partnerships. CoRE deepens long-term engagement with community partners and creates a pipeline for greater racial diversity and community practitioners from Boston’s base-building organizations in lower income communities of color.
Solidarity Economy Initiative
The Solidarity Economy Initiative (SEI) is a Massachusetts-based project that creates space for grassroots organizers working in working class communities of color to lead a Just Transition to a Solidarity Economy. SEI was convened in 2015 to support grassroots organizations to lead a movement for a solidarity economy.
Teaching Democracy
Teaching Democracy is a training and web platform for Tufts students, faculty, and community partners to build their capacity in popular and community-based education methods. It was developed by a design team of faculty, staff, students, and community partners, toward the goal of sustaining a community of popular and community-based educators and as a resource for members of the Tufts community who want to learn about and integrate these methods into their teaching and research. Our community partners include Chinese Progressive Association, Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative, and Somerville Community Corporation.
Right to the City Alliance
Right to the City is a national alliance of community based groups that came together in 2007 to fight the displacement of lower income people and people of color in urban neighborhoods due to gentrification. I became involved with the Alliance while with Alternatives for Community & Environment, which is a member. I continue to advise and work with the Alliance’s Boston partners, which include Alternatives for Community & Environment, Boston Workers Alliance, Chinese Progressive Association, City Life Vida Urbana, Neighbors United for a Better East Boston, and New England United for Justice.
Green Justice Coalition
This coalition brings together 40+ community, labor, and environmental groups across Massachusetts to advocate for greening of the economy that creates good jobs and more sustainable communities. The first campaign of GJC was launched in 2008 to increase energy efficiency programs in Massachusetts, ensure access to these resources for all communities, and support growth of good jobs in this sector. GJC is coordinated by Community Labor United. I helped co-found this coalition while I was with Alternatives for Community & Environment. I continue to advise the coalition and serve on the state’s Energy Efficiency Advisory Council, which oversees the utility-sector efficiency programs in Massachusetts.