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Environmental Justice Advisory Group - informational sessions for interested applicants July 15 - 25

Individuals interested in applying to be a member of MPCA's Environmental Justice Advisory Group have four opportunities to learn more about the advisory group and membership in the next 2 weeks:

• Mon. July 15, 11:30 - 1:30 p.m. I Call in session: 1.888.742.5095. Conference code: 247.340.530
  
• Wed. July 17, 4:30 - 7 p.m. I Minneapolis American Indian Center 
• Wed. July 24, 4:30 - 7 p.m. I Great River Regional Library-St. Cloud Branch  
• Thurs. July 25, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. I East St. Paul (Location TBD)

More information about the advisory group and application process is below and also on the MPCA website.  Also feel free to contact José Luis Villaseñor joseluis.villasenor@state.mn.us or call 651-757-2575 with any questions.

The application deadline is August 12, 2019.

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The MPCA is looking for six new members for its Environmental Justice Advisory Group. The new members will join ten returning members to provide community perspectives to the MPCA as it strives to ensure that all Minnesotans benefit from our work. For more about environmental justice, please refer to MPCA’s website. 

The Environmental Justice Advisory Group meets every other month and provides recommendations and advises the MPCA Commissioner in four key areas, including:

• Evaluating the effectiveness of the MPCA in implementing its environmental justice framework,
• Providing recommendations to ensure integration of environmental justice principles into the MPCA’s work and;
• Collaborating with the MPCA to improve public engagement around environmental justice issues.
• Sharing history and community experiences so the agency can better understand the communities they serve and inform community-based solutions.

To intentionally create a diverse committee of Minnesotans, candidates from various racial, cultural, economic and geographic backgrounds are encouraged apply. Ideal candidates for the advisory group include: residents of overburdened communities and individuals experienced in community engagement, public involvement, policy development, advocacy, or program implementation around environmental justice or health equity issues. This could include community members, community organizers and advocates, local government staff, representatives from non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and others.   

MPCA will host four information sessions in the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota to provide more background on the group’s scope, function, and goals before the deadline. The Environmental Justice Advisory Group charter and application materials are found on the group's page on MPCA's website.

The MPCA Commissioner will select advisory group members with the input from a selection committee that includes external stakeholders and current advisory group members. In choosing members, the Commissioner will strive to appoint a diverse group of people from various parts of the state, with a variety of backgrounds, ages and skills. 

Contact José Luis Villaseñor joseluis.villasenor@state.mn.us or call 651-757-2575 with any questions.

The application deadline is August 12, 2019.

The mission of the MPCA is to protect and improve the environment and human health.

St. Paul • Brainerd • Detroit Lakes • Duluth • Mankato • Marshall • Rochester

www.pca.state.mn.us • Toll-free and TDD 800-657-3864