Document Type

Article

Domestic/International

Domestic

Location

Boston, Massachusetts

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

Lucy Koester, a double major in environmental studies and sociolgy, and part of the Holleran Center (PICA), interned with the The Environmental League of Massachusetts (ELM) where she also made a connection with their Development Director, Ben Bailey '95. One of the main projects she helped with was studying the awareness of and enthusiasm for offshore wind in Holyoke, MA (which was designated as an environmental justice community). Having been exposed to intersectional perspectives at Conn, Lucy became aware that staff at ELM might not have the same awareness, which could be critical as they attempted to assess and communicate with the public. Through this lens, in addition to building skills in communication, graphics, creating bios, and community outreach, she successfully employed critical thinking, advocacy, and diplomacy to encourage staff and other fellows to consider DEI perspectives in the context of environmental policy and outreach. Being able to communicate what language I thought we should use and why was a really important skill I learned, because it humanized the experiences of community members and showed the ELM team how DEI can be further incorporated into their work. Additonally, she was able to attend State House events and become involved with projects within the New England for Offshore Wind Coalition, which partners with different environmental groups fighting for clean energy in New England.

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The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author.