About US

The JTC in Action

Mission

We engageÌýin community partnerships to advance social and environmental justice in the transition from fossil fuels to a renewable-based economy and in response to climate change. We workÌýto support leadership of underrepresented groups to foster more equitable energy, climate and employment practices and policies, and to produce community-relevant research.Ìý

History

The JTC was founded in 2016 by Manuela Sifuentes, Michelle Gabriellof-Parish, Phaedra C. Pezzullo and David Ciplet. The impetus for the JTC occured whenÌýManuela and Michelle voiced concerns that the City of Â鶹¹ÙÍø's planning process lacked a focus on equity and justice. Shortly after, the four co-founders organized the JTC to encourage and support the City of Â鶹¹ÙÍø to advance social justice and inclusivity in its climate and energy planning. From 2017 until 2019, Magnolia Landa-Posas worked as the JTC's Community Engagement Manager.Ìý

In 2020,ÌýManuela and MichelleÌýaccepted jobs elsewhere, continuing the important work needed for a Just Transition.ÌýManuela became a Language Access Program Manager with the City of Â鶹¹ÙÍø. In 2020, Manuela helped to launch this important ÌýMichelle works remotely for Movement Strategy Center, the NGO Â鶹¹ÙÍø County hired in 2019Ìýas facilitators and consultants on a just transition, along with the JTC. David and Phaedra remain on faculty at CU Â鶹¹ÙÍø, and as Co-Directors of the JTC.

Guiding Principles

  • Foster move away from fossil fuel to reinvest in a renewable and regenerative energy economy.

  • Support implementation, communication, and critical assessment of model just transition projects.

  • Educate about the intersection between environmental policy and social justice, power and privilege.

  • Strengthen representation of marginalized communities and advance social justice in climate policies.

  • Create transformative and engaged student opportunities and mentorship to advance environmental justice.

  • Challenge racism, classism, sexism, ableism, and other oppressive systems and build equitable internal processes.

  • Amplify the struggles, concerns, and solutions frontline communities face to bring about a more nuanced, smarter, and humane future.

  • Produce community-relevant and evidence-based research for present and future planning in light of significant social, economic, and ecological challenges.