Principle Three: Building Relationships

3. A The Principles of Working Together recognize that we need each other and we are stronger with each other. This Principle requires participation at every level without barriers and that the power of the movement is shared at every level.

3. B The Principles of Working Together require members to cooperate with harmony, respect and trust—it must be genuine and sustained relationship- building. This demands cultural and language sensitivity.

3.C The Principles of Working Together demand grassroots workers, organizers and activists set their own priorities when working with other professionals and institutions.

3. D The Principles of Working Together recognize that community organizations have expertise and knowledge. Community organizations should seek out opportunities to work in partnerships with academic institutions, other grassroots organizations and environmental justice lawyers to build capacity through the resources of these entities.

Kalamazoo River Cleanup Coalition

Citizens Group Blocks EPA Toxic Waste Plan

An ad hoc, grass roots coalition was formed in the spring of 2007, to block EPA plan to dump 132,000 cubic yards of PCB-contaminated river sediments into Kalamazoo neighborhoods. Made up of residents, neighborhood leaders, city and county officials, the group mobilized political opposition of sufficient volume to cause the EPA/PRPs (Potentially Responsible Parties), to find alternative disposal sites.

Kalamazoo River Cleanup Coalition (KRCC) continues to represent the public's voice, and promotes education on technical issues relating to PCB contamination, brownfield redevelopment, and transparency and accountability regarding the Allied site (OU-1) and the entire 80-mile Superfund site.

KRCC is currently looking for partners in developing stakeholder input from diverse groups, such as local churches, minority organizations, and downstream government entities.