DOWNWINDERS AT RISK EDUCATION FUND

A nonprofit organization

Our cities are divided by race and pollution. 

Join us to fight for clean air for all.


 DAR Board and Staff 2024    Joppa Heath Study results presentation 

Downwinders is a group seeking deep social change through the prism of air pollution: who's exposed to it, why, and how to best reduce it. This concern makes us confront issues of racial and income equity, participatory decision-making, disparity in public health protections, and land-use planning. It's made us into citizen scientists as well as zoning experts. We see cleaner air not just a goal by itself, but connected to a host of other democratic, grassroots changes that can increase individual and community sovereignty.

The most important tool we have is the region's only staff devoted to coming to the aid of DFW residents who are fighting for their neighborhood's health. When a community finds out they've been targeted by a polluter and discovers no government agency will help them and better-known environmental groups don't have the local resources to come to their aid, Downwinders is there to fill the gap. When government meetings take place during the workday to decide a community's fate Downwinders makes sure to show-up. When a "done deal" between polluters and officials needs to get undone by citizens, Downwinders leads the fight. Our reputation is about being persistent and getting good things done against big odds. After 30 years of successes ranging from Midlothian cement plants to Frisco lead smelters to Dallas's Shingle Mountain, we're known as one of the most successful and resourceful grassroots groups in Texas.

TCEQ Public Meeting on a Joppa concrete batch plantProtest in Fort Worth outside the Mayor's State of the City addressGAFs Gotta Go Campaign press conference outside Dallas City Hall demanding action

Our Needs

We need your help in making sure our staff are fully funded and our operating budget is big enough to be able to provide the kind of assistance necessary to come to the aid of distressed neighborhoods. This includes at a minimum:

  • $25,000 in Operational Funds: Help us pay rent and keep the lights on!
  • $75,000 in Program Expenses: Education, Organizing and Advocacy program 
  • $200,000 in Staffing: For our Executive Director, Organizers and Development roles

West Dallas health study results meetingEarth Day Campaign launch 2024GAF zoning change public meeting

Mission

Downwinders at Risk is dedicated to taking effective action on behalf of those being harmed by air pollution. Our goal is to build a strong grassroots constituency and create new strategies for clean air and environmental justice in North Texas. We do this by informing, connecting and mobilizing citizens to become active participants in the decision-making that affects the air we breathe. In doing so, we improve both the quality of our air and the quality of our democracy.

Equity Statement

Downwinders at Risk is committed to ensuring our Board and Staff are reflective of the communities we serve. Towards this end, we have a majority Women of Color Board of Directors and Staff. We also recruit members of the communities we serve to our Board of Directors.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

DOWNWINDERS AT RISK EDUCATION FUND

Tax id (EIN)

75-2643308

Guidestar

Causes

Human Rights, Civil Rights & Advocacy

Operating Budget

$250,000 - $499,999

Counties Served

Dallas, Tarrant

BIPOC Serving

Black or African American, Hispanic or Latinx

BIPOC Leadership

Both the Executive Director/CEO and Board Chair

Address

1808 S. Good Latimer
Dallas, TX 75226

Phone

469-608-1972

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