EMA Interview: Diamond Spratling, Founder of Girl Plus Environment

Every social movement, including environmentalism, requires leaders to step up and ask, "How can we do this better?" Diamond Spratling, MPH, Founder & Executive Director of Girl Plus Environment, is one of those leaders. Diamond acted after observing a disconnect between the environmental movement and her community's struggles. Today, Girl Plus Environment has established a community of Black and Brown girls, women, and non-binary individuals looking to engage their communities on climate change, racial equity, and health disparities.

We enjoyed speaking with Diamond to learn more about her work and how our audience can get involved!

Can you share more about the genesis of your organization and what drove you to establish a national community focused specifically on Black and Brown girls, women, and non-binary individuals?

 Girl Plus Environment was founded in 2019, stemming from my experiences and observations within the environmental and climate sector. After over a decade in the field, I realized that the space needed to be more inclusive. During my studies in environmental policy, I was often the only Black student in my program, which highlighted a significant lack of diversity. Additionally, the solutions we discussed frequently needed to address the real issues faced by my community back home in Detroit.

 Talking with my friends and family, I noticed a disconnect: they were often unaware of how climate and environmental issues directly impacted their health and well-being. This realization was frustrating and eye-opening, pushing me to create an organization to bridge this gap. I wanted to shift the narrative around climate and environmental issues to clarify that these are critical concerns for communities of color and that our voices and experiences are essential in this sector.

Girl Plus Environment focuses specifically on Black and Brown girls, women, and non-binary individuals because we have historically been at the forefront of many pivotal movements, such as the civil rights and #MeToo movements. Our contributions have been indispensable, and the climate and environmental justice space is no different. For meaningful progress, it's crucial that women and non-binary individuals of color feel supported and empowered to lead. Our organization aims to ensure that marginalized communities are included in decision-making, conversations, and policies that affect their lives, fostering a more equitable and inclusive approach to environmental justice.

Empowerment is a central aspect of your mission. How do you empower your members to become agents of change?

At Girl Plus Environment, empowerment is deeply embedded in our mission because we recognize that our environments influence every aspect of our health and well-being. To truly empower our members to become agents of change, we are intentional about the environments we create and the support we offer. We start by creating safe, inclusive spaces where our members feel comfortable and welcome. Too often, people associate environmentalism with images of polar bears, conservation, and predominantly white male hikers. While these are important aspects, they only partially represent the breadth and diversity of environmental justice.

We aim to redefine environmentalism and who it includes, ensuring that Black and Brown women and non-binary individuals see themselves as vital contributors to this movement.

By fostering a communal and supportive atmosphere, we encourage our members to engage in the work in ways that resonate with their experiences and strengths. We meet people where they are, providing a range of opportunities for involvement that are accessible and inviting. This approach helps remove the intimidation factor often accompanying environmental activism and empowers our members to take meaningful action.

Through workshops, educational programs, and community events, we equip our members with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to advocate for environmental justice in their communities. We focus on clarifying the connection between environmental issues and everyday life, emphasizing that everyone has a role in protecting our planet and ensuring equitable outcomes for all.

What strategies have you found most effective in fostering meaningful engagement and participation within your community?

At Girl Plus Environment, fostering meaningful engagement and participation within our community requires a strategic and intentional approach, particularly given the challenges that Black and Brown communities face. Activism can often feel overwhelming, with new issues constantly emerging and demanding attention, sometimes even concerning fundamental human rights. To address this, we've developed several effective strategies to ensure our community feels empowered and motivated to participate in environmental activism.

One of our most successful strategies is infusing joy and fun into our work. Our members already carry significant burdens, so we strive to make environmental activism an uplifting and enjoyable experience rather than an additional weight. By building a culture of positivity and community, we create a supportive environment where activism is not just another task but a shared, rewarding journey.

We also focus on making our work relatable and relevant to the daily lives of our community members. Instead of discussing abstract concepts like solar panels or renewable energy, we address pressing issues affecting our community, such as air pollution, toxic chemical exposure, and the economic opportunities that come with a clean energy transition. By framing environmental issues regarding immediate, tangible impacts on health and well-being, we make the work more accessible and urgent.

Another key aspect of our strategy is aligning our efforts with our community's shared values and cultural context. We communicate in ways that resonate, avoiding doom-and-gloom narratives that can lead to feelings of helplessness. Instead, we are honest and transparent about both the challenges and opportunities, emphasizing job creation, public health benefits, and the need for environmental justice. Ultimately, our approach is about connection and empowerment. By making the work enjoyable, relatable, and culturally relevant, we foster a sense of community and purpose that motivates meaningful engagement. This intentionality ensures our members can make a difference without being overwhelmed, transforming environmental activism into a collective, hopeful endeavor.

Are there any specific initiatives or projects your organization is particularly excited about or proud of? What impact do you hope these will have?

We are particularly excited and proud of several initiatives at Girl Plus Environment that have significantly impacted our community. One of our favorite projects is "The Mane Issue," launched last year with funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We designed the program to educate Black women about endocrine-disrupting chemicals commonly found in beauty products, especially hair products, and their detrimental effects on health and well-being. What makes "The Mane Issue" so special is its unconventional approach and wide-ranging collaboration. We partnered with trusted messengers in the beauty space, such as beauty supply stores, Black beauty influencers, hairdressers, and even selfie museums like The Black Hair Experience. By engaging with individuals and organizations outside the traditional environmental sector, we effectively reached and educated over 40,000 people through social media and in-person pop-up events across Atlanta. These events created a communal and enjoyable atmosphere, making it easier for participants to learn about the issue and take meaningful actions to protect themselves.

Another project we are proud of is our "Protecting Our Energy" initiative, our flagship program for the past three years. This program engages Black and Brown women in Atlanta's clean energy and energy justice space. We facilitate training sessions that empower women living in energy-burdened ZIP codes to participate in Georgia's energy policy process. This includes submitting public comments, attending public hearings, and advocating for lower energy rates to the Public Service Commission. Additionally, we provide financial assistance to help participants pay their energy bills, enabling them to engage more fully in the program. This year, we are focusing on Black women small business owners in Atlanta, helping them understand the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) benefits and the transition to clean energy. We aim to ensure that these business owners know how clean energy impacts their health, well-being, and economic opportunities.

Through these projects, we aim to equip women of color with the skills and resources necessary to engage effectively in the energy policy process and advocate for clean, affordable energy policies in Georgia. Ultimately, we want to create a more inclusive and equitable environmental movement that recognizes and addresses our community's needs and challenges.

What do you hope readers will take away from this blog? What advice do you have for young people trying to make a difference in our environmental world?

As you read this blog, I hope you feel inspired to engage with Girl Plus Environment's work and discover a welcoming community of women of color ready to support and embrace you in this sector and movement. It's essential for readers, both newcomers and those already in the climate and environmental space, to recognize that climate activism is only complete with the active participation of women of color and marginalized communities. We must continuously shift the narrative to make environmental issues relatable and relevant to everyone's health and well-being. By being better communicators and meeting people where they are, we can foster increased engagement from all corners of society, avoiding tactics that shame or alienate individuals.

For young people striving to make a difference in our environmental world, I advise prioritizing rest and self-care. Your work is invaluable and effective, even when it feels challenging. Numerous resources and tools are available to support you, and your efforts are deeply appreciated. Remember, your well-being is crucial to sustaining your impact, so take care of yourself and stay resilient. Your contributions are vital, and they do not go unnoticed. Keep pushing forward; we need you and your incredible work.

We encourage you to follow Girl Plus Environment's work and show your support!