New Voices Are Rising strives to develop young leaders, especially in low-income communities and communities of color in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. These same communities are often under-represented in policy making forums and under-served by public policy.  The project helps young people gain the skills and experience in civic engagement that they need to begin to tackle the problems – including environmental health problems – that disproportionately impact their communities.

The project seeks to increase civic participation within under-represented communities, increase young people’s commitment to environmental justice, and reduce air and water pollution that severely impact both human health and the health of the San Francisco Bay.