WE’RE AT THE NEXUS OF ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ORGANIZING
& CLIMATE EDUCATION.
Start:Empowerment (S:E) is a rapidly growing 501c3 nonprofit working in NYC and Austin established in 2019 by Kier Blake and Alexia Leclercq.
Despite experiencing the effects of the climate crisis, co-founders Alexia Leclercq and Kier Blake didn't see topics such as environmental justice covered in school. So in 2019, they decided to take action and write their own curriculum. As more teachers reached out, Alexia and Kier established Start:Empowerment.
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Today S:E's core team members work to infuse environmental justice histories, organizing skills, urban-agro training, and political education into learning and community spaces. We introduce diverse content, drive learner growth and generate community impact while building, strengthening, and connecting various climate movements.
The true success of our work has been our robust relationship building. We collaborate with other (hyper)local organizations, collectives, coalitions, and groups in New York and Texas.
We are indebted to these critical partners in creating accessible and radical community courses, excursions, and webinars on a wide range of topics for the general public.
We Are
A Youth-led Organization
We empower fellow youth organizers in
NYC and ATX through our Organizing Collective.
A Champion of
Climate Literacy
Through participation in the Climate and Resilience Education Task Force (CRETF)
A Transformer of
Classrooms
We use traditional and nontraditional methods to teach our justice-centric curriculum.
A Creator of Public Political Education
We design public events, trainings, and skill-shares that build autonomy and community in the fight for liberation.
An Ally of Indigenous Land Sovereignty
Through aiding the organizers behind Migizi Will Fly in securing $50,000 for a cultural center and the Line 5 fight.
A Resource for Grassroots Organizers
We support initiatives such as to the No North Brooklyn Pipeline's organizing capacity and public education.
A series of photos of Alexia and Kier, co-founders of Start:Empowerment, from various events between 2019 and 2022.
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Meet our entire team here.