Greenlining Institute

With this grant, the Greenlining Institute would convene a statewide conversation about California’s ballot initiative process, with a particular emphasis to involve a significant number of diverse Californians. In addition to educating voters about the current ballot initiative process, the project will allow the Institute to obtain better information about what voters think and identify a potential set of reforms. The ultimate goal is to develop a strategy to reform California’s ballot initiative process that will lead to a healthier and more sustainable state. The Institute leads Greenlining Coalition, a coalition of forty multi-ethnic and community-based organizations across the state to act on a variety of issues and, as such, is well poised to lead this project.

The Greenlining Institute has for many years worked with ethnic small business owners, communities of color, ethnic chambers of commerce, and community-based organization in California to shape and support the states' climate and energy policies (AB 32). Greenlining proposes to continue its work of maximizing green economy opportunities for low income and communities of color through shaping climate policy being developed at the California Air Resources Board and the California Public Utilities Commission, while also sharpening its focus on defending these policies from attacks by oil companies and other regulated entities. Greenlining will participate in a larger AB 32 defense campaign directly, through developing educational materials, educating and engaging key leaders and constituencies in their network, and educating priority state legislators about the benefits of the state's global warming law, which was passed in 2006--before many had even been elected. Greenlining will also play a leadership role in mobilizing the Communities United Coalition to participate in the AB 32 defense campaign. Communities United is a network of groups across California representing communities of color.