Climate and Ecological Justice Collaborative

Projects

Sunrisers and Social Work

In the face of climate change's profound social justice implications, marginalized communities experience disproportionate hardships, yet the field of social work has given this critical issue less attention than other pressing concerns. 

Ecosocial work, which recognizes the interconnection of environmental, social, and economic factors, has made theoretical strides but lacks practical implementation. 

This study aims to bridge this gap by interviewing community organizers from the Sunrise Movement, or Sunrisers, with a social work background, to explore how they navigate the intersection of climate justice and social work, unveiling practical manifestations in practice and policy while identifying opportunities for enhancing social work education. 

The study seeks to understand eco-social workers' perspectives on the role of social work in addressing climate injustice, their unique approaches to practice and policy, and potential improvements to the social work curriculum.

Exploratory Assessment of New Roots

New Roots, part of a nationwide farmer incubator network, is a farmer training program for refugees and immigrants in Kansas City that began in 2008. 

As a collaborative effort between Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and Cultivate KC, it offers a four-year farmer-in-training program through classes, workshops, and demonstrations. Participants with agricultural backgrounds in their home countries receive training and support to launch local farm businesses. 

We are working with New Roots staff to assess program impacts including:

• economic focus
• community building
• participant engagement
• and fostering a cross-cultural and cross-generational community.

Greening the Green

Within our campus space at Green Hall, we are working to foster a deeper sense of ecological connection through three components:

Ecological Connection Wall

The Ecological Connection Wall serves as a canvas for KU School of Social Welfare community members to express their connections with nature.

Located on the third floor of Green Hall on the KU Lawrence campus, the installation is part of the "Greening the Green" Initiative, a project by KU social work faculty and research staff.

Throughout the year, various themes will be selected For Ecological Connection Wall displays. Social work students, staff and faculty will be invited to share photos and descriptions of their corresponding experiences. Selected entries will be framed and displayed on the wall.

Community Care Plan Initiative

In collaboration with Jungle House, a local plant store in Lawrence, we are bringing more greenery into our spaces — hence "Greening the Green." As we care for the plants, we increase our knowledge and connections.

Ecosocial Work Speaker Series and Readings

Launching in 2025-2026, we will bring in different experts to discuss the intersection of ecological and social issues, with the aim of empowering participants to become informed and engaged stewards of both their communities and the environment.