It’s hard to believe that it is already April 22nd, Earth Day. So far, MISSSEY has had the honor of serving 293 young people this year. We could not have done that without the support of our community. We are grateful for your support and for the seeds that have been planted over the past 15 years.

From the start MISSSEY has worked to create a different world for Black girls and Black gender-expansive youth, one in which they can lead liberated, self-determined, and joyful lives, free from sexual exploitation and violence. We see a world that values rather than commodifies them, that nurtures and honors their abilities. We know that the young people we serve deserve clean, safe, sustainable neighborhoods. This is the world we hope to build with and for Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and Asian girls and gender-expansive youth, this is a part of taking care of each other and of the young people we serve.

“Everyone has the right to a healthy environment and for this, it is worth taking care of ourselves– it is about taking care and respecting ourselves!” Yana Polyvets – Unicef young voices

We look at root causes and understand the impact of environmental racism in and around Oakland. We also see young people who deserve to be liberated and nurtured on a healthy planet. The Environmental Justice Movement has defined the environment as “Where we live, work, play, learn and pray.” These are the spaces that we should demand that our public servants keep ecologically clean for the young people we serve and for ourselves.

At MISSSEY Every Day is Earth Day

Today, MISSSEY continues to lead the way in making racial justice a core focus in the work of ending the sexual exploitation of young people; part of this leadership means continuously increasing our sustainability. As we work towards going paperless, seeking a new, greener space, supporting remote work, and providing access to public transportation for the young people we serve. We know that these efforts are just some of the steps we can take to help the environment and encourage sustainability. A more environmentally friendly Oakland is a more equitable Oakland. Poor air quality, something, and something are all harms that disproportionately impact Black and Brown communities. We ask that you keep the young people we serve in mind on this Earth Day, because care and consideration is care for our communities.

Thank you for being such a huge part of our growth and for continuing to support MISSSEY. Please share this message with 2 people today to invite them to join this growing movement. Thank YOU for being the change you wish to see in the world.

Reach out to info@MISSSEY.org to learn about how you can support MISSSEY in our search for a greener HQ.