Introducing Our New White Paper, Authentic Partnerships: for Water and Climate Justice
- Tiana Starks
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Introducing Our New White Paper, Authentic Partnerships: for Water and Climate Justice,
We the People of Detroit (WPD), in collaboration with Milwaukee Water Commons (MWC), are proud to release a powerful new white paper: Authentic Partnerships for Water and Climate Justice.
This white paper was born from a powerful convening at the 2023 One Water Summit, where WPD joined forces with MWC and PolicyLink’s Water Equity and Climate Resilience Caucus. Together, we brought together a cross-section of community-based organizations fighting for water and climate justice to reflect, strategize, and envision what authentic partnership really looks like.
When we began developing this white paper, the political landscape looked very different. The previous federal administration prioritized and made historic investments in water infrastructure and climate resilience, committing significant resources to frontline and disadvantaged communities through efforts like the Justice40 Initiative.
Today, we find ourselves in a starkly different reality.
The current administration is actively working to dismantle many of those equity-focused initiatives, rolling back environmental protections and attacking the very language of inclusion. Programs centered on climate action, racial justice, and community investment are being stripped of funding, legitimacy, and support.
That’s what makes this moment—and this white paper—so important.
Authentic Partnerships: for Water and Climate Justice is more than a set of recommendations. It’s a call to action for everyone in this movement to hold the line, to stay rooted in values of equity and justice, and to deepen our collaboration in the face of rising adversity. We must move together—not just in rhetoric, but in structure, strategy, and solidarity.
Now more than ever, we need partnerships that are principled, not performative. Partnerships that share power. Partnerships that protect our communities and push back against injustice.
This paper is a tool for doing just that.
What You’ll Find Inside:
Core themes from the lived experiences of community-based organization leaders
Calls to action for institutions, funders, researchers, and allies
Insights on building trust, sharing power, and valuing lived expertise
Whether you’re a policymaker, funder, nonprofit leader, academic, or community member, this paper offers both reflection and direction. It’s not just a resource—it’s a roadmap for building a just, sustainable future.
Click below to download the full white paper.
Let this be more than a document. Let it be a catalyst for building the future we all deserve.