Our Mission
Our mission is to build sustainable communities by assisting people to assert their right to local self-government and the rights of nature.
News from the Grassroots

Events
Lake Erie is Talking but We Aren’t Listening
Regional environmental leader Tish O’Dell spoke to Cleveland State students about the legal system’s failure to protect nature and the urgent need for cultural change.
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Rights of Nature
Rolling Stone: The Environment Is Under Attack. The Rights of Nature Movement Can Save It
Grant Township’s 2014 Rights of Nature law became the first such piece of legislation to be enforced by a state, with the Pennsylvania Department of…
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Press Releases
“A Bright Spot Amidst the Chaos” – From New York to Minnesota, the Rights of Nature are Growing
Today, April 22nd (Earth Day), advocates for the New York bill have been invited to the United Nations to address a high-level meeting on harmony…
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News
Salon: Take back the night – Establishing a “right to darkness” could save our night skies
Voluntary standards for light pollution, like voluntary standards for much else where profit and community or ecosystem well-being might be at odds, have a habit…
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Multimedia
Interview on the Great Lakes and NY State Waters Bill of Rights: Does Nature Have Rights?
This interview was conducted by the Environmental Coffeehouse welcoming Ben Price, CELDF Education Director & Tish O’Dell, Consulting Director of Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund…
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Multimedia
Project Censored: Conversations on Environmental Justice, Abolition, and the Future We Build
In the first part of the program, author and Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund’s education director Ben Price joins the program to talk about his…
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Video format more your style?
Our Videos are a great introduction to big ideas and concepts tackled by the Community Rights Movement!
Check out our Fast Facts, Webinars, Community recaps and more to further your knowledge on the topics!
Empowering Communities, Defending Land Rights Against Corporations
Reimagining Earth Day: A Vision for a Sustainable Future
Unveiling Truth The Role of Rogue Journalists
[The Community Rights and Rights of Nature movement] is the beginning of a social movement that is greater than just the oil and gas industry, it is a potential game changer for all of corporate America.
Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico