Environmental justice and sustainability are only possible through working together. The Big Love Network is proud to be a part of coalitions throughout Greater Akron. Through facilitation, administrative assistance, instillation and program development, the Big Love Network helps build Akron’s beloved community.
Issues we work on directly through these coalitions include: tree canopies, business composting, innerbelt, greenspace access, urban farming policy, green and affordable housing, city sustainability, edible landscaping cooridors, property tax abatement, pollinator habitats, county-wide electrification efforts, green ribbon commission, and neighborhood pollution.
Summit of Sustainability Alliance (SOSA)
SOSA works to create a successful model of a sustainable community by uniting local entities to inform policy, improve practices, and support innovation. Big Love Network’s Beth Vild is a Core Team Representative of the Life on Land committee, focusing on promoting sustainable use of our ecosystems and preserving biodiversity.
Environmental Justice Committee of the Akron NAACP
The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) works to achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color. Additionally, our board member Judi Hill is the President of Akron’s NAACP and hosts a podcast. Big Love’s Director of Programming, Beth Vild, was featured on Power & Community Podcast – Episode 5: Environmental Justice. (Formerly the Akron Environmental Justice Coalition.)
Summit County Community Health Impact Policy Subcommittee
CHIP was developed in 2016 and began work in 2018 to systematically take into account the health implications of decisions. The 2023 plan developed was to improve health and well-being of community members.
People Over Polymers
POP is a group focused on addressing the plastics industry as a community health and safety problem. Big Love has supported their initiatives in developing community outreach and support through a public comment period on the Alterra Energy plant.
Justice for Jayland Coalition
Organizers throughout Akron created a list of 12 action points for local officials and policing forces demanding justice for Jayland Walker, protections for protestors, and demilitarization of police. These were posed through a petition and recieved enough signatures to move forward. As community events continue with Jayland’s family, this coalition continues working to truly bring justice for his death.
The Eviction Task Force
The ETF was founded via the Fair Housing Contact Service, working directly with Akron Municipal Court and Summit County Public Health, to lower eviction rates which are disproportionately affecting the Black community. Akron has the highest eviction rates within the state of Ohio. Proposed solutions include tenant education, community grounds upkeep agreements, and ban discrimination based on source of income.
The Big Love Network 