Bay Area climate justice groups fear losing progress if federal funding is withdrawn

WHEN THE ROSE FOUNDATION’S New Voices are Rising program received a federal grant in 2022, the effort — which is led by youth of color from predominantly underserved communities around the East Bay — had a rare opportunity to grow.

“It gave us the chance to expand our water-based work,” said Mykela Patton, a New Voices are Risings’ alum who is now the program director. That included hiring and bringing on two new high school-aged fellows who have been testing and monitoring the water quality in the region. “It also gave us more support to connect with other community partners doing work at Lake Merritt and other watersheds along the Bay.”