Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services believes all people and communities – particularly historically underserved groups across the mountains and valleys of Appalachia – should have access to the tools of change, and that everyone has the right to make decisions about their air, water, and land. Since 2013, the nonprofit law firm has been working to protect the Appalachian Basin (spanning PA, OH, and WV) which is under threat by mining operations, toxic waste exposure, urban development, unsustainable agriculture, and climate change impacts that endanger this globally important region. Fair Shake provides residents access to justice and decision-making power through a three-pronged approach: providing direct legal representation, training new lawyers on environmental needs for underserved clients, and hosting Community Democracy Ambassador events that teach civic engagement, community organizing, and collaborative problem-solving. At the heart of Fair Shake’s work – they start by listening to the needs of their neighbors.
“Real change happens when we follow the lead of the communities we serve,” says Program Coordinator A-Nya Badger. With an 11-member staff, Fair Shake frequently partners with other nonprofits in the region to increase their impact through events such as workshops and legal clinics, as well as the annual Harvest the Vision Fest in Parkersburg, WV, a gathering of over 20 organizations and agencies raising citizens’ awareness of the community resources that are available to them. Fair Shake measures success through increased community participation in environmental decision-making, expanded access to legal services for underserved populations, and strengthened local advocacy capacity. They offer a full range of legal services, including legal counsel, litigation, nonprofit consultation, and community outreach and education events. They also offer fellowships, internships, and other educational opportunities for law students or young lawyers to develop their understanding of the complex environmental challenges Appalachians face across the region.
A screenshot of air pollution from the Fair Shake video can be found on: fairshake-els.org.