We are pleased to share that the University of Michigan chose Voices for Earth Justice to be part of its Detroit Community-Based Research Program (DCBRP) for Summer 2018. U-M will pay a full-time research intern to work with us from June to August.

This summer, Voices for Earth Justice will host research intern Chloe Hypes, a junior environmental science major from Stockbridge, Michigan. Chloe's studies focus on food policy and food sustainability with special emphasis on nutrition access in rural areas. She is on scholarship at U-M, a fact more remarkable because she is also a first-generation college student. She has studied and volunteered in Peru and Tanzania and will spend May in Costa Rica before joining Voices for Earth Justice in June.

As part of the Detroit Community-Based Research Program, Chloe will receive local housing and a stipend from U-M. At Voices for Earth Justice, she will work 40 hours per week on two projects:

1. Assist L'Oreal Hawkes-Williams in developing our garden program. Chloe and L'Oreal will work to improve VEJ's gardens as a demonstration and teaching site. 
2. Chloe will look for strong links between what Voices for Earth Justice has to offer and what our neighbors in Brightmoor need and want.

The questions Chloe will seek to answer are: What Earth-friendly lifestyles or personal habits meet the economic, health, social, or spiritual needs of people in Brightmoor? Are these Earth-friendly lifestyles or personal habits affordable and easy enough that Brightmoor residents will see the benefits and take them up as part of their lives?  How many people in Brightmoor are likely to take up these Earth-friendly lifestyles or personal habits? What does Voices for Earth Justice need to do to bring this about over the next few years?

In short: What does Everyday Earth Justice look like in Brightmoor?

We hope you'll keep Chloe and our neighbors and team in your prayers this summer. We also hope you'll donate, visit, or volunteer as your own Everyday Earth Justice.

Grace and peace!