From June 22nd - 26th, 2010, Global Community Monitor joined thousands of other activists and organizations to take part in building a social change movement at the US Social Forum in Detroit, Michigan.  

Drawing on our expertise in working with fenceline communities fighting toxic indusutral pollution, we took part in two Environmental Justice panels to build collective power and resilience against climate change and the negative health impact of tar sands crude oil from Alberta, Canada.  We collaborated with hundreds who shared our vision for clean air and safe communities.  Additionally, GCM learned first hand the health impacts of Alberta’s tar sands from the Indigenous cultures who live amongst them.  From rare cancers to polluted food sources, the First Nations have been on the front lines of the fight against toxic pollution.  

On Friday, GCM led a Detroit-focused direct action, a toxic tour of the most toxic zip code in Michigan: 48217.  This zipcode in Southwest Detroit is surrounded by heavy industry including the Marathon Refinery which has begun refining Alberta’s tar sands crude oil.  We led activists attending the Forum into the community to get a first-hand experience (including witnessing a shocking cloud of dust that burst over the neighborhood) of the ever expanding industry and the blight that is created within the neighborhood. A key part of the toxic tour was giving the residents of 48217 a platform and audience to share their stories and struggles and to promote our shared vision for clean air and healthy communities.