We are excited to invite you to join Jobs to Move America on our inaugural California Imperial County Learning Trip on November 11-13! In the midst of a rapidly evolving political climate, workers and communities are organizing more than ever to protect the rights and livelihoods of working-class people against rapidly expanding corporate interests. JMA is excited to show you how we’re organizing workers and communities to seek community benefits agreements with major corporations to ensure good jobs and minimize environmental harm in the clean energy economy.
JMA, together with Valle Unido por Beneficios Comunitarios (Valle Unido), a new coalition of community, labor, and environmental groups, believes that Imperial County communities deserve better. Imperial County residents should play a central part in shaping and growing with Imperial County instead of being bystanders to it. We call on companies in the multi-billion dollar lithium industry, which is subsidized with our tax dollars, to make binding commitments for an Imperial County that guarantees good local jobs, protection against environmental harms, respect for Indigenous rights, and a seat at the decision-making table.
It’s crucial to see and learn in person to truly grasp the significance of organizing in Imperial County and the potential of what we can achieve when we come together in the movement. This year, we’ll be exploring:
- Ocotillo– The unincorporated town at the gateway of Imperial Valley, named for the tall and ubiquitous plant that inhabits the vast Yuha Desert landscape. We’ll visit a local desert museum to learn about the history of the area and hear from Jacob Rodriguez, JMA Organizer and Imperial Valley native, on his personal story and what connects him to JMA’s fight.
- Calipatria– One of the closest (and certainly the largest) fenceline communities to “Lithium Valley,” and that has the most to lose or gain from this development. We’ll hear directly from community members and learn about JMA’s plan for a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA).
- Sonny Bono Recreation Site—Situated at the southern end of the Salton Sea, the refuge protects one of the most important nesting sites and stopovers along the Pacific Flyway. It contains marine, freshwater, wetland, and agricultural habitats, which provide sanctuary for hundreds of birds and wetland species, including several that have been listed as endangered or sensitive. Participants will have the chance to stop and learn about the local wildlife, environment, and ecology that are at risk.
- Salton Sea & Bombay Beach — An area with a receding shoreline that has experienced some of the worst health effects due to agricultural pesticide and fertilizer runoff from over a century of farming.
Interested in joining the trip or have questions? Fill out the form below! If you’re ready to register, email development@jobstomoveamerica.org, and we’ll send you the trip agreement via Adobe Sign.