Poverty, race and community organization: Social and environmental justice in Eugene, Oregon

Through a case study of grassroots activism in Eugene, Oregon, this thesis contributes to a greater understanding of issues of social and environmental justice. Specifically, it examines the nature of community activism and citizenship among economically and racially marginalized groups affected by toxic soil and water contamination. Formed in 2002, the Railroad Pollution Coalition (RPC), a citizen-based and nonprofit supported organization, addresses concerns of environmental contamination stemming from the use of toxic chemicals at the local rail yard. Like many other grassroots organizations, the RPC faces limited and sporadic community participation in identifying pollutants and advocating for cleanup. By analyzing the challenges of community organization among marginalized populations, this thesis expands contemporary understanding of how race and class shape community activism. It contributes to environmental justice research, particularly geographic perspectives on race and class in the United States.