The EJ Disrupt Design Community

The EJ Disrupt Design Fellowship is a community-based experience that is built on a strong foundation of collaboration and deep relationships. Each phase of the program is made possible through the thoughtful recommendations of host committee chairs who identify artists, performers, ceremony leaders, farmers, curators, and creators who contribute to the full EJ Disrupt Design experience. These individuals come from multiple sectors of the movement, working together to establish deeper connections within the community.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the program's achievements, we encourage you to review the Gratitude Reports which offer detailed accounts of the program's positive impact.

Gratitude to the EJ Disrupt Design Fellowship Team and our colleagues at the Tishman Environment and Design Center, Advisory Committee and Tech Coaches, EJ Advisory, Weavers, peer influencers, key contributors, artists, volunteers, community members, and the full cohort of fellows for your support of the 2021-23 #EJDisruptDesign experience.

Phase 1 COLLECTIVE LEADERSHIP AND PURPOSE

EJ Fellows take a step back from the action and reaction spiral to reflect on historic EJ Milestones, practice collective leadership mindsets, embrace collaborative culture, and dive into decolonial, liberation, feminist, and regenerative world views grounded in the principles of the EJ Movement. 

Through immersive virtual retreats, facilitated discussions, and collaborative activities, EJ Fellows delved deep into their personal stories, values, and aspirations, forging bonds of solidarity and mutual respect along the way. This process of introspection and dialogue allowed them to uncover common threads and shared visions that would guide their collective journey forward.

As they navigated through challenges together, EJ Fellows discovered the power of their collective voice and the impact they could achieve.

This phase consists of Retreats 1 to 3.

Phase 2 RE-IMAGINE

Current incremental solutions to climate change are at best not effective, and at their worst harmful to those most vulnerable. EJ Fellows will expand their capacity to explore the realm of possibilities for problems and approaches that are ripe for harvesting and realize culturally grounded, disruptive, fresh, transformative solutions.

During their visit to South Florida, EJ Fellows engaged in a dynamic fishbowl conversation centered on the urgent issue of housing justice connecting EJ Communities. They got to reaffirm their commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and advocating for policies and initiatives that advance housing justice for all. This collaborative exchange underscored the importance of solidarity and collective action in addressing systemic injustices and building more equitable and resilient communities.

This phase consists of Retreats 4 to 5.

Phase 3 MANIFEST

Our systems are reaching breaking points. Disruption is the new normal. Fellows will prototype, learn, and reiterate innovative, disruptive ideas to advance climate justice solutions for the multiple systems of our interdependent futures. 

In Long Beach, CA, community hosts shared invaluable wisdom about the elemental power of fire. They spoke eloquently about the transformative nature of it—the way it consumes the old and makes way for the new. They shared stories of how fire has been used throughout history as a tool for regeneration, clearing away the old growth to make room for new life to emerge. This ancient wisdom served as a profound metaphor for our own journey, urging us to let go of outdated assumptions and embrace a new paradigm of possibility.

This phase consists of Retreats 6 to 8.

Phase 4 Power AND Scale

Multiple, diverse strategies are needed to advance and scale climate justice in the short to long term. Fellows will grow support for their solutions from prototypes to scalable projects at the community, trans-local/regional, national, Tribal, and/or global levels. 

EJ Fellows experienced firsthand the power and scale of community-driven action in the face of environmental challenges. In Borinquen (Puerto Rico), we witnessed the resilience and determination of communities as they fought to rebuild in the aftermath of devastating hurricanes. From grassroots organizing to innovative sustainable development projects, Puerto Rican communities are leading the way in creating a more resilient and equitable future.

In the Mariana Islands, EJ Fellows were inspired by the spirit of island-to-island solidarity as communities came together for The Making Waves: For Peace and Climate Justice Summit to confront the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. Despite facing unique challenges, including rising sea levels and loss of traditional land, the people of the Mariana Islands are united in their commitment to protecting their cultural heritage and preserving their natural environment.

Through the experiences in Puerto Rico and the Mariana Islands, EJ Fellows gained a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of Environmental Justice struggles across islands and communities.

This phase consists of Retreats 9 to 10.

2021-23 Community

Explore the pivotal roles within the community that diligently curate the EJ Disrupt Design Experience.

Our host committee chairs, meticulously handpick talented artists, performers, ceremony leaders, farmers, curators, and creators from various sectors of the Environmental Justice Movement. Our dedicated tech coaches are committed to guiding groups as they scale their prototypes, and our esteemed Ceremony Keepers and Leaders, foster an environment of gratitude and learning. Together, they craft each phase of our program with integrity and care, ensuring an enriching experience that fosters deep connections within our community.

• SOUTH FLORIDA - Phase 2 Reimagine Retreat 4: The Unceded Lands of The Tequesta, Seminole, and Miccosukee people-

• LONG BEACH , CA- Phase 3 Manifest Retreat 6: The Unceded Territory of The Tongva Peoples

• PUERTO RICO - Phase 4 Power and Scale Retreat 9: The Unceded Territory of the Taino Peoples- Borinquen

• THE MARIANA ISLANDS - Phase 4 Power and Scale Retreat 10: The Unceded Territory of the CHamoru Peoples

Southeast Region

West Region

Caribbean Region

Pacific Region

For more information, please contact Marouh Hussein, Director of Impact and Learning. 

Email: husseinm@newschool.edu

Schedule a call

Supported By:

The Tishman Environment and Design Center is committed to working with movement artists. Our creatives are central to our stories.

Crystal Clarity

Jezreel Deseo

Yuki Kidokoro

Loisse Ledres

Cody Wallis