A Message from the Executive Director

Reflecting on my personal journey to join and ultimately lead Beyond Toxics, two experiences with toxic chemical exposure in New Orleans propel led me to dedicate 25 years to advancing envi ran mental justice. I witnessed corporate indifference and institutional injustice towards the most vulnerable people, often children and young women.

Beyond Toxics emerged in January 2001, a time when the words "environmental justice" was met with skepticism. We worked tirelessly to highlight how pollution disproportionately impacts marginalized communities th rough out Oregon.

Looking back over the decades, you've been our partner to win lasting environmental health protections framed upon environmental justice principles.

Our signature approach is to rely on the experiences of Oregon's most impacted and underrepresented communities to shape statewide policy. With this strategic approach-combining community voices with our expertise-we've successfully shut down super­polluters and increased regulatory protections for downwind communities!

Our pesticide reduction advocacy led to critical protections for farmworkers and schoolchildren from toxic chemicals.

Beyond Toxics will never back down from defending communities and the environment

We pledge to fully respond to the startling results of our national elections and inevitable attacks on America's foundation of regulatory protections that safeguard our health and our planet's ecosystems.

We must do everything in our power to advance local nonprofit leadership for environmental and social justice protections. Please join us to celebrate Beyond Toxics' 25th Anniversary of victories! Your donation ensures we can continue to step up and get it done!

I am filled with gratitude for you and your many years of support for Beyond Toxics. We now stand at the forefront of effective action on Oregon's most pressing environmental and human health problems.

~ Lisa Arkin, December 2024