DLS is grounded in the belief that local groups possess invaluable expertise and are essential drivers of change. Our role is to amplify their impact by helping scale up their efforts, building effective strategies, and supporting them to win. We embrace the idea that “Rising Tides Raise All Boats”—a win in Augusta is a win for everyone. We believe that the South holds the key to shaping the nation’s future, as the South’s progress often mirrors the nation’s trajectory.
OUR WORK
Learn about our work!
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Demo Lab South facilitated the creation of and now coordinates the Asian Americans For Texas (AAFT) table. AAFT’s mission is to build a movement of Asian Americans who are pushing forward a fully participatory ecosystem in Texas. The table empowers communities to engage at all levels of government through collective policy advocacy, capacity building, youth organizing, civic engagement, and multilingual programs.
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In 2022, Demo Lab staff led a statewide environmental study and policy report. Surveying over 1,000 participants across the state, in over twelve counties, including but not limited to: Fulton, Gwinnett, Dekalb, Cobb, Walton, Bibb, Richmond, Chatham, Doughtery, Tift, and Coffee.
This survey created a baseline understanding of the ways Georgia’s communities are experiencing climate issues and was translated into several languages including Korean, Chinese, Gujarati, Bengali and Spanish as the Demo Lab South team worked to connect with various communities. It is our hope that this research study serves as a catalyst for continuing to engage and invest in the experiences of Georgians in regards to environmental and climate change issues. We hope this work leads to supporting more expansive research and educational programs, developing the next generation of climate justice leaders, and the passage of climate justice protections at the local and state levels.
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Demo Lab South collaborates with community organizations across the state, to support Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) campaigns. These campaigns aim to promote equitable development by ensuring that local communities benefit from the emerging environmental vehicle industry in these rural areas. Through this initiative, Demo Lab South partners with residents, organizations, and stakeholders to create agreements that prioritize fair wages, access to jobs, affordable housing, and other essential community services. This project empowers Georgia residents to have a voice in shaping the growth and development of their neighborhoods, ensuring that economic progress directly benefits the individuals living and working in these communities.
