|
WORC is a regional network of seven grassroots community organizations that include 10,000 members and 44 local chapters. WORC helps its member groups succeed by providing training and coordinating issue work.
WORC’s mission is to advance the vision of
a democratic, sustainable, and just society through community action.
WORC is committed to building sustainable environmental and economic
communities that balance economic growth with the health of people
and stewardship of their land, water, and air resources.
A 14-member Board
of Directors governs WORC. Each member group elects two representatives
to the WORC board of directors. The long-range plans and annual
operating plans of the member organizations determine the overall
direction of WORC. The board sets WORC's policies, directs its operations,
develops its agenda and programs, and hires staff to implement its
decisions. Board members are also leaders in their member organizations.
The board meets twice a year.
Beginning in the 1970's, we focused on coalmine
reclamation and natural resource tax policy. We won model reclamation
and coal leasing laws and progressive tax structures.
In the early 1980’s, we challenged national
energy policies and helped table the synthetic fuels corporation.
In the mid-1980’s, we confronted the farm lending practices
of the banks and federal government. We won credit reforms at the
state and national levels.
In the 1990’s, WORC tackled concentration
of economic power in a few agribusiness corporations, especially
in meatpacking and grain trading. We also addressed hard rock mining
reform, sprawl, electric industry deregulation, and factory farms.
In the new century, we launched programs for safe
food, responsible coalbed methane development, and a sound energy
policy. Based in Billings, Montana, WORC has field offices in Montrose,
Colorado, Lemmon, South Dakota, and Washington, DC. You can contact
the staff during regular business hours (8:30 am – 5:30 pm).
|
