Louisiana Bucket Brigade

Our vision is to create a Louisiana that is a healthy, prosperous, pollution free, and just state where people and the environment are valued over profit. The Louisiana Bucket Brigade believes our state is worth saving. We also know Louisiana is a driver for climate change globally. For 25 years, we've helped residents and community leaders amplify their voices and protect their health, their homes, and their way of life.

The Louisiana Bucket Brigade was founded by women leading the fight along the Mississippi River's Cancer Alley, including Margie Richard, Dorothy Jenkins, Shonda Lee, and director Anne Rolfes. Since our inception 25 years ago, we've had a laser focus on supporting fenceline communities - those neighborhoods adjacent to the petrochemical industry in Louisiana. In the current political landscape, these communities are more vulnerable than ever. This moment requires new strategies and new energy, including engaging the young people of Louisiana.

This summer we will expand the NextGen Academy, our summer youth program, in collaboration with Rural Roots Louisiana.  We will be laying the foundation for these up-and-coming environmental activists through training in the following areas: pollution awareness and environmental justice 101, community air monitoring and data collection, media creation and public communications, and voting power and business planning. These will be invaluable skills for our young people to take with them as they chart their own paths towards being the changemakers of our future.

Testimonials

"These field trips showed us how much history was in our backyard, and how important it is to speak up for communities that are being impacted by injustice. These people weren't just statistics, they were actual people with families and stories." -Lael, 2025 Camp Participant

"These moments have helped me to become a better leader." -A'kea, 2025 Camp Participant

"There's not a sense of urgency, but if we have a different mindset, that's how the change starts." -Hayden, 2025 Camp Participant