The NAACP's purpose is to “achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color”. Communities of color are historically and presently overburdened by environmental harms, and lack equitable access to resources to mitigate these harms. The recent passing of ACT 154-Vermont's first law to advance environmental justice, opened new opportunities to improve the health and wellbeings of communities in Vermont. The Rutland Branch NAACP Environment Committee seeks to assist with the development of Vermont's first Environmental Justice Network, which is a network centered on the positions of marginalized communities. In this work, the Rutland Branch will provide volunteers, funding and outreach to assist with activities in the event, attendance, as well as alleviating barriers to participation by providing childcare, an accessible location, an accesible time, and transportation as needed. We also seek to remove barriers to community participation in the NAACP Rutland Branch by covering membership fees, and increasing access to organization resources.