My name is Barbara Jackson. I am the Grassroots Organizer for GASP. Prior to working with the Superfund Communities of North Birmingham, I served as the Director of International and Scholar Services at the University of Southern Mississippi as well as Community Liaison for the City of Birmingham. My employment over the years gave me the opportunity to broaden my understanding of the needs of communities and their desires to be treated with compassion and consideration.
Barbara Jackson learning about the history of steel making in Birmingham at Sloss Furnace
I have traveled the globe, explored different cultures, and learned the importance and value of self-dignity. It has provided an opportunity for me to develop personal growth goals such as building relationships with constituents in communities as well as improving decision-making skills to be better equipped to receive and give feedback. In addition, to those virtues learning how to manage stress and improve productivity at working with others. Acquiring those personal objectives has helped to provide me with a better understanding of my own strengths and weaknesses. Aside from those developmental tools it also enhanced my ability to manage stress, resolve conflict, and improve time management skills.
GASP staff: Perry Dowell, Mychala Dawson, Barbara Jackson, & Jilisa Milton
Since becoming a Grassroots Organizer, my learning trajectory has totally changed. This has been an eye-opening experience for me to realize that my people skills are very much needed to assist the communities in a positive way. It is important to demonstrate the spirit of trustworthiness and integrity in order to increase community involvement. Notably, there are several communities involved and their needs to survive and thrive in the underrepresented environment is critical. Therefore, it was important to learn how to connect with other community-based organizations, that provide advocacy and support.
As a result, working to get involved with local advocacy efforts that address general issues that work towards social change was also an important initiative to consider. Moreover, educating the community through providing tools to enhance their skills and knowledge, constituents are given an opportunity to learn how to survive despite being placed in a disproportionate position. Intriguingly, this has resulted in me working to create the curriculum to teach constituents how to respond to the Title V public commenting period. Constituents had an opportunity to participate during our Listening Sessions over summer 2024 and this initiative will continue as communities continue to be impacted by issues with pollution because of industries who have Title V permits.
As the Grassroots Organizer it is important to give them tools, strategies and resources they can use that will help to build a supportive network that will foster resilience and growth despite the obstacles they are facing.
