Mission

Mothers & Others for Clean Air is a partnership of leading public health, environmental and child advocacy organizations dedicated to improving air quality for all Georgians by educating the public about the negative health impacts of air pollution and engaging people in both individual change and public policy advocacy. In May 2010, Georgia PTA joined the partnership, bringing the number of partner organizations steering the program to seven. One year later, the Southeast Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) housed at Emory University also decided to become a formal partner. Welcome PEHSU!

History & Founders Mothers & Others for Clean Air was founded in 2004 by Laura Turner Seydel and Stephanie Blank who, because of their dedication to environmental stewardship, public health and children, joined forces to promote awareness of Georgia’s air quality problems and advocate solutions.  They identified a need to educate the public about the harmful health effects of poor air quality and, given their roles as caregivers, community leaders and family stewards, the duo was determined to lead Georgia citizens in taking action.

Partners
The eight partner organizations of Mothers & Others for Clean Air are the American Lung Association in Georgia, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health, Georgia Conservancy, Georgia PTA, Morehouse School of Medicine, Physicians for Social Responsibility and Southeast PEHSU.  These organizations guide program development and collaborate on specific programs focusing on air quality and its impacts on public health. 

From the founding of the program in 2004 through March 15, 2012, Georgia Conservancy served as the fiscal sponsor for Mothers & Others for Clean Air. On March 15 the program moved to a new home at the American Lung Association in Georgia (ALAG) and now is a project of ALAG. The eight partner organizations continue to shape the work of the program through the advisory committee.

Partnership Council

The Mothers & Others for Clean Air Partnership Council is an advisory group consisting of twenty-one organizations and agencies that provides professional and technical assistance to the Partners and program staff.  Areas of expertise on the Council include education, environmental health, asthma, air quality monitoring, children’s health, environmental policy, faith-based environmental education and advocacy and community organizing.  For a list of the Partnership Council members click here.

Coalition

The Mothers & Others for Clean Air Coalition is a group of organizations that have signed the Mothers & Others for Clean Air pledge to support efforts to improve air quality in Metro Atlanta and encourage their members to do the same. 

Network

The Mothers & Others for Clean Air Network is made up of over 1500 individuals who are concerned about the impacts of air quality on health in metro Atlanta and want to take action to improve air quality and reduce their own exposure and that of children and others in their care to air pollution. Network members receive a monthly electronic newsletter and special action alerts. Join the network by emailing the director.