Erin Brockovich says you don’t need to be a doctor or a lawyer to stand up a make a difference. The famed environmental activist spoke at the “Give Like a Woman” gala in Spokane on May 19. Taking lessons from her own experiences, she inspires everyday citizens to make a difference in their communities.
Erin Brockovich became a household name for her tireless investigation into poisoned water in the small town of Hinkley, California. Her story even inspired the Academy Award winning movie “Erin Brockovich” starring Julia Roberts.
Today, Brockovich is still an advocate for clean water. In her book, “Superman Is Not Coming,” she says water quality is the number one issue facing humanity. During an exclusive interview with At Issue host Dana Haynes, Brockovich reminded us that water is life. She also offered advice for communities, like Spokane’s West Plains, grappling with unsafe drinking water.
“We need to stop making water political,” Brockovich said. “I think municipalities and even military bases and even at the state level and federally, you need to let the very people who are being impacted have a seat at that table. You might be shocked at a solution they could offer you that would make a difference.”
In 2017, toxic PFAS, also called forever chemicals, were discovered in the groundwater across much of Spokane’s West Plains. The primary suspected source is from firefighting foam designed to put out fuel fires and used for decades at Fairchild Air Force Base and Spokane International Airport. Watch the At Issue episode Forever Chemicals on the West Plains to learn more about the problem and hear from people who are affected.
While PFAS are a major issue for private well users on the West Plains, many people on municipal water may not be familiar with the problem. But Brockovich says we all need to pay attention.
“Make it your business to understand PFAS,” she said. “It’s polluting your land. It’s in the food chain. It is coming to a neighborhood very near you.”
When she’s not fighting for clean water, Brockovich uses her platform to spread positive messages of personal empowerment. She even has a great word that keeps her going.
“Stick-to-itiveness: it's a noun,” Brockovich explained. “A propensity to follow through in a determined manner, dogged persistence born of obligation and stubbornness.”
During her visit to Spokane, Brockovich also reminded an audience of mostly women not to be limited by societal expectations.
“Stop waiting for someone else to identify that for you and do it for yourself,” she said. “You know who you are. Trust her. Get behind her. Believe in her. Even when everyone else wants to tell you that’s not who you are.
Brockovich’s inspirational speech helped raise $160,000 for the Women Helping Women Fund, which in turn provides funding for nonprofit organizations that support women and children in Spokane County. After the event, we invited some of the grantees to talk about Brockovich’s message and the work they do in our community.
“I think sometimes people don't know where to jump in or what to do or even where to start,” said Geneva Johns, executive director of the Women Helping Women Fund. “Everyone can be a philanthropist. You don't have to have a ton of money or a ton of influence. So, I liked that [Erin] talked about that idea of reinventing yourself or finding where you belong.”
Learn more from Johns, as well as leaders from Partners with Family and Children, River City Youth, and Spokane HOPE as they shared real stories of resilience, impact, and the work shaping our community on the At Issue Podcast with host Dana Haynes.