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Action Pods

Our emergent Action Pods are temporary, self-organizing groups formed organically around specific, time-limited goals. As the primary engine of network output, they allow the Network to respond to community needs in real time.

These pods emerge through a collaborative process that invites members to pitch new, innovative ideas for collective action. Once a pitched idea gains interest and momentum from the membership, it is formally adopted as a new Action Pod.

Active Action Pods

Disaster Preparedness Toolkit
A multi-sector effort to design and distribute a “Resident Rapid Response Health Toolkit” that provides the clear, science-based steps necessary to mitigate exposure and document health impacts during and after an emergency.
Year in Review Activation
A collective effort to ensure that 2025 Year-in-Review document is translated into accessible formats, such as legislative briefs and community handouts.
Safeguarding the EJ Policy
A comprehensive analysis of industry-specific feedback on the revised EJ policy to inform the development of a community participation 101 document.
CENSWPA Podcast
A focused, five-session seasonal podcast series designed to leverage the expertise of regional network leaders to provide insightful and topical information to our audience.
Navigating Relational Complexity
The creation of multiple events focused on helping members navigate challenging partnerships and sustaining their professional wellbeing.
Data Centers: Applying A Cancer Lens
A network-wide response to the rapid surge of data center development in SWPA, by creating educational materials to increase awareness about the cancer risks associated with data center emissions.
AirToxScreen Update
An opportunity to revise foundational documents by updating our scientific brief with recently released EPA AirToxScreen data.
IRIS Program Awareness
The development of a strategic editorial advocating for the necessity of high-quality hazard evaluations by highlighting the regional consequences of dismantling the EPA's IRIS Program.
Water and Public Health
The creation of educational resources highlighting issues related to water pollution, cancer risk, heavy, metals, and fracking water byproducts found in landfills.

Legacy Action Pods

CENSWPA Year in Review
The Year in Review (YIR), which summarizes findings from scientific studies published in 2025, was successfully written and released. This project engaged multiple authors and content reviewers representing six network organizations, individual members, and internal staff.
Environmental Justice Policy Campaign
Our Government Hub mobilized 25 organizations to advocate for increased transparency from Governor Shapiro's administration regarding the Environmental Justice (EJ) policy, leading to a strategic meeting with the DEP. Following the January 2026 release of the revised EJ Policy, we hosted a network-wide training session with the DEP to facilitate regional implementation.

”The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment.

ARTICLE 1, SECTION 27Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

About CEN

The Cancer and Environment Network of Southwestern Pennsylvania is dedicated to dismantling systems that expose communities to toxic pollution. Grounded in science and equity, this movement engages unique partners through a three-tiered model of co-learning, mutual support, and co-created projects. This science-based collaboration bridges gaps in environmental health to drive systemic change and foster safer, healthier environments for all.

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© 2026. Cancer & Environment Network of SWPA