MEI engages in direct advocacy to secure justice and accountability from the U.S. government and within international forums. 

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U.S. Compensation and COFA Negotiations: MEI leadership actively advocates for the U.S. to fulfill its nuclear obligations, particularly during previous negotiations over the Compact of Free Association (COFA), which governs the U.S.-RMI relationship. The U.S. compensation has been historically inadequate. 

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International Treaty Engagement: MEI promotes the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) as a pathway to global nuclear justice, while also supporting efforts to hold the U.S. accountable. 

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Domestic Policy: MEI advocated for the restoration of federal benefits (like Medicaid and SNAP) for Marshallese and other COFA citizens living in the U.S., who often face barriers despite paying taxes. 

MEI works to fill the educational gap about this history in both Marshallese diaspora communities and the global public. 

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Community and School Education: MEI staff teach about Marshallese history, culture, and the nuclear legacy in U.S. public schools and community settings, as part of our intercultural training and classes. 

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"Nuclear Legacy Week": An annual MEI gathering featuring scholars, frontline community members, and activists to educate on the ongoing impacts of nuclear colonialism. 

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Collaborative Research: Partners with academic institutions and independent researchers for studies on radiological and environmental issues. Also partners with advocacy groups, such as the Nuclear Truth Project and ICAN, which publish reports and findings.

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MEI organizes and participates in significant events to amplify our message: 

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• Nuclear Legacy Week (2025): MEI hosted a series of events to educate the public about the nuclear legacy and to honor and advocate alongside nuclear affected frontline community members.

• Nuclear Legacy Week (2024): A week-long event that brought together frontline, nuclear affected community members from around the globe to Arkansas to share stories and experiences and educate about the impact and ongoing consequences of nuclear bomb use, testing, and uranium mining and milling.

• 75th Anniversary Conference (2021): A three-day event with hybrid panels and youth events marking the anniversary of the first nuclear test on Bikini Atoll

• Awards: MEI received the 2023 Nuclear-Free Future Award and the Nuclear Weapons Abolition Award from Physicians for Social Responsibility in 2024. 

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See our events page for upcoming events. 

MEI builds bridges between the Marshallese community and other groups affected by nuclear issues. 

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Nuclear Frontline Community Networking: Nuclear Legacy Week and other nuclear events create safe spaces for frontline community members, including nuclear testing victims and those affected by uranium mining from around the globe, to share stories and build networks. 

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Strategic Partnerships: MEI collaborates with international organizations, including those from frontline communities, to co-host events and amplify messages. 

MEI empowers Marshallese and other youth to process trauma and become advocates through creative expression. 

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Youth Art Projects: Facilitate art workshops where youth create paintings that express the trauma of the nuclear legacy and its connection to climate change. 

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Public Exhibition: Showcase youth art in high-profile venues, such as the "Amnesia Atomica" exhibit in New York City's Time Square and the United Nations, using art as a tool for public activism. 

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Multimedia Storytelling: Support projects like the community poem and animated video "A Journey Home," where youth explore themes of displacement, home, and intergenerational responsibility. 

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Dedicated Youth Events: Host special youth-focused days and activities, such as during Nuclear Legacy Week.