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Using PLT to Address Concerns in Underserved Communities
Andree’ Walker Bravo, Utah Society for Environmental Education
James McGirt, National Project Learning Tree
Session GoalsExplore why engaging underserved
communities is importantDiscuss the methodology of engaging
underserved communities Share PLT case studies of effective
engagement models using PLT’s Municipal Solid Waste Module and GreenSchools! Investigations
Discuss how other PLT state programs can utilize strategies to enhance the engagement of the underserved and community well-being
Race & Beyond: The Changing Demographics of America
By 2050 – Possibly sooner – the nation’s combined populations of racial & ethnic Americans (African-Americans, Latinos, Asian-Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans) will outnumber white Americans.
Center for American Progress
Privilege Walk
• An activity to make us mindful of our privileges and assumptions.
• Developed by a Professor, Peggy McIntosh.
• Instructions - As I read you statements, please step forward if the statement is true for you, backward if it is false.
PLT MSW & Environmental
Justice
Helping to establish long term solutions for decreasing litter and
increasing recycling in an
underserved community in Utah.
Background
• Stated need by EE community to reach undeserved audiences
• West Side EE Fair• Community Assessment - EPA EJ• Keep Rose Park Beautiful - EPA EJ
Community Needs Assessment
• Diversity - 60% of kids in Rose Park schools are Hispanic. There are also many Bosnian, Sudanese, Afghani, Bantu, Russian, Samoan and Tongan community members.
• Of adults, only 26% have any higher ed.• Median household income is $36,506.• Negative reputation.• 1 superfund site.• 17 emission sites according to EPA
enviromapper.
Community Concerns
• Water Quality• Air Quality• Pests• Garbage
Keep Rose Park Beautiful
• Trash Violation Assessment• Community Outreach/Data Gathering• Redesign of Educational Materials• Classroom Education• Trash Violation Re-assessment
Municipal Solid Waste Workshops
• 6 school workshops, 3 community workshops.
• 5 teachers implement lessons and 100 students complete both pre and post test as well as take home audit.
Project Sustainability
• Work with Rose Park Schools to offer further PD trainings.
• Work with community council to keep issue at forefront.
• Promote involvement in GreenSchools!
Methodology of Underserved Engagement
•Due Diligence – Know the population that You Endeavor to Engage (Ex. Wash., DC – Little Ethiopia)•Identify Barriers & Sources of Mistrust•Avoid the “Ivory Tower” Approach•Embrace and Leverage Community Strengths to Achieve Your Goal
PLT GreenSchools! Basics
• Youth voice and leadership• Promote healthy and sustainable schools• Reduce school environmental footprint • Improve learning, test scores, and teacher
retention• Increase student and community
engagement• Nearly 2,000 registered PLT
GreenSchools!
PLT GreenSchols Waste Investigation
• The GS Process (Energy, Waste, School Site, Water, Environmental Quality)
• School Survey• Home Connection • Community Partnerships• Student & Community Empowerment
Schlagle HS (Kansas City, KS)
• Demographicso 83% of Students – Free or reduced luncho 68% - African Americano 14% - Hispanico 11% - Whiteo 6% - Asian
Schlagle’s GreenSchool! Success
• Participation in “Breaking the Silence” Ecological Community Conference
• Production of Green Team Recycling Video
• Upcoming Participation in GreenSchools! Webinar Series