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