1. Using PLT to Address Concerns in Underserved Communities Andree’ Walker Bravo, Utah Society for Environmental Education James McGirt, National Project Learning Tree

2. Session Goals Explore why engaging underserved communities is important Discuss 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. PLT MSW & Environmental Justice Helping to establish long term solutions for decreasing litter and increasing recycling in an underserved community in Utah.

6. Background Stated need by EE community to reach undeserved audiences West Side EE Fair Community Assessment - EPA EJ Keep Rose Park Beautiful - EPA EJ

7. 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.

8. Community Concerns Water Quality Air Quality Pests Garbage

9. Keep Rose Park Beautiful Trash Violation Assessment Community Outreach/Data Gathering Redesign of Educational Materials Classroom Education Trash Violation Re-assessment

10. 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.

11. 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!

12. 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

13. 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!

14. PLT GreenSchols Waste Investigation The GS Process (Energy, Waste, School Site, Water, Environmental Quality) School Survey Home Connection Community Partnerships Student & Community Empowerment

15. Schlagle HS (Kansas City, KS) Demographics o 83% of Students – Free or reduced lunch o 68% - African American o 14% - Hispanic o 11% - White o 6% - Asian

16. Schlagle’s GreenSchool! Success Participation in “Breaking the Silence” Ecological Community Conference Production of Green Team Recycling Video Upcoming Participation in GreenSchools! Webinar Series