AAG Conference

So last Friday (3/27/09) I had the pleasure of being on a panel for the AAG Conference in Las Vegas. I presented information about New Orleans, Consciously Rebuilding, Challenges, and Empowerement. The abstract is below, along with pics and a video on the side of the blog. Enjoy,

Yasmin


Abstract Title:
Nothing About Us Without Us Is For Us--An Evaluation of Environment, Land, And Community In New Orleans, Louisiana From The Perspective of Consciously Rebuilding, Inc.

is part of the Paper Session:
In the Eye of the Beholder: Seeing Community Capacity for Addressing Environmental Change

scheduled on Friday, 3/27/09 at 10:10 AM.

Author(s):
Yasmin Bowers, MSPH* - Consciously Rebuilding, Inc.

Abstract:
Consciously Rebuilding is a community-based organization located in New Orleans, Louisiana that provides education to marginalized populations on their role in the "Green" Movement by directly relating it to priorities such as health and financial capacity. Consciously Rebuilding accomplishes this through the promotion of experiential living as outlined by "Healthy Living Expos" and "That's Green" longevity plans. Expos service the community through environmental education by informing community members on sustainable practices, products, and lifestyles that improve the health of a home.

Throughout New Orleans, socioeconomic conditions such as environmental health, sanitation, housing, employment, and crime impact the overall quality of life. We encourage our communities to be good stewards and begin their journey of change by clearly explaining how a reconnection with the environment will increase their quality of life. This connection with the environment is a form of localization and liberalization, as communities are encouraged to see the nature that exists within their surroundings of an urban system. Consciously Rebuilding advocates for the necessary resources and tools needed to plant into the community, and the excavation of existing skills that genuinely empower a community to take control of their surroundings, take responsibility to improve their condition, and hold the government accountable for their rights. This will be the balance needed to sustain a thriving, environmentally and socially-responsible New Orleans.

Keywords:

New Orleans, Non-Profit Organizations, Environmental Justice, Community Empowerment, Education