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
AAG Conference
Wednesday, April 1, 2009EARTH FEST 2009@ AUDUBON ZOO!!!!!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009Hi all. This past weekend, Andrea and I had the pleasure to participate in Earth Fest 2009. The event was awesome, the weather was great, and the kids were energetic. Since this event was geared toward children, Consciously Rebuilding decided to tweak our normal learning method (video presentation) to be more interactive, creative, and artistic. The children were to collect 10 stamps from various vendors and in return receive a prize. To get a stamp from our table, the kids were to help us decorate our "tree" with leaves (very appropriate for spring). On the leaves, we asked them to draw something that they believe is both good for the earth and good for them (teaching them that the 2 are 1 in the same). To help them out, on the back of our postcards were picture clues (i.e. recycling, planting a garden, picking up trash, etc.). This event will resonate with me as some things stood out: 1- Crayons + Markers + Tape + a cardboard tree = fun for kids, 2- Many kids immediately recognized the "no smoking" sign and said they didn't like the smoke, creating some discomfort between the smoking parent and our activity, 3- The kids new a lot about recycling and the importance or cleaning up. I accredit this to parents, schooling, and the media's interest in green.
The event was successful, reaching over 230 kids and 25 adults who made their initial step toward healthier living for our bike raffle (which will be drawn this Sunday March 29, 2009).
Here are some pics, and at the end of the Earth Fest gallery are our results. Enjoy.
Yasmin
Day 1 Final Tree
EARTH FEST 2009!!!!!!
My faves!!! The kids were so adorable and all of the leaves are priceless...Here are some that stood out.
The tree in the water was drawn by little boy who said it was a Cyprus Tree. Gotta love it.
