Climate justice fellowship at
climate resolve
Internship information:
I interned with Climate Resolve as a Climate Justice Fellow from May 2022 until December 2022, completing 650 internship hours by the end of my term! I worked primarily with the climate resilience team and the communications teams, though I took on other projects as well. My work was focused on community resilience organizing in Los Angeles in areas such as Boyle Heights and Pacoima.
As part of my internship goals, I designed a participatory science activity that was piloted with the help of a local community organization, Promesa Boyle Heights. I first presented the goals behind participatory science to the leadership group and provided an overview of the tools we'd be using and the concept I had in mind. After their feedback and agreement, we began planning. The activity consisted of a 1/2 mile walk where the group learned to use air quality monitors, temperature guns, thermal cameras, and sound level meter apps. We had a discussion about some measurements and the experience after the activity (pictured below). I conducted a post-survey of the group to get their impressions of the activity and gain insight into improvements. Through the post-survey, we saw that there was a shift from people feeling that they knew a little to knowing a lot after.
As part of a class project, I created a poster presentation to communicate the results of the participatory science pilot activity data. My poster was accepted as a finalist for the Student Impact Showcase during the Fielding School of Public Health's Research, Innovation, and Impact Day. You can view the poster presentation by clicking on the image of the poster below.
After the pilot, a second activity was conducted in partnership with Pacoima Beautiful on October 15, 2022, with local youth and community members in Pacoima. We had a total of 16 participants thanks to our collaboration with Pacoima Beautiful. Groups were split with one group walking a mile near the Whiteman Airport and another group walking a mile in a residential area. After refining the activity further, I created templates for guidance on conducting the activity in other places, a training presentation, and a jeopardy game in both English and Spanish. Climate Resolve plans to continue collaborating with community-based organizations to do more participatory science activities as a way to support climate resilience. I wrote a report detailing the significance, step-by-step breakdown of the activity, methods used, results, recommendations for data analysis, and takeaways. The report has restricted viewership but those interested can reach out to Climate Resolve for partnerships and assistance.
Another focus of my internship was providing technical assistance to local non-profits. I provided economic and public health research to support Pacoima Beautiful's Shut Down Whiteman Aiport Campaign. I used the research I gathered to create infographics that could be shared out through social media or presentations.
On the communications side, I wrote the August newsletter (also linked by clicking the image below) about why the Whiteman Airport in Pacoima should be shut down using research and insights from Pacoima Beautiful. To go with the newsletter, I created an action alert that was sent to the LA County board of supervisors by signees. I designed flyers, postcards, informational index cards, brochures, and social media work for Climate Resolve and Pacoima Beautiful. Fun fact: I jumpstarted Climate Resolve's TikTok with a Stranger Things-themed climate video! I also helped draw Climate Resolve's very own "Climate Loteria" game cards to be used at future outreach events.
Lastly, I helped do community outreach around climate resilience in Boyle Heights and during Commerce's first Clean Air Day. We successfully collected 100 Clean Air Pledges in Commerce through this outreach effort. Another outreach effort I participated in was giving a public comment on behalf of Climate Resolve. I traveled to Sacramento and gave a comment in support of SB 679 (LACAHSA) which was passed! SB 679 will streamline funding for affordable housing across LA County, help raise funds, and enact protections.
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