User:Lboconnell/sandbox

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Training Notes

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Jack Russel Puppy

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Ω The final tab allows you to add special characters, such as those found in non-English words, scientific notation, and a handful of language extensions. ĻàÜŘéŇ

To improve Wikipedia users have to be bold.

Potential Articles

Riverkeeper Organization: Pre-existing page, but could use a lot of organizational reworking and additional sources. The page reads more like a story and lacks a concise relevant information. Most of the sources are taken directly from the organization's website or from a book written by the first Riverkeeper. Primary and secondary sources on this organization are lacking.

Waterkeeper Alliance: Short pre-existing article, containing an introduction section (and short 'Leadership' section) but no other major sections or headings. There aren't many sources on this organization that exist outside of their website or law journals.

Indigenous Environmental Network: Not an official stub, but a very short article which takes most of its information straight from the organization's website.

West Harlem Environmental Action: An environmental organization stub. This organization has a moderate amount of primary and secondary sources available, so it may be a good page to work on.

Finalized Topic: West Harlem Environmental Action

We choose to work on the West Harlem Environmental Action article, because......

Annotated Bibliography: West Harlem Environmental Action

• (2003, October 30). WE ACT celebrates 15th anniversary, kicks off capital building campaign. New York Amsterdam News. p. 8.

This was a newspaper publication that was about one page or so, rather short that could be useful in an “achievement section” of the wiki page. The article talks about the West Harlem Environmental Action Inc. (WE ACT), an environmental justice group advocating for the health and well-being of northern Manhattan, New York residents. It identifies the celebration of its 15 year in existence on October 21, by honoring nine heroes and who have made significant contributions to the struggle for environmental justice in northern Manhattan's Black and Latino enclaves.

• Brown, P., Mayer, B., Zavestoski, S., Luebke, T., Mandelbaum, J., & McCormick, S. (2003). The health politics of asthma: environmental justice and collective illness experience in the United States. Social Science & Medicine, 57(3), 453-464.

Asthma is a common illness that can be found amongst all corners of the United States. In the article the authors compare and contrast the efforts made by WE ACT to address the impacts of asthma as part of their overall community organizing efforts. The first topic is the discovery, current research, community action, and resultant changes in the understanding of the disease, specifically within poor and minority communities. Next the authors describe how WE ACT examines asthma activism in the community. Finally, the issues raised in terms of asthma and the environment lead to a collective form of illness experience, in which people with asthma make direct links to the social determinants of their health are addressed. It’s a strong article to identify minority communities and health related issues.

• Chepesiuk, R. (2007). Environmental Literacy: Knowledge for a Healthier Public. Environmental Health Perspectives, 115(10), A494-A499.

This article reports on the environmental literacy movement in the U.S., partnerships of federal, state, and private groups that work to raise awareness of how the environment affects human health. Examples in the New York City area discussed include West Harlem Environmental Action Inc. (WE ACT) and its work with the National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), the Environmental Literacy Council and its partnership with the National Science Teachers Association, the efforts of Grassroots Environmental Education, and national organizations. The best part about this article is that it can be used to understand the political standpoint taken by WE ACT. For the wikipedia page we could include the examples and cite from other organizations’ pages in order to support the environmental push.

• Julie, S., Swati, P., & Alice, M. (2005). Empowering Youth and Creating Healthy Environments in Northern Manhattan: WE ACT's Youth Programs. Children Youth and Environments, (1). 265.

In this article racial minority children, youth and families in the United States suffer disproportionately from urban environmental health problems. This field report focuses on how the West Harlem Environmental Action (WE ACT), has focused on youth organizing around environmental health issues to improve the lives of the individual participants in their youth programs, while supporting larger organizational and community goals for an improved urban environment. WE ACT's youth programs have come in two forms: the Earth Crew Youth Leadership Program and DIFFERENT (Diverse Individuals Fighting for Environmental and Reproductive Rights Now 'Til Tomorrow) which focuses on relationships between reproductive, environmental, and community health. This report outlines the social, political, and geographic contexts for WE ACT's youth programs. It also highlights their underlying experiential learning philosophy, as well as their connections to WE ACT's community-based environmental health research and political agenda for improving the environment in Northern Manhattan. This would be a good source to use because it identifies key examples of the WE ACT and their benefit to society. It can also provide first person perspectives.

• Minkler, M., Vásquez, V. B., & Shepard, P. (2006). Promoting Environmental Health Policy Through Community Based Participatory Research: A Case Study from Harlem, New York. Journal of Urban Health, 83(1), 101-110.

This article explains the significance of community based participatory research as they provide an opportunity for analyzing and improving community health as well as the health of the environment. Specifically, this journal documents the partnership between West Harlem Environmental Action (WE ACT) and Columbia University’s Center for Children’s Environmental Health. It is explained in this article that community based participatory research is responsible for many of the positive changes that have taken place in modern society, but little work is done to give these groups credit or acknowledgement.  This article gives the partnership between WE ACT and the Columbia University Center for Children’s Health credit for New York City’s bus fleet converting to clean diesel fuel. The article spotlights the strength of the partnership’s policy work as well as research in regards to this issue. This is a very useful article because it reveals many of the significant policy strategies used by WE ACT such as lawsuits, complaints, and other legal actions.

• Minkler, M., Vásquez, V. B., Tajik, M., & Petersen, D. (2006). Promoting Environmental Justice Through Community-Based Participatory Research: The Role of Community and Partnership Capacity. Health Education & Behavior, 35(1), 119-137.

This journal article assesses the community based participatory research (CBPR) approach and its role in environmental justice issues, by analyzing four case studies of CBPR partnerships in the United States, that focused on environmental health problems. Through observation of community awareness, participation, research, and advocacy of environmental health problems, CBPR, determines a partnership's ability to effect change within the community. The researchers utilized a theoretical framework, focusing on the role of community and partnership capacity in determining the effectiveness of CBRP in advocating environmental justice policy. Of primary concern to us, is the case study on the partnership between West Harlem Environmental Action (WE ACT) and Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health (CCCEH), formed in 1996. The “Earth Crew”, was the name given to the group of 17 high school students, participating in the partnership. The Crew took measurements on air quality and pedestrian traffic, at sites around Harlem with high levels of traffic. Their data analysis uncovered dangerously high levels of particulate matter (PM) in the air, corresponding to local diesel pollution. In response to their findings WE ACT and the Earth Crew, identified areas of political legislation, that could be changed in order to improve air quality. As a result, the partnership assisted in the conversion of city buses to clean diesel, a victory for the organization and local community. This case represents the importance and effectiveness of community based programs in effecting environmental change. Therefore, this program would contribute to the wikipedia page, by exemplifying the group’s foundational belief of the importance of community-based action.

• Northridge, M. E., Yankura, J., Kinney, P. L., Santella, R. M., Shepard, P., Riojas, Y., Strickland, P. (1999). Diesel exhaust exposure among adolescents in Harlem: a community-driven study. American Journal of Public Health, 89(7), 998-1002.

This article explores data on the individual level of the effect of diesel exhaust on lung function among adolescents in Harlem. In-person surveys were administered to seventh grade students to reveal information on demographics, asthma history, and self reported maternal smoking. The surveys showed that almost 3 out of 4 students had detectable levels of 1-hydroxypyrene, which is a marker of diesel exhaust exposure and tobacco smoke exposure. The outcome of the survey revealed that most adolescents in Harlem were exposed to detectable levels of diesel exhaust. This is significant because the survey shows that seventh graders in Harlem were subject to pollution levels strong enough to exacerbate and possible cause chronic lung disorders such as asthma. These surveys provide vital information to community leaders acting to improve local environmental/human health conditions.

• Rocheleau, D. E., Thomas-Slayter, B. P., & Wangari, E. (1996). Feminist Political Ecology: Global Issues and Local Experiences: Routledge.

This essay from the book Feminist Political Ecology: Global issues and local experiences, provides the background behind the formation of West Harlem Environmental Action (WEH ACT) in the context of women’s role within the environmental justice movement. Miller et al.  detail the origin of WEH ACT, which can be attributed to two women in West Harlem who took a stand against the City of New York and the presence of a hazardous sewage treatment plant in their neighborhood. The resulting campaign, increased community awareness and participation in rallying against the plant, which shaped the mission and approach of the organization as a whole. This article, will be useful for a section on the group’s origin, as it provides a broader context of the organization's founding than other articles, which focus mostly on the opposition of the sewage plant, yet leave out the forces behind the campaign and their lasting effect.

• Shepard, P. M. (1993). Issues of community empowerment. Fordham Urb. LJ, 21, 739.

This journal highlights the environmental policies and concerns of the local, state and federal governments that have exposed citizens to life-threatening conditions. The essay explains that the majority of citizens in danger are members of minority communities. In detail, the journal looks at how West Harlem Communities have been affected by environmental injustice and racism. The author then explores some of the specific health implications faced by members of these communities, such as lead poisoning and asthma. Additionally, the journal discusses the response of the West Harlem Environmental Action. The journal finally recognizes the need for community based alliances in pursuit of environmental justice such as West Harlem Environmental Action. This article will be helpful because it sheds light on the ways that governments take advantage of helpless and powerless communities, opening the door for groups like WE ACT to emerge in the future.

• Shepard, P. M. (2007, July). BUILDING COMMUNITY POWER FOR CHANGE. The Crisis, 114(4), 34-37.

This magazine article was written by Peggy Shepard, who is the co-founder and executive director of West Harlem Environmental Action. The article describes some of the conditions and environmental issues in Harlem neighborhoods in the 80s and 90s The poor environmental condition of the community, was primarily the result of the adjacent municipal plants, which emitted harmful pollutants, toxins, and foul odors into the air. Decreased property values and high prevalence of respiratory ailments are just a couple examples of the adverse consequences the members of these communities faced. The mobilization of the community in challenging the plant and city against the continued pollution and negligence of the human/environmental harm occurring, eventually led to the foundation of West Harlem Environmental Action. This article provides important insight and perspective on the atmosphere and challenges that led to the formation of the WEH ACT, which will be useful for our article. Since the article was written by an executive member of the organization, it will be important to include her standing and connection to the organization when using any of the articles information and messages.

• West Harlem Environmental Action (2005). WE ACT’s 17th Anniversary Report.

This Annual report published by West Harlem Environmental Action, provides an overview of the organization’s mission, history, philosophy, campaigns, and programs. WE ACT was founded in 1988 as a response to environmental justice issues in communities of color. Specifically the organization challenged the unequal distribution of polluting factories in black and Latino communities, as well as the asthma epidemic among children in these communities. Since their foundation, the organization has grown tremendously, and has incorporated various environmental justice issues into their campaigns and programs. Therefore, this article will be helpful in defining the group’s mission and focus, as well as briefly summarizing some of their primary programs. Although, the report is published by the organization itself, it is a good source for defining some of the background, which would otherwise be taken from the group’s website.

Peer Review Recommendations:

-add more info about the founders (can be brief, oh pictures could be cool here too)

-add some stuff about asthma

West Harlem Environmental Action

WE ACT for Environmental Justice (formerly known as West Harlem Environmental Action) is a non-profit environmental justice organization based in Harlem, New York City. The organization was founded in March of 1988 to mobilize community opposition to the city's operation of the North River Sewage Treatment Plant.

WE ACT is dedicated to fighting environmental justice issues in African American and Latino communities in Northern Manhattan.The organization focuses on urban quality of life issues such as climate justice, clean air, access to good jobs, public health, pollution, and sustainable and equitable land use. It works through citizen empowerment, lobbying, litigation, education, and community outreach to accomplish its goals.

In 1991, WE ACT, partook in the first National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit in Washington D.C. At the event, The Principles of Environmental Justice were formulated, and still stand as a guiding set of principles for the environmental justice movement today. WE ACT is the lead organizer of the Environmental Justice Leadership Forum on Climate Change, and has provided effective leadership in the development of The New York City Environmental Justice Alliance to network, collaborate and impact environmental policy-making. WE ACT strives to improve and provide; Climate justice, clean air, healthy homes, and sustainable and equitable land use.

Currently, WE ACT is one of several groups engaged in negotiations for a Community Benefits Agreement with Columbia University as part of the school's Manhattanville expansion plan. It is also renovating an abandoned brownstone for conversion into the WE ACT Environmental Justice Center, which will house office and program space as well as serve as a demonstration of various green building technologies.

Mission

WE ACT’s mission is "to build healthy communities by ensuring that people of color and/or low income residents participate meaningfully in the creation of sound and fair environmental health and protection policies and practices."

WE ACT envisions a community that has:

• informed and engaged residents who participate fully in decision-making on key issues that impact their health and community.
• strong and equal environmental protections.
• increased environmental health through community-based participatory research and evidence-based campaigns.

History and organization

Founding

In April 1986 the North River Sewage Treatment Plant started its operations on eight blocks of riverside property in West Harlem, New York. Soon after its opening, local residents from the predominantly African American and Latino neighborhood, complained of noxious odors emitting from the plant and increased exposure to health hazards. Peggy Shepard, a local community member, elected as a political district leader in 1985, pressured local and state authorities to perform a study on the potential adverse health effects from the plants fumes. The study found that the plant's fumes may cause respiratory problems at high levels of exposure, triggering public backlash from West Harlem residents, demanding repairs on the facility.

In March 1988, Peggy Shepard, Vernice Miller-Travis, and Chuck Sutton launched WE ACT to address the poor management of the North River Sewage Treatment Plant and and sitting of the sixth MTA bus depot in West Harlem. WE ACT was the first environmental justice organization in New York. Since its creation WE ACT has evolved into an environmental justice organization committed to empowering the community to become a vocal, informed, and proactive force that determines and implements its vision of what its environment can and should be.

Early Work

In 1988 the New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA) announced its plan to build a sixth diesel bus depot in Northern Manhattan, a predominantly African American and Latino section of the city.

Founders

Peggy Shephard, Vernice Miller, Chuck Sutton

Past campaigns

Dirty Diesel (1997)

In November 2000, WE ACT, with the support of members of the local community, filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation claiming that bus depots were disproportionately placed in minority communities and elevated health risks for individuals living in Northern Manhattan.

Outcome: The Department of Transportation found that the MTA violated Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and failed to meet the federal environmental impact analysis involving the construction, rehabilitation, and operation of bus depots and other facilities. This campaign led to the MTA's modification of bus depots and investment in clean-fuel buses, as well as increased public awareness pertaining to the dangers of fuel fumes and poor air quality.

North River Sewage Treatment Plant (1992)

New York City planners originally intended to locate the North River Sewage Treatment Plant along the Hudson River on 72nd Street, a primarily white and affluent community, but the site was rejected due to community resistance and technical issues. West Harlem, a predominantly minority and low-income neighborhood, became the new site for the plant which completed construction in 1985. When the plant began its operations, community members voiced concerns of overbearing odors emanating from the plant effecting an area of almost two miles. In acknowledgment of these reports, a 28-acre state park known as the Riverbank State Park was built on top of the sewage plant in 1993. However, fumes and odors continued to seep out of the plant affecting local neighborhoods.

Outcome:  Due to lawsuits from community organizations, resistance from West Harlem residents, and pressure from WE ACT, city officials addressed the issue in 1991 and located the design flaw that was causing the air pollution. The plant underwent $53 million in improvements to eradicate the issue.

Current Endeavors

Food Justice

"For WE ACT the area above 125th Street in New York has gained the distinction in recent years of being one of America’s urban “food deserts.” The lack of healthy food in uptown Manhattan increases rates of diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and other life threatening and life-altering diseases. These conditions also work to trap families in cycles of poverty; higher medical bills combined with less insurance coverage to equal mountains of debt. WE ACT's Food Justice Working Group seeks to make healthy food more readily available to these undeserved neighborhoods". The working group is educating and encouraging churches to engage in local initiatives such as: "Community Sponsored Agriculture projects (CSAs), local food co-ops, community gardens, roof-top gardens, adopt-a-local-emergency-food-provider, food stamp outreach, advocate for improvement in food and hunger policies, support supermarket creation on 125th Street". 

Asthma

Asthma is an environmental disease characterized by chronic lung inflammation and episodes of airway constriction. "Data from the 2006 Community Health Survey show that asthma hospitalization rates in Central Harlem and Washington Heights are higher than for Manhattan, and that cancer death rates in Central Harlem are 30% higher than in Manhattan and 40% higher than in New York". The main cause of this in New York is poor air quality standards, more specifically the harmful emissions from the North River Sewage Treatment Plant. During the beginning of the treatment plant's construction New York City constantly contaminates the Hudson River with loads of raw sewage. This is the first flag for the EPA so they step in to regulate the plant and make sure it is operating within regulations. However while the water quality is being addressed the air quality is severely overlooked. "Soon foul odors and related health issues appear after the plant opens in 1986 and they get worse when the plant shifts to full capacity in 1991". As the odors increase the air quality decreases and residents begin to complain, this is when WE ACT steps in and begins to mobilize and apply pressure to local government officials. WE ACT challenges the city and and state to recognize and address air quality problems. "Despite the pervasive smells, the DEP and Mayor Koch deny that any odors are coming from the North River plant, and they mock the community’s objections as the loud outbursts of “a bunch of screaming Mimis”".

During the first four years of the North River plant’s operations, "West Harlem residents must leave their neighborhood to breathe relatively clean air but they inevitably come home to air foul enough to choke them. The rising number of deaths related to respiratory diseases is so alarming that some families arrange for their children to live elsewhere". Finally however WE ACT is able to break through and helps New York State see things differently from the federal government. "In 1992, the New York State’s environmental agency recognizes the air quality problems and responds to violations at the North River plant by issuing a control order. The order requires city government to commit $1 million to an environmental benefits fund and $55 million to correct odors coming from the plant". Today the North River Sewage Treatment Plant is continuing to improve their facility and upgrade to meet higher air quality standards. In their most recent endeavors the facility has installed new duct work and fans to optimize odor control and reported air issues. "The modifications will reduce the potential for the exhaust of odorous air and other emissions at the North River Plant by containing and treating additional process areas at the plant."

Community Outreach and Engagement Core (COEC)

The Community Outreach and Engagement Core (COEC) is a collaborative program between the NIEHS Center for Environmental Health in Northern Manhattan, WE ACT, and other community stakeholders, working to understand and prevent the environmental components of diseases through policy and legislature. The biggest accomplishment of COEC and WE ACT is the development of an environmental health report card. "The report card is using surveys of residents within the city as well as NYC public data to measure exposure and documenting their association with cancer, respiratory diseases and neuro-degenerative disorders". "On April 26, 2014, the Center, WE ACT for Environmental Justice (WE ACT), and Community League of the Heights (CLOTH)’s Community Health Academy co-hosted an environmental health fair. The 2014 Green Kids Health Fair provided information about environmental health, gave children and adults a place to be physically active. The event brought together community organizations to provide information to residents, including lead testing by Microecologies, lead education and resources from WE ACT".