Service & Projects
A sample of national, state, and community leadership/service for environmental education & civics education
Professional Service:
2024-2027: Book Awards Committee Member--Carter G. Woodson Book Award
First presented in 1974, this award is intended to “encourage the writing, publishing, and dissemination of outstanding social studies books for young readers that treat topics related to ethnic minorities and race relations sensitively and accurately.” Books relating to ethnic minorities and the authors of such books rarely receive the recognition they merit from professional organizations. By sponsoring the Carter G. Woodson Awards, NCSS gives wide recognition to and encourages these authors and publishers.
Website: https://www.socialstudies.org/get-involved/carter-g-woodson-book-award-and-honor-winners
2021-2024: Selection Committee Member--Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People (National Council for the Social Studies & Children's Book Council)
Books selected for this bibliography are written primarily for children in grades K-12. The selection committee looks for books that emphasize human relations, represent a diversity of groups and are sensitive to a broad range of cultural experiences, present an original theme or a fresh slant on a traditional topic, are easily readable and of high literary quality, and have a pleasing format and, when appropriate, illustrations that enrich the text. Each book is read by several reviewers, and books are included on the annotated list by committee assent.
Research Lab & Professional Service:
EcoBlitz is an environmental education & community science program created by a team of California-based National Geographic Explorers and National Geographic Certified Educators in 2018. The spirit of multidisciplinary collaboration encourages students to explore plant and animal biodiversity like a biologist, and trash and plastics like an anthropologist. Students learn about their communities through geographic and environmental education lenses. Students develop the attitudes, skills, and knowledge of real National Geographic Explorers and scientists while working with other classes throughout California to create more socially just and sustainable local and global communities.
Since 2018, we've expanded beyond California, and have reached K-12 students and teachers nationwide, due to an online professional development course. We're proud to have collaborated with students and teachers from Indigenous Nations, as well as students and teachers in Olongapo, Philippines.
Lab Website: https://www.ecoblitz.education/
State Service:
UC-CSU Environmental and Climate Change Literacy Projects (ECCLPs). Advancing PK-12 climate and environmental literacy, justice and action through an innovative partnership between the UC-CSU systems.
The UC and CSU university systems are joining key partners to support the urgent need to advance PK-12 climate and environmental justice literacy by preparing current and future teachers to respond to these urgent issues.
Roles: Steering Committee Member, In-Service Sub-Committee Member, Contributing Author on the 2019 Statewide Recommendations Report & Strategic Summary
Website: https://www.ecclps.net/
Community Service:
Public Health Ambassadors with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health support their communities across Los Angeles County by sharing public health information and resources with family, friends, school and social networks. Ambassadors are encouraged to share information and resources in a way that is unique to their individual style, community needs, and interests.
Topics shared with my classes: COVID-19 safety; youth substance use/abuse prevention; mental health; and public health and heat.
Website: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/
