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Authentic Youth Engagement in Environmental Health Research and Advocacy

Author

Listed:
  • Kathryn M. Cardarelli

    (College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40504, USA)

  • Melinda Ickes

    (College of Education, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40504, USA)

  • Luz Huntington-Moskos

    (School of Nursing, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA)

  • Craig Wilmhoff

    (Buckhorn High School, Buckhorn, KY 41721, USA)

  • Angela Larck

    (College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA)

  • Susan M. Pinney

    (College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA)

  • Ellen J. Hahn

    (College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40504, USA)

Abstract

Training in environmental health (EH) engages and inspires youth to tackle health promotion and policy change. Yet, there is little guidance on how to successfully nurture and sustain youth engagement. This paper compares four case studies of youth engagement to promote EH in rural and urban communities using the Youth Empowerment Solutions (YES!) framework. Of the case studies in rural (Central Appalachia) and urban (Cincinnati, Ohio) communities, two employ citizen science approaches using PhotoVoice and environmental sampling; one engages youth in a science communication camp; and one focuses on policy advocacy. We compare and contrast these case studies using the YES! Critical Components and Empowerment levels. The case studies were discussed at the 2020 Partnerships in Environmental Public Health Meeting, where participants identified challenges and possible solutions for promoting and maintaining authentic youth engagement in EH research and advocacy. Analysis of the case studies indicated that youth engagement activities focusing on the individual were more common than those targeting the organizational setting or the community. Youth demonstrate agency to impact EH issues in their communities by engaging in hands-on opportunities to practice citizen science and advocacy. Overcoming challenges to authentic young engagement is important to sustain this work.

Suggested Citation

  • Kathryn M. Cardarelli & Melinda Ickes & Luz Huntington-Moskos & Craig Wilmhoff & Angela Larck & Susan M. Pinney & Ellen J. Hahn, 2021. "Authentic Youth Engagement in Environmental Health Research and Advocacy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-12, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:4:p:2154-:d:504040
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jill E. Johnston & Zully Juarez & Sandy Navarro & Ashley Hernandez & Wendy Gutschow, 2019. "Youth Engaged Participatory Air Monitoring: A ‘Day in the Life’ in Urban Environmental Justice Communities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-14, December.
    2. Monika M. Derrien & Christopher Zuidema & Sarah Jovan & Amanda Bidwell & Weston Brinkley & Paulina López & Roseann Barnhill & Dale J. Blahna, 2020. "Toward Environmental Justice in Civic Science: Youth Performance and Experience Measuring Air Pollution Using Moss as a Bio-Indicator in Industrial-Adjacent Neighborhoods," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-18, October.
    3. Ellen J. Hahn & Craig Wilmhoff & Mary Kay Rayens & Nicholas B. Conley & Emily Morris & Angela Larck & Trista Allen & Susan M. Pinney, 2020. "High School Students as Citizen Scientists to Decrease Radon Exposure," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-10, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mketo, Ally Rajab & Ringo, Cliford J. & Nuhu, Said & Mpambije, Chakupewa Joseph, 2022. "Enhancing community participation for environmental health improvement in rural Tanzania: Evidence from Bukombe district," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).

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