LAUSD Students Learn Conservation Practices At Youth Sustainability and Empowerment Summit

LOS ANGELES - Nov. 18, 2016 - PRLog -- The event, held October 22, at Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC), featured demonstrations, college information and 12 conservation-related workshops on topics ranging from saving energy and environmental equity to sustainable practices in construction, fashion, transportation, culinary arts, construction, fashion, music and sports.  Conceived by Vernail Skaggs, Program and Policy Development Specialist with LAUSD, the summit's goal was to foster youth advocacy, and raise awareness on environmental and economic health issues, with the intent of empowering students to improve their communities.

"We want to get you involved in becoming the leaders in your communities," he said.  "We hope that you will educate yourself and work with like-minded individuals," to become the change-agents in your community. He encouraged students to connect with civic leaders and power-brokers who can assist in addressing community concerns.

The summit involved a partnership between LAUSD with educational, civic and non-profit entities, including California Greenworks, Inc., LATTC, California Conservation Corps, Community Centers, Inc., South Coast AQMD, Los Angeles Mayor's Office of Public Engagement, OPTERRA Energy Services, and CSEA, Vendor booths were also staffed by energy-related agencies and several educational institutions (USC, UCLA, Occidental College, Santa Monica College and LATTC).  Per Mike Meador, founder and Executive Director of California Greenworks, the event's lead sponsor, South LA was selected as the focus of this summit, because of the environmental and health-related issues in the area and the lack of sustainable gardens.

         "This is the first of many projects of this type," he said. "It is important for students to understand the definition of sustainability: conservation of water, land and air; natural resources that man needs to survive and thrive.  I want urban kids, as well as others, to understand that sustainability is an individual effort, but it is a contribution toward a collective result."

One demonstration was conducted by the Robotics team at Foshay Learning Center and featured Recyco, one of the robots built by the students, who picked-up and placed trash in a recycling bin on- command.  Darryl Newhouse, the teacher and team coach, said he uses robotics to get kids interested in science and technology. While technology is the focus, Malik Stepter, a student and Robotics team member said, "We build more than robots.  We build character."

         Students from Westchester Environmental Science Magnet shared information on starting sustainability clubs on campus.  Additionally, they demonstrated the capabilities of a drone, which flew around the campus.  Danielle Rawles, WESM student, who served as emcee for the event, asked the students to spread the word about environmental sustainability.

Ivy Marx, Registered Dietitian and Senior Nutrition Specialist with LAUSD's Food Services Division, and 2 student chefs, prepared foods to illustrate that healthy food can also taste good.  She said workshops, such as the one on "Sustainable Practices in Culinary Arts," are important because they also educate students on obesity, heart disease and other conditions directly related to diet.

         In addition to learning about environmental conservation and sustainability, Britina Wesley-Washington, Drew Middle School teacher, said her 13 students were also learning about the evolving nature of technology and the value of teamwork.

Creating more green jobs, making the city more energy efficient and creating more affordable housing are hallmarks of Mayor Eric Garcetti's plan for Los Angeles, said Matt Peterson, Chief Sustainability Officer with the Mayor's Office, who conducted one of the workshops.  By sharing information about the relevance of sustainability to their lives, he said, students will better understand how they can improve the lives of others and make their communities more sustainable.

         Agustin Cabrera, a representative of Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE), said environmental equity helps government and others work more efficiently.  Equity inclusion is about getting a better deal for everyone, he said.

         Cindy Montanez, CEO of Tree People, served as keynote speaker for the event, talked about the impact climate change on our lives.  However, she told the students they could make a difference, by learning more about the environmental issues impacting them.

"We are hopeful that each student ambassador will return to his or her school and share information with the ambassadors who attended different workshops," said Skaggs. "If students use this event as a jumping-off point to draft school sustainability plans and take these plans to their communities, we will all benefit." Because of the summit's success, plans are underway to replicate the event in other parts of the city, said Skaggs.

California Greenworks (http://www.californiagreenworks.org/) is a registered 501 c 3 organization who primary mission is to improve the quality of life in urban communities through environmental education and implementation of sustainable community-based restoration and neighborhood revitalization projects and programs that promote green space, eliminate urban blight and advocate for green jobs creation and economic development.Our organization seeks to improve the quality of urban life through various programs and projects which advocate open space preservation in urban communities, restoration of waterways, community outreach and awareness programs, environmental education programs in urban schools and community beautification projects.