Supported by $2.4 million from a $23 million Transformative Climate Communities implementation grant, a coalition of community members, non-profits, and public-sector agencies called Green Together, is working to build a new generation of air quality ambassadors in the Pacoima and Sun Valley communities of the San Fernando Valley. The Clean Air Ambassadors Program, established as part of the Green Together Community Engagement Plan, trains community youth organizers through workshops covering air quality monitoring, health, climate change and air pollution. Through the program, ambassadors learn how to collect and interpret data using scientific tools to measure local particulate matter pollution. Ambassadors also learn how to communicate air pollution principles and advocate for data-informed clean air solutions. In 2021, the Clean Air Ambassadors Program hosted its inaugural class of youth leaders.
“Data is key to getting our point across about air quality issues in the community. I didn’t realize how bad air quality is in Pacoima and Sun Valley, and air monitoring opened my eyes,” said Jenifer, a high school participant from Sun Valley. Jenifer completed the Clean Air Ambassador program, where she acquired analytical skills to compare air pollution levels in Pacoima and neighboring communities. She looks forward to adding to her resume new skills in data collection and analysis, creating presentations and public speaking.
As a Clean Air Ambassador, Huong also now understands the basics of air quality and its impact on community health. “I didn’t know how bad the air quality was. I wanted to know more about how I could help because air quality can affect your health just as bad as smoking,” she said. Huong credits the program with teaching her how to use technology to monitor air quality, analyze data and communicate results, and advocate effectively.
Another participant, Oscar, came to realize the importance of community learning, as well as his own capacity to advocate for a healthier community through the Clean Air Ambassador Program. “There are a lot of environmental issues and projects that we don't ever see or know exist. Becoming a Clean Air Ambassador was my way to have that veil lifted.” Oscar appreciates that the program allowed him to develop relationships with stakeholders, continue learning about health issues confronting Pacoima and may lead to more opportunities to influence local projects.