Linking Place, Social Identity, and Positive Youth Development in Urban Environmental Stewardship

Goal

This project seeks to understand the underlying social dynamics of environmental stewardship that may promote a positive social identity and lay the groundwork for collaboration both within specific groups and across broader stewardship networks.

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Current project

To do this, I am collaborating with Bronx-based positive youth development organization Rocking the Boat. 

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Rocking the Boat is located right on the Bronx River and engages Bronx youth in boat building, sailing, and environmental stewardship. 

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Questions

1. What are the aspects of Rocking the Boat's environment program that promote a group identity among adolescents?

2. How do activities such as water quality monitoring and bird watching affect youth’s social place identities?

Methods

• Single case study

• Semi-structured interviews

• Participant observation,

• Group interviews with youth and with staff

• Mind-mapping activities