
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.

Current project
To do this, I am collaborating with Bronx-based positive youth development organization Rocking the Boat.
Rocking the Boat is located right on the Bronx River and engages Bronx youth in boat building, sailing, and environmental stewardship.
Questions
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What are the aspects of Rocking the Boat's environment program that promote a group identity among adolescents?
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How do activities such as water quality monitoring and bird watching affect youth’s social place identities?

Methods
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Single case study
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Semi-structured interviews
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Participant observation,
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Group interviews with youth and with staff
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Mind-mapping activities
