Engaging Residents to Address Environmental Injustices and Socioecological Factors in Boyle Heights

Abstract

Study Objective:

Segregated Hispanic/Latino communities experience poor residential air quality. Toxic air pollution has been linked to higher mortality risk and chronic illnesses, including asthma. This qualitative study sought to develop a comprehensive understanding of facilitators and barriers to civic engagement among community organizers from a low-income community affected by environmental injustice who worked to develop an air pollution mitigation project.

Methods:

Environmental justice community organizers (n = 21) affiliated with the Natural Park Air Pollution Solution project were interviewed. Participants were eligible if they (a) were current or former residents of Boyle Heights and thus, familiar with the neighborhood; (b) were between the ages of 18 and 75; and (c) participated in activities related to Legacy LA’s Natural Park Air Pollution Solution project.

Data Analysis:

The socioecological model (SEM) and flexible coding were used to analyze interviews.

Results:

Four themes emerged related to project involvement: (a) personal factors and civic engagement, (b) interpersonal relationships, (c) organizational support, and (d) community-based resources. Knowledge, perceptions, and multiple responsibilities emerged as personal factors affecting civic engagement. Organizational support included opportunities to gain skills and access to information. Community partners, including elected officials, were identified as community-based resources affecting civic engagement.

Conclusions:

This study suggests the need to address factors at the personal, interpersonal, organizational, and community levels to increase civic engagement among predominantly Hispanic/Latino communities to advocate for clean air and relevant environmental justice issues affecting vulnerable neighborhoods.