IPS Announces New Initiative to Keep Kids Cooler While Preparing for Extreme Heat-Related Issues
SAN DIEGO – The Institute for Public Strategies is pleased to announce a new initiative to empower local communities in San Diego’s East County with the tools necessary to comprehend climate change, enhance community resilience, and adapt to future conditions regarding extreme heat events. A $250,000 grant was awarded to the Mountain Empire Unified School District by California’s Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program. IPS, the San Diego Green Infrastructure Consortium, and Arboreta Group were co-applicants on the grant and will also have major roles to play.
The first step is to collaborate with residents and MEUSD on the planning of a 2.34-acre undeveloped field owned by the school district next to Campo Elementary School, where students play in the East County border community without any shade or amenities. The project will involve working with community members and other key stakeholders to develop a community needs assessment and a plan for the field. The efforts will address opportunities that nature-based solutions can provide for reducing extreme heat and the needs of the students. It will incorporate benefits related to emergency preparedness and other priorities identified by the community.
“By the end of the project, participants will have a deeper understanding of effective collaboration and will be empowered with tools to ensure that their priorities and needs with respect to resilience against extreme heat are met,” IPS CEO Brenda Simmons said. “This will build momentum to implement the plan for the field and explore planning for larger-scale extreme heat infrastructure requirements.”
IPS will identify media outlets, social media groups, and other outreach tools that are used by those who live and/or work in the school district area. IPS will develop a process for conducting listening sessions and interviews in an equitable fashion and make a list of questions to be used to guide the discussion and ensure all extreme heat-related concerns and thoughts are explored. The community contacts will ensure that both the process and list of questions are culturally appropriate.
Efforts will include identifying organizations, governmental departments, philanthropists, and others who would be interested in providing the resources for implementing the plans for the school field, or financially supporting the planning group so it can continue to function after the grant ends.
IPS has a longstanding commitment to community well-being, engaging directly with youth and families through evidence-based trainings, resource provision, and advocacy efforts. IPS works alongside communities to build power, challenge systems of inequity, protect health and improve quality of life. IPS has a vision for safe, secure, vibrant and healthy communities where everyone can thrive.
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