Linn-Benton NAACP has launched an online survey to collect data on residents’ environmental health, in an effort advocate for supportive policies.
The surveyThe Linn County area’s Black, Indigineous, and other people of color will be assessed for their environmental health. It is due April 30. However, all residents are welcome and encouraged to take the survey to provide additional information to the committee.
We know that BIPOC communities are disproportionately affected by environmental harms in America and we want to find out what that looks like in Benton and Linn County, said Mariana Cortes, Roman Patchell and Madeline Judokusumo. Halle Fisher was also present, as well as Christy Anderson Brekken, faculty mentor. Students are involved in The NAACP chapter partnered Oregon State University’s Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and the Arts Program to create the study.
Students in the URSA program reported that the Linn-Benton NAACP established the Environmental and Climate Justice Committee last spring to address community needs.
A survey was done in collaboration with URSA Engage. It was a great experience.URSA students stated that this is a way for us all to get involved, learn and contribute to Linn-Benton NAACP branch.
All responses are anonymous and can both be sent in English or Spanish. The five to 10 minute survey includes questions about people’s experience working, living and studying in the mid-Willamette Valley. The committee hopes to draw up plans and advocate for policies to support residents who are most in need.
The URSA students stated that the data from the survey will be compared to publicly available data. The environmental justice inventory will focus on the intersections of environment, demographics, such as race, income, ethnicity, and other factors.