Learning from a Community Action Plan to Promote Safe Sexual Practices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weiss, Josie A.; Dwonch-Schoen, Kathy; Howard-Barr, Elissa M.; Panella, Michael P.

2010-01-01

The well-being of a community is only as good as the well-being of the individuals who reside in the community. A group of citizens, concerned about the welfare of their community, recognized the high rates of HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancy in their south Florida county and decided to take action. Supported by community leaders and using available…

Believing in What's Possible, Taking Action to Make a Difference.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

And Others; Brinkley, Ellen H.

1997-01-01

Describes how a group of teachers, librarians, and other citizens, concerned about attacks on curriculum and public education itself, formed a grass-roots group called Michigan for Public Education to advocate educational equality and excellence. Describes how they got started, why people got involved, and what they have learned. Offers…

Fugitive and Codified Knowledge: Implications for Communities Struggling to Control the Meaning of Local Environmental Hazards

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hill, Robert

2004-01-01

The purpose of this qualitative research was to determine the ways that knowledge is constructed and used by emergent citizen's groups (ECGs are grassroots, action-oriented, problem-solving groups) engaged in environmental conflicts, and by a state government environmental regulatory agency that interfaced with them. Four…

[What to do? The Ontario government and the illegal recreational use of drugs, 1966-1972].

PubMed

Martel, Marcel

2003-01-01

This paper deals with the social construction of illegal drug use in the context of the counterculture movement. It looks at the actions and reactions of three groups in particular: the Ontario government, the Addiction Research Foundation of Ontario and citizens. It demonstrates that the debate about drug use took place in particular circumstances characterized by ignorance about the health consequences of illegal drug use but also within a moral panic context. Medical expertise was solicited to provide guidance to the Ontario government but it was gradually challenged by other medical groups and citizens who, by sending letters to their Provincial Premier and the Minister of Health, tried to shape public policy.

Environmental democracy in action: The Toxics Release Inventory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lynn, Frances M.; Kartez, Jack D.

1994-07-01

The Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) created by the 1986 Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act initially received limited attention. During the early years of its implementation, the TRI has become the basis for a national experiment in voluntaristic problem solving among citizens and industry, but that process of environmental democracy hinges on citizens' ability to actually acquire, understand, and apply the new data on industrial toxic emissions. A national study of TRI-using organizations in the public and private sectors reveals that effective citizen access depends in part on the efforts of intermediary public interest groups to bridge individual needs and right-to-know data. Although the TRI has had early success as a supplement to conventional command and control regulation, questions exist about the extent to which state and federal government should or must provide special efforts to make environmental information access work for citizens.

Climate Voices: Bridging Scientist Citizens and Local Communities across the United States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wegner, K.; Ristvey, J. D., Jr.

2016-12-01

Based out of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), the Climate Voices Science Speakers Network (climatevoices.org) has more than 400 participants across the United States that volunteer their time as scientist citizens in their local communities. Climate Voices experts engage in nonpartisan conversations about the local impacts of climate change with groups such as Rotary clubs, collaborate with faith-based groups on climate action initiatives, and disseminate their research findings to K-12 teachers and classrooms through webinars. To support their participants, Climate Voices develops partnerships with networks of community groups, provides trainings on how to engage these communities, and actively seeks community feedback. In this presentation, we will share case studies of science-community collaborations, including meta-analyses of collaborations and lessons learned.

Project Citizen: Promoting Action-Oriented Citizen Science in the Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Green, Carie; Medina-Jerez, William

2012-01-01

In recent years, citizen science projects have emerged as a means to involve students in scientific inquiry, particularly in the fields of ecology and environmental science. A citizen scientist is "a volunteer who collects and/or processes data as part of a scientific inquiry" (Silverton 2009, p. 467). Participation in citizen science…

Building Bridges for Innovation in Ageing: Synergies between Action Groups of the EIP on AHA.

PubMed

Bousquet, J; Bewick, M; Cano, A; Eklund, P; Fico, G; Goswami, N; Guldemond, N A; Henderson, D; Hinkema, M J; Liotta, G; Mair, A; Molloy, W; Monaco, A; Monsonis-Paya, I; Nizinska, A; Papadopoulos, H; Pavlickova, A; Pecorelli, S; Prados-Torres, A; Roller-Wirnsberger, R E; Somekh, D; Vera-Muñoz, C; Visser, F; Farrell, J; Malva, J; Andersen Ranberg, K; Camuzat, T; Carriazo, A M; Crooks, G; Gutter, Z; Iaccarino, G; Manuel de Keenoy, E; Moda, G; Rodriguez-Mañas, L; Vontetsianos, T; Abreu, C; Alonso, J; Alonso-Bouzon, C; Ankri, J; Arredondo, M T; Avolio, F; Bedbrook, A; Białoszewski, A Z; Blain, H; Bourret, R; Cabrera-Umpierrez, M F; Catala, A; O'Caoimh, R; Cesari, M; Chavannes, N H; Correia-da-Sousa, J; Dedeu, T; Ferrando, M; Ferri, M; Fokkens, W J; Garcia-Lizana, F; Guérin, O; Hellings, P W; Haahtela, T; Illario, M; Inzerilli, M C; Lodrup Carlsen, K C; Kardas, P; Keil, T; Maggio, M; Mendez-Zorrilla, A; Menditto, E; Mercier, J; Michel, J P; Murray, R; Nogues, M; O'Byrne-Maguire, I; Pappa, D; Parent, A S; Pastorino, M; Robalo-Cordeiro, C; Samolinski, B; Siciliano, P; Teixeira, A M; Tsartara, S I; Valiulis, A; Vandenplas, O; Vasankari, T; Vellas, B; Vollenbroek-Hutten, M; Wickman, M; Yorgancioglu, A; Zuberbier, T; Barbagallo, M; Canonica, G W; Klimek, L; Maggi, S; Aberer, W; Akdis, C; Adcock, I M; Agache, I; Albera, C; Alonso-Trujillo, F; Angel Guarcia, M; Annesi-Maesano, I; Apostolo, J; Arshad, S H; Attalin, V; Avignon, A; Bachert, C; Baroni, I; Bel, E; Benson, M; Bescos, C; Blasi, F; Barbara, C; Bergmann, K C; Bernard, P L; Bonini, S; Bousquet, P J; Branchini, B; Brightling, C E; Bruguière, V; Bunu, C; Bush, A; Caimmi, D P; Calderon, M A; Canovas, G; Cardona, V; Carlsen, K H; Cesario, A; Chkhartishvili, E; Chiron, R; Chivato, T; Chung, K F; d'Angelantonio, M; De Carlo, G; Cholley, D; Chorin, F; Combe, B; Compas, B; Costa, D J; Costa, E; Coste, O; Coupet, A-L; Crepaldi, G; Custovic, A; Dahl, R; Dahlen, S E; Demoly, P; Devillier, P; Didier, A; Dinh-Xuan, A T; Djukanovic, R; Dokic, D; Du Toit, G; Dubakiene, R; Dupeyron, A; Emuzyte, R; Fiocchi, A; Wagner, A; Fletcher, M; Fonseca, J; Fougère, B; Gamkrelidze, A; Garces, G; Garcia-Aymeric, J; Garcia-Zapirain, B; Gemicioğlu, B; Gouder, C; Hellquist-Dahl, B; Hermosilla-Gimeno, I; Héve, D; Holland, C; Humbert, M; Hyland, M; Johnston, S L; Just, J; Jutel, M; Kaidashev, I P; Khaitov, M; Kalayci, O; Kalyoncu, A F; Keijser, W; Kerstjens, H; Knezović, J; Kowalski, M; Koppelman, G H; Kotska, T; Kovac, M; Kull, I; Kuna, P; Kvedariene, V; Lepore, V; MacNee, W; Maggio, M; Magnan, A; Majer, I; Manning, P; Marcucci, M; Marti, T; Masoli, M; Melen, E; Miculinic, N; Mihaltan, F; Milenkovic, B; Millot-Keurinck, J; Mlinarić, H; Momas, I; Montefort, S; Morais-Almeida, M; Moreno-Casbas, T; Mösges, R; Mullol, J; Nadif, R; Nalin, M; Navarro-Pardo, E; Nekam, K; Ninot, G; Paccard, D; Pais, S; Palummeri, E; Panzner, P; Papadopoulos, N K; Papanikolaou, C; Passalacqua, G; Pastor, E; Perrot, M; Plavec, D; Popov, T A; Postma, D S; Price, D; Raffort, N; Reuzeau, J C; Robine, J M; Rodenas, F; Robusto, F; Roche, N; Romano, A; Romano, V; Rosado-Pinto, J; Roubille, F; Ruiz, F; Ryan, D; Salcedo, T; Schmid-Grendelmeier, P; Schulz, H; Schunemann, H J; Serrano, E; Sheikh, A; Shields, M; Siafakas, N; Scichilone, N; Siciliano, P; Skrindo, I; Smit, H A; Sourdet, S; Sousa-Costa, E; Spranger, O; Sooronbaev, T; Sruk, V; Sterk, P J; Todo-Bom, A; Touchon, J; Tramontano, D; Triggiani, M; Tsartara, S I; Valero, A L; Valovirta, E; van Ganse, E; van Hage, M; van den Berge, M; Vandenplas, O; Ventura, M T; Vergara, I; Vezzani, G; Vidal, D; Viegi, G; Wagemann, M; Whalley, B; Wickman, M; Wilson, N; Yiallouros, P K; Žagar, M; Zaidi, A; Zidarn, M; Hoogerwerf, E J; Usero, J; Zuffada, R; Senn, A; de Oliveira-Alves, B

2017-01-01

The Strategic Implementation Plan of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA) proposed six Action Groups. After almost three years of activity, many achievements have been obtained through commitments or collaborative work of the Action Groups. However, they have often worked in silos and, consequently, synergies between Action Groups have been proposed to strengthen the triple win of the EIP on AHA. The paper presents the methodology and current status of the Task Force on EIP on AHA synergies. Synergies are in line with the Action Groups' new Renovated Action Plan (2016-2018) to ensure that their future objectives are coherent and fully connected. The outcomes and impact of synergies are using the Monitoring and Assessment Framework for the EIP on AHA (MAFEIP). Eight proposals for synergies have been approved by the Task Force: Five cross-cutting synergies which can be used for all current and future synergies as they consider overarching domains (appropriate polypharmacy, citizen empowerment, teaching and coaching on AHA, deployment of synergies to EU regions, Responsible Research and Innovation), and three cross-cutting synergies focussing on current Action Group activities (falls, frailty, integrated care and chronic respiratory diseases).

Citizens United, Public Health, and Democracy: The Supreme Court Ruling, Its Implications, and Proposed Action

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

The 2010 US Supreme Court Citizens United v Federal Election Commission 130 US 876 (2010) case concerned the plans of a nonprofit organization to distribute a film about presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. The Court ruled that prohibiting corporate independent expenditures for advocacy advertising during election campaigns unconstitutionally inhibits free speech. Corporations can now make unlimited contributions to election advocacy advertising directly from the corporate treasury. Candidates who favor public health positions may be subjected to corporate opposition advertising. Citizen groups and legislators have proposed remedies to ameliorate the effects of the Court's ruling. The public health field needs to apply its expertise, in collaboration with others, to work to reduce the disproportionate influence of corporate political speech on health policy and democracy. PMID:21421946

Citizens United, public health, and democracy: the Supreme Court ruling, its implications, and proposed action.

PubMed

Wiist, William H

2011-07-01

The 2010 US Supreme Court Citizens United v Federal Election Commission 130 US 876 (2010) case concerned the plans of a nonprofit organization to distribute a film about presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. The Court ruled that prohibiting corporate independent expenditures for advocacy advertising during election campaigns unconstitutionally inhibits free speech. Corporations can now make unlimited contributions to election advocacy advertising directly from the corporate treasury. Candidates who favor public health positions may be subjected to corporate opposition advertising. Citizen groups and legislators have proposed remedies to ameliorate the effects of the Court's ruling. The public health field needs to apply its expertise, in collaboration with others, to work to reduce the disproportionate influence of corporate political speech on health policy and democracy.

Place-based and data-rich citizen science as a precursor for conservation action.

PubMed

Haywood, Benjamin K; Parrish, Julia K; Dolliver, Jane

2016-06-01

Environmental education strategies have customarily placed substantial focus on enhancing ecological knowledge and literacy with the hope that, upon discovering relevant facts and concepts, participants will be better equipped to process and dissect environmental issues and, therefore, make more informed decisions. The assumption is that informed citizens will become active citizens--enthusiastically lobbying for, and participating in, conservation-oriented action. We surveyed and interviewed and used performance data from 432 participants in the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST), a scientifically rigorous citizen science program, to explore measurable change in and links between understanding and action. We found that participation in rigorous citizen science was associated with significant increases in participant knowledge and skills; a greater connection to place and, secondarily, to community; and an increasing awareness of the relative impact of anthropogenic activities on local ecosystems specifically through increasing scientific understanding of the ecosystem and factors affecting it. Our results suggest that a place-based, data-rich experience linked explicitly to local, regional, and global issues can lead to measurable change in individual and collective action, expressed in our case study principally through participation in citizen science and community action and communication of program results to personal acquaintances and elected officials. We propose the following tenets of conservation literacy based on emergent themes and the connections between them explicit in our data: place-based learning creates personal meaning making; individual experience nested within collective (i.e., program-wide) experience facilitates an understanding of the ecosystem process and function at local and regional scales; and science-based meaning making creates informed concern (i.e., the ability to discern both natural and anthropogenic forcing), which allows individuals to develop a personalized prioritization schema and engage in conservation action. © 2016 Society for Conservation Biology.

Assessing How Participators Combine Acts in Their "Political Tool Kits": A Person-Centered Measurement Approach for Analyzing Citizen Participation.

PubMed

Oser, Jennifer

2017-01-01

Scholars have recognized that a recent increase in the ways citizens participate beyond the electoral arena may be a promising avenue of renewal for citizen participation. In this article we test the theory that different kinds of citizenship norms motivate some citizens to specialize in electoral-oriented activities (e.g. voting), while others specialize in non-institutionalized activities (e.g. protest). The latent class analysis of data from the U.S. Citizen, Involvement and Democracy Survey (2005) in the current study assesses how actors combine a variety of acts in their "political tool kits" of participation, and facilitates a comparison to prior findings that analyze single political behaviors. Results indicate a participatory type that specializes in non-institutionalized acts, but the group's high probability of voting does not align with the expectations in the literature. An electoral-oriented specialist type is not identified; instead, the findings show that a majority of the population is best characterized as disengaged, while a small group of all-around activists embrace all possible opportunities for political action. The actor-centered theoretical and measurement approach in this study identifies caveats to the theory that changing citizenship norms are leading to civic and political renewal. We discuss the implications of these findings for measuring different aspects of democratic (dis)engagement and participatory (in)equality.

Designing for Online Collaborations and Local Environmental Action In Citizen Science: A Multiple Case Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kermish-Allen, Ruth

Traditional citizen science projects have been based on the scientific communities need to gather vast quantities of high quality data, neglecting to ask what the project participants get in return. How can participants be seen more as collaborative partners in citizen science projects? Online communities for citizen science are expanding rapidly, giving participants the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities, from monitoring invasive species to identifying far-off galaxies. These communities can bring together the virtual and physical worlds in new ways that are egalitarian, collaborative, applied, localized and globalized to solve real environmental problems. There are a small number of citizen science projects that leverage the affordances of an online community to connect, engage, and empower participants to make local change happen. This multiple case study applies a conceptual framework rooted in sociocultural learning theory, Non-Hierarchical Online Learning Communities (NHOLCs), to three online citizen communities that have successfully fostered online collaboration and on-the-ground environmental actions. The purpose of the study is to identify the range and variation of the online and programmatic functions available in each project. The findings lead to recommendations for designing these innovative communities, specifically the technological and programmatic components of online citizen science communities that support environmental actions in our backyards.

Practical Applications and Community Needs: Placing the Communication Campaign in the Community.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

James, Anita C.

Within the structure of a senior and graduate level course, students in the Ohio University school of interpersonal communication collaborate with community groups in the creation of campaigns promoting issue-awareness, political candidates, fund raising events, and citizen action. The course objectives include teaching students to understand the…

Citizen Action. Teacher's Guide to World Resources. Comprehensive Coursework on the Global Environment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Snyder, Sarah A.

This teacher's guide presents teaching suggestions and presentation materials about citizen action in the global environment. Focusing on the nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), the lessons describe the roles NGOs play in positively influencing future trends in social development, natural resources management, and environmental quality. NGOs are…

Your Right to Clean Air, A Manual for Citizen Action.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

1970

This manual provides the citizen with basic information for taking action against air pollution. A summary of the effects of various concentrations of sulfur oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, photochemical smog, and hydrocarbons is presented. Suggestions are made for obtaining information about community air pollution problems, and how…

Action Civics for Promoting Civic Development: Main Effects of Program Participation and Differences by Project Characteristics

PubMed Central

Cohen, Alison K.; Littenberg-Tobias, Joshua

2017-01-01

Using both quantitative and qualitative data, this study examined the effect of participating in an action civics intervention, Generation Citizen (GC), on civic commitment, civic self-efficacy, and two forms of civic knowledge. The sample consisted of 617 middle and high schools students in 55 classrooms who participated, or were soon to participate, in Generation Citizen. Hierarchical linear models revealed that participating in Generation Citizen was associated with positive gains in action civics knowledge and civic self-efficacy. Qualitative coding identified three types of project characteristics that captured variability in the action projects student chose to complete: context, content, and contact with decision makers. Interactions between project characteristics and participation in GC revealed differences in civic outcomes depending on project characteristics. PMID:27982470

Outreach Through Action: Using Citizen Science Pathways to Educate and Engage the Public While Collecting Real Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wickline, A.

2016-02-01

Citizens in Lewes, DE monitor local waterways by collecting physical and chemical data and checking for harmful algal blooms since 1991 through the University of Delaware Citizen Monitoring Program (UD CMP). This effort has produced lengthy time series for some sites dating back to 1991, as well as an engaged cohort of local citizens interested in coastal and estuarine processes. Though their primary goal is to monitor for conditions that could potentially be harmful to human and aquatic health, we saw an opportunity to reach out and expand their efforts by asking these citizens to sample the zooplankton community, providing more ecological context for their data. Over the past year, we have worked to engage this group through a series of talks and trainings. We explained the basics of zooplankton dynamics in our region, recruited volunteers to collect zooplankton at their sites, and worked with them to analyze their data. This small pilot project exemplifies the dual benefits of citizen science programs: collecting credible data while provided people with non-science backgrounds a chance to learn science through a hands-on project. The interactions with researchers and opportunities to work with real data offer citizens the one of the most robust science experiences, going beyond those provided by attending lab open houses or listening to talks.

77 FR 24247 - 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: DS-5506, Local U.S. Citizen Skills/Resources...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-23

..., Local U.S. Citizen Skills/Resources Survey ACTION: Notice of request for public comments. SUMMARY: The... of 1995. Title of Information Collection: Local U.S. Citizen Skills/Resources Survey. OMB Control... Collection The Local U.S. Citizen Skills/Resources Survey is a systematic method of gathering information...

Acting in solidarity: Testing an extended dual pathway model of collective action by bystander group members.

PubMed

Saab, Rim; Tausch, Nicole; Spears, Russell; Cheung, Wing-Yee

2015-09-01

We examined predictors of collective action among bystander group members in solidarity with a disadvantaged group by extending the dual pathway model of collective action, which proposes one efficacy-based and one emotion-based path to collective action (Van Zomeren, Spears, Fischer, & Leach, 2004). Based on two proposed functions of social identity performance (Klein, Spears, & Reicher, 2007), we distinguished between the efficacy of collective action at consolidating the identity of a protest movement and its efficacy at achieving social change (political efficacy). We expected identity consolidation efficacy to positively predict collective action tendencies directly and indirectly via political efficacy. We also expected collective action tendencies to be positively predicted by moral outrage and by sympathy in response to disadvantaged outgroup's suffering. These hypotheses were supported in two surveys examining intentions to protest for Palestine in Britain (Study 1), and intentions to attend the June 4th vigil in Hong Kong to commemorate the Tiananmen massacre among a sample of Hong Kong citizens (Study 2). The contributions of these findings to research on the dual pathway model of collective action and the different functions of collective action are discussed. © 2014 The British Psychological Society.

36 CFR 72.46 - Citizen participation requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

..., Rehabilitation and Innovation § 72.46 Citizen participation requirements. (a) Recovery Action Program Grants... application. (b) Rehabilitation and Innovation grant. The applicant shall provide citizens with an adequate opportunity to participate in the development of a Rehabilitation and/or Innovation proposal and in...

36 CFR 72.46 - Citizen participation requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

..., Rehabilitation and Innovation § 72.46 Citizen participation requirements. (a) Recovery Action Program Grants... application. (b) Rehabilitation and Innovation grant. The applicant shall provide citizens with an adequate opportunity to participate in the development of a Rehabilitation and/or Innovation proposal and in...

36 CFR 72.46 - Citizen participation requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., Rehabilitation and Innovation § 72.46 Citizen participation requirements. (a) Recovery Action Program Grants... application. (b) Rehabilitation and Innovation grant. The applicant shall provide citizens with an adequate opportunity to participate in the development of a Rehabilitation and/or Innovation proposal and in...

36 CFR 72.46 - Citizen participation requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., Rehabilitation and Innovation § 72.46 Citizen participation requirements. (a) Recovery Action Program Grants... application. (b) Rehabilitation and Innovation grant. The applicant shall provide citizens with an adequate opportunity to participate in the development of a Rehabilitation and/or Innovation proposal and in...

Teaching Civics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holmes, Madelyn, Ed.

1998-01-01

The goal of civic education should be to develop competent, responsible citizens whose words and actions uphold and enrich the constitutional democracy of the United States. Being a good citizen requires proper knowledge, skills, and dispositions. This forum offers five articles: (1) "Educating Responsible Citizens" (Ivor Pritchard;…

Citizens' Perceptions of Flood Hazard Adjustments: An Application of the Protective Action Decision Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Terpstra, Teun; Lindell, Michael K.

2013-01-01

Although research indicates that adoption of flood preparations among Europeans is low, only a few studies have attempted to explain citizens' preparedness behavior. This article applies the Protective Action Decision Model (PADM) to explain flood preparedness intentions in the Netherlands. Survey data ("N" = 1,115) showed that…

The Value of "Dialogue Events" as Sites of Learning: An Exploration of Research and Evaluation Frameworks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lehr, Jane L.; McCallie, Ellen; Davies, Sarah R.; Caron, Brandiff R.; Gammon, Benjamin; Duensing, Sally

2007-01-01

In the past five years, informal science institutions (ISIs), science communication, advocacy and citizen action groups, funding organizations, and policy-makers in the UK and the USA have become increasingly involved in efforts to promote increased public engagement with science and technology (PEST). Such engagement is described as taking place…

People Power: What Communities are Doing to Counter Inflation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gordon, Mary S., Ed.; And Others

This publication describes what approximately 100 groups around the country are doing with regard to food, housing, energy, and health to beat inflation on the neighborhood level. The book is intended as a resource for citizens wishing to take the kind of consumer action that will save them and their neighbors money. Some of the programs featured…

77 FR 56663 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request, Citizen Corps...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-13

... DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency [Docket ID: FEMA-2012-0029..., Citizen Corps Council Registration AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS. ACTION: Notice... process for Citizen Corps Councils and Community Emergency Response Team programs. DATES: Comments must be...

Knowledge into action for child survival.

PubMed

Claeson, M; Gillespie, D; Mshinda, H; Troedsson, H; Victora, C G

2003-07-26

The child survival revolution of the 1980s contributed to steady decreases in child mortality in some populations, but much remains to be done. More than 10 million children will die this year, almost all of whom are poor. Two-thirds of these deaths could have been prevented if effective child survival interventions had reached all children and mothers who needed them. Translation of current knowledge into effective action for child survival will require leadership, strong health systems, targeted human and financial resources, and modified health system to ensure that poor children and mothers benefit. A group of concerned scientists and policy-makers issues a call to action to leaders, governments, and citizens to translate knowledge into action for child survival.

Health provider responsiveness to social accountability initiatives in low- and middle-income countries: a realist review.

PubMed

Lodenstein, Elsbet; Dieleman, Marjolein; Gerretsen, Barend; Broerse, Jacqueline E W

2017-02-01

Social accountability in the health sector has been promoted as a strategy to improve the quality and performance of health providers in low- and middle-income countries. Whether improvements occur, however, depends on the willingness and ability of health providers to respond to societal pressure for better care. This article uses a realist approach to review cases of collective citizen action and advocacy with the aim to identify key mechanisms of provider responsiveness. Purposeful searches for cases were combined with a systematic search in four databases. To be included in the review, the initiatives needed to describe at least one outcome at the level of frontline service provision. Some 37 social accountability initiatives in 15 countries met these criteria. Using a realist approach, retroductive analysis and triangulation of methods and sources were performed to construct Context-Mechanism-Outcome configurations that explain potential pathways to provider responsiveness. The findings suggest that health provider receptivity to citizens' demands for better health care is mediated by health providers' perceptions of the legitimacy of citizen groups and by the extent to which citizen groups provide personal and professional support to health providers. Some citizen groups activated political or formal bureaucratic accountability channels but the effect on provider responsiveness of such strategies was more mixed. Favourable contexts for health provider responsiveness comprise socio-political contexts in which providers self-identify as activists, health system contexts in which health providers depend on citizens' expertise and capacities, and health system contexts where providers have the self-perceived ability to change the system in which they operate. Rather than providing recipes for successful social accountability initiatives, the synthesis proposes a programme theory that can support reflections on the theories of change underpinning social accountability initiatives and interventions to improve the quality of primary health care in different settings. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press in association with The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Environmental Survival and Citizen Action. Ecology: Point/Counterpoint; Reader to Accompany Environmental Survival and Citizen Action.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dawson, Richard G.

Guidelines and readings for an interdisciplinary course in biology and government adapt as a semester or year course for an entire class, independent study, or for teacher resource materials. An attitude questionnaire, list of suggested projects, and reading and writing assignments constitute the guidelines. The content first considers the…

Advice and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Citizen-Science Environmental Health Assessments.

PubMed

Barzyk, Timothy M; Huang, Hongtai; Williams, Ronald; Kaufman, Amanda; Essoka, Jonathan

2018-05-11

Citizen science provides quantitative results to support environmental health assessments (EHAs), but standardized approaches do not currently exist to translate findings into actionable solutions. The emergence of low-cost portable sensor technologies and proliferation of publicly available datasets provides unparalleled access to supporting evidence; yet data collection, analysis, interpretation, visualization, and communication are subjective approaches that must be tailored to a decision-making audience capable of improving environmental health. A decade of collaborative efforts and two citizen science projects contributed to three lessons learned and a set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) that address the complexities of environmental health and interpersonal relations often encountered in citizen science EHAs. Each project followed a structured step-by-step process in order to compare and contrast methods and approaches. These lessons and FAQs provide advice to translate citizen science research into actionable solutions in the context of a diverse range of environmental health issues and local stakeholders.

Designing a post-genomics knowledge ecosystem to translate pharmacogenomics into public health action.

PubMed

Dove, Edward S; Faraj, Samer A; Kolker, Eugene; Ozdemir, Vural

2012-01-01

Translation of pharmacogenomics to public health action is at the epicenter of the life sciences agenda. Post-genomics knowledge is simultaneously co-produced at multiple scales and locales by scientists, crowd-sourcing and biological citizens. The latter are entrepreneurial citizens who are autonomous, self-governing and increasingly conceptualizing themselves in biological terms, ostensibly taking responsibility for their own health, and engaging in patient advocacy and health activism. By studying these heterogeneous 'scientific cultures', we can locate innovative parameters of collective action to move pharmacogenomics to practice (personalized therapeutics). To this end, we reconceptualize knowledge-based innovation as a complex ecosystem comprising 'actors' and 'narrators'. For robust knowledge translation, we require a nested post-genomics technology governance system composed of first-order narrators (for example, social scientists, philosophers, bioethicists) situated at arm's length from innovation actors (for example, pharmacogenomics scientists). Yet, second-order narrators (for example, an independent and possibly crowd-funded think-tank of citizen scholars, marginalized groups and knowledge end-users) are crucial to prevent first-order narrators from gaining excessive power that can be misused in the course of steering innovations. To operate such 'self-calibrating' and nested innovation ecosystems, we introduce the concept of 'wiki-governance' to enable mutual and iterative learning among innovation actors and first- and second-order narrators. '[A] scientific expert is someone who knows more and more about less and less, until finally knowing (almost) everything about (almost) nothing.' [1] 'Ubuntu: I am because you are.' [2].

Designing a post-genomics knowledge ecosystem to translate pharmacogenomics into public health action

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Translation of pharmacogenomics to public health action is at the epicenter of the life sciences agenda. Post-genomics knowledge is simultaneously co-produced at multiple scales and locales by scientists, crowd-sourcing and biological citizens. The latter are entrepreneurial citizens who are autonomous, self-governing and increasingly conceptualizing themselves in biological terms, ostensibly taking responsibility for their own health, and engaging in patient advocacy and health activism. By studying these heterogeneous 'scientific cultures', we can locate innovative parameters of collective action to move pharmacogenomics to practice (personalized therapeutics). To this end, we reconceptualize knowledge-based innovation as a complex ecosystem comprising 'actors' and 'narrators'. For robust knowledge translation, we require a nested post-genomics technology governance system composed of first-order narrators (for example, social scientists, philosophers, bioethicists) situated at arm's length from innovation actors (for example, pharmacogenomics scientists). Yet, second-order narrators (for example, an independent and possibly crowd-funded think-tank of citizen scholars, marginalized groups and knowledge end-users) are crucial to prevent first-order narrators from gaining excessive power that can be misused in the course of steering innovations. To operate such 'self-calibrating' and nested innovation ecosystems, we introduce the concept of 'wiki-governance' to enable mutual and iterative learning among innovation actors and first- and second-order narrators. '[A] scientific expert is someone who knows more and more about less and less, until finally knowing (almost) everything about (almost) nothing.' [1] 'Ubuntu: I am because you are.' [2] PMID:23194449

Citizen Action and Social Change: A Bibliography.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elias, Robert; Woodbridge, Michael P.

Over 1,200 references are cited in this bibliography of literature representing two major areas of citizen participation: community organizing and grassroots participation. Materials, most of which were published between 1970 and the present, deal mainly with local citizen activism that operates both inside and outside normal government channels.…

Making Space for the Citizen in Geographic Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schmidt, Sandra J.

2011-01-01

This article argues that we need to reconsider the connection between citizenship and geography. Although geographic education purports to prepare citizens, the possibilities for this relationship have been addressed by few scholars. The study shows that citizenship is situated in places and students' actions as citizens reinscribe the meaning of…

Energy in Solid Waste: A Citizen Guide to Saving.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Citizens Advisory Committee on Environmental Quality.

This booklet contains information for citizens on solid wastes. It discusses the possible energy available in combustible and noncombustible trash. It suggests how citizens can reduce waste at home through discriminating buying practices and through recycling and reuse of resources. Recommendations are given for community action along with state…

Freedom of the Press For Whom? The Right of Access to Mass Media.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barron, Jerome A.

Freedom of the press has always meant freedom from government control and censorship, but now the communications industry itself is the major censor, with control of access to the media resting in a very few hands. The new effort throughout the country to open up the media by applying citizen group pressure, by bringing court action, and by…

76 FR 30705 - Gulf of Mexico Citizen Advisory Committee; Request for Nominations to the Gulf of Mexico Citizen...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-26

... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-9311-5] Gulf of Mexico Citizen Advisory Committee; Request... Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), invites... environmental issues affecting the five Gulf of Mexico Coastal States. Members serve as representatives of...

Toward Clean Water: A Guide to Citizen Action.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Outen, Ronald, Ed.; Lawson, Simpson, Ed.

This guide identifies the major opportunities for participation under the 1976 Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments for citizens concerned with the improvement of water quality. The book is aimed primarily at fulfilling the direct needs of citizens at all levels. In addition to an explanation of the law and implementing regulations, this…

Pathways of Knowing: Integrating Citizen Science and Critical Thinking in the Adult ELL Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Basham, Melody

2012-01-01

This action research study examines what common perceptions and constructs currently exist in educating adult immigrants in Arizona and considers how might the integration of citizen science with the current English curriculum promote higher order thinking and educational equity in this population. A citizen science project called the Mastodon…

Remaking Public Spaces for Civil Society

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ranson, Stewart

2012-01-01

The collective action predicaments of the time require citizens to participate in remaking the governance of civil society so that they can become engaged and cooperate together. Can citizens become makers of civil society? This article draws upon Hannah Arendt's "On Revolution" to provide a theory of remaking in which citizens come together to…

Advice and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Citizen-Science Environmental Health Assessments

PubMed Central

Barzyk, Timothy M.; Huang, Hongtai; Williams, Ronald; Kaufman, Amanda; Essoka, Jonathan

2018-01-01

Citizen science provides quantitative results to support environmental health assessments (EHAs), but standardized approaches do not currently exist to translate findings into actionable solutions. The emergence of low-cost portable sensor technologies and proliferation of publicly available datasets provides unparalleled access to supporting evidence; yet data collection, analysis, interpretation, visualization, and communication are subjective approaches that must be tailored to a decision-making audience capable of improving environmental health. A decade of collaborative efforts and two citizen science projects contributed to three lessons learned and a set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) that address the complexities of environmental health and interpersonal relations often encountered in citizen science EHAs. Each project followed a structured step-by-step process in order to compare and contrast methods and approaches. These lessons and FAQs provide advice to translate citizen science research into actionable solutions in the context of a diverse range of environmental health issues and local stakeholders. PMID:29751612

Reconstructing Masculinity and Power in Africa through Open Distance Learning for Sustainable Development: A Critical Analysis of Wole Soyinka's "Climate of Fear"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adetunji, Barihi; Adesida, Aderonke Adetunji

2009-01-01

The strabismus conception of masculinity and power with its manipulation as reflected in the consequences of actions endorsed and demonstrated by leaders, followers, citizens as individuals and groups at different times in the past, and present has been a major source of the seemingly quiescence and underdevelopment in Africa. Masculinity has…

77 FR 40693 - 30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: DS-5506, Local U.S. Citizen Skills/Resources...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-10

..., Local U.S. Citizen Skills/Resources Survey ACTION: Notice of request for public comment and submission... Skills/Resources Survey. OMB Control Number: OMB No. 1405-0188. Type of Request: Revision. Originating... reporting burden on those who are to respond. Abstract of Proposed Collection The Local U.S. Citizen Skills...

Critical consciousness and intent to persist through college in DACA and U.S. citizen students: The role of immigration status, race, and ethnicity.

PubMed

Cadenas, Germán A; Bernstein, Bianca L; Tracey, Terence J G

2018-05-21

We used the model of critical consciousness (CC; Freire, 1973) to examine college persistence in a sample of Hispanic Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) college students in contrast to Hispanic and non-Hispanic White U.S. citizens. To do this, we looked to social cognitive career theory (Lent, Brown, & Hackett, 1994) to clarify the development of CC and its association with college persistence in students facing marginalization due to immigration status and racial/ethnic identity. The sample consisted of 368 undergraduate college students, including 89 Hispanic DACA recipients, 88 Hispanics with U.S. citizenship, and 191 non-Hispanic Whites with U.S. citizenship. Students completed scales on intent to persist in college, political self-efficacy, political outcome expectations, critical reflection, critical action, and supports and barriers for critical action. The data were examined using multigroup structural equation modeling; goodness of fit indices suggested good model fit for all groups. Tests of structural invariance revealed that 7 relational paths were equal across student groups, while race/ethnicity and immigration status differentiated the strength of 7 paths. Our findings indicate that there are differences in how Hispanic DACA students experience CC in relation to support for their political advocacy and activism. Findings also highlight that political outcome expectations predicted higher intent to persist in college for all students, including Hispanic DACA students. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Citizen Science for public health.

PubMed

Den Broeder, Lea; Devilee, Jeroen; Van Oers, Hans; Schuit, A Jantine; Wagemakers, Annemarie

2018-06-01

Community engagement in public health policy is easier said than done. One reason is that public health policy is produced in a complex process resulting in policies that may appear not to link up to citizen perspectives. We therefore address the central question as to whether citizen engagement in knowledge production could enable inclusive health policy making. Building on non-health work fields, we describe different types of citizen engagement in scientific research, or 'Citizen Science'. We describe the challenges that Citizen Science poses for public health, and how these could be addressed. Despite these challenges, we expect that Citizen Science or similar approaches such as participatory action research and 'popular epidemiology' may yield better knowledge, empowered communities, and improved community health. We provide a draft framework to enable evaluation of Citizen Science in practice, consisting of a descriptive typology of different kinds of Citizen Science and a causal framework that shows how Citizen Science in public health might benefit both the knowledge produced as well as the 'Citizen Scientists' as active participants.

Exploring Citizen Infrastructure and Environmental Priorities in Mumbai, India

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sperling, Joshua; Romero-Lankao, Patricia; Beig, Gufran

Many cities worldwide seek to understand local policy priorities among their general populations. This study explores how differences in local conditions and among citizens within and across Mumbai, India shape local infrastructure (e.g. energy, water, transport) and environmental (e.g. managing pollution, climate-related extreme weather events) policy priorities for change that may or may not be aligned with local government action or global environmental sustainability concerns such as low-carbon development. In this rapidly urbanizing city, multiple issues compete for prominence, ranging from improved management of pollution and extreme weather to energy and other infrastructure services. To inform a broader perspective ofmore » policy priorities for urban development and risk mitigation, a survey was conducted among over 1200 citizens. The survey explored the state of local conditions, the challenges citizens face, and the ways in which differences in local conditions (socio-institutional, infrastructure, and health-related) demonstrate inequities and influence how citizens perceive risks and rank priorities for the future design and implementation of local planning, policy, and community-based efforts. With growing discussion and tensions surrounding the new urban sustainable development goal, announced by the UN in late September 2015, and a new global urban agenda document to be agreed upon at 'Habitat III', issues on whether sustainable urbanization priorities should be set at the international, national or local level remain controversial. As such, this study aims to first understand determinants of and variations in local priorities across one city, with implications discussed for local-to-global urban sustainability. Findings from survey results indicate the determinants and variation in conditions such as age, assets, levels of participation in residential action groups, the health outcome of chronic asthma, and the infrastructure service of piped water provision to homes are significant in shaping the top infrastructure and environmental policy priorities that include water supply and sanitation, air pollution, waste, and extreme heat.« less

Look Who's Talking. Explaining Water-Related Information Sharing and Demand for Action Among Ugandan Villagers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holvoet, Nathalie; Dewachter, Sara; Molenaers, Nadia

2016-11-01

Many national water policies propagate community-based participatory approaches to overcome weaknesses in supply-driven rural water provision, operation, and maintenance. Citizen involvement is thought to stimulate bottom-up accountability and broaden the information base, which may enrich design and implementation processes and foster improved water accessibility and sustainability. Practices on the ground, however, are embedded in socio-political realities which mediate possible beneficial effects of participatory approaches. This paper builds on full social network data collected in a Ugandan village to study the social and political reality of two distinct levels of participation, i.e. local information sharing among citizens and a more active appeal to fellow citizens to improve water services. We use Logistic Regression Quadratic Assignment Procedure to explore what type of actor and network traits influence information sharing and whether the same factors are in play in the demand for action to remedy water-related problems. Whereas social aspects (social support relations) and homophily (using the same water source, the same gender) play an important role in information sharing, it is the educational level, in particular, of the villager who is called upon that is important when villagers demand action. Our findings also demonstrate that those most in need of safe water do not mobilize their information sharing ties to demand for action. This indicates that building local water policies and practice exclusively on locally existing demand for action may fail to capture the needs of the most deprived citizens.

Public input in the permitting process: the Section 404 example

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tripp, J.T.B.

Section 404 of the Clean Water Act illustrates the potential effectiveness of public input in the permitting process. Section 404 should, if strictly applied, reduce wetland loss, but the federal administrative agency's traditional role has been development rather than protection of these areas. As a result of citizen group activities, the Corps of Engineers has not been able to restrict the scope of Clean Water Act jurisdiction as much as they would have without the citizen input. One problem with the Corp's approach is with the specific descriptions of alternatives that often preclude a practical alternative. Public input is amore » necessary part of the democratic process by which the public establishes its values and preferences through persuasion and, when necessary, legal action.« less

Assessment of citizen group court monitoring programs

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1987-03-01

The purpose of the study is to determine whether the presence of a citizen group court monitoring program within a jurisdiction influences the disposition of driving while intoxicated cases. Initial research identified a number of citizens group cour...

INSA Hand Puppet Training Manual: Involving U.S. Citizens in a Puppetmaking Project To Enhance the Use of Educational Puppet Theater in Developing Nations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carter, David A.

Designed to help U.S. citizens become aware of the needs of people living in developing countries, this puppet project is an action oriented education program implemented by the International Service Association for Health, Inc. (INSA). The program's primary purpose is to inform citizens about global concerns and issues while enlisting public…

The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act: Overview and Issues

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-05-29

action officers to perform voting assistance duties; establish procedures to ensure a postmark or proof of mailing date on absentee ballots; requires...CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act...TYPE 3. DATES COVERED 00-00-2009 to 00-00-2009 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act: Overview and

The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act: Background and Issues

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-01-30

action officers to perform voting assistance duties; establish procedures to ensure a postmark or proof of mailing date on absentee ballots; requires...2003 The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act: Background and Issues Kevin J. Coleman Analyst in American National Government...Government and Finance Division Summary Members of the military and U.S. citizens who live abroad are eligible to register and vote absentee in federal

JPRS Report, Near East & South Asia.

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-06-06

an allotment if a Saudi citizen desires to sell it. In this case , Saudi citizens are subject in their actions to that which Kuwaiti citizens are...In any case , the most significant guarantee for the triumph of the Palestinian vision of the elections is embodied in continuation of the intifadah...increasing number of cases of resistance against Israeli troops, as a logical reaction to Israeli war minister Yitzhaq Rabin’s plan to tighten the

Affirmative Action: Essential to Achieving Justice and Good Health Care for All in America.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sinkford, Jeanne C.; Valachovic, Richard W.

2003-01-01

Explains the position of the American Dental Education Association regarding affirmative action, namely, that affirmative action represents the United States' longstanding principled and constitutional commitment to equal opportunity for all citizens. (EV)

The People's Lake

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carlson, Karen Townsend

1975-01-01

Citizen action to stop the disposal of taconite tailings into Lake Superior was unsuccessful when the courts settled in the favor of industry. Although citizen research revealed a form of asbestos, as well as other toxic chemicals in the discharged wastes, company representatives stated that there were no health hazards. (MA)

The Autonomy-Authority Duality of Shared Decision-Making in Youth Environmental Action

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schusler, Tania M.; Krasny, Marianne E.; Decker, Daniel J.

2017-01-01

While environmental action is recognized as an effective approach for developing young people's capabilities as citizens and contributing to environmental improvements, little research has addressed how adults facilitate youth action projects. Environmental action involves a partnership among youth and adults characterized by shared…

[Combating poverty and rebuilding social ties: the lessons of Citizens' Action in the Struggle Against Hunger and Destitution and in Defense of Life].

PubMed

Magalhães, Rosana

2002-01-01

To reflect on Citizens' Action in the Struggle Against Hunger and Destitution and in Defense of Life is to seek to approach the dilemmas and challenges involving the consolidation of citizenship and social justice, as well as the forces in action in contemporary Brazilian society. However, many questions remain open in this effort. The intertwining issues of poverty, politics, and solidarity and the concrete shapes and multiple social developments of Brazil's "Campaign Against Hunger" leave room for various possible interpretations. Thus, considering the breadth of the theme on the one hand and the limits of this article on the other, the objective is to explore some relevant issues in the debate on destitution and exclusion and the process of constructing new kinds of public social intervention and civic participation, arising over the course of the study conducted by the "Citizens' Action Committees" in Rio de Janeiro during 1996 and 1997. The basic idea is to focus on volunteer practices to discuss the dilemmas posed for solving impoverishment and social fragmentation through cooperative activities and mutual help in Brazil.

Educating Tomorrow's Valuable Citizen.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burstyn, Joan N., Ed.

This collection of essays by various authors discusses the dilemmas that face those who would educate tomorrow's valuable citizens and describes the day-to-day commitment needed to maintain a community. The book gives guidelines for action through examples of current programs that provide a forum for civic discussion and public consensus on the…

Citizen's Guide to Sustainable Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Corson, Walter H., Ed.

This book is intended as a working guide for the citizen interested in understanding global environmental issues and taking action to confront them. Fourteen "issue" chapters document major changes resulting from the rapid growth of human numbers and their impacts on Earth's resources. Each chapter concludes with a resource section that…

Cable Television; A Guide for Citizen Action.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Price, Monroe E.; Wicklein, John

When commercial radio began broadcasting, some citizens saw it as a new "golden age," offering vast opportunities for educational and public service programing. These dreams did not come true because it was more profitable to sell advertising. The same pattern occured with broadcast television. Cable television provides a third chance, and this…

Bearing Witness: Citizen Journalism and Human Rights Issues

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Allan, Stuart; Sonwalkar, Prasun; Carter, Cynthia

2007-01-01

This article assesses the potential of online news reporting to create discursive spaces for emphatic engagement--of bearing witness--at a distance, especially where human rights violations are concerned. Taking as its focus the emergent forms and practices of citizen journalism, it examines the spontaneous actions of ordinary people compelled to…

78 FR 43200 - Proposed Settlement Agreement, Clean Air Act Citizen Suit

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-19

... Social Responsibility--Los Angeles v. EPA, No. 12-56175, upon receipt of written notice from EPA that the... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OGC-2013-0484; FRL-9835-6] Proposed Settlement Agreement, Clean Air Act Citizen Suit AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of proposed...

Environmental protection belongs to the public: A vision for citizen science at EPA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parker, A.; Dosemagen, S.

2017-12-01

As a collaborative and open approach to science, citizen science has the potential make science more actionable, applicable, and usable, especially when designed with scientists, communities and decision-makers as partners. In response to recent interest in citizen science from the US Environmental Protection Agency, the National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology provided EPA with advice and recommendations on how to integrate citizen science into the core work of EPA. The Council's 28 members—representatives of academia; business and industry; nongovernmental organizations; and state, local and tribal governments—identifies citizen science as an invaluable opportunity for EPA to strengthen public support for EPA's mission and the best approach for the Agency to connect with the public on environmental protection. The report recommends that EPA embrace citizen science as a core tenet of environmental protection, invest in citizen science for communities, partners, and the Agency, enable the use of citizen science data at the Agency, integrate citizen science into the full range of work of EPA. This presentation will outline principles and strategy for integrating citizen science into science and policy at the national level, increasing the usability of citizen science data for decision-making and policy, and leveraging citizen science for environmental protection.

Evaluating environmental education, citizen science, and stewardship through naturalist programs.

PubMed

Merenlender, Adina M; Crall, Alycia W; Drill, Sabrina; Prysby, Michelle; Ballard, Heidi

2016-12-01

Amateur naturalists have played an important role in the study and conservation of nature since the 17th century. Today, naturalist groups make important contributions to bridge the gap between conservation science and practice around the world. We examined data from 2 regional naturalist programs to understand participant motivations, barriers, and perspectives as well as the actions they take to advance science, stewardship, and community engagement. These programs provide certification-based natural history and conservation science training for adults that is followed by volunteer service in citizen science, education, and stewardship. Studies in California and Virginia include quantitative and qualitative evaluation data collected through pre- and postcourse surveys, interviews, and long-term tracking of volunteer hours. Motivations of participants focused on learning about the local environment and plants and animals, connecting with nature, becoming certified, and spending time with people who have similar interests. Over half the participants surveyed were over 50 years old, two-thirds were women, and a majority reported household incomes of over $50,000 (60% in California, 85% in Virginia), and <20% of those surveyed in both states described themselves as nonwhite. Thus, these programs need to improve participation by a wider spectrum of the public. We interviewed younger and underrepresented adults to examine barriers to participation in citizen science. The primary barrier was lack of time due to the need to work and focus on career advancement. Survey data revealed that participants' ecological knowledge, scientific skills, and belief in their ability to address environmental issues increased after training. Documented conservation actions taken by the participants include invasive plant management, habitat restoration, and cleanups of natural areas and streams. Long-term data from Virginia on volunteer hours dedicated to environmental citizen science show an increase from 14% in 2007 to 32% in 2014. In general, participants in the naturalist programs we examined increased their content knowledge about ecosystems, had greater confidence in conserving them, and continued to engage as citizen scientists after completing the program. © 2016 Society for Conservation Biology.

Strengthening accountability to citizens on gender and health.

PubMed

Murthy, R K

2008-01-01

Accountability refers to the processes by which those with power in the health sector engage with, and are answerable to, those who make demands on it, and enforce disciplinary action on those in the health sector who do not perform effectively. This paper reviews the practice of accountability to citizens on gender and health, assesses gaps, and recommends strategies. Four kinds of accountability mechanisms have been used by citizens to press for accountability on gender and health. These include international human rights instruments, legislation, governance structures, and other tools, some of which are relevant to all public sector services, some to the health sector alone, some to gender issues alone, and some to gender-specific health concerns of women. However, there are few instances wherein private health sector and donors have been held accountable. Rarely have accountability processes reduced gender inequalities in health, or addressed 'low priority' gender-specific health needs of women. Accountability with respect to implementation and to marginalized groups has remained weak. This paper recommends that: (1) the four kinds of accountability mechanisms be extended to the private health sector and donors; (2) health accountability mechanisms be engendered, and gender accountability mechanisms be made health-specific; (3) resources be earmarked to enable government to respond to gender-specific health demands; (4) mechanisms for enforcement of such policies be improved; and (5) democratic spaces and participation of marginalized groups be strengthened.

Affirmative Action and the Principle of Equality

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sasseen, Robert F.

1976-01-01

A critical look is taken at affirmative action, which is called a preferential policy of proportional employment. The author suggests that affirmative action actually denies citizens equality of opportunity, writing racial distinctions into law and holding contempt for Blacks and other pretended beneficiaries. (LBH)

Developing Citizens and Communities through Youth Environmental Action

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schusler, Tania M.; Krasny, Marianne E.; Peters, Scott J.; Decker, Daniel J.

2009-01-01

Although several studies have examined learning outcomes of environmental action experiences for youth, little is known about the aims motivating practitioners to involve youth in action creating positive environmental and social change, nor how practitioners perceive success. This research explored through phenomenological interviews…

Young Citizens as Health Agents: Use of Drama in Promoting Community Efficacy for HIV/AIDS

PubMed Central

Kamo, Norifumi; Carlson, Mary; Brennan, Robert T.; Earls, Felton

2008-01-01

A community-based cluster randomized control trial in a medium-sized municipality in Tanzania was designed to increase local competence to control HIV/AIDS through actions initiated by children and adolescents aged 10 to 14 years. Representative groups from the 15 treatment communities reached mutual understanding about their objectives as health agents, prioritized their actions, and skillfully applied community drama (“skits”) to impart knowledge about the social realities and the microbiology of HIV/AIDS. In independently conducted surveys of neighborhood residents, differences were found between adults who did and did not witness the skits in their beliefs about the efficacy of children as HIV/AIDS primary change agents. PMID:18172136

Young citizens as health agents: use of drama in promoting community efficacy for HIV/AIDS.

PubMed

Kamo, Norifumi; Carlson, Mary; Brennan, Robert T; Earls, Felton

2008-02-01

A community-based cluster randomized control trial in a medium-sized municipality in Tanzania was designed to increase local competence to control HIV/AIDS through actions initiated by children and adolescents aged 10 to 14 years. Representative groups from the 15 treatment communities reached mutual understanding about their objectives as health agents, prioritized their actions, and skillfully applied community drama ("skits") to impart knowledge about the social realities and the microbiology of HIV/AIDS. In independently conducted surveys of neighborhood residents, differences were found between adults who did and did not witness the skits in their beliefs about the efficacy of children as HIV/AIDS primary change agents.

Citizen's actions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

The various ways in which energy may be conserved by individual citizens as consumers were explored. The following barriers against citizens implementing an effective conservation program were described: credibility gap between producers and consumers, consumptive lifestyles, inverted rate structure, low fuel costs, and initial costs compared to life cycle costs. The following indices for saving energy were identified: time to develop alternatives, scarcity of fuels, reduction of dependence on imports, and decreasing environmental pollution. The various approaches to encourage energy conservation by individuals were described, followed by specific conclusions and recommendations.

The Virginia Standards of Learning: Where Is Geography for Life?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morrill, Robert W.

2004-01-01

Citizens engage in politics when they choose the structure, content, and processes of schooling. Politics is about who gets what, when, where, and how. The interaction of politics and schooling is a legitimate and needed aspect of social action. Because education is about developing enlightened and productive citizens, education and politics are…

Children in Crisis: Ideas for Child Care Professionals as Citizens.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Honig, Alice Sterling

Children in America are in crisis. As citizens, child care professionals can write letters to and apply political pressure on elected officials, galvanizing them to improve the lives of young children and their families. In the field of education, action is needed to: (1) provide human development curricula in elementary schools; (2) link…

How Framing Climate Change Influences Citizen Scientists' Intentions to Do Something about It

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dickinson, Janis L.; Crain, Rhiannon; Yalowitz, Steve; Cherry, Tammy M.

2013-01-01

How we communicate the dangers of climate change may influence attitudes, intentions, and behaviors. Here we test two pairs of positive and negative framing statements with North American citizen scientists interested in gardening and birdwatching. Mentioning dangers for humans did not increase participants' interest in taking personal action on…

NetActivism: How Citizens Use the Internet. First Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schwartz, Edward

This book guides citizens in using the Internet for community, social, and political action. Following an in-depth introduction, chapters include: Chapter 1, "Getting Connected" and Chapter 2, "Tools," explain the two Internet tools central to organizing for activism--electronic mail lists and the World Wide Web, and the hardware and software…

New Neighbors: The Retarded Citizen in Quest of a Home.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cherington, Carolyn, Ed.; Dybwad, Gunnar, Ed.

The philosophical and practical aspects of the retarded citizen's need for a home in the community are discussed in 14 author contributed chapters dealing with people and communities, rights and independence, home and community, services and communities, and action and advocacy. Chapters cover the following topics: "Community Life and Individual…

Life as a Sober Citizen: Aldo Leopold's Wildlife Ecology 118

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Theiss, Nancy Stearns

2009-01-01

This historic case study addressed the issue of the lack of citizen action toward environmentally responsible behavior. Although there have been studies regarding components of environmental responsible behavior [ERB], there has been little focus on historic models of exemplary figures of ERB. This study examined one of the first conservation…

The University of the Third Age: Role of Senior Citizens.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lemieux, Andre

1995-01-01

Universities of the Third Age are developing the research facet of their mission. In this model, the senior citizen is both the object and the agent of research, being involved in action research that transforms their subjective impressions and intuitions into objective knowledge with which to transform their environment. (Author/SK)

The Skagit Valley Controversy: A Case History in Environmental Politics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perry, Thomas I., Jr.

1975-01-01

Citizens of the Skagit Valley became concerned when that area was to be flooded to produce energy for the United States. Through political citizen action, they saved this area from ecological destruction and set a precedent for further environmental policy decisions. The importance of environmental impact assessment became evident. (MA)

75 FR 67719 - Proposed Consent Decree, Clean Air Act Citizen Suit

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-03

... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-9220-1] Proposed Consent Decree, Clean Air Act Citizen Suit... suit to compel the Administrator to take final action under section 110(k) of the Act on Imperial... special characters and any form of encryption, and may be mailed to the mailing address above. FOR FURTHER...

A model of global citizenship: antecedents and outcomes.

PubMed

Reysen, Stephen; Katzarska-Miller, Iva

2013-01-01

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, exposure to global cultures affords individuals opportunities to develop global identities. In two studies, we examine the antecedents and outcomes of identifying with a superordinate identity--global citizen. Global citizenship is defined as awareness, caring, and embracing cultural diversity while promoting social justice and sustainability, coupled with a sense of responsibility to act. Prior theory and research suggest that being aware of one's connection with others in the world (global awareness) and embedded in settings that value global citizenship (normative environment) lead to greater identification with global citizens. Furthermore, theory and research suggest that when global citizen identity is salient, greater identification is related to adherence to the group's content (i.e., prosocial values and behaviors). Results of the present set of studies showed that global awareness (knowledge and interconnectedness with others) and one's normative environment (friends and family support global citizenship) predicted identification with global citizens, and global citizenship predicted prosocial values of intergroup empathy, valuing diversity, social justice, environmental sustainability, intergroup helping, and a felt responsibility to act for the betterment of the world. The relationship between antecedents (normative environment and global awareness) and outcomes (prosocial values) was mediated by identification with global citizens. We discuss the relationship between the present results and other research findings in psychology, the implications of global citizenship for other academic domains, and future avenues of research. Global citizenship highlights the unique effect of taking a global perspective on a multitude of topics relevant to the psychology of everyday actions, environments, and identity.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) of the Relationship between Air Pollution and Children’s Respiratory Health in Shanghai, China

PubMed Central

Wang, Rui; Yang, Yingying; Chen, Renjie; Kan, Haidong; Wu, Jinyi; Wang, Keran; Maddock, Jay E.; Lu, Yuanan

2015-01-01

To assess the status of, and factors associated with, residents’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to air pollution and respiratory health of children in Shanghai, we conducted a cross-sectional survey. Demographic factors associated with residents’ knowledge were identified by multiple logistic regressions. The questionnaires were completed by 972 participants, half from the Shanghai Children Hospital and the other half from the Jiading communities. Half of the participants’ scores of knowledge and attitudes were equal or greater than 8.0 on a 9-point scale, over 75% of respondents’ practice scores were equal to or less than 4.0. Our studies demonstrated a significant difference of average knowledge scores between the two groups (t = 1.27, p < 0.05). The parents’ educational level (OR = 1.89, 2.48) and average annual household income (AAHI) (OR = 2.37, 2.40, 2.12) were the two strongest factors on knowledge awareness. In addition, statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the two groups in their attitudes towards air quality and their perception of the government’s efforts to alleviate it. The hospital and community groups also showed significant differences in practices geared towards protecting their children’s health. Nearly 90% of the respondents agreed that improving air quality is the responsibility of every citizen, and the joint action of governments and all citizens should be utilized for enhanced control. In addition, more resources should be allocated towards providing citizens with appropriate practices to help lessen the effects of poor air quality. PMID:25664694

Community Relations During Emergency Responses

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Good communication is essential to keep local officials and citizens informed, so an official EPA spokesperson is appointed during each response action. Public involvement can help to save lives should an evacuation or other action be required.

Connections 2013: Citizens in Democratic Politics. Annual Newsletter

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Diebel, Alice, Ed.; Gilmore, Melinda, Ed.; Nielsen, Randall, Ed.

2013-01-01

Each issue of this annual newsletter focuses on a particular area of the Kettering Foundation's research. The 2013 issue focuses on citizens and the importance of the choices they make in politics. In many ways, politics is about choice--not only among policies and candidates in elections, but also among the many actions to address and solve…

Citizen science for water quality monitoring: Data implications of citizen perspectives.

PubMed

Jollymore, Ashlee; Haines, Morgan J; Satterfield, Terre; Johnson, Mark S

2017-09-15

Citizen science, where citizens play an active role in the scientific process, is increasingly used to expand the reach and scope of scientific research while also achieving engagement and educational goals. Despite the emergence of studies exploring data outcomes of citizen science, the process and experience of engaging with citizens and citizen-lead groups through participatory science is less explored. This includes how citizen perspectives alter data outcomes, a critical upshot given prevalent mistrust of citizen versus scientist data. This study uses a citizen science campaign investigating watershed impacts on water quality to interrogate the nature and implications of citizen involvement in producing scientifically and societally relevant data. Data representing scientific outcomes are presented alongside a series of vignettes that offer context regarding how, why, and where citizens engaged with the project. From these vignettes, six specific lessons are examined towards understanding how integration of citizen participation alters data outcomes relative to 'professional' science. In particular, elements of participant social identity (e.g., their motivation for participation), and contextual knowledge (e.g., of the research program itself) can shape participation and resulting data outcomes. Such scientific outcomes are particularly relevant given continued concerns regarding the quality of citizen data, which could hinder scientific acceptance of citizen sciences. Importantly, the potential for meaningful engagement with citizen and participants within citizen groups - given significant capacity within the community - represents a substantial and under-realized opportunity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Citizen science can improve conservation science, natural resource management, and environmental protection

USGS Publications Warehouse

McKinley, Duncan C.; Miller-Rushing, Abe J.; Ballard, Heidi L.; Bonney, Rick; Brown, Hutch; Cook-Patton, Susan; Evans, Daniel M.; French, Rebecca A.; Parrish, Julia; Phillips, Tina B.; Ryan, Sean F.; Shanley, Lea A.; Shirk, Jennifer L.; Stepenuck, Kristine F.; Weltzin, Jake F.; Wiggins, Andrea; Boyle, Owen D.; Briggs, Russell D.; Chapin, Stuart F.; Hewitt, David A.; Preuss, Peter W.; Soukup, Michael A.

2017-01-01

Citizen science has advanced science for hundreds of years, contributed to many peer-reviewed articles, and informed land management decisions and policies across the United States. Over the last 10 years, citizen science has grown immensely in the United States and many other countries. Here, we show how citizen science is a powerful tool for tackling many of the challenges faced in the field of conservation biology. We describe the two interwoven paths by which citizen science can improve conservation efforts, natural resource management, and environmental protection. The first path includes building scientific knowledge, while the other path involves informing policy and encouraging public action. We explore how citizen science is currently used and describe the investments needed to create a citizen science program. We find that:Citizen science already contributes substantially to many domains of science, including conservation, natural resource, and environmental science. Citizen science informs natural resource management, environmental protection, and policymaking and fosters public input and engagement.Many types of projects can benefit from citizen science, but one must be careful to match the needs for science and public involvement with the right type of citizen science project and the right method of public participation.Citizen science is a rigorous process of scientific discovery, indistinguishable from conventional science apart from the participation of volunteers. When properly designed, carried out, and evaluated, citizen science can provide sound science, efficiently generate high-quality data, and help solve problems.

Transformative and Restorative Learning: A Vital Dialectic for Sustainable Societies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lange, Elizabeth A.

2004-01-01

This study explores the potential of critical transformative learning for revitalizing citizen action, particularly action toward a sustainable society. Through an action research process with 14 university extension participants, it was found that a dialectic of transformative and restorative learning is vital for fostering active citizenship.…

Building Civic Bridges: Community-Centered Action Civics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

LeCompte, Karon; Blevins, Brooke

2015-01-01

Project-based learning is an example of powerful social studies learning in which student engage in active inquiry. Action civics is a relatively new educational practice in which students "act as citizens" through a cycle of research, action, and reflection about problems they care about in their community. "Building Civic…

Power to the people? Restoring citizen participation.

PubMed

Morone, James A; Kilbreth, Elizabeth H

2003-01-01

This article investigates a lost ideal--citizen participation in health policy. We begin by mapping the different types of participation. We then suggest what direct citizen action has achieved in the past, why it ought to be restored today, and how we might go about reviving it. A changing social environment--marked by globalization, immigration, a culture war, and managed care--could be addressed by robust, local, democratic health reforms. Finally, we contrast the top-down health sector with education and crime policies that take communities far more seriously.

Citizen Participation in Collaborative Watershed Partnerships

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koehler, Brandi; Koontz, Tomas M.

2008-02-01

Collaborative efforts are increasingly being used to address complex environmental problems, both in the United States and abroad. This is especially true in the growing field of collaborative watershed management, where diverse stakeholders work together to develop and advance water-quality goals. Active citizen participation is viewed as a key component, yet groups often struggle to attract and maintain citizen engagement. This study examined citizen participation behavior in collaborative watershed partnerships by way of a written survey administered to citizen members of 12 collaborative watershed groups in Ohio. Results for the determination of who joins such groups were consistent with the dominant-status model of participation because group members were not demographically representative of the broader community. The dominant-status model, however, does not explain which members are more likely to actively participate in group activities. Instead, individual characteristics, including political activity, knowledge, and comfort in sharing opinions with others, were positively correlated with active participation. In addition, group characteristics, including government-based membership, rural location, perceptions of open communication, perceptions that the group has enough technical support to accomplish its goals, and perceived homogeneity of participant opinions, were positively correlated with active participation. Overall, many group members did not actively participate in group activities.

Citizen participation in collaborative watershed partnerships.

PubMed

Koehler, Brandi; Koontz, Tomas M

2008-02-01

Collaborative efforts are increasingly being used to address complex environmental problems, both in the United States and abroad. This is especially true in the growing field of collaborative watershed management, where diverse stakeholders work together to develop and advance water-quality goals. Active citizen participation is viewed as a key component, yet groups often struggle to attract and maintain citizen engagement. This study examined citizen participation behavior in collaborative watershed partnerships by way of a written survey administered to citizen members of 12 collaborative watershed groups in Ohio. Results for the determination of who joins such groups were consistent with the dominant-status model of participation because group members were not demographically representative of the broader community. The dominant-status model, however, does not explain which members are more likely to actively participate in group activities. Instead, individual characteristics, including political activity, knowledge, and comfort in sharing opinions with others, were positively correlated with active participation. In addition, group characteristics, including government-based membership, rural location, perceptions of open communication, perceptions that the group has enough technical support to accomplish its goals, and perceived homogeneity of participant opinions, were positively correlated with active participation. Overall, many group members did not actively participate in group activities.

The Nexus of Information Technology and Democracy: Theorizing e-Democracy and Citizen Participation in Sub-Saharan Africa

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nchise, Abinwi C.

2012-01-01

The exponential growth of the Internet and mobile phone usage in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) within the last decade has created many different platforms for citizens' political participation. This appears to be changing the political landscape of most countries within the region as governments are increasingly held responsible for their actions.…

77 FR 76163 - 30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Application for Consular Report of Birth Abroad...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-26

...: Application for Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America ACTION: Notice of... the United States of America. OMB Control Number: 1405-0011. Type of Request: Extension. Originating... States of America, is used by citizens of the United States to report the birth of a child while overseas...

Communicating the wildland fire message: Influences on knowledge and attitude change in two case studies

Treesearch

Eric Toman; Bruce Shindler

2006-01-01

Current wildland fire policy calls for citizen involvement in planning and management. To be effective in their efforts to engage outside stakeholders, resource professionals need to understand citizens’ understanding and attitudes toward current practices as well as how to best communicate about proposed actions. A variety of outreach methods have been used to...

Partnerships in Community-based Approaches to Achieving Sustainability: The Atlantic Coastal Action Program

Treesearch

F. Rousseau; Colleen McNeil; Larry Hildebrand

2006-01-01

The Government of Canada believes that a healthy democracy requires the active engagement of its citizens in understanding the economic, social, and environmental issues faced by the nation. In the Atlantic Region, Environment Canada has been actively working, for more than a decade, on helping citizens achieve this integrated view and providing local communities with...

Digital Competence Assessment: A Proposal for Operationalizing the Critical Dimension

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cortoni, Ida; LoPresti, Veronica; Cervelli, Pierluigi

2015-01-01

The European Commission considers the development of digital competences a strategic action to spread and to develop a more active digital participation of citizens. The objective is to increase the level of digital competence in the European citizens up to 2015 and to reduce the number of those who don't use new technologies and don't surf the…

Aging Action: A Course in Senior Advocacy in Kansas.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kansas State Advisory Council on Aging, Topeka.

Skills useful in advocacy of senior citizens' needs are discussed in this manual. The topics included are: (1) the meaning of advocacy; (2) assertiveness training for aging-action; (3) identifying issues; (4) choosing issues; (5) developing a plan of action; (6) organizing; (7) legislative advocacy; (8) criteria to evaluate potential legislative…

Government Collection of Private Information: Background and Issues Related to the USA PATRIOT Act Reauthorization

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-12-23

3 History of Congressional Action ...term is defined in Fourth Amendment jurisprudence. Namely, government action constitutes a search when it intrudes upon a person’s “reasonable...eavesdropping deter vigorous citizen dissent and discussion of Government action in private conversation. For private dissent, no less than open public

Government Collection of Private Information: Background and Issues Related to the USA PATRIOT Act Reauthorization

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-12-09

3 History of Congressional Action ...in Fourth Amendment jurisprudence. Namely, government action constitutes a search when it intrudes upon a person’s “reasonable expectation of privacy...vigorous citizen dissent and discussion of Government action in private conversation. For private dissent, no less than open public discourse, is

Pathways of Knowing: Integrating Citizen Science and Critical Thinking in the Adult ELL Classroom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basham, Melody

This action research study examines what common perceptions and constructs currently exist in educating adult immigrants in Arizona and considers how might the integration of citizen science with the current English curriculum promote higher order thinking and educational equity in this population. A citizen science project called the Mastodon Matrix Project was introduced to a Level 2 ELAA (English Language Acquisition for Adults) classroom and aligned with the Arizona Adult Standards for ELAA education. Pre and post attitudinal surveys, level tests, and personal meaning maps were implemented to assess student attitudes towards science, views on technology, English skills, and knowledge gained as a result of doing citizen science over a period of 8 weeks.

[Let Us to Know the Post-Marketing Clinical Studies and Critical Situation of Study Groups -- Now We Should Talk about How to Achieve the Safe and Most Effective Treatment for Cancer Patients].

PubMed

Hamamoto, Maki

2016-04-01

Not to leave something to be regretted in the life of patients and their family, it is important to find the best way during and after treatment for cancer. We, cancer survivors association, propose a corporated actions among patients, administration, medical stuffs, and enterprises to solve the problems of clinical studies. And we express our opinion on the present problems and to do for patients and citizens.

Action and Rhetoric in Seattle's Freedom Patrols: A Study of Protest Activity by a Local Social Movement.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Richardson, Larry S.

This paper provides a rhetorical analysis of a protest action, namely, the mobilization and action of black citizens in Seattle, Washington, in reaction to the 1965 shooting of a black man (Robert L. Reese) by a local police officer. A description of actions during this time, as reported by two Seattle newspapers, is provided. An extrinsic…

Evil, Agency, and Citizenship Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

den Heyer, Kent; van Kessel, Cathryn

2015-01-01

We all have a sense of evil, but many of us do not ponder its nature or the ways in which our beliefs about evil shape what we teach and learn about the actions of citizens in historical or contemporary times. We argue that the word and concept of evil can be detrimental to the development of good citizens when it is used as a political and…

Energizing the Enterprise: An Incentive-Based Approach to Homeland Security

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-12-01

participation in efforts to deter terrorists and other malicious actors and mitigate radicalization toward violence38 • Mission 3: Enforcing and...citizens are able in influence homeland security—as explained namely by public choice theory. Both paths lead individuals toward realizing enterprise...in citizen preparedness. A September 2004 survey revealed the following figures: • 58 percent of Americans had taken at least one action toward

The Save-WEFM Case as Reported to the 50th Annual NAEB Convention, 1974.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Danna, Sammy R.

The history of Chicago FM radio station WEFM and the activities of the Citizen's Committee to Save WEFM are chronicled. The focus is principally on the actions of the Citizen's Committee to prevent the conversion of the radio station from a classical music format to rock and roll offerings and to block the sale of the station by Zenith to GCC…

Citizen Action Can Help the Code Adoption Process for Radon-Resistant New Construction: Decatur, Alabama

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Adopting a code requiring radon-resistant new construction (RRNC) in Decatur, Alabama, took months of effort by four people. Their actions demonstrate the influence that passionate residents can have on reversing a city council’s direction.

7 CFR 3565.7 - Agency environmental requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... environmental requirements. The Agency will take into account potential environmental impacts of proposed..., and interested citizens and organizations in order to formulate actions that advance the program goals in a manner that will protect, enhance, and restore environmental quality. Actions taken by the...

Government Collection of Private Information: Background and Issues Related to the USA PATRIOT Act Reauthorization

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-02

3 History of Congressional Action ...discussed in this report have the potential to constitute a search as that term is defined in Fourth Amendment jurisprudence. Namely, government action ...unchecked surveillance power. Nor must the fear of unauthorized official eavesdropping deter vigorous citizen dissent and discussion of Government action in

Action Learning for Organizational and Systemic Development: Towards a "Both-and" Understanding of "I" and "We"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rigg, Clare

2008-01-01

In public services delivery, action learning is increasingly employed in the hope of improving capacity to address complex, multi-casual and "wicked" social issues to improve the lives of citizens. Yet the understanding of how and why action learning might have potential for enhancing organizational or systemic capability rarely goes…

75 FR 26892 - Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Texas; Excess Emissions During Startup...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-13

... final disapproval action will mean that no affirmative defense against civil penalties will exist in the... for an affirmative defense to civil penalties in an EPA or citizen suit enforcement action for an... continue to not provide an affirmative defense to a federal enforcement action for violation of a SIP...

Involving citizens in priority setting for public health research: Implementation in infection research.

PubMed

Rawson, Timothy M; Castro-Sánchez, Enrique; Charani, Esmita; Husson, Fran; Moore, Luke S P; Holmes, Alison H; Ahmad, Raheelah

2018-02-01

Public sources fund the majority of UK infection research, but citizens currently have no formal role in resource allocation. To explore the feasibility and willingness of citizens to engage in strategic decision making, we developed and tested a practical tool to capture public priorities for research. A scenario including six infection themes for funding was developed to assess citizen priorities for research funding. This was tested over two days at a university public festival. Votes were cast anonymously along with rationale for selection. The scenario was then implemented during a three-hour focus group exploring views on engagement in strategic decisions and in-depth evaluation of the tool. 188/491(38%) prioritized funding research into drug-resistant infections followed by emerging infections(18%). Results were similar between both days. Focus groups contained a total of 20 citizens with an equal gender split, range of ethnicities and ages ranging from 18 to >70 years. The tool was perceived as clear with participants able to make informed comparisons. Rationale for funding choices provided by voters and focus group participants are grouped into three major themes: (i) Information processing; (ii) Knowledge of the problem; (iii) Responsibility; and a unique theme within the focus groups (iv) The potential role of citizens in decision making. Divergent perceptions of relevance and confidence of "non-experts" as decision makers were expressed. Voting scenarios can be used to collect, en-masse, citizens' choices and rationale for research priorities. Ensuring adequate levels of citizen information and confidence is important to allow deployment in other formats. © 2017 The Authors Health Expectations Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Science experiences of citizen scientists in entomology research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lynch, Louise I.

Citizen science is an increasingly popular collaboration between members of the public and the scientific community to pursue current research questions. In addition to providing researchers with much needed volunteer support, it is a unique and promising form of informal science education that can counter declining public science literacy, including attitudes towards and understanding of science. However, the impacts of citizen science programs on participants' science literacy remains elusive. The purpose of this study was to balance the top-down approach to citizen science research by exploring how adult citizen scientists participate in entomology research based on their perceptions and pioneer mixed methods research to investigate and explain the impacts of citizen science programs. Transference, in which citizen scientists transfer program impacts to people around them, was uncovered in a grounded theory study focused on adults in a collaborative bumble bee research program. Most of the citizen scientists involved in entomology research shared their science experiences and knowledge with people around them. In certain cases, expertise was attributed to the individual by others. Citizen scientists then have the opportunity to acquire the role of expert to those around them and influence knowledge, attitudinal and behavioral changes in others. An intervention explanatory sequential mixed methods design assessed how entomology-based contributory citizen science affects science self-efficacy, self-efficacy for environmental action, nature relatedness and attitude towards insects in adults. However, no statistically significant impacts were evident. A qualitative follow-up uncovered a discrepancy between statistically measured changes and perceived influences reported by citizen scientists. The results have important implications for understanding how citizen scientists learn, the role of citizen scientists in entomology research, the broader program impacts and the value of qualitative methodologies in citizen science research. Citizen science is championed for its ability to extend the geographic, temporal and spatial reach of a research team. It can also extend the educational reach through citizen scientists that have acquired the role of expert.

[Communication and citizenship empowerment in health care: a case of action-research in a polarized Venezuela].

PubMed

Nahón Serfaty, Isaac; Eid, Mahmoud

2015-07-01

An action-research project was implemented in Venezuela from 2009-2013 to empower social activists and patients in their fight against breast cancer (BC). The project was implemented in a context of high political and social polarization of the so-called «Bolivarian revolution». Based on an ecological perspective of health activism and communication, that encompasses the interpersonal, group and social levels, a series of activities were celebrated to develop the advocacy capabilities of citizens, especially women, expand the collaborative networks among different stakeholders, and promote a consensual view between social and institutional actors about a national response to fight BC. A horizontal and participatory communication allowed that the voice of usually marginalized actors was heard in the process of shaping health care policy.

Cultivating Environmental Citizenship in Teacher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Green, Carie; Medina-Jerez, William; Bryant, Carol

2016-01-01

Research on environmental action projects in teacher education is limited. Furthermore, projects that emphasize the role of citizens and governments in environmental problem-solving are scarce. The purpose of this study was to explore how participating in a political environmental action project influenced pre-service teachers' environmental…

[Hunger, solidarity, and ethics: discourse analysis of the movement Citizen's Action against Hunger and Poverty and for Life].

PubMed

Vasconcelos, Francisco de Assis Guedes de

2004-01-01

The article analyzes the discourse of Citizen's Action against Hunger and Poverty and for Life, a social movement led by sociologist Herbert de Souza (Betinho) that was at its peak between 1993 and 1994. From the perspective of certain concepts and principles introduced and disseminated by so-called bio-ethics, the present study identifies within this campaign an attempt to construct a social movement in Brazil displaying characteristics quite similar to those associated with 'practical ethics'. These features are apparent in the three major principles that the movement applied as strategies for fighting hunger and poverty - to wit, solidarity, partnership, and decentralization.

Why Citizen Science Without Usability Testing Will Underperform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romano, C.; Gay, P.; Owens, R.; Burlea, G.

2017-12-01

Citizen science projects must undergo usability testing and optimization if they are to meet their stated goals. This presentation will include video of usability tests conducted upon citizen science websites. Usability testing is essential to the success of online interaction, however, citizen science projects have just begun to include this critical activity. Interaction standards in citizen science lag behind those of commercial interests, and published research on this topic is limited. Since online citizen science is by definition, an exchange of information, a clear understanding of how users experience an online project is essential to informed decision-making. Usability testing provides that insight. Usability testing collects data via direct observation of a person while she interacts with a digital product, such as a citizen science website. The test participant verbalizes her thoughts while using the website or application; the moderator follows the participant and captures quantitative measurement of the participant's confidence of success as she advances through the citizen science project. Over 15 years of usability testing, we have observed that users who do not report a consistent sense of progress are likely to abandon a website after as few as three unrewarding interactions. Since citizen science is also a voluntary activity, ensuring seamless interaction for users is mandatory. Usability studies conducted on citizen science websites demonstrate that project teams frequently underestimate a user's need for context and ease of use. Without usability testing, risks to online citizen science projects include high bounce rate (users leave the website without taking any action), abandonment (of the website, tutorials, registration), misunderstanding instructions (causing disorientation and erroneous conclusions), and ultimately, underperforming projects.

The Quest to Extend Health Services to Vulnerable Substance Users in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in the Context of an Unfolding Economic Crisis.

PubMed

Krawczyk, Noa; Kerrigan, Deanna; Bastos, Francisco Inácio

2017-07-01

Calls to address crack-cocaine use in Brazil among homeless and street-frequenting populations who are in urgent need of health services have questioned the capacity of the Brazilian Unified Health System to attend to the nation's most marginalized citizens. In recent years, Brazil has launched several actions to escalate care for substance users, yet many obstacles hindering accessibility and effectiveness of services remain. Paradoxically, these actions have been implemented in the context of a growing economic crisis, and expanding services for a population of poor and stigmatized substance users while cutting other government programs tends to elicit harsh criticism from citizens. In consequence of such prospects, this commentary aims to discuss barriers marginalized substance users face in accessing health services that are at risk of worsening with government cutbacks. Using Rio de Janeiro as an example, we explore two primary issues: the resource-strained, under-staffed and decentralized nature of the Brazilian Unified Health System and the pervading stigma that bars vulnerable citizens from official structures and services. Abandoning initiated government efforts to increase access to health services would risk maintaining vulnerable citizens at the margins of public structures, inhibiting the opportunity to offer this population humane and urgently needed treatment and care.

The Quest to Extend Health Services to Vulnerable Substance Users in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in the Context of an Unfolding Economic Crisis

PubMed Central

Krawczyk, Noa; Kerrigan, Deanna; Bastos, Francisco Inácio

2018-01-01

Calls to address crack-cocaine use in Brazil among homeless and street-frequenting populations who are in urgent need of health services have questioned the capacity of the Brazilian Unified Health System to attend to the nation’s most marginalized citizens. In recent years, Brazil has launched several actions to escalate care for substance users, yet many obstacles hindering accessibility and effectiveness of services remain. Paradoxically, these actions have been implemented in the context of a growing economic crisis, and expanding services for a population of poor and stigmatized substance users while cutting other government programs tends to elicit harsh criticism from citizens. In consequence of such prospects, this commentary aims to discuss barriers marginalized substance users face in accessing health services that are at risk of worsening with government cutbacks. Using Rio de Janeiro as an example, we explore two primary issues: the resource-strained, under-staffed and decentralized nature of the Brazilian Unified Health System and the pervading stigma that bars vulnerable citizens from official structures and services. Abandoning initiated government efforts to increase access to health services would risk maintaining vulnerable citizens at the margins of public structures, inhibiting the opportunity to offer this population humane and urgently needed treatment and care. PMID:27856941

Safecast: How disaster led to empowerment of crowdsourced citizen science for radiation measurement and communication after Fukushima

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Azby; Franken, Peter; Bonner, Sean; Moross, Joe; Dolezal, Nick

2016-04-01

Safecast, an international, volunteer-based organization devoted to monitoring and openly sharing information on environmental radiation and other pollutants, was initiated on March 12, 2011, one day following the start of the Fukushima Daichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, in response to the lack of publicly available, accurate and trustworthy information about the spread of radioactive fallout. Since its inception, Safecast has grown in size, scope, and geographical reach, as well as in the technical sophistication of its citizen-science-based hardware and software systems. The focus of the group's work is to provide citizens worldwide with the tools they need to inform themselves by gathering and sharing accurate environmental data, in an open and participatory fashion. This effort combines hardware and software design for original radiation and air quality measurement devices; visualizations which are made available online and as applications for mobile and desktop; strong public outreach and education programs; and open forums for discussion of radiation, air pollution, and other hazards. The Safecast system is agile and flexible in terms of development and deployment, and all designs, software programs, and data is provided on an open-source basis. In addition, because the group takes no public stance either for or against nuclear power, it has become an important unbiased source of information regarding radiation risks. The Fukushima Daichi NPP disaster provided a crucial opportunity to evaluate the state of preparation on the part the powerplant operator, government agencies, and international oversight bodies, to gather necessary information on radiation risks quickly and to share it both with emergency responders and the general public. The inadequacy of this preparation and the chaotic nature of inter-agency and inter-governmental communication has been well noted in several official reports on the disaster, including those issued by The National Diet of Japan Fukushima Nuclear Accident Independent Investigation Commission (NAIIC) and by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). During the initial weeks of the disaster in particular, citizens were given little actionable information concerning actual radiation levels, and what was presented both by official spokespersons and in the media was often incomplete and /or contradictory. Many citizens stepped in to fill the gaps, share information and technical knowledge, and provide credible independent alternatives to official information, and Safecast has been held up as the most successful and noteworthy example. The experience of the Safecast project provides an extremely instructive opportunity to evaluate the potential for citizen scientists to make crucial public contributions in emergency situations as well as on a longterm basis, and to help formulate guidelines for the most mutually beneficial relationships between citizens' groups and government. This paper will describe the methodology and toolsets Safecast has developed and deployed, as well as a summary of the key results obtained to date, and lessons learned.

78 FR 25760 - Proposed Information Collection; Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program Grants

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-02

...--renovate or redesign existing close-to- home recreation facilities. Innovation--specific activities that... existing programs. Planning--development of a Recovery Action Program plan. The information collection... recreation system goals. Citizen involvement in the development of the Action Plan is required and may...

Mt. Dioxin: "Clean Up" Action Threatens Florida Community.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gibbs, Lois

1995-01-01

Addresses citizen action taken by African American communities in Pensacola, Florida located in close proximity to a Superfund site. Discusses how the community is organizing to stop site clean-up efforts that residents claim have unjustly increased their already high exposure to toxins such as dioxin. (LZ)

Rio Bauta Abajo, Orocovis, Puerto Rico Monitoring: Citizen Science in Action

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rivera, L. D.; Rodriguez, C.

2015-12-01

"Conoce tu rio" (Learn about your river) is a Citizen Science-"Para La Naturaleza" Project with the purpose of providing citizens effective monitoring methods for water quality and macro invertebrates. Through the monthly monitoring of Rio Grande de Manatí watershed in Puerto Rico, volunteers gained the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct the same methodology in other rivers of Puerto Rico. This is the case of the Rio Bauta Abajo-Orocovis group, initiated by a volunteer of "Conoce tu Rio". The new group has the objective of monitoring the water quality, shrimps and other macro invertebrate diversity and abundance in a stream reach of Rio Bauta Abajo, Orocovis, Puerto Rico. The group is also part of the EPA Equipment Loan Program for Pathogen and Water Quality Monitoring. Shrimps and macro invertebrates are captured using nets. In this ongoing project, preliminary results show that 5 of the 17 shrimp species of Puerto Rico and the freshwater crab have been captured in the monitoring point of Rio Bauta Abajo. The most abundant species captured was Atya scabra representing 70% of the abundance. The second most abundant species was Xiphocaris elongata representing 20% of the abundance. We also found a large number of gravid females of two shrimp species. Sixty percent of captured Atya scabra were gravid while 100% of the captured Xiphocaris elongata were gravid. Water quality is within the standard except for phosphorous and nitrogen. The most abundant species inhabit different habitats in the river. Atya scabra is found in the riffles and Xiphocaris elongata is found in the stream borders and or pools. The high number of gravid females suggests that the dry season is the reproductive season for this two species. The high concentration of phosphorous and nitrogen suggest that in the area there area either crops of animals facilities whose runoff is getting to the river. This monitoring group expects to continue motivating citizens to monitor the water quality in other rivers of Puerto Rico, to raise awareness about the conservation of the rivers and to disseminate the results of their study to the general public and the government agencies. Puerto Rico is suffering a drought and this is a critical moment to raise awareness about the conservation of the water resources and its flora and fauna.

Resources, Number 39. Some Highlights of 1971.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Resources for the Future, Inc., Washington, DC.

Focusing on some significant events of 1971 relating to the use and management of natural resources, this report points out that environmental concern is coming of age. Government activities, congressional messages and action, major court cases, and citizen action are reviewed in the light of growing public acceptance of environmental quality as…

77 FR 67814 - Proposed Settlement Agreement, Clean Air Act Citizen Suit

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-14

... Suit AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of proposed settlement agreement..., 2012, Sierra Club (``Intervenor'') filed a timely motion to intervene. The motion was granted March 27, 2012. The proposed settlement agreement establishes a deadline for EPA to take action on a SIP to be...

How Children Understand Civic Actions: A Mixed Methods Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Metzger, Aaron; Syvertsen, Amy K.; Oosterhoff, Benjamin; Babskie, Elizabeth; Wray-Lake, Laura

2016-01-01

The development of civically engaged citizens is vital for democratic societies. Although several studies have explored children and adolescents' conceptualizations of civic engagement, less is known about youths' understanding of the individual skills and attributes best suited for civic action. The current study utilized a Q-sort methodology to…

78 FR 48161 - Proposed Consent Decree, Clean Air Act Citizen Suit

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-07

... further alleged that EPA had failed to take final action on the attainment demonstration, contingency... a notice taking final action on the attainment demonstration, contingency measures, emission....gov . You may use the www.regulations.gov to submit or view public comments, access the index listing...

Achieving successful community engagement: a rapid realist review.

PubMed

De Weger, E; Van Vooren, N; Luijkx, K G; Baan, C A; Drewes, H W

2018-04-13

Community engagement is increasingly seen as crucial to achieving high quality, efficient and collaborative care. However, organisations are still searching for the best and most effective ways to engage citizens in the shaping of health and care services. This review highlights the barriers and enablers for engaging communities in the planning, designing, governing, and/or delivering of health and care services on the macro or meso level. It provides policymakers and professionals with evidence-based guiding principles to implement their own effective community engagement (CE) strategies. A Rapid Realist Review was conducted to investigate how interventions interact with contexts and mechanisms to influence the effectiveness of CE. A local reference panel, consisting of health and care professionals and experts, assisted in the development of the research questions and search strategy. The panel's input helped to refine the review's findings. A systematic search of the peer-reviewed literature was conducted. Eight action-oriented guiding principles were identified: Ensure staff provide supportive and facilitative leadership to citizens based on transparency; foster a safe and trusting environment enabling citizens to provide input; ensure citizens' early involvement; share decision-making and governance control with citizens; acknowledge and address citizens' experiences of power imbalances between citizens and professionals; invest in citizens who feel they lack the skills and confidence to engage; create quick and tangible wins; take into account both citizens' and organisations' motivations. An especially important thread throughout the CE literature is the influence of power imbalances and organisations' willingness, or not, to address such imbalances. The literature suggests that 'meaningful participation' of citizens can only be achieved if organisational processes are adapted to ensure that they are inclusive, accessible and supportive of citizens.

Attitudes of Minneapolis Elementary School Students and Senior Citizens Toward Each Other. Report No. C-76-34.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Higgins, Paul S.; Faunce, R. W.

By surveying 529 fifth grade students in eleven Minneapolis schools and 260 senior citizens in nine senior citizens' clubs, this study attempted to answer three questions: (1) How do children feel about senior citizens? (2) How do older people feel about children? and (3) Do they have accurate perceptions of each other? This group of senior…

[(Dis)satisfaction with the municipal infrastructure. How do senior citizens evaluate their living conditions?].

PubMed

Piorkowsky, M-B

2010-04-01

In order to evaluate the perceived living conditions, i.e., satisfaction with the scope and quality of municipal infrastructure, from a senior citizen's perspective, a questionnaire, differentiating six areas and 39 sub-areas and the corresponding testing scales for satisfaction with the quality of life, was developed analogous to the grading system used in the German school system. This questionnaire is suitable for evaluative city walks and comparative analyses of the municipal infrastructure to gain indications of the quality and to identify or shape future infrastructure actions. In 2007/2008, the questionnaire was used by the local senior citizen's representatives in the federal states of Germany. The data obtained were condensed into indices of citizen satisfaction and factor analysis was performed. As a result, the 39 sub-areas could be reduced to 11 independent dimensions, which disclose general patterns of perceiving and evaluating the quality of municipal life.

Civic learning and action among older citizens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boggs, David L.

1992-07-01

The purposes of this article are first, to consider the role of senior citizens as advocates, both in matters of specific concern to their fellow age cohorts and in issues of general interest to the community; and, second, to examine the relationship of self-education and learning to advocacy in civic affairs. Literature on sociological and political theory as well as adult civic education provides a conceptual base from which to explain the involvement of persons in their later years in advocacy efforts and in learning activities designed to enhance civic involvement. Citizens have banded together to advocate their vision of a desired future throughout history. Citizen participation in political and civic affairs is generally age-integrated and intergenerational, thus affording opportunities to dispel negative age stereotypes. Participation in civic affairs invokes ageless values, creates meaning in life, and allows elderly participants to transcend themselves and their limitations.

Citizen Groups and Scientific Decisionmaking: Does Public Participation Influence Environmental Outcomes?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Daley, Dorothy M.

2007-01-01

This paper explores the influence of local community groups on agency decisionmaking at hazardous waste sites nationwide. The central purpose of this research is to examine the relative influence of two forms of public participation at Superfund sites: Community Advisory Groups (CAGs) and Technical Assistance Grants (TAGs). When citizens mobilize…

Uniting the Generations with Music Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frego, R. J. David

1995-01-01

Maintains that senior citizens and children are at opposite ends of the time line, but have common needs. Contends that intergenerational music programs provide benefits to both. Describes a successful intergenerational program involving elementary-age choral groups and senior citizen groups. (CFR)

Democratic Values and Citizen Action: A View from US Ninth Graders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hahn, Carole L.

2003-01-01

As part of the IEA study of civic education, US ninth graders were assessed for their civic knowledge, concepts, attitudes, and experiences. The study yielded information about the development of democratic attitudes and dispositions toward social action. US ninth graders rated free expression and free elections as most important for democracy.…

Reconsidering Affirmative Action in Education as a Good for the Disadvantaged

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jackson, Liz

2008-01-01

Affirmative action in higher education remains a controversial topic in the US today, as it is tied in directly with citizens' varying conceptions of the larger society, and the importance of racial and other differences (in particular, socioeconomic class) in individual experiences and outcomes. This essay examines different arguments for and…

Impacts of Affirmative Action: Policies and Consequences in California.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ong, Paul, Ed.

Most U.S. citizens support the elimination of race and gender prejudice and inequality, yet attitudes toward solutions have fluctuated in the years since the civil rights movement began. California, a state that has set precedent for antidiscrimination initiatives since 1934, is now at the center of struggles over affirmative action. The authors…

Stakeholder perspectives on national policy for regulating the school food environment in Mexico.

PubMed

Monterrosa, Eva C; Campirano, Fabricio; Tolentino Mayo, Lizbeth; Frongillo, Edward A; Hernández Cordero, Sonia; Kaufer-Horwitz, Martha; Rivera, Juan A

2015-02-01

In Mexico, the school environment has been promoting sale of unhealthy foods. There is little empirical evidence on multi-stakeholder perspectives around national school food policy to regulate this. We studied stakeholders' perspectives on the proposed regulation for school sale of unhealthy foods. Comments about the regulation were available from an open consultation process held in June 2010 before the approval and implementation of the regulation. To examine perspectives, we coded 597 comments for beliefs, expectations and demands in NVivo. We created matrices by actors: academics, parents, citizens, health professionals and food industry. For academics, citizens and health professionals, the primary issue regarding the regulation was obesity, while for parents it was health of children. Academics, citizens, health professionals and parents believed that government was responsible for health of citizens, expected that this regulation would improve eating habits and health (i.e. less obesity and chronic diseases), and demanded that unhealthy foods be removed from schools. Parents demanded immediate action for school food policy that would protect their children. Citizens and health professionals demanded nutrition education and healthy food environment. Food industry opposed the regulation because it would not solve obesity or improve diet and physical activity behaviours. Instead, industry would lose income and jobs. Food industry demanded policy aimed at families that included nutrition education and physical activity. There was substantial consensus in narratives and perspectives for most actor types, with the primary narrative being the food environment followed by shared responsibility. Food industry rejected both these narratives, espousing instead the narrative of personal responsibility. Consensus among most actor groups supports the potential success of implementation of the regulation in Mexican schools. With regard to addressing childhood obesity, sound government policy is needed to balance different perspectives and desired outcomes among societal actors, particularly in Mexico between food industry and other actors. Published by Oxford University Press in association with The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine © The Author 2013; all rights reserved.

The European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing Synergies: Protocol for a Prospective Observational Study to Measure the Impact of a Community-Based Program on Prevention and Mitigation of Frailty (ICP - PMF) in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

PubMed

Liotta, G; Orfila, F; Vollenbroek-Hutten, M; Roller-Winsberger, R; Illario, M; Musian, D; Alvino, S; O'Caoimh, R; Cano, A; Molloy, W; Iaccarino, G; Marazzi, M C; Inzerilli, M C; Madaro, O; Paul, C; Csonka, P; Vince, A C; Menditto, E; Maggio, M; Scarcella, P; Gilardi, F; Lucaroni, F; Abete, P; Girardi, V; Barra, R; Palombi, L

2016-11-01

Aim of this paper is to describe the protocol of the study "Impact of a Community-based Program on Prevention and Mitigation of Frailty in community-dwelling older adults" developed in the framework of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing. This proposal has been developed by the Partnership Action groups on frailty, fall prevention and polypharmacy in older. The proposal wants to assess the impact of community-based programs aimed to counteract three main outcomes related to frailty: hospitalization, institutionalization and death. Bringing together researchers from seven European countries, the proposal aims to achieve the critical mass and the geographical extension enough to provide information useful to all older European citizens. An observational study will be carried out to calculate the incidence of the different outcomes in relation to the various interventions that will be assessed; results will be compared with data coming from already established national, regional and local dataset using the observed/expected approach. The sample will be made up by at least 2000 citizens for each outcome. All the citizens will be assessed at the baseline with two multidimensional questionnaires: the RISC questionnaire and the Short Functional Geriatric Evaluation questionnaire. The outcomes will be assessed every six-twelve months.

What's Happening with Internationalization at Community Colleges?: Community College Presidents' Perceptions of Internationalization Actions, the Desirability and Feasibility of Internationalization Actions, and the Importance of Internationalization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bissonette, Bonita Susan

2017-01-01

Internationalization of higher education is critical for United States' citizens to be globally competent and economically competitive. With nearly 50 percent of U.S. higher education students currently enrolled at community colleges, the topic of internationalization actions at community colleges is an important one. This study examines…

Climate Change and Political Action: the Citizens' Climate Lobby

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nelson, P. H.; Secord, S.

2014-12-01

Recognizing the reality of global warming and its origin in greenhouse gas emissions, what does one do about it? Individual action is commendable, but inadequate. Collective action is necessary--Citizens' Climate Lobby proposes a "fee-and-dividend" approach in which a fee is imposed on carbon-based fuel at its sources of production. The fee increases annually in a predictable manner. The funds collected are paid out to consumers as monthly dividends. The approach is market-based, in that the cost of the fee to producers is passed on to consumers in the cost of carbon-based fuels. Downstream energy providers and consumers then make their choices regarding investments and purchases. Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL) builds national consensus by growing local Chapters, led and populated by volunteers. The Chapters are charged with public education and presenting the fee-and-dividend proposal to their respective Representatives and Senators. CCL builds trust by its non-partisan approach, meeting with all members of Congress regardless of party affiliation and stance on climate-related issues. CCL also builds trust by a non-confrontational approach, seeking to understand rather than to oppose. CCL works both locally, through its local Chapters, and nationally, with an annual conference in Washington DC during which all Congressional offices are visited. CCL recognizes that a long-term, sustained effort is necessary to address climate change.

Qualitative research building real-life interventions: user-involving development of a mindfulness-based lifestyle change support program for overweight citizens.

PubMed

Hansen, N V; Brændgaard, P; Hjørnholm, C; la Cour, S

2014-10-01

This study is an experiment of putting social sciences to work in developing a support intervention for healthy lifestyle changes that would be attractive and manageable in real-life settings. Starting with a hypothesis that a class of intervention methods based on an unconventional 'low-tension' strategy may offer an effective support of stable, long-term changes well integrated in everyday life, difficult to maintain with conventional dieting and self-control approaches, this study focuses on designing and optimizing an intervention model combining several low-tension methods: mindfulness, small steps and group support. In three consecutive 'action research' cycles, the intervention was run in practice with groups of 20 overweight or obese citizens. Qualitative data, mainly in the form of recorded group sessions and individual interviews with group participants and group leaders, were systematically collected and analyzed, using a framework of social psychological theory to focus on difficulties, resources and meanings connected with habits and everyday life. This information was recycled into the design process for the next version of the intervention. We describe the user-involving development processes toward a more attractive and manageable intervention model. The model now exists as a well-articulated package whose effectiveness is being tested in a randomized controlled trial study. Social science can be put to work in systematically integrating real-life experience in a development process. It answers a very different kind of question than clinical trials-filling another place in an overall research program to create useful knowledge of what helps-in complex, everyday, real life.

Informing public health policy through deliberative public engagement: perceived impact on participants and citizen-government relations.

PubMed

Molster, Caron; Potts, Ayla; McNamara, Beverley; Youngs, Leanne; Maxwell, Susannah; Dawkins, Hugh; O'Leary, Peter

2013-09-01

Deliberative public engagement has been proposed for policy development, where issues are complex and there are diverse public perspectives and low awareness of competing issues. Scholars suggest a range of potential outcomes for citizens and government agencies from involvement in such processes. Few studies have examined outcomes from the perspective of citizen participants in deliberative processes. To examine participant perceptions of their involvement in and outcomes of a deliberative engagement exercise. A case study using semistructured interviews was conducted with participants following a deliberative forum on biobanking. From their involvement in the deliberative exercise, participants described transformations in their knowledge and beliefs about the policy issues. They reported being more informed to the extent of having confidence to educate others and effectively contribute to public policy development. They had developed greater trust in government policymakers who they believed would take reasonable account of their recommendations. We conclude that the participants were satisfied with the outcomes of the deliberative public engagement process and viewed it as an effective means of citizen involvement in public policy development. Particularly for citizens who participate in deliberative processes, such processes may promote active citizenship, empower citizens to undertake representative and educative roles, and improve relations between citizens and government agencies. Actions taken by policymakers subsequent to the deliberative exercise, whereby the majority of citizen recommendations were incorporated in the policy developed, may have contributed to participants holding sustained levels of trust in the commissioning government agency.

78 FR 54668 - Cook Inlet Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (CIRCAC) Charter Renewal

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-05

... DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard [USCG-2013-0720] Cook Inlet Regional Citizens.... SUMMARY: The purpose of this notice is to inform the public that the Coast Guard has recertified the Cook Inlet Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (CIRCAC) as an alternative voluntary advisory group for Cook...

76 FR 62428 - Cook Inlet Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (CIRCAC) Charter Renewal

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-07

... DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard [USCG-2011-0852] Cook Inlet Regional Citizens.... SUMMARY: The purpose of this notice is to inform the public that the Coast Guard has recertified the Cook Inlet Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (CIRCAC) as an alternative voluntary advisory group for Cook...

Citizen Participation in Community Mental-Health Programs: A Study in Intergroup Conflict and Cooperation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davis, Tim R.; Specht, Pamela S.

1978-01-01

This paper describes the first state-wide study of citizen participation to include all groups responsible for the administration of community mental-health programs. It notes the necessity to take into consideration the citizens' level of understanding and potential for involvement. (Author)

Unveiling the Effects of Citizen Journalism Practice on College Students' Social Capital

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nah, Seungahn; Namkoong, Kang; Van Stee, Stephanie K.; Record, Rachael A.

2014-01-01

This study examined the effects of citizen journalism practices on social capital concerning nonprofit and voluntary organizations (i.e., satisfaction, trust, and engagement). Through a quasi-experimental design, the analyses revealed that students in the treatment group, in which participants engaged in citizen journalism practice, had greater…

Naturalized Citizens Assistance Act

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Johnson, Eddie Bernice [D-TX-30

2009-04-27

House - 06/04/2009 Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Social Justice and Environmental Awareness Developed through a Citizens' Jury

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knight, J.

2014-12-01

A Citizens' Jury (CJ) is a discussion forum in which managers, policymakers or politicians are able to present their case to the general public ('citizens') to whom they are accountable, and for these citizens to critically ask questions of the managers/policymakers/politicians in order to better understand issues surrounding local development, planning and policy, impacts and adaptive measures, and to highlight their concerns. A CJ can be useful with respect to developing social justice and environmental awareness issues because it can empower community action and present different viewpoints. A practical CJ exercise is used in a second-year undergraduate course entitled Climate Change and Society, at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. The CJ is used to consider some of the impacts of management policies used for climate change and sustainable development adaption, based on a hypothetical scenario. This scenario is that a major energy company wants to build a dam with hydroelectric power station in a developing country. This will provide low-carbon renewable energy to the country, investment in electricity infrastructure, and the company is committed to help economic development in the country, including in jobs and education. However, building and flooding of the dam will involve displacing 10,000 people from rural communities, flooding agricultural areas and areas of high biodiversity, and archaeological sites. The exercise is based on students, in groups, assuming different 'identities' which may include a local business person, resident, politician, member of an NGO, tourist, engineer, farmer etc, from which viewpoint they must argue for/against the proposal and to question other peoples' viewpoints. This exercise is useful because it allows students to develop understandings of different viewpoints, evaluate risk and impacts on different communities, and highlights the complexity of real-world decision-making.

Recognizing the importance of the property rights granted by the United States Constitution; affirming the duty of each Member of this body to support and defend such rights; and asserting that no public body should unlawfully obtain the property of any citizen of the United States for the benefit of another private citizen or corporation.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Broun, Paul C. [R-GA-10

2009-09-17

House - 10/19/2009 Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Attitudinal Change in Elderly Citizens Toward Social Robots: The Role of Personality Traits and Beliefs About Robot Functionality

PubMed Central

Damholdt, Malene F.; Nørskov, Marco; Yamazaki, Ryuji; Hakli, Raul; Hansen, Catharina Vesterager; Vestergaard, Christina; Seibt, Johanna

2015-01-01

Attitudes toward robots influence the tendency to accept or reject robotic devices. Thus it is important to investigate whether and how attitudes toward robots can change. In this pilot study we investigate attitudinal changes in elderly citizens toward a tele-operated robot in relation to three parameters: (i) the information provided about robot functionality, (ii) the number of encounters, (iii) personality type. Fourteen elderly residents at a rehabilitation center participated. Pre-encounter attitudes toward robots, anthropomorphic thinking, and personality were assessed. Thereafter the participants interacted with a tele-operated robot (Telenoid) during their lunch (c. 30 min.) for up to 3 days. Half of the participants were informed that the robot was tele-operated (IC) whilst the other half were naïve to its functioning (UC). Post-encounter assessments of attitudes toward robots and anthropomorphic thinking were undertaken to assess change. Attitudes toward robots were assessed with a new generic 35-items questionnaire (attitudes toward social robots scale: ASOR-5), offering a differentiated conceptualization of the conditions for social interaction. There was no significant difference between the IC and UC groups in attitude change toward robots though trends were observed. Personality was correlated with some tendencies for attitude changes; Extraversion correlated with positive attitude changes to intimate-personal relatedness with the robot (r = 0.619) and to psychological relatedness (r = 0.581) whilst Neuroticism correlated negatively (r = -0.582) with mental relatedness with the robot. The results tentatively suggest that neither information about functionality nor direct repeated encounters are pivotal in changing attitudes toward robots in elderly citizens. This may reflect a cognitive congruence bias where the robot is experienced in congruence with initial attitudes, or it may support action-based explanations of cognitive dissonance reductions, given that robots, unlike computers, are not yet perceived as action targets. Specific personality traits may be indicators of attitude change relating to specific domains of social interaction. Implications and future directions are discussed. PMID:26635646

Attitudinal Change in Elderly Citizens Toward Social Robots: The Role of Personality Traits and Beliefs About Robot Functionality.

PubMed

Damholdt, Malene F; Nørskov, Marco; Yamazaki, Ryuji; Hakli, Raul; Hansen, Catharina Vesterager; Vestergaard, Christina; Seibt, Johanna

2015-01-01

Attitudes toward robots influence the tendency to accept or reject robotic devices. Thus it is important to investigate whether and how attitudes toward robots can change. In this pilot study we investigate attitudinal changes in elderly citizens toward a tele-operated robot in relation to three parameters: (i) the information provided about robot functionality, (ii) the number of encounters, (iii) personality type. Fourteen elderly residents at a rehabilitation center participated. Pre-encounter attitudes toward robots, anthropomorphic thinking, and personality were assessed. Thereafter the participants interacted with a tele-operated robot (Telenoid) during their lunch (c. 30 min.) for up to 3 days. Half of the participants were informed that the robot was tele-operated (IC) whilst the other half were naïve to its functioning (UC). Post-encounter assessments of attitudes toward robots and anthropomorphic thinking were undertaken to assess change. Attitudes toward robots were assessed with a new generic 35-items questionnaire (attitudes toward social robots scale: ASOR-5), offering a differentiated conceptualization of the conditions for social interaction. There was no significant difference between the IC and UC groups in attitude change toward robots though trends were observed. Personality was correlated with some tendencies for attitude changes; Extraversion correlated with positive attitude changes to intimate-personal relatedness with the robot (r = 0.619) and to psychological relatedness (r = 0.581) whilst Neuroticism correlated negatively (r = -0.582) with mental relatedness with the robot. The results tentatively suggest that neither information about functionality nor direct repeated encounters are pivotal in changing attitudes toward robots in elderly citizens. This may reflect a cognitive congruence bias where the robot is experienced in congruence with initial attitudes, or it may support action-based explanations of cognitive dissonance reductions, given that robots, unlike computers, are not yet perceived as action targets. Specific personality traits may be indicators of attitude change relating to specific domains of social interaction. Implications and future directions are discussed.

Citizens Protection Act of 2013

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Rep. Massie, Thomas [R-KY-4

2013-01-03

House - 02/28/2013 Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, And Investigations. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

78 FR 51186 - Proposed Consent Decree, Clean Air Act Citizen Suit

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-20

... Houston, California Communities Against Toxics, Coalition For A Safe Environment, Community In-Power and Development Association, Del Amo Action Committee, Environmental Integrity Project, Louisiana Bucket Brigade...

A joint resolution proclaiming Casimir Pulaski to be an honorary citizen of the United States posthumously.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL

2009-03-02

House - 03/03/2009 Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. (All Actions) Notes: For further action, see H.J.RES.26, which became Public Law 111-94 on 11/6/2009. Tracker: This bill has the status Passed SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Putting on a Green Carnival: Youth Taking Educated Action on Socioscientific Issues

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Birmingham, Daniel; Barton, Angela Calabrese

2014-01-01

Socioscientific issues in connection to energy production, use or influence on climate change continue to be at the forefront of local, national, and global debates. The pressing nature of these issues requires citizens not only to understand relevant disciplinary knowledge but also to have the ability to use that knowledge to take action. This…

Editorial Advertising and the First Amendment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meeske, Milan D.

The fast-growing practice of buying paid "editorial advertisements" in the mass media by individuals and citizens groups wishing to express opinions oncontroversial issues, and the media by individuals and citizens groups wishing to express opinions on controversial issues, and the reluctance and refusal of some licensees and publishers…

[Survey of physical activity and health among Chinese senior citizens over 70 years old].

PubMed

Wang, Hongyu

2015-11-01

To investigate characteristics of physical activities among Chinese senior citizens over 70 years old, and analyze the relationship between physical activities and health. Using multistage stratified sampling method, 1 960 senior citizens over 70 years old were included in the investigation from 7 cities of 5 provinces in the northeast, east, center and west of China from March to September 2014. After removing missing samples, 1 420 samples were kept. Time duration, intensity, frequency and physical condition scores of each physical activities were obtained by using a questionnaire of physical activities and a simplified version of life quality scale (SF-12 scale). Physical condition scores of different groups with different genders and ages were analyzed by using t-test of two independent samples; and physical conditions of different physical activities were compared by χ(2)-test. Senior citizens did physical activities 6-7 times per week (79.2%, 1 125/1 420) with low and moderate intensity (41.6%, 591/1 420) for 0.5-1.0 hour per time (42.5%, 604/1 420). Total scores of senior citizen were (63.7 ± 15.1), and health scores of men (67.3 ± 14.8) were higher than those in women (60.1 ± 17.8) (t = 8.31, P < 0.001). Health scores for the group with the age of 70-74 (69.5 ± 14.6) were higher than those in the group of 80-84 and the group ≥ 85 (62.1 ± 17.0, 57.3 ± 17.9) (F were 2.53 and 3.02, respectively, P < 0.001). Health scores for the group with the age of 75-79 (66.0 ± 16.9) were higher than those in the group ≥ 85 (57.3 ± 17.9) (F = 2.47, P < 0.001). Total detection rates of senior citizen were (64.8%, 920/1 420), health detection rates for the groups with higher and medium physical activities (69.8%, 268/384) and (66.8%, 436/653) were both higher than those in the low group (56.4%, 216/383) (χ(2) were 14.78 and 11.13, respectively, P < 0.001). Senior citizens have physical activities quite frequently with low and medium intensity for a short time period. Health condition declines with age increases; physical health situations are better for men than those for women. Medium and high physical activities do good to health for senior citizens.

Conservation Genetics of the Cheetah: Lessons Learned and New Opportunities.

PubMed

O'Brien, Stephen J; Johnson, Warren E; Driscoll, Carlos A; Dobrynin, Pavel; Marker, Laurie

2017-09-01

The dwindling wildlife species of our planet have become a cause célèbre for conservation groups, governments, and concerned citizens throughout the world. The application of powerful new genetic technologies to surviving populations of threatened mammals has revolutionized our ability to recognize hidden perils that afflict them. We have learned new lessons of survival, adaptation, and evolution from viewing the natural history of genomes in hundreds of detailed studies. A single case history of one species, the African cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus, is here reviewed to reveal a long-term story of conservation challenges and action informed by genetic discoveries and insights. A synthesis of 3 decades of data, interpretation, and controversy, capped by whole genome sequence analysis of cheetahs, provides a compelling tale of conservation relevance and action to protect this species and other threatened wildlife. © The American Genetic Association 2017. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Making a Difference. A Resource Pack for People Who Want To Become More Active Citizens.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dadzie, Stella, Comp.; Turner, Cheryl, Ed.

This document, which is a resource pack for individuals in the United Kingdom who want to become more active citizens, consists of information for group leaders and five learning modules. The section for group leaders contains the following: basic tips on leading a group; strategies for overcoming barriers to learning; glossary; and overview of…

Emergency Senior Citizens Relief Act of 2009

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. DeFazio, Peter A. [D-OR-4

2009-09-17

House - 09/18/2009 Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Emergency Senior Citizens Relief Act of 2009

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. DeFazio, Peter A. [D-OR-4

2009-10-14

House - 10/15/2009 Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Health Care Priorities: Opinions of One State's Citizens and Legislators.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jankel, Charlotte A.; And Others

1994-01-01

Reports a study that examined the attitudes of Georgia citizens and legislators toward funding for specific health care services and national health insurance. Legislators were less in favor of national health insurance than were citizens. Both groups set a high priority on providing a wide range of health care services to everyone. (SM)

Petitioning the FDA to Improve Pharmaceutical, Device and Public Health Safety by Ordinary Citizens: A Descriptive Analysis

PubMed Central

Yang, Y. Tony; Cheng, Xi; Bian, John; Bennett, Charles L.

2016-01-01

The United States Constitution protects the right of citizens to petition the government for “a redress of grievances.” This right has important implications for citizens desiring to advance the public health by petitioning administrative agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration, to take safety actions. We examined a total of 1,915 petitions filed between 2001 and 2013 to investigate the outcomes of citizen petitions that address public health concerns. We found that most petitions were filed by manufacturers against other manufacturers. Only 346 (18%) of all petitions were submitted by individuals and non-profit organizations, and 178 (87.3%) of these petitions with a final response were denied. On average, these petitions required 2.85 years for a final agency decision, and many decisions remain pending 10–13 years after their initial submission. The great majority of the approved requests included some form of risk communication, such as labeling changes, boxed warnings or placement of a drug into a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy. As a policy instrument to improve the safety of medical and food products, the citizen petition process requires sophisticated legal and scientific expertise, and may not represent a viable route for ordinary citizens to petition the FDA to “redress grievances.” PMID:27171162

Petitioning the FDA to Improve Pharmaceutical, Device and Public Health Safety by Ordinary Citizens: A Descriptive Analysis.

PubMed

Chen, Brian K; Yang, Y Tony; Cheng, Xi; Bian, John; Bennett, Charles L

2016-01-01

The United States Constitution protects the right of citizens to petition the government for "a redress of grievances." This right has important implications for citizens desiring to advance the public health by petitioning administrative agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration, to take safety actions. We examined a total of 1,915 petitions filed between 2001 and 2013 to investigate the outcomes of citizen petitions that address public health concerns. We found that most petitions were filed by manufacturers against other manufacturers. Only 346 (18%) of all petitions were submitted by individuals and non-profit organizations, and 178 (87.3%) of these petitions with a final response were denied. On average, these petitions required 2.85 years for a final agency decision, and many decisions remain pending 10-13 years after their initial submission. The great majority of the approved requests included some form of risk communication, such as labeling changes, boxed warnings or placement of a drug into a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy. As a policy instrument to improve the safety of medical and food products, the citizen petition process requires sophisticated legal and scientific expertise, and may not represent a viable route for ordinary citizens to petition the FDA to "redress grievances."

How do marine and coastal citizen science experiences foster environmental engagement?

PubMed

Dean, Angela J; Church, Emma K; Loder, Jenn; Fielding, Kelly S; Wilson, Kerrie A

2018-05-01

Citizen science programs enable community involvement in scientific research. In addition to fostering greater science literacy, some citizen science programs aim to foster engagement in environmental issues. However, few data are available to indicate whether and how citizen science programs can achieve greater environmental engagement. We survey individuals choosing to attend one of seventeen reef citizen science events and examine the extent to which attendees reported three indicators of greater environmental engagement: (i) willingness to share information, (ii) increased support for marine conservation and citizen science, and (iii) intentions to adopt a new behavior. Most participants reported being willing to share information about reef conservation (91%) and described increased support for marine science and conservation (87%). Half of participants (51%) reported intentions to adopt a new conservation behavior. We found that key elements of the citizen science experience associated with these outcomes were learning about actions to protect reefs and coasts (procedural learning), experiencing surprise, and experiencing negative emotions about environmental problems. Excitement was also associated with positive outcomes, but only in participants who were less likely to see themselves as environmental, or were less frequent visitors to reefs and coasts. Importantly, the association between factual learning and environmental engagement outcomes was limited or negative. These findings suggest that the way citizen science experiences make people feel, may be more important for fostering future environmental engagement than factual-based learning. When designing citizen science programs for community members, these findings provide a reminder to not focus on provision of factual information alone, but to highlight environmental impacts while providing meaningful experiences and building environmental skills. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The limits of intimate citizenship: reproduction of difference in Flemish-Ethiopian 'adoption cultures'.

PubMed

De Graeve, Katrien

2010-09-01

The concept of 'intimate citizenship' stresses the right of people to choose how they organize their personal lives and claim identities. Support and interest groups are seen as playing an important role in the pursuit of recognition for these intimate choices, by elaborating visible and positive cultures that invade broader public spheres. Most studies on intimate citizenship take into consideration the exclusions these groups encounter when negotiating their differences with society at large. However, much less attention is paid to the ways in which these groups internalize the surrounding ideologies, identity categories and hierarchies that pervade society and constrain their recognition as full citizens. In contrast, this paper aims to emphasize the reproduction of otherness within alternative spheres of life, and to reveal the ambiguities and complexities involved in their dialectic relationship with society at large. To address this issue, the paper focuses on the role that 'adoption cultures' of Flemish adoptive parents with children from Ethiopia play in the pursuit of being recognized as 'proper' families and full citizens. The ethnographic research among adoptive parents and adoption professionals shows a defensive discourse and action that aims at empowering against potential problems, as well as a tendency to other the adoptive child by pathologizing its non-normativity. By showing the strong embeddedness of adoptive families' practices of familial and cultural construction in larger cultural frames of selfing and othering, characterized by biologism and nativism, one begins to understand the limits of their capacity to realize full citizenship.

A tale of two citizens: a State Attorney General and a hematologist facilitate translation of research into US Food and Drug Administration actions--a SONAR report.

PubMed

Chen, Brian; Restaino, John; Norris, LeAnn; Xirasagar, Sudha; Qureshi, Zaina P; McKoy, June M; Lopez, Isaac S; Trenery, Alyssa; Murday, Alanna; Kahn, Adam; Mattison, Donald R; Ray, Paul; Sartor, Oliver; Bennett, Charles L

2012-11-01

Pharmaceutical safety is a public health issue. In 2005, the Connecticut Attorney General (AG) raised concerns over adverse drug reactions in off-label settings, noting that thalidomide was approved to treat a rare illness, but more than 90% of its use was off label. A hematologist had reported thalidomide with doxorubicin or dexamethasone was associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE) rates of 25%. We review US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and manufacturer responses to a citizen petition filed to address these thalidomide safety issues. Case study. The AG petitioned the FDA requesting thalidomide-related safety actions. Coincidentally, the manufacturer submitted a supplemental New Drug Approval (sNDA), requesting approval to treat multiple myeloma with thalidomide-dexamethasone. FDA safety officers reviewed the petition and the literature and noted that VTE risks with thalidomide were not appropriately addressed in the existing package insert. In the sNDA application, the manufacturer reported thalidomide-associated toxicities for multiple myeloma were primarily somnolence and neurotoxicity, and a proposed package insert did not focus on VTE risks. In October, the FDA informed the Oncology Drug Division that VTE risks with thalidomide were poorly addressed in the existing label. After reviewing this memorandum, an Oncology Drug Division reviewer informed the manufacturer that approval of the sNDA would be delayed until several thalidomide-associated VTE safety actions, including revisions of the package insert, were implemented. The manufacturer and FDA agreed on these actions, and the sNDA was approved. New approaches addressing off-label safety are needed. The conditions that facilitated the successful response to this citizen petition are uncommon.

Religious identification and politicization in the face of discrimination: support for political Islam and political action among the Turkish and Moroccan second generation in Europe.

PubMed

Fleischmann, Fenella; Phalet, Karen; Klein, Olivier

2011-12-01

Taking an approach from religion as a social identity and using large-scale comparative surveys in five European cities, we investigate when and how perceived discrimination is associated with religious identification and politicization among the second generation of Turkish and Moroccan Muslims. We distinguish support for political Islam from political action as distinct forms of politicization. In addition, we test the mediating role of religious identification in processes of politicization. Study 1 estimates multi-group structural equation models of support for political Islam in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Sweden. In line with a social identity model of politicization and across nine inter-group contexts, Muslims who perceived more discrimination identified (even) more strongly as Muslims; and high Muslim identifiers were most ready to support political Islam. In support of a competing social stigma hypothesis, however, negative direct and total effects of perceived discrimination suggest predominant depoliticization. Using separate sub-samples across four inter-group contexts in Belgium, Study 2 adds political action tendencies as a distinct form of politicization. Whereas religious identification positively predicts both forms of politicization, perceived discrimination has differential effects: Muslims who perceived more discrimination were more weary of supporting political Islam, yet more ready to engage in political action to defend Islamic values. Taken together, the studies reveal that some Muslim citizens will politicize and others will depoliticize in the face of discrimination as a function of their religious identification and of prevailing forms of politicization. ©2011 The British Psychological Society.

Finding the Public Voice: A Few Observations After Experience on the SRS Citizens Advisory Board - 12226

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bridges, Donald

2012-07-01

This Paper reflects my views on some of the difficulties and successes in seeking and reflecting the opinions and input of the typical citizen relative to the Savannah River Site (SRS) cleanup programs. These views are based on four years of membership on the SRS Citizens Advisory Board (CAB). The Savannah River Site Citizens Advisory Board was established by Department of Energy- Environmental Management in 1994 with the goal of improving cleanup decisions by reflecting priorities and concerns of stakeholders and generally improving communication with the public, particularly in the areas most impacted by site operations. The SRS CAB hasmore » been a successful venture and has had a notable record of accomplishments with approximately 285 recommendations over its 17-year history. Many of these recommendations have been very specific and have impacted Site priorities on many issues of concern to the public. However, attaining this success and truly reflecting the views of the typical citizen is a difficult proposition. This concept begs such questions as: where do you get the input? how do you get these views? and how do you know when you've gotten it right? As a Board we have had to deal with groups who seem to have a bias either in favor of or strongly opposed to certain cleanup actions or other groups who have a total focus on a single topic such as jobs. It is our role to ensure that a balanced approach is adopted which reflects the sentiments of the general public. After some four years experience on the Board I have formulated a few ideas that should make the Board one that more completely reflects public sentiments and makes useful thoughtful input. Therefore, this paper looks at the manner and difficulty of seeking input and generally communicating with the public while offering some views on how to improve the process. The Citizens Advisory Board was envisioned as a body of private citizens who looked at cleanup activities of the Site and reflected the public view and input as the Site carried out the EM mission. In my view this body has carried out that mandate. Over its 17-year history the CAB has been diligent in its duties and enthusiastic in its involvement. The CAB has been energetic, active, and innovative in their work. The SRS CAB has developed a number of innovative and effective measures to serve the public good by improving the internal procedures to make the Board more informed and the external processes to make the public more involved. This paper described some of the more useful measures, which have assisted in that pursuit. This work has resulted in numerous recommendations that have led to many improvements in Site cleanup. By any measure this body of work by the CAB is a noteworthy success. (authors)« less

Proud to Be an American Citizen Act

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Farr, Sam [D-CA-17

2009-05-12

House - 06/12/2009 Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

The Fight against the Cigarette Epidemic.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ginzel, K. H.

1988-01-01

Analyzes progress in the fight against the "cigarette epidemic," presents evidence relating smoking to cancer, and provides suggestions for citizen action to curb cigarette-smoking and to prevent children from developing the habit. (LS)

Citizens Right to Know Act of 2010

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Sen. Brown, Sherrod [D-OH

2010-02-04

Senate - 02/04/2010 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Respect States' and Citizens' Rights Act of 2013

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Rep. DeGette, Diana [D-CO-1

2013-03-05

House - 04/08/2013 Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, And Investigations. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

CAN-DOO: The Climate Action Network through Direct Observations and Outreach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taubman, B.; Sherman, J. P.; Perry, L. B.; Markham, J.; Kelly, G.

2011-12-01

The urgency of climate change demands a greater understanding of our climate system, not only by the leaders of today, but by the scientists, policy makers, and citizens of tomorrow. Unfortunately, a large segment of the population currently possesses inadequate knowledge of climate science. In direct response to a need for greater scientific literacy with respect to climate science, researchers from Appalachian State University's Appalachian Atmospheric Interdisciplinary Research (AppalAIR) group, with support from NASA, have developed CAN-DOO: the Climate Action Network through Direct Observations and Outreach. CAN-DOO addresses climate science literacy by 1) Developing the infrastructure for sustaining and expanding public outreach through long-term climate measurements capable of complementing existing NASA measurements, 2) Enhancing public awareness of climate science and NASA's role in advancing our understanding of the Earth System, and 3) Introducing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics principles to homeschooled, public school, and Appalachian State University students through applied climate science activities. Project partners include the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, and local elementary schools. In partnership with Grandfather Mountain, climate science awareness is promoted through citizen science activities, interactive public displays, and staff training. CAN-DOO engages students by involving them in the entire scientific investigative process as applied to climate science. We introduce local elementary and middle school students, homeschooled students throughout North Carolina, and undergraduate students in a new Global Climate Change course and select other courses at Appalachian State University to instrument assembly, measurement techniques, data collection, hypothesis testing, and drawing conclusions. Results are placed in the proper context via comparisons with other student data products, local research-grade measurements, and NASA measurements. Several educational modules have been developed that address specific topics in climate science. The modules are scalable and have been successfully implemented at levels ranging from 2nd grade through first-year graduate as well as with citizen science groups. They also can be applied in user-desired segments to a variety of Earth Science units. In this paper, we will introduce the project activities and present results from the first year of observations and outreach, with a special emphasis on two of the developed modules, the surface energy balance and aerosol optical depth module.

Providing for the appointment of Barbara Barrett as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Rep. Johnson, Sam [R-TX-3

2012-09-13

House - 09/13/2012 Referred to the House Committee on House Administration. (All Actions) Notes: For further action, see S.J.RES.49, which became Public Law 112-262 on 1/10/2013. Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Providing for the reappointment of Shirley Ann Jackson as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Rep. Johnson, Sam [R-TX-3

2011-02-16

House - 02/16/2011 Referred to the House Committee on House Administration. (All Actions) Notes: For further action, see S.J.RES.7, which became Public Law 112-19 on 6/24/2011. Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Providing for the appointment of Michael Lynton as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Rep. Johnson, Sam [R-TX-3

2014-07-09

House - 07/09/2014 Referred to the House Committee on House Administration. (All Actions) Notes: For further action, see S.J.RES.40, which became Public Law 113-184 on 9/29/2014. Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Providing for the reappointment of John W. McCarter as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Rep. Johnson, Sam [R-TX-3

2014-03-04

House - 03/04/2014 Referred to the House Committee on House Administration. (All Actions) Notes: For further action, see S.J.RES.32, which became Public Law 113-91 on 3/21/2014. Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Providing for the appointment of France A. Cordova as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Becerra, Xavier [D-CA-31

2009-02-26

House - 02/26/2009 Referred to the House Committee on House Administration. (All Actions) Notes: For further action, see S.J.RES.9, which became Public Law 111-64 on 9/18/2009. Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Providing for the reappointment of Robert P. Kogod as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Rep. Johnson, Sam [R-TX-3

2011-02-16

House - 02/16/2011 Referred to the House Committee on House Administration. (All Actions) Notes: For further action, see S.J.RES.9, which became Public Law 112-20 on 6/24/2011. Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Providing for the appointment of Stephen M. Case as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Rep. Johnson, Sam [R-TX-3

2011-02-16

House - 02/16/2011 Referred to the House Committee on House Administration. (All Actions) Notes: For further action, see S.J.RES.8, which became Public Law 112-12 on 4/25/2011. Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Providing for the appointment of David M. Rubenstein as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-5

2009-02-12

House - 02/12/2009 Referred to the House Committee on House Administration. (All Actions) Notes: For further action, see S.J.RES.8, which became Public Law 111-17 on 5/7/2009. Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Legal Representation for Health Care Providers at Adverse Privileging Hearings

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-04-01

actions and medical malpractice suits that arose from their previous civilian practices.’ The situation was scandalous: cfCicials responsible for... medical malpractice actions; 3 others complained to their congressional representatives. Members of Citizens Against Military Injustice (CAMI) were...because of military medical malpractice . 5 Responding to the clamor from their constituents, members of Congress held hearings with DOD health care

Private behaviors for the public good: Citizens' actions and U.S. energy conservation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bolsen, Toby

Why and when do individuals take political actions? Why do some, but not all, citizens make sacrifices for the sake of the public good? Outside of work on participation, political scientists have paid little attention to these questions. I seek to fill this gap by exploring the factors that drive political behaviors. I focus specifically on an important class of behaviors: actions regarding the consumption of energy. I begin by developing a theory that brings together the potentially interactive effects of individual and environmental factors that shape individuals' decisions to take action. I test predictions generated by my theory in three empirical chapters: a media content analysis, laboratory experiment, and survey experiment. The content analysis allows me to assess frames in a communication toward energy consumption, which I examine later in terms of effects. I use the theory and experiments to evaluate the impact of competing forces on attitudes toward energy conservation, willingness to pay for energy saving devices, and actual behavior (e.g., a purchasing decision and financial contribution). My results suggest a primacy of norms, which is fascinating because the impact of norms is under-studied relative to research evaluating the impact of political communications.

78 FR 72132 - RBS Securities Inc. and Citizens Investment Advisors; Notice of Application and Temporary Order

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-02

... Washington Boulevard, Stamford, CT 06901; Citizens IA, c/o RBS Citizens Financial Group Inc., 101 Park Avenue... 202-551-6882 or David P. Bartels, Branch Chief, at 202-551-6821 (Division of Investment Management, Chief Counsel's Office). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The following is a temporary order and summary of...

Citizen Review Panels for Child Protective Services: A National Profile

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Blake L.; Royse, David

2008-01-01

Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) for Child Protective Services are groups of citizen-volunteers throughout the United States who are federally mandated to evaluate local and state child protection systems. This study presents a profile of 332 CRP members in 20 states with regards to their demographic information, length of time on the panel, and …

Citizen Networks in Education: Studies in Los Angeles and Atlanta. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Francis, Dierdre E.

A comparison of two networks of citizens and parents leads to the conclusion that an effective citizen network in education should have a formal organization, structured leadership, specific goals, and a diverse and active membership. The rise of such groups is attributed to people's feelings that schools are failing to educate. These networks of…

[Building local citizen participation among older adults : A participatory project].

PubMed

Douma, Linden; Bouwman, Ruben; Hutter, Inge; Meijering, Louise

2017-02-01

Dutch municipalities are looking for ways to promote citizen participation, among which older adults. This paper discusses older adults' experiences regarding favoring and inhibiting factors for lasting and independent citizen participation around the themes of housing, wellbeing and health care. The participatory research project lasted from April 2014 to March 2016. The organizational structure consisted of a working group, a group of 21 participants (aged 65+) and the research team. Interviews and focus-group discussions were used. The project did not result in lasting and independent citizen participation of older adults, as was intended beforehand. When we examined the experiences of the participants, we found that their participation was favored and inhibited by the factors Can do, Like to, Enabled to, Asked to, and Responded to. In order for citizen participation to be successful, all five identified factors should be met by the stakeholders involved. To achieve this we recommend to fine-tune the mutual expectations of the stakeholders, using the CLEAR model. The empirically grounded knowledge, generated throughout the project, strengthens the existing evidence-base about participation of older adults and helps to shape local participation programs.

Working for Clean Water, 2: Citizen Handbooks. An Information Program for Advisory Groups.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stoltzfus, Lorna Chr., Ed.

Presented is material from an information program designed to help citizen advisory groups and local officials improve decision-making in water quality planning. This program is aimed at helping people focus on essential issues and questions by providing materials suitable for persons with non-technical backgrounds. The following chapters are…

Learning from Older Citizens' Research Groups

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Munn-Giddings, Carol; McVicar, Andy; Boyce, Melanie; O'Brien, Niamh

2016-01-01

This article adds to an ongoing conversation in gerontology about the importance of training and involving older people in research. Currently, the literature rarely distinguishes between the one-off involvement of older citizens in research projects and the development of research groups led by older people that sustain over time as well as the…

28 CFR 55.12 - Language used for written material.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... OF THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT REGARDING LANGUAGE MINORITY GROUPS Determining the Exact Language § 55.12... voting-age citizens who are members of the language minority group. (b) Languages with more than one... materials is the one most widely used by the jurisdiction's voting-age citizens who are members of the...

28 CFR 55.12 - Language used for written material.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... OF THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT REGARDING LANGUAGE MINORITY GROUPS Determining the Exact Language § 55.12... voting-age citizens who are members of the language minority group. (b) Languages with more than one... materials is the one most widely used by the jurisdiction's voting-age citizens who are members of the...

Information and education as a basis of risk mitigation for the citizens of Catalonia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guamis, J.; Burckhart, K.; Grau, A.

2009-09-01

The General Directorate for Civil Protection of the Catalan Government is in charge of the drawing up and validation of plans that identify risk and establish a joint system of response actions to minimize the consequences of damages caused by emergencies. The risks covered are natural (fire, snow, flooding, heat,...) and human (chemical industry, transport of dangerous goods,...) ones. In the special case of flooding, an Emergency Flood Plan for Catalonia (INUNCAT) exists. Its aim is to minimize the effects and damages to people, property or the environment due to floods within the region of Catalonia. In the following, the actions on active prevention currently realized by Civil Protection in this Mediterranean region regarding risk mitigation of flooding are described. Special emphasis is laid on the prevention of risk situations through advanced information and education which aim at diminishing the vulnerability of the population. The preparedness of the population to face a serious flooding depends highly on the level of the citizens’ self-protection. Therefore the collection and dissemination of recommendations on adequate behaviour is crucial. The Catalan Government realizes different activities to foster the understanding and the correct behaviour of the citizens in case of flooding. Informative sessions to target groups, opinion studies, mass media communication and itinerant exhibitions are some of the elements applied to increase social consciousness and mitigate the vulnerability of the population. Among these, sensitization campaigns play a crucial role. A coherent system of information and education is adhered to these campaigns. Informative material (posters, leaflets, web sites) and sessions are part of the activities which are addressed to different social group and aim at rising the population’s awareness on the risk of flooding. Multidisciplinary presentations and expert speeches on adequate behaviour are given to stakeholders in those areas which are potentially affected by flooding or which are situated downriver of big water reservoirs. These stakeholders act as multipliers to pass on the recommendations emitted by the Catalan Government. Mass communication is a means of reaching a wide part of the population. TV spots, radio announcements and newspaper advertisements on correct behaviour in a certain emergency do already exist for certain risks, but are still missing in the case of flooding. The realization of opinion studies contribute to a better understanding of the citizens’ risk perception. The opinion study includes questions like: What do you know about recommendations on behaviour during flooding? or What would you do if you found themselves in an emergency? When contrasting the results, the effectiveness of existing campaigns is put on proof and the content and canal of future campaigns can be determined. The General Directorate for Civil Protection has created an itinerant exhibition as an additional activity to increase the populations’ consciousness on the potential risks in the Mediterranean region of Catalonia. It includes the main preventive measures the citizens have to take in case of an emergency and depicts recommendations for self-protection. The exhibition is displayed at municipal level and is designated to approach the maximum number of citizens. The participation in European projects, such as RINAMED, is a way to increase the interchange of know-how and strengthen international communication. In the case of RINAMED the objective was to provide the citizens living in the Mediterranean areas with a better knowledge of the natural risks. The joint effort of the different member regions contributed to establish a common frame of prevention and information in order to increase risk preparedness in the Mediterranean area. For future improvement and advances regarding educational and informative tasks, one of the aims is to obtain direct involvement of the population and to reach specific target groups through opinion leaders. Moreover the need to build partnership or strengthen existing cooperation, i.e. interdisciplinary participation of different institutions, such as for example the Red Cross, should help to rise social consciousness and reach the maximum number of citizens. A direct interaction with the citizens and an involvement of the population will be an effective way to educate vulnerable population and thereby mitigate negative social impacts.

Care-physical activity initiatives in the neighbourhood: study protocol for mixed-methods research on participation, effective elements, impact, and funding methods.

PubMed

Wagemakers, Annemarie; Mulderij, Lisanne S; Verkooijen, Kirsten T; Groenewoud, Stef; Koelen, Maria A

2018-06-28

In the Netherlands, people with a low socioeconomic status (SES) live approximately 6 years less and are less engaged in physical activity (PA) than high SES citizens. This contributes to the persistent health inequalities between low and high SES citizens. Care-PA initiatives are deemed effective for stimulating PA and improving health and participation among peoples with a low SES. In those initiatives, multiple sectors (e.g. sports, health insurers, municipalities) collaborate to connect primary care and PA at neighbourhood level. This study focuses on two Dutch municipalities that aim to invest in Health in All Policies (HiAP) and care-PA initiatives to improve the health of people with low SES. The aim is to gain insight into (1) the short-term (3 months) and long-term (1 year) outcomes of participating in care-PA initiatives for low SES citizens in terms of health, quality of life, and societal participation, (2) the effective elements that contribute to these outcomes, (3) the direct and perceived societal costs and benefits of care-PA initiatives, and (4) alternative ways to fund integrated care, prevention, and care-PA initiatives at neighbourhood level. The study will be built on a mixed-methods design guided by action research to continuously facilitate participatory processes and practical solutions. To assess outcomes, body measurements and questionnaires will be used as part of a pre-test/post-test design. Focus groups and interviews will be conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of outcomes and action elements. Action elements will be explored by using multiple tools: concept mapping, the logic model, and capacity mapping. Direct and perceived societal costs will be measured by administrative data from healthcare insurers (before-after design) and the effectiveness arena. An alternative funding model will be identified based on literature study, expert meetings, and municipal workshops. Initiatives addressing multiple factors at different levels in an integral way are a challenge for evaluation. Multi-methods and tools are required, and data need to be interpreted comprehensively in order to contribute to a contextual insight into what works and why in relation to HiAP and care-PA initiatives.

Public sentiment and movement patterns during natural hazards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Q.; Guo, C.

2017-12-01

Recently, we have unfortunately witnessed a series of deadly hurricane events, including Harvey, Irma, Jose, Maria and Nate. Effective disaster management actions such as getting citizen sheltered and evacuated can significantly reduce injuries and fatalities. A more comprehensive understanding of citizen's perceptions (e.g., sentiment) about a disaster and movement behaviors (e.g., evacuation) will help improve disaster management and decision making during natural hazards. With the popularity of various social media platforms (i.e. Twitter), there has been great potentials in using social media data to detect and analyze citizen's perceptions and moving behaviors before, during and after a natural hazard. Using the geo-tagged tweets generated during recent hurricane events, the study will examine the movement interactions between citizens and a hurricane and also explore citizens' tweeting behaviors and sentiments at different stages of a disaster. The results provide insights on understanding 1) spatiotemporal patterns of public movements (i.e., when and where did people's movements happen), 2) how were people's movements related to the hurricane trajectory, 3) when did people in different locations start to pay attention to the hurricane, and finally 4) how were the sentiments of people in different places towards the hurricane during different disaster stages.

Large-Scale Numerical Simulations of Ocean and Tidal Channel Boundary Layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamlington, P.; Smith, K.; Van Roekel, L. P.; Fox-Kemper, B.; Suzuki, N.; Sullivan, P. P.

2016-12-01

Recently, we have unfortunately witnessed a series of deadly hurricane events, including Harvey, Irma, Jose, Maria and Nate. Effective disaster management actions such as getting citizen sheltered and evacuated can significantly reduce injuries and fatalities. A more comprehensive understanding of citizen's perceptions (e.g., sentiment) about a disaster and movement behaviors (e.g., evacuation) will help improve disaster management and decision making during natural hazards. With the popularity of various social media platforms (i.e. Twitter), there has been great potentials in using social media data to detect and analyze citizen's perceptions and moving behaviors before, during and after a natural hazard. Using the geo-tagged tweets generated during recent hurricane events, the study will examine the movement interactions between citizens and a hurricane and also explore citizens' tweeting behaviors and sentiments at different stages of a disaster. The results provide insights on understanding 1) spatiotemporal patterns of public movements (i.e., when and where did people's movements happen), 2) how were people's movements related to the hurricane trajectory, 3) when did people in different locations start to pay attention to the hurricane, and finally 4) how were the sentiments of people in different places towards the hurricane during different disaster stages.

Promoting the health of senior citizens

PubMed Central

Patterson, C; Feightner, J

1997-01-01

Canada is experiencing a dramatic increase in the number of older people in its population. Adopting strategies that involve physician actions, a societal approach and individual participation may substantially improve the health of senior citizens. This article presents ways to improve the quality of life and reduce the risk of premature death through manoeuvres that can be initiated by physicians in the context of the periodic health examination. The authors highlight the role of evidence in choosing the most appropriate interventions, speculate on areas of future importance and emphasize a societal approach to population health. PMID:9347782

Online media coverage of air pollution risks and current policies in India: A content analysis.

PubMed

Murukutla, Nandita; Negi, Nalin S; Puri, Pallavi; Mullin, Sandra; Onyon, Lesley

2017-09-01

Background Air pollution is of particular concern in India, which contains 11 of the 20 most polluted cities in the world. Media coverage of air pollution issues plays an important role in influencing public opinion and increasing citizen demand for action on clean air policy. Hence, this study was designed to assess news coverage of air pollution in India and its implications for policy advancement. Methods Articles published online between 1 January 2014 and 31 October 2015 that discussed air pollution in India were systematically content analysed. From 6435 articles in the national media and 271 articles in the international media, a random selection of 500 articles (400 from national and 100 from international media) were analysed and coded by two independent coders, after high inter-rater reliability (kappa statistic above 0.8) was established. Results There was an increase in the number of news stories on air pollution in India in the national media over the study period; 317 (63%) stories described the risk to health from air pollution as moderately to extremely severe, and 393 (79%) stories described the situation as needing urgent action. Limited information was provided on the kinds of illnesses that can result from exposure. Less than 30% of stories in either media specifically mentioned the common illnesses resulting from air pollution. Very few articles in either media mentioned the population groups most at risk from air pollution, such as children or older people. Vehicles were presented most often as the cause of air pollution in India (in over 50% of articles in both national and international media). Some of the most important sources of air pollution were mentioned less often: 6% of national and 18% of international media articles mentioned unclean sources of household energy; 3% of national and 9% of international media articles mentioned agricultural field burning. Finally, the majority of articles (405; 81%) did not mention any specific institution or organization - such as the government or industry groups - as the primary responsible stakeholder, thus leaving ambiguous the organizations whose leadership was necessary to mitigate air pollution. Conclusion Gaps exist in the current media discourse on air pollution, suggesting the need for strengthening engagement with the media as a means of creating citizen engagement and enabling policy action. Through greater elaboration of the health burdens and evidence-based policy actions, the media can play a critical role in galvanizing India's action on air quality. These data may suggest opportunities for media advocacy and greater public and policy engagement to address issues around air quality in India.

Stop Playing on Citizens' Cash Act

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Rep. Roskam, Peter J. [R-IL-6

2013-07-22

Senate - 08/01/2013 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Passed HouseHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Greenhouse warming and landscape care

Treesearch

Kevin T. Smith

2009-01-01

Climate change is one of the few truly planetary processes that influence the assessments and actions of governments and of everyday citizens. Principles and practices of ecological landscaping fit well with concern about hte effects of climate change.

Election Fever

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Strom, Erich

2012-01-01

Kids learn by doing, which, experts agree, is the only real way to teach citizenship. This article presents election-year activities that stress action. These activities will show students what it means to be a good citizen. (Contains 6 online resources.)

The role of automated feedback in training and retaining biological recorders for citizen science.

PubMed

van der Wal, René; Sharma, Nirwan; Mellish, Chris; Robinson, Annie; Siddharthan, Advaith

2016-06-01

The rapid rise of citizen science, with lay people forming often extensive biodiversity sensor networks, is seen as a solution to the mismatch between data demand and supply while simultaneously engaging citizens with environmental topics. However, citizen science recording schemes require careful consideration of how to motivate, train, and retain volunteers. We evaluated a novel computing science framework that allowed for the automated generation of feedback to citizen scientists using natural language generation (NLG) technology. We worked with a photo-based citizen science program in which users also volunteer species identification aided by an online key. Feedback is provided after photo (and identification) submission and is aimed to improve volunteer species identification skills and to enhance volunteer experience and retention. To assess the utility of NLG feedback, we conducted two experiments with novices to assess short-term (single session) and longer-term (5 sessions in 2 months) learning, respectively. Participants identified a specimen in a series of photos. One group received only the correct answer after each identification, and the other group received the correct answer and NLG feedback explaining reasons for misidentification and highlighting key features that facilitate correct identification. We then developed an identification training tool with NLG feedback as part of the citizen science program BeeWatch and analyzed learning by users. Finally, we implemented NLG feedback in the live program and evaluated this by randomly allocating all BeeWatch users to treatment groups that received different types of feedback upon identification submission. After 6 months separate surveys were sent out to assess whether views on the citizen science program and its feedback differed among the groups. Identification accuracy and retention of novices were higher for those who received automated feedback than for those who received only confirmation of the correct identification without explanation. The value of NLG feedback in the live program, captured through questionnaires and evaluation of the online photo-based training tool, likewise showed that the automated generation of informative feedback fostered learning and volunteer engagement and thus paves the way for productive and long-lived citizen science projects. © 2016 The Authors. Conservation Biology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society for Conservation Biology.

Grit under Duress: Stress, Strengths, and Academic Success Among Non-Citizen and Citizen Latina/o First-Generation College Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Neal, Colleen R.; Espino, Michelle M.; Goldthrite, Antoinette; Morin, Molly F.; Weston, Lynsey; Hernandez, Pamela; Fuhrmann, Amy

2016-01-01

Undocumented Latina/o college students face obstacles and stressors; their stressful experiences and academic strengths merit empirical attention. This cross-sectional, mixed-methods study explored stress, depression, grit, and grade point average (GPA) of 84 non-citizen, Latina/o first-generation college students with a comparison group of 180…

The social worker as moral citizen: ethics in action.

PubMed

Manning, S S

1997-05-01

Social workers today face some of the most complex ethical dilemmas in the history of the profession. This article presents a framework of moral citizenship to guide ethical social work practice. The framework includes the action philosophies of philosopher Hannah Arendt and Lutheran theologian Paul Tillich integrated with concepts of professional responsibility and the unique contributions of social work pioneer Charlotte Towle. Social conscience and social consciousness, including awareness, thinking, feeling, and action, are major components of the framework.

Reauthorization of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Children, Family, Drugs and Alcoholism of the Committee on Labor and Human Resources. United States Senate, Ninety-Ninth Congress, Second Session on Reviewing Legislation on the Reauthorization of ACTION Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources.

This document presents witness testimonies and prepared statements from the Senate hearing called to consider the reauthorization of ACTION programs. Opening remarks by Senators Orrin G. Hatch and Paula Hawkins discuss ACTION, a federal agency whose purpose is to advocate, promote, and support the voluntary efforts of citizens in solving the…

Influences on Adoption of Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets among US States, 1998-2008

PubMed Central

Cale, Tabitha M.; Reams, Margaret A.

2016-01-01

While the United States has not established federal regulations for greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets, many US states have adopted their own standards and guidelines. In this study we examine state adoption of targets for GHG reductions during the ten-year period of 1998–2008, and identify factors that explain variation in target adoption. Potential influences are drawn from research from the public policy formulation and diffusion literature, and from studies specific to climate policy adoption. Potential influences on GHG reduction efforts among US states include socioeconomic attributes of residents, political and ideological orientations of citizens and state government, interest group activities, environmental pressures, and proximity to other states that have adopted GHG reduction targets. The findings of the multinomial logistic regression analysis indicate that states are more likely to adopt GHG reduction targets if they share a border with another state with a similar climate program and if their citizens are more ideologically liberal. Other factors including socioeconomic resources and interest group activities were not found to be associated with policy adoption. The findings yield insights into the conditions under which states are more likely to take action to reduce GHG’s, and are relevant both to state policy makers and residents with an interest in climate planning, and for researchers attempting to estimate future greenhouse gas reduction scenarios. PMID:27471657

Community-based assessment and planning of energy futures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carnes, S. A.

1981-04-01

The decentralized solar energy technology assessment program is discussed. Four communities were involved in an assessment of the compatibility of diverse conservation and renewable energy supply technologies and community values and goals and in community planning for the implementation of compatible energy demand and supply alternatives. The community approach has several basic components: (1) recruiting and organizing for the assessment planning process; (2) collection and analysis of data related to community energy use and indigenous renewable energy resources; (3) creation and maintenance of a community education and information program; (4) development of policies favorable to the development of preferred community futures; and (5) development of implementation or action strategies. The role of public participation, group decision making techniques, the role of technical information in citizen and group decision making, and linkage between assessment planning and the relevant policy process are emphasized.

Working for Clean Water, 3: Citizen Handbooks. An Information Program for Advisory Groups.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stoltzfus, Lorna Chr., Ed.

Presented is material from an information program designed to help citizen advisory groups and local officials improve decision-making in water quality planning. The program is designed to help people focus on essential issues and questions by providing materials suitable for people with non-technical backgrounds. Chapter topics include: (1)…

Assessing Beliefs About and Needs of Senior Citizens Using the Focus Group Interview: A Qualitative Approach.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Keller, Keryl L.; And Others

1987-01-01

The purpose of this study was to assess beliefs about and needs of the senior citizen population as expressed by people aged 65 or older and as expressed by people aged 22 to 40. The focus group interview process is described. Findings are discussed, and further research directions are suggested. (MT)

8 CFR 235.1 - Scope of examination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

.... citizen, who is under age 19 and is traveling with a public or private school group, religious group... an original or a copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by.... Citizens under the age of 16 may present an original or a copy of a birth certificate, a Consular Report of...

8 CFR 235.1 - Scope of examination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

.... citizen, who is under age 19 and is traveling with a public or private school group, religious group... an original or a copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by.... Citizens under the age of 16 may present an original or a copy of a birth certificate, a Consular Report of...

8 CFR 235.1 - Scope of examination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

.... citizen, who is under age 19 and is traveling with a public or private school group, religious group... an original or a copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by.... Citizens under the age of 16 may present an original or a copy of a birth certificate, a Consular Report of...

8 CFR 235.1 - Scope of examination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

.... citizen, who is under age 19 and is traveling with a public or private school group, religious group... an original or a copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by.... Citizens under the age of 16 may present an original or a copy of a birth certificate, a Consular Report of...

8 CFR 235.1 - Scope of examination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

.... citizen, who is under age 19 and is traveling with a public or private school group, religious group... an original or a copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by.... Citizens under the age of 16 may present an original or a copy of a birth certificate, a Consular Report of...

Accion solidaria. A Venezuelan NGO confronts the Herculean task of providing drug access.

PubMed

Dougherty, S

1997-05-01

Venezuela does not currently recognize AIDS as a major public health problem, therefore, it does not fund AIDS services. It is estimated by the World Health Organization that Venezuela may have up to 250,000 HIV-infected citizens. Accion Solidaria (Action for Solidarity) is currently acting as a buyer's club, and as a source of medications from charitable groups in the United States such as the United Against AIDS International, for people living with HIV. Accion Solidaria is an entirely voluntary organization that receives monthly contributions from 41 people, just barely enough to purchase medications for 10 HIV-infected people. These efforts have been hindered by successive devaluations of Venezuelan currency.

"Here we're all in the same boat"--a qualitative study of group based rehabilitation for sick-listed citizens with chronic pain.

PubMed

Andersen, Lotte Nygaard; Kohberg, Maria; Herborg, Lene Gram; Søgaard, Karen; Roessler, Kirsten Kaya

2014-08-01

Musculoskeletal pain impacts upon everyday life. A degree of chronicity may pose an increased risk of sickness absence. One of two rehabilitative interventions, "Tailored Physical Activity" or "Chronic Pain Self-Management Program", was offered to sick-listed citizens who experienced pain. The objectives of this paper were to: (1) Assess what factors are experienced as problematic for sick-listed citizens in everyday life with chronic pain, and (2) Evaluate the significance of two distinct rehabilitative interventions on the future everyday lives of sick-listed citizens. Seven semi-structured interviews with sick-listed citizens were analyzed using a phenomenological-hermeneutical approach. Results were discussed by applying the theoretical framework of Antonovsky's salutogenetic model and Yaloms principles for group psychology. The potential for development of citizen's coping is evaluated based on Roessler's notion of progression. The analysis revealed four main themes: (1) Living with pain and unemployment; (2) "Putting my foot down" and "asking for help"; (3) Significance of the group, including instructors, and; (4) Aspects significant to progression. Unemployment is a major life event that promotes stress and can be accompanied by problems related to depressed mood, acceptance of the life situation, feelings of not being useful, feelings of losing control and identity conflicts. Group characteristics that gave a significant basis for progression in the self-management program are both emotional and instrumental, while the physical training program offers a "here-and-now"-experience and motivation to participate. This study indicates that the self-management program could potentially improve coping while the physical activity program revealed one example of a means of progression. © 2014 Scandinavian Psychological Associations and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

High Prevalence of Hypertension in a Danish Population Telemedical Home Measurement of Blood Pressure in Citizens Aged 55–64 Years in Holstebro County

PubMed Central

Lauritzen, Torsten; Bech, Jesper Nørgaard; Pedersen, Erling Bjerregaard

2016-01-01

BACKGROUND Home blood pressure (HBP) is prognostically superior to office BP (OBP) and similar to ambulatory BP measurements. We determined the prevalence of hypertension using HBP with telemedical data transmission in the municipality of Holstebro, Denmark (57,000 citizens). METHODS Using the Civil Registration System, we invited citizens aged 55–64 years to have their OBP and HBP measured using telemedical data transmission. Elevated OBP was defined as ≥140/90mm Hg. HBP was measured 3 times daily on 3 consecutive days with 3 measurements on each occasion. HBP was the mean of all measurements on day 1 and 3, and hypertension was defined as ≥135/85mm Hg. RESULTS We included 3,102 citizens who had performed at least 12 HBP measurements during day 2 and 3. Group 1: (n = 1,464, 47%) had both normal OBP and HBP. Group 2: (n = 838, 27%) had both elevated OBP and HBP indicating persistent hypertension. Group 3: (n = 560, 18%) had elevated OBP and normal HBP indicating white coat hypertension (WCH). Group 4: (n = 240, 8%) had normal OBP and elevated HBP indicating masked hypertension (MH). Thus, 1,078 (35%, groups 2 and 4) were untreated or insufficiently treated. Awareness of hypertension was registered in 950 patients (31%) and of these 49% had a normal HBP. CONCLUSIONS This is the first large-scale study to eliminate completely reporting bias by using telemedical transmission of BP data. One third of citizens in the age group 55–64 years had an abnormally high HBP, and one fourth either had WCH or MH. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identification number: NCT02355392 PMID:26208671

High Prevalence of Hypertension in a Danish Population Telemedical Home Measurement of Blood Pressure in Citizens Aged 55-64 Years in Holstebro County.

PubMed

Hoffmann-Petersen, Nikolai; Lauritzen, Torsten; Bech, Jesper Nørgaard; Pedersen, Erling Bjerregaard

2016-04-01

Home blood pressure (HBP) is prognostically superior to office BP (OBP) and similar to ambulatory BP measurements. We determined the prevalence of hypertension using HBP with telemedical data transmission in the municipality of Holstebro, Denmark (57,000 citizens). Using the Civil Registration System, we invited citizens aged 55-64 years to have their OBP and HBP measured using telemedical data transmission. Elevated OBP was defined as ≥140/90mm Hg. HBP was measured 3 times daily on 3 consecutive days with 3 measurements on each occasion. HBP was the mean of all measurements on day 1 and 3, and hypertension was defined as ≥135/85mm Hg. We included 3,102 citizens who had performed at least 12 HBP measurements during day 2 and 3. Group 1: (n = 1,464, 47%) had both normal OBP and HBP. Group 2: (n = 838, 27%) had both elevated OBP and HBP indicating persistent hypertension. Group 3: (n = 560, 18%) had elevated OBP and normal HBP indicating white coat hypertension (WCH). Group 4: (n = 240, 8%) had normal OBP and elevated HBP indicating masked hypertension (MH). Thus, 1,078 (35%, groups 2 and 4) were untreated or insufficiently treated. Awareness of hypertension was registered in 950 patients (31%) and of these 49% had a normal HBP. This is the first large-scale study to eliminate completely reporting bias by using telemedical transmission of BP data. One third of citizens in the age group 55-64 years had an abnormally high HBP, and one fourth either had WCH or MH. ClinicalTrials.gov identification number: NCT02355392. © American Journal of Hypertension, Ltd 2015. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Social care informatics as an essential part of holistic health care: a call for action.

PubMed

Rigby, Michael; Hill, Penny; Koch, Sabine; Keeling, Debbie

2011-08-01

The authors identified the need for a cross-disciplinary research view of issues to ensure an integrated citizen-centric support to achieve optimal health of individual citizens and, in particular, the role of informatics to inform and coordinate support towards integrated and holistic care. An Exploratory Workshop was approved and sponsored by the European Science Foundation. Twenty-three participants from 15 countries attended, covering a full range of health, social care and informatics professions and disciplines. The participants found strong common ground in identifying key issues to be addressed if citizens with compromised health are to receive integrated and coordinated support to a common set of objectives, while also ensuring appropriate choice and support for citizen, family and other informal carers. At the same time, optimal health was identified as a fundamental human right, and that achieving this is a necessary priority of a caring society. Moreover, Europe has a commitment to researching and developing health informatics (e-health), though not yet giving a priority to this integration of health and social care. Specifically the following main informatics challenges to be addressed were identified: (1) to identify available information and communication needs related to different scenarios of use in the intersection between health and social care, (2) to develop and map shared ontologies, and standards for integration and/or brokerage, (3) to enable planned information access and sharing, shaping a system of trust where the patient is an active partner and policies are established considering all partners/interests, (4) to investigate the use of automatic/intelligent knowledge based and context-relevant services, and (5) empowering the citizen (or their selected agent) as co-producer through modern informatics tools, while carefully avoiding selective disempowerment of the most vulnerable. The Exploratory Workshop resulted in a unanimous Declaration for action, which is presented appended to this paper. Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Managing the injury burden in Nepal.

PubMed

Karmacharya, P C; Singh, G K; Singh, M P; Gautam, V G; Par, Andrew; Banskota, A K; Bajracharya, A; Shreshtha, A B; Mahara, Deepak

2008-10-01

Nepal loses about 530,000 disability adjusted life years (DALYs) per year to injury, predominantly due to falls. It takes 30,000 Nepali rupees (NR), or approximately US$430 at 70 rupees per $US saved per DALY to achieve primary prevention and 6000 NR per DALY if we invest in hospitals, versus 1000 NR invested in prehospital care, because simpler less expensive actions performed early have a greater impact on outcome than more complex measures later. A system for prehospital services was planned for medical emergencies at a national level meeting at the Medical University of Nepal to promote healthcare to victims in inaccessible regions by empowered or enlightened citizens. Feasible actions for common emergencies were defined and a tutorial required to help the majority of such victims was created and packaged. The knowledge and attitude component of the tutorial will be delivered through a web site to citizens motivated to learn and help with emergencies. The knowledge will be tested through a net-based Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) test. Practical training in medical triage skills will be provided to those who qualify for the test at the University or its designated affiliates. A mobile phone-based information system will be created and used to make these enlightened citizens available to the victim at the site/time of the emergency.

Does the community want devolved authority? Results of deliberative polling in Ontario.

PubMed Central

Abelson, J; Lomas, J; Eyles, J; Birch, S; Veenstra, G

1995-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To obtain and contrast the informed opinions of people in five decision-making groups that could have a role in devolved governance of health care and social services. DESIGN: Deliberative polling. SETTING: Three rural and three urban communities selected from the 32 areas covered by a district health council in Ontario. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 280 citizens from five potential decision-making groups: randomly selected citizens, attendees at town-hall meetings, appointees to district health councils, elected officials and experts in health care and social services. INTERVENTION: Participants' opinions were polled during 29 structured 2-hour meetings. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants' opinions on their personal willingness and their group's suitability to be involved in devolved decision making, desired type of decision-making involvement, information preferences, preferred areas of decision-making involvement and preferred composition of decision-making bodies. RESULTS: Mean attendance at each meeting was 9.6 citizens. Although there were some significant differences in opinion among the five potential decision-making groups, there were few differences among citizens from different geographic areas. A total of 189 (72%) of people polled were personally willing to take on a role involving responsibility for overall decision-making, but far fewer thought that their group was suited to taking on responsibility (30%) or a consulting role (55%). Elected officials were the most willing (85% personally willing, 50% thought their group was suitable) and randomly selected citizens the least willing (60% personally willing, 17% thought their group was suitable) to take responsibility for overall decision making. Most citizens polled indicated less interest in involvement in specific types of decisions, except for planning and setting priorities, than in overall decision making. Only 24 participants (9%) rated their own group as suitable to take responsibility for raising revenue, 91 (33%) deemed their group suited to distribution of funds and 108 (39%) felt their group was suitable for management of services. People in all five groups ranked health care needs (mean rank 1.5 out of four options) as the most important and preferences (mean rank 3.6) as the least important information. They rated a combination body involving several community groups as the most suitable overall decision-making body (8.8 on 10-point scale). Participants favoured the representation of elected officials, the provincial government and experts on combination bodies responsible for the specific types of decisions. Overall, as the complexity of devolved decision making became clear, participants tended to assign authority to traditional decision makers such as elected officials, experts and the provincial government, but also favoured a consulting role for attendees at town-hall meetings (i.e., interested citizens). CONCLUSION: There are significant differences among groups in the community in their willingness to be involved, desired roles and representation in devolved decision making on health care and social services in Ontario. PMID:7634217

From Information to Urban Sustainability through Innovations in Citizen Centered Transparency Mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiwari, A.

2017-12-01

Current urban information mechanisms in developing countries operate only through linear exchanges between institutions and users and therefore reinforce hierarchical relationships. Coupled with conflicting interests and perspectives of stakeholders in multilevel climate-governance and absence of grassroots information-networking for adaptation decision-making, there are therefore, existing information gaps. Central to urban sustainability is the need for citizen centered transparency (CCT) mechanisms that encompass and address the needs of the marginalized and vulnerable communities in developing countries especially. The study discloses the existing information gaps through information-needs assessment of stakeholders, and attempts to chart the desired course for responsible action within frame-work of Citizen Centered Transparency (CCT) mechanism. This involved analysis of several urban development projects for Indian metropolitans that mainly involved end-user association, and the parameters considered for breaking complexity for assessment included: a. Feedback: Ends-user feedback to improve resource consumption literacy and consequently urban behaviour and sustainable lifestyles(feedback technology, consumption displays, eco-labeling, billing, advisory services, sensor technology), and b. Administrative Traditions and Institutional Policy: Rewarding-punishing to enforce desired action(subsidies, taxation). The research thus answered: 1.Who gets the information whereas who requires it (Equity in Information Distribution)? and 2. How can information translate to responsible action in future (Transparency of Execution)? Findings suggested that, how, by using the CCT innovations it is practically possible to embed responsibilities in urban development planning, and manifesting environmental goals in municipal policies so that they bear clear potential short-term benefits, short-term costs, and have maximum compliance with the objectives of sustainable urban development.

[Active and healthy living in old age--results from a representative survey of community-dwelling senior citizens in Hamburg].

PubMed

Dapp, Ulrike; Lorentz, Ch; Laub, S; Anders, J; von Renteln-Kruse, W; Minder, Ch; Dirksen-Fischer, M

2009-06-01

The majority of community-dwelling people 60 years and older are independent and live actively. However, there is little information about elderly persons' views on aging, health and health promotion. Therefore, an anonymous, written questionnaire survey was performed in a representative sample of inhabitants from a section of the city of Hamburg, 60 years and older; 5 year intervals, 14 subsamples according to 7 age groups of females and males. Questionnaires from 950 participants (29% response) could be evaluated: mean age 71.5 years, 58% women, 34% living alone, 5% with professional healthcare needs as indicated by status according to German nursing care insurance. Senior citizens' positive attitudes towards aging and health were predominant: 69% of respondents felt young, 85% worried about loss of autonomy in old age. The results provide evidence indicating potential for improving health-promoting lifestyles in parts of the older population by evaluating and strengthening older persons' competencies and by considering their concerns seriously. These results provide valuable information for future plans in the public-health sector in the city of Hamburg where particular health-promoting actions for elderly persons will be considered.

Improving Care for Vulnerable Older Citizens through Workforce Advancement Act of 2014

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA

2014-04-10

Senate - 04/10/2014 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Improving Care for Vulnerable Older Citizens through Workforce Advancement Act of 2011

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA

2011-12-13

Senate - 12/13/2011 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Responsibility for the Ecological Crisis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wright, Richard T.

1970-01-01

Critically analyzes the thesis of Christian responsibility for the ecological crisis and leads to its rejection. Present day environmental misuse results from greed, carelessness, and ignorance." Advocates ecological strategy of corrective action, with supplementary theological strategy" for church-influenced citizens. (AL)

To prohibit the extrajudicial killing of United States citizens, and for other purposes.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Kucinich, Dennis J. [D-OH-10

2010-07-30

House - 09/20/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

The Plan of Action for Children: A Task Force Report. Prepared for the Colman Fund for the Well-Being of Children and Youth.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chicago Community Trust, IL.

Addressed to policymakers and to all the citizens of Illinois, this report of the Plan of Action for Children Task Force offers 81 recommendations for addressing the serious problems faced by children residing in the state. Taken together, the recommendations lead to six conclusions: (1) focus on prevention; (2) commit resources to strengthen…

TEMA-DOE annual report, July 1, 1997--June 30, 1998

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

1998-09-01

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) will develop off-site Multi-Jurisdictional Emergency Response Plans (MJERPs) in coordination with Federal, State, and local agencies. The MJERPs will describe actions to minimize the risks to the citizens of Tennessee as a result of an off-site release of hazardous material from the DOE Oak Ridge Reservation. This report describes actions made during each quarter of the year.

Australia, a consumptive society.

PubMed

Rankin, James G

2017-03-01

Until the mid-20th century, consumption, as tuberculosis was then known, was a major cause of illness and death in Australia. Unfortunately, since then, other so-called consumptive diseases have emerged to supplant tuberculosis, namely, those related to the use of alcohol and tobacco, and overweight and obesity. Over the last 30 years, much progress has been made in reducing and eliminating the use of and exposure to tobacco. Per capita consumption of alcohol is at a 50-year low, having reached peak levels in the 1970s. Since the 1960s, Australians have become increasingly overweight and obese. The major objective of the liquor, food and associated industries is to optimise profits, that is, to sell as much food and alcohol as possible. The problem for Australians is that any growth in per capita consumption of alcohol and a continuation of current levels of food consumption carries ever-increasing health risks and burdens. The protection and promotion of the health of Australian citizens are major responsibilities of Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments. They have a responsibility to intervene to maintain a balance between actions that support commercial growth and development and the health and welfare of its citizens. In this context, they have largely failed. Solutions to this impasse are only possible if APSAD and other relevant organisations and individuals are active professionally and politically as leaders and advocates for evidence-based actions by both governments and commercial groups. [James G. Rankin. Australia, a consumptive society. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:270-277]. © 2016 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs.

Delegations of authority and organization; Center for Devices and Radiological Health--FDA. Final rule.

PubMed

1994-06-17

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is amending the regulations for delegations of authority relating to general redelegations of authority from the Associate Commissioner of Regulatory Affairs to certain FDA officials in the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). The redelegation provides these officials with authority to grant or deny certain citizen petitions for exemption or variance from medical device tracking requirements. This action is being taken to facilitate expeditious handling of citizen petitions. FDA is also issuing a conforming amendment to the medical device tracking regulations to make the regulations consistent.

How can we transfer scientific knowledge to citizens? : Case studies from huge earthquake and tsunami researches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kitazato, Hiroshi; Kijima, Akihiro; Kogure, Kazuhiro; Fujikura, Katsunori

2017-04-01

On March 11, 2011, huge earthquake and tsunamis took place coastal regions of Northeast Japan. Coastal infrastructure collapsed due to high waves of tsunamis. Marine ecosystems were also strongly disturbed by the earthquakes and tsunamis. TEAMS (Tohoku Ecosystem-Associated Marine Sciences) has started for monitoring recovering process of marine ecosystems. The project continues ten years. First five years are mainly monitored recovery process, then we should transfer our knowledge to fishermen and citizens for restoration of fishery and social systems. But, how can we actually transfer our knowledge from science to citizens? This is new experience for us. Socio-technology constructs a "high quality risk communication" model how scientific knowledge or technologies from scientific communities to citizens. They are progressing as follows, "observation, measurements and data", → "modeling and synthesis" → "information process" → "delivery to society" → " take action in society". These steps show detailed transition from inter-disciplinarity to trans-disciplinarity in science and technology. In our presentation, we plan to show a couple of case studies that are going forward from science to society.

[Informed and empowered citizens: Keys to the full exercise of health rights].

PubMed

Gil-Quevedo, Walter; Agurto-Távara, Elvia; Espinoza-Portilla, Elizabeth

2017-01-01

Currently, there is a Peruvian legal framework that promotes the dissemination of information on the health rights of the population. Institutions have been created, such as the National Superintendence of Health, which are in charge of promoting health rights and supervising health-care providers. Despite many achievements, such as extending comprehensive health insurance coverage, it is necessary to implement strategies for the population to access information and advice in a timely, quick and complete manner. Some experiences have shown potential for expansion and growth, such as citizens' participation in Health Service User Councils and the Program of Integrated Actions for the Promotion of Health Rights, as well as the formation of decentralized Intendencies of the National Superintendency of Health. The conciliation and arbitration centers, the training of community health agents, the citizen vigilance, and even innovative strategies using information and communication technologies such as free smartphone applications, are important mechanisms for citizens to have more information and knowledge in health, and thus, to be more empowered, having the capacity to exert more control over the decisions taken on their health.

Ask not what personalized medicine can do for you--ask what you can do for personalized medicine.

PubMed

Budin-Ljøsne, Isabelle; Harris, Jennifer R

2015-01-01

Personalized medicine (PM) aims to offer tailored health care to individuals on the basis of their genetic profile. This paper explores the types of behaviors and practices that citizens are expected to adopt under PM, examines whether such expectations are realistic, and proposes strategies that could support citizens in the adoption of these behaviors. Recent reports from national and international medical organizations and funders of PM are reviewed to investigate the types of behaviors and practices that citizens are expected to adopt under PM. These behaviors are examined in light of the current knowledge regarding citizen involvement in health care. Under PM, citizens are expected to be much more educated, proactive, and engaged in their health care than under conventional medical models. Actualizing such behaviors and practices may, however, be difficult or even unattainable for some groups of citizens. Educating citizens in PM, as proposed in the reports, is important but may not suffice for the adoption of new behaviors and practices by a majority of citizens. Approaches taking into consideration the heterogeneity of backgrounds, abilities, and resources among citizens are needed and include modifying reimbursement and pricing mechanisms, diversifying research, and developing low-cost PM programs.

Birth characteristics of Syrian refugees and Turkish citizens in Turkey in 2015.

PubMed

Demirci, Hakan; Yildirim Topak, Nevruz; Ocakoglu, Gokhan; Karakulak Gomleksiz, Mehtap; Ustunyurt, Emin; Ulku Turker, Ayse

2017-04-01

To compare the birth characteristics of Syrian refugees with those of Turkish citizens. In a retrospective study, data were obtained for singleton live births that occurred at a hospital in Bursa, Turkey, between June 1 and December 31, 2015. All Syrian refugees were eligible for inclusion; one Turkish citizen was included for each refugee. Overall, 545 Syrian refugees and 545 Turkish citizens were included. Cesarean delivery was undertaken for 176 (32.3%) Syrians and 235 (43.1%) Turks (P<0.001). Median neonatal birth weight was higher among Turkish citizens (3300 g, range 970-4720) than among Syrian refugees (3110 g, range 540-4790; P<0.001). Gestational diabetes was recorded for 42 (7.7%) Turkish citizens and 9 (1.7%) Syrian refugees (P<0.001). Pre-eclampsia affected 21 (3.9%) Turkish citizens and 8 (1.5%) Syrians (P=0.014). Cesarean delivery is more common among pregnant Turkish citizens than among Syrian refugees. Other notable differences between the groups were recorded. © 2016 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

Advertising Citizen Science: A Trailer for the Citizen Sky Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wyatt, Ryan; Price, A.

2012-01-01

Citizen Sky is a multi-year, NSF funded citizen science project involving the bright and mysterious variable star epsilon Aurigae. The project was conceived by the IYA 2009 working group on Research Experiences for Students, Teachers, and Citizen-Scientists. Citizen Sky goes beyond simple observing to include a major data analysis component, introducing participants to the full scientific process from background research to paper writing for a peer-reviewed journal. As a means of generating interest in the project, the California Academy of Sciences produced a six-minute "trailer” formatted for both traditional and fulldome planetariums as well as HD and web applications. This talk will review the production process for the trailer as well as the methods of distribution via planetariums, social media, and other venues_along with an update on the Citizen Sky Project as a whole. We will show how to use a small, professionally-produced planetarium trailer to help spread word on a citizen science project. We will also show preliminary results on a study about how participation level/type in the project affects science learning.

Citizen Sky, IYA 2009 and What's To Come

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turner, Rebecca; Price, A.; Henden, A.

2010-01-01

Citizen Sky is a multi-year, NSF funded citizen science project involving the bright and mysterious variable star eps Aur. The project was conceived by the IYA 2009 working group on Research Experiences for Students, Teachers, and Citizen-Scientists. Citizen Sky is going beyond simple observing to include a major data analysis component. The goal is to introduce the participant to the full scientific process from background research to paper writing for a peer-reviewed journal. During IYA 2009 the Citizen Sky team was fully assembled, the website was developed and put online, and the first of two participant workshops was held. However, Citizen Sky does not stop or even slow down with the conclusion of IYA 2009. The project will continue to grow in the coming years. New participants are being recruited and trained as the observing phase of the project continues, a second participant workshop is planned for 2010, and the data analysis phase of the project will begin in earnest.

Quantitative account of social interactions in a mental health care ecosystem: cooperation, trust and collective action.

PubMed

Cigarini, Anna; Vicens, Julián; Duch, Jordi; Sánchez, Angel; Perelló, Josep

2018-02-28

Mental disorders have an enormous impact in our society, both in personal terms and in the economic costs associated with their treatment. In order to scale up services and bring down costs, administrations are starting to promote social interactions as key to care provision. We analyze quantitatively the importance of communities for effective mental health care, considering all community members involved. By means of citizen science practices, we have designed a suite of games that allow to probe into different behavioral traits of the role groups of the ecosystem. The evidence reinforces the idea of community social capital, with caregivers and professionals playing a leading role. Yet, the cost of collective action is mainly supported by individuals with a mental condition - which unveils their vulnerability. The results are in general agreement with previous findings but, since we broaden the perspective of previous studies, we are also able to find marked differences in the social behavior of certain groups of mental disorders. We finally point to the conditions under which cooperation among members of the ecosystem is better sustained, suggesting how virtuous cycles of inclusion and participation can be promoted in a 'care in the community' framework.

Volunteer Macroinvertebrate Monitoring: Tensions Among Group Goals, Data Quality, and Outcomes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nerbonne, Julia Frost; Nelson, Kristen C.

2008-09-01

Volunteer monitoring of natural resources is promoted for its ability to increase public awareness, to provide valuable knowledge, and to encourage policy change that promotes ecosystem health. We used the case of volunteer macroinvertebrate monitoring (VMM) in streams to investigate whether the quality of data collected is correlated with data use and organizers’ perception of whether they have achieved these outcomes. We examined the relation between site and group characteristics, data quality, data use, and perceived outcomes (education, social capital, and policy change). We found that group size and the degree to which citizen groups perform tasks on their own (rather than aided by professionals) positively correlated with the quality of data collected. Group size and number of years monitoring positively influenced whether a group used their data. While one might expect that groups committed to collecting good-quality data would be more likely to use it, there was no relation between data quality and data use, and no relation between data quality and perceived outcomes. More data use was, however, correlated with a group’s feeling of connection to a network of engaged citizens and professionals. While VMM may hold promise for bringing citizens and scientists together to work on joint conservation agendas, our data illustrate that data quality does not correlate with a volunteer group’s desire to use their data to promote regulatory change. Therefore, we encourage scientists and citizens alike to recognize this potential disconnect and strive to be explicit about the role of data in conservation efforts.

Improving pedestrian access to transit : an advocacy handbook

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-09-19

This report was written as a teaching tool for ordinary citizens, and for transportation and urban planners working with citizen groups, who advocate for public transit and walkable neighborhoods. It illustrates key steps that activists can take to e...

Isn't Citizen Science a Hoot? A Case-study Exploring the Effectiveness of Citizen Science As an Instrument to Teach the Nature of Science through a Local Nocturnal Owl-monitoring Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kreofsky, Tess Marie

Citizen science projects present a distinctive opportunity for professional and volunteer scientists to coordinate their efforts to gather unique sets of data that can benefit the scientific and local communities. These projects are assumed to be an effective educational tool to teach nature of science (NOS) to participants (Brossard, Lewenstein, Bonney, 2005). This case study evaluates the effectiveness of participation in a citizen science project as a way to learn about NOS. Through enhancement of the Tryon Creek Owl Monitoring Project the researcher reviewed the characteristics of a citizen science project that were thought to be necessary to impact the volunteers' knowledge of NOS. The study also explored the benefits and limitations to organizing the citizen science protect using the principles of action research. Analysis of participants' knowledge and the effectiveness of active research theory, was evaluated through pre- and post- questionnaires and interviews. Although volunteers were able to explore the core themes of NOS through actively engaging in the scientific process, they did not experience a statistically significant change in their demonstration of understanding. For a multitude of reasons, participants had a positive experience with the presence of an embedded researcher within the project. This case study supports the use of active research as a guide to ensure that within each project the needs of both the scientific community and the volunteer scientists are met.

To prohibit the use of drones to kill citizens of the United States within the United States.

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Rep. Ribble, Reid J. [R-WI-8

2013-03-18

House - 04/15/2013 Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, And Investigations. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Highlights of the recommendations of the President`s Council on Sustainable Development

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zwally, K.D.

1996-12-31

After three years of investigation, listening and learning, the President`s Council on Sustainable Development (PCSD) reached unanimous agreement and delivered its report to President Clinton in March, 1996. The 186-page document--a mixture of fundamental beliefs, goals, as well as scores of recommendations and implementation actions--is designed to define sustainability and guide the nation toward achieving it. The recommendations are directed toward government, industry, citizen groups and individuals. The report calls for wide-ranging action that would fundamentally alter the way problems are solved in the US. At the heart of the Council`s recommendations is the conviction that economic, environmental and socialmore » equity issues are inextricably linked and must be considered together. Decision makers in government, the private sector, community organizations, and the home must reflect this thinking in their daily choices. Another core belief is that to encourage sustainable development some things must grow--jobs, productivity, wages, capital, savings, information, and education--and others--pollution, waste and poverty--must not.« less

The KnowRISK project: Tools and strategies for risk communication and learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Musacchio, Gemma; Amaral Ferreira, Mónica; Falsaperla, Susanna; Piangiamore, Giovanna Lucia; Pino, Nicola Alessandro; Solarino, Stefano; Crescimbene, Massimo; Eva, Elena; Reitano, Danilo; Þorvaldsdottir, Solveig; Sousa Silva, Delta; Rupakhety, Rajesh; Sousa Oliveira, Carlos

2016-04-01

Damage of non-structural elements of buildings (i.e. partitions, ceilings, cladding, electrical and mechanical systems and furniture) is known to cause injuries and human losses. Also it has a significant impact on earthquake resilience and is yet being worldwide underestimated. The project KnowRISK (Know your city, Reduce seISmic risK through non-structural elements) is financed by the European Commission to develop prevention measures that may reduce non-structural damage in urban areas. Pilot areas of the project are within the three European participating countries, namely Portugal, Iceland and Italy. They were chosen because they are prone to damage level 2 and 3 (EMS-98, European Macroseismic Scale) that typically affects non-structural elements. We will develop and test a risk communication strategy taking into account the needs of households and schools, putting into practice a portfolio of best practice to reduce the most common non-structural vulnerabilities. We will target our actions to different societal groups, considering their cultural background and social vulnerabilities, and implement a participatory approach that will promote engagement and interaction between the scientific community, practitioners and citizens to foster knowledge on everyone's own neighborhoods, resilience and vulnerability. A Practical Guide for citizens will highlight that low-cost actions can be implemented to increase safety of households, meant as being the places where the most vulnerable societal groups, including children and elderly people, spend much of their time. Since our actions towards communication will include education, we will define tools that allow a clear and direct understanding of elements exposed to risk. Schools will be one of our target societal groups and their central role played at the community level will ensure spreading and strengthening of the communication process. Schools are often located in old or re-adapted buildings, formerly used for other uses, or when the growing number of students or new needs require adapting the space to the necessities, often without taking enough care of safety. Moreover, in urban areas, schools may be hosted in tall buildings where the shaking of moderate-to-low magnitude earthquakes can cause damage level 2 and 3. Students will be involved into looking after their own situation in terms of non-structural vulnerability to promote education and prevention, while increasing resilience in terms of societal capacity to cope with future disasters. The actions will undergo specific effectiveness assessment with ex-ante and ex-post surveys. The results of this assessment will allow an evaluation of on-site risk communication activities, the comparability between pilot-areas achievements, and an opportunity for learning and guidance for future risk communication.

The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act: Background and Issues

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-03-08

Order Code RS20764 Updated March 8, 2007 The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act: Background and Issues Kevin J. Coleman Analyst in...register and vote absentee in federal elections under the provisions of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) of 1986. The law was...enacted to improve absentee registration and voting for this group of voters and to consolidate existing laws. Since 1942, several federal laws have

The success of the citizen suit: protecting consumers from inaccurate food labeling by amending the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

PubMed

Springer, James

2013-01-01

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ("FDCA"), amended in 1990 by the Nutrition Education and Labeling Act ("NLEA"), established a national framework for the administration and promulgation of uniform food labeling standards. Specifically, the NLEA created affirmative obligations for the food--requiring detailed disclosure of food content and strict adherence to regulations governing the use of health and nutritional claims on food packaging. To accomplish these goals, Congress tasked the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") with the sole responsibility of the enforcement of these new requirements. Under the statutory framework of the FDCA, the United States Supreme Court ("Court") has held that there is no private right of action, of which extended to the enforcement of NLEA standards. This interpretation has left individuals with no federal outlet for relief in the enforcement of federal food labeling standards. Adherence to this interpretation is especially concerning when the FDA currently faces exponential growth in administrative responsibilities while simultaneously experiencing employment reduction, a $206 million "Sequester," and a recent government-wide shutdown. As a result, the American people are left to depend on an Agency that is struggling with drastic resource reduction while being accountable for ever increasing enforcement responsibilities. To ensure consumer protection, this Article argues that Congress should amend the FDCA to include a citizen suit provision in order to provide individuals with a right of private action for the enforcement of NLEA standards. Borrowing from the successes realized under similar citizen suit provisions found in environmental legislation, this Article argues that a citizen suit provision is amendable to the FDCA and would relieve fiscal pressures, strengthen the current enforcement framework of the FDCA, encourage more robust enforcement by the FDA and states, and ensure uniform interpretation of NLEA standards.

Empowering senior citizens for healthy nutrition in Germany: A pilot study.

PubMed

Curbach, Janina; Warrelmann, Berit; Brandstetter, Susanne; Lindacher, Verena; Rueter, Jana; Loss, Julika

2018-04-22

Main goal of this study was to analyse how empowerment processes and bottom-up activities aimed at healthier food choices and food environment could be initiated among a group of senior citizens (between 60 and 75 years old). The intervention was set up as a pilot study in a rural community (15,000 inhabitants) in the federal state of Bavaria, South Eastern Germany. A process evaluation documented how group formation and empowerment processes developed during the course of the intervention. Extensive field notes were taken in 27 meetings, interviews (n = 13) and focus groups (n = 4) were conducted with participants and key persons at different points of the intervention. Data were analysed using content analysis. The intervention succeeded in motivating senior citizens to participate in regular meetings over 11 months. During the intervention, the group members' awareness of factors influencing their eating behaviour increased. Furthermore, they developed ideas to improve the community's food environment and accomplished duties needed to implement these ideas. However, initiating empowerment processes, especially in terms of fostering leadership and transferring responsibility, took longer than expected and could be realised only partially. The findings support a further use and evaluation of the empowerment approach for addressing nutritional aspects among senior citizens. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Underestimating belief in climate change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jost, John T.

2018-03-01

People are influenced by second-order beliefs — beliefs about the beliefs of others. New research finds that citizens in the US and China systematically underestimate popular support for taking action to curb climate change. Fortunately, they seem willing and able to correct their misperceptions.

Transparency

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

LaFee, Scott

2009-01-01

Citizens now expect access to information, particularly from public institutions like local school districts. They demand input and accountability. Cultural and technological changes, such as the Internet, make it possible for districts to comply. Yet transparency--the easily seen and understood actions of a school district and the thinking behind…

Emergency Senior Citizens Relief Act of 2010

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT

2010-11-29

Senate - 12/08/2010 Cloture on the motion to proceed to the bill not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 53 - 45. Record Vote Number: 267. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

PAC's Americana: The Threat of Political Action Committees.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leach, Jim

1983-01-01

An estimated $80,000,000 of special-interest funds were distributed to candidates in the last Congressional election. A representative democracy accountable to the common concerns of individual citizens cannot be a government where influence is purchasable through substantial campaign contributions. (RM)

New Case Studies of Citizen Action

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tanner, Thomas

1977-01-01

Describes a six-unit case study curriculum package designed for secondary and college-level courses relating to environmental education. The units deal with nuclear power, stream channelization, a river dam project, overgrazing of public lands, agribusiness versus the family farm, and swamp preservation. (Author/DB)

To reauthorize the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Citizen Advisory Commission.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Garrett, Scott [R-NJ-5

2009-07-31

Senate - 10/14/2009 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Passed HouseHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

77 FR 46443 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Announcement of Office of Management and Budget...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-03

...] Agency Information Collection Activities; Announcement of Office of Management and Budget Approval; General Administrative Procedures: Citizen Petitions; Petition for Reconsideration or Stay of Action... Administration (FDA) is announcing that a collection of information entitled ``General Administrative Procedures...

75 FR 19659 - Request for Information on Business Practices To Reduce the Likelihood of Forced Labor or Child...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-15

... service which forms part of the normal civic obligations of the citizens of a fully self-governing country..., in coordination with a contractor, the Center for Reflection, Education, and Action (CREA). For more...

A look at the public involvement procedures in twelve state transportation agencies.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1974-01-01

Of the twenty-four Action Plans perused, several were very general in their approach to citizen participation while others were very specific. The twelve chosen for presentation here were the ones taking the most specific approaches. Although these t...

A Tale of Two Citizens: A State Attorney General and a Hematologist Facilitate Translation of Research Into US Food and Drug Administration Actions—A SONAR Report

PubMed Central

Chen, Brian; Restaino, John; Norris, LeAnn; Xirasagar, Sudha; Qureshi, Zaina P.; McKoy, June M.; Lopez, Isaac S.; Trenery, Alyssa; Murday, Alanna; Kahn, Adam; Mattison, Donald R.; Ray, Paul; Sartor, Oliver; Bennett, Charles L.

2012-01-01

Purpose: Pharmaceutical safety is a public health issue. In 2005, the Connecticut Attorney General (AG) raised concerns over adverse drug reactions in off-label settings, noting that thalidomide was approved to treat a rare illness, but more than 90% of its use was off label. A hematologist had reported thalidomide with doxorubicin or dexamethasone was associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE) rates of 25%. We review US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and manufacturer responses to a citizen petition filed to address these thalidomide safety issues. Methods: Case study. Results: The AG petitioned the FDA requesting thalidomide-related safety actions. Coincidentally, the manufacturer submitted a supplemental New Drug Approval (sNDA), requesting approval to treat multiple myeloma with thalidomide-dexamethasone. FDA safety officers reviewed the petition and the literature and noted that VTE risks with thalidomide were not appropriately addressed in the existing package insert. In the sNDA application, the manufacturer reported thalidomide-associated toxicities for multiple myeloma were primarily somnolence and neurotoxicity, and a proposed package insert did not focus on VTE risks. In October, the FDA informed the Oncology Drug Division that VTE risks with thalidomide were poorly addressed in the existing label. After reviewing this memorandum, an Oncology Drug Division reviewer informed the manufacturer that approval of the sNDA would be delayed until several thalidomide-associated VTE safety actions, including revisions of the package insert, were implemented. The manufacturer and FDA agreed on these actions, and the sNDA was approved. Conclusion: New approaches addressing off-label safety are needed. The conditions that facilitated the successful response to this citizen petition are uncommon. PMID:23598851

Spatial distribution of citizen science casuistic observations for different taxonomic groups.

PubMed

Tiago, Patrícia; Ceia-Hasse, Ana; Marques, Tiago A; Capinha, César; Pereira, Henrique M

2017-10-16

Opportunistic citizen science databases are becoming an important way of gathering information on species distributions. These data are temporally and spatially dispersed and could have limitations regarding biases in the distribution of the observations in space and/or time. In this work, we test the influence of landscape variables in the distribution of citizen science observations for eight taxonomic groups. We use data collected through a Portuguese citizen science database (biodiversity4all.org). We use a zero-inflated negative binomial regression to model the distribution of observations as a function of a set of variables representing the landscape features plausibly influencing the spatial distribution of the records. Results suggest that the density of paths is the most important variable, having a statistically significant positive relationship with number of observations for seven of the eight taxa considered. Wetland coverage was also identified as having a significant, positive relationship, for birds, amphibians and reptiles, and mammals. Our results highlight that the distribution of species observations, in citizen science projects, is spatially biased. Higher frequency of observations is driven largely by accessibility and by the presence of water bodies. We conclude that efforts are required to increase the spatial evenness of sampling effort from volunteers.

Citizen Science & MPA Monitoring: Informing adaptive management through enriched local knowledge systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, R.; Freitag, A.; McGregor, A.; Whiteman, E.

2013-12-01

Along the California coast, a wealth of capacity exists among individuals, groups and organizations collecting scientific data. This citizen science can take many forms, from spontaneous observations of seabirds to organized surveys of nearshore reefs. Yet, as is often the case, state resource managers have struggled to find ways to access and use this scientific information in decision-making. A unique opportunity exists to alter this status-quo. California has the largest network of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the nation with more than 100 MPAs statewide. Monitoring is essential to inform adaptive management of this network. Traditionally, MPA monitoring has been the purview of academic or agency scientists. Yet, there is increasing recognition that this approach, while playing an important role, is unlikely by itself to provide a sustainable path forward. An opportunity therefore exists to understand how to sustainably and cost-effectively expand the capacity or human capital invested in monitoring and ocean stewardship. In this presentation we will share our collaborative approach to development of a new framework for incorporating citizen science into a partnerships-based portfolio of MPA monitoring in California. We will present initial findings and lessons learned from a broad review of published and gray literature, as well as reflections from interviews and participant observations with citizen science groups in the Central Coast region of California's MPA network. Through research, engagement with existing citizen science programs, and involvement of natural resource managers, we are identifying general best practices and specific opportunities for these groups to collaborate effectively, and for citizen science to play a constructive ongoing role in adaptive management of MPAs.

Reducing Energy Consumption and CO2 One Street Lamp at a Time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Somssich, Peter

2011-11-01

Why wait for federal action on incentives to reduce energy use and address Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reductions (e.g. CO2), when we can take personal actions right now in our private lives and in our communities? One such initiative by private citizens working with Portsmouth NH officials resulted in the installation of energy reducing lighting products on Court St. and the benefits to taxpayers are still coming after over 4 years of operation. This citizen initiative to save money and reduce CO2 emissions, while only one small effort, could easily be duplicated in many towns and cities. Replacing old lamps in just one street fixture with a more energy efficient (Non-LED) lamp has resulted after 4 years of operation (˜15,000 hr. life of product) in real electrical energy savings of > 43. and CO2 emission reduction of > 465 lbs. The return on investment (ROI) was less than 2 years. This is much better than any financial investment available today and far safer. Our street only had 30 such lamps installed; however, the rest of Portsmouth (population 22,000) has at least another 150 street lamp fixtures that are candidates for such an upgrade. The talk will also address other energy reduction measures that green the planet and also put more green in the pockets of citizens and municipalities.

What are the prospects for citizen science in agriculture? Evidence from three continents on motivation and mobile telephone use of resource-poor farmers

PubMed Central

Steinke, Jonathan; van Etten, Jacob; Reidsma, Pytrik; Fadda, Carlo; Mittra, Sarika; Mathur, Prem; Kooistra, Lammert

2017-01-01

As the sustainability of agricultural citizen science projects depends on volunteer farmers who contribute their time, energy and skills, understanding their motivation is important to attract and retain participants in citizen science projects. The objectives of this study were to assess 1) farmers’ motivations to participate as citizen scientists and 2) farmers’ mobile telephone usage. Building on motivational factors identified from previous citizen science studies, a questionnaire based methodology was developed which allowed the analysis of motivational factors and their relation to farmers’ characteristics. The questionnaire was applied in three communities of farmers, in countries from different continents, participating as citizen scientists. We used statistical tests to compare motivational factors within and among the three countries. In addition, the relations between motivational factors and farmers characteristics were assessed. Lastly, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to group farmers based on their motivations. Although there was an overlap between the types of motivations, for Indian farmers a collectivistic type of motivation (i.e., contribute to scientific research) was more important than egoistic and altruistic motivations. For Ethiopian and Honduran farmers an egoistic intrinsic type of motivation (i.e., interest in sharing information) was most important. While fun has appeared to be an important egoistic intrinsic factor to participate in other citizen science projects, the smallholder farmers involved in this research valued ‘passing free time’ the lowest. Two major groups of farmers were distinguished: one motivated by sharing information (egoistic intrinsic), helping (altruism) and contribute to scientific research (collectivistic) and one motivated by egoistic extrinsic factors (expectation, expert interaction and community interaction). Country and education level were the two most important farmers’ characteristics that explain around 20% of the variation in farmers motivations. For educated farmers, contributing to scientific research was a more important motivation to participate as citizen scientists compared to less educated farmers. We conclude that motivations to participate in citizen science are different for smallholders in agriculture compared to other sectors. Citizen science does have high potential, but easy to use mechanisms are needed. Moreover, gamification may increase the egoistic intrinsic motivation of farmers. PMID:28472823

What are the prospects for citizen science in agriculture? Evidence from three continents on motivation and mobile telephone use of resource-poor farmers.

PubMed

Beza, Eskender; Steinke, Jonathan; van Etten, Jacob; Reidsma, Pytrik; Fadda, Carlo; Mittra, Sarika; Mathur, Prem; Kooistra, Lammert

2017-01-01

As the sustainability of agricultural citizen science projects depends on volunteer farmers who contribute their time, energy and skills, understanding their motivation is important to attract and retain participants in citizen science projects. The objectives of this study were to assess 1) farmers' motivations to participate as citizen scientists and 2) farmers' mobile telephone usage. Building on motivational factors identified from previous citizen science studies, a questionnaire based methodology was developed which allowed the analysis of motivational factors and their relation to farmers' characteristics. The questionnaire was applied in three communities of farmers, in countries from different continents, participating as citizen scientists. We used statistical tests to compare motivational factors within and among the three countries. In addition, the relations between motivational factors and farmers characteristics were assessed. Lastly, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to group farmers based on their motivations. Although there was an overlap between the types of motivations, for Indian farmers a collectivistic type of motivation (i.e., contribute to scientific research) was more important than egoistic and altruistic motivations. For Ethiopian and Honduran farmers an egoistic intrinsic type of motivation (i.e., interest in sharing information) was most important. While fun has appeared to be an important egoistic intrinsic factor to participate in other citizen science projects, the smallholder farmers involved in this research valued 'passing free time' the lowest. Two major groups of farmers were distinguished: one motivated by sharing information (egoistic intrinsic), helping (altruism) and contribute to scientific research (collectivistic) and one motivated by egoistic extrinsic factors (expectation, expert interaction and community interaction). Country and education level were the two most important farmers' characteristics that explain around 20% of the variation in farmers motivations. For educated farmers, contributing to scientific research was a more important motivation to participate as citizen scientists compared to less educated farmers. We conclude that motivations to participate in citizen science are different for smallholders in agriculture compared to other sectors. Citizen science does have high potential, but easy to use mechanisms are needed. Moreover, gamification may increase the egoistic intrinsic motivation of farmers.

The Effects of Water Insecurity and Emotional Distress on Civic Action for Improved Water Infrastructure in Rural South Africa

PubMed Central

Bulled, Nicola

2015-01-01

The South African constitution ratifies water as a human right. Yet millions of citizens remain disconnected from the national water infrastructure. Drawing on data collected in 2013–2014 from women in northern South Africa, this study explores “water citizenship”—individual civic engagement related to improving water service provision. Literature indicates that water insecurity is associated with emotional distress and that water-related emotional distress influences citizen engagement. I extend these lines of research by assessing the connection that water insecurity and emotional distress may collectively have with civic engagement to improve access to water infrastructure. PMID:26698378

77 FR 19301 - Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council Charter Renewal

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-30

... DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard [USCG-2012-0099] Prince William Sound Regional... Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC) as an alternative voluntary advisory group for Prince William Sound, Alaska. This certification allows the PWSRCAC to monitor the activities...

People's Reactions to Nuclear War: Implications for Psychologists.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fiske, Susan T.

1987-01-01

Reviews available data documenting modal adults' beliefs, feelings, and actions regarding nuclear war. Examines discrepancies between peoples's beliefs and their relative lack of affective and behavioral response. Reviews data on possible psychological and social sources of those reactions. Contrasts average citizens, antinuclear activists, and…

To provide for justice and compensation for United States citizens taken hostage by Iran, and for other purposes.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana [R-FL-18

2009-11-04

House - 01/04/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

78 FR 1188 - Commercial Operations in the 3550-3650 MHz Band

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-08

... Operations in the 3550-3650 MHz Band AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Proposed rule... the following methods: Federal Communications Commission's Web Site: http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs2... Federal Communications Commission (Commission) propose to create a new Citizens Broadband Service in the...

Energy Materials: A Classified Listing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Library Journal, 1978

1978-01-01

This bibliography includes 615 books and audiovisual products on energy and related topics. Books are listed in the following categories: reference, general, alternative sources, citizen action, coal, conservation and ecology, economics and politics, electricity, gas, geothermal, nuclear power, oil, solar, water, wind, and juveniles. A/V materials…

Creating Frugal Citizens: The Liberal Egalitarian Case for Teaching Frugality

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zwarthoed, Danielle

2015-01-01

According to Agenda 21, the United Nation's action plan for sustainable development, "Governments and private sector organisations should promote more positive attitudes towards sustainable consumption through education, public awareness programmes and other means". But some could wonder whether the cultivation of frugal consumption…

A Public Relations Plan for the Orange County Department on Aging

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-01-01

and older ) of the United States is growing more rapidly than any other age group. In 1980 senior citizens accounted for only 11.2 percent of the...need over time. 3. TRANSPORTATION - Helping older adults get to the essential community services they need. 4. SENIOR CENTERS - Establishing and...operating community focal points, senior citizen centers, where older adults can receive many of the individual and group activities they need from

A citizens' jury on regulation of McDonald's products and operations in Australia in response to a corporate health impact assessment.

PubMed

Anaf, Julia; Baum, Fran; Fisher, Matthew

2018-04-01

1) To report outcomes from a citizens' jury examining regulatory responses to the health impacts of McDonald's Australia; 2) To determine the value of using citizens' juries to develop policy recommendations based on the findings of health impact assessment of transnational corporations (TNCs). A citizens' jury engaged 15 randomly selected and demographically representative jurors from metropolitan Adelaide to deliberate on the findings of a Corporate Health Impact Assessment, and to decide on appropriate policy actions. Jurors unanimously called for government regulation to ensure that transnational fast food corporations pay taxes on profits in the country of income. A majority (two-thirds) also recommended government regulation to reduce fast food advertising, and improve standards of consumer information including a star-ratings system. A minority held the view that no further regulation is required of the corporate fast food industry in Australia. The jury's recommendations can help inform policy makers about the importance of ending the legal profit-shifting strategies by TNCs that affect taxation revenue. They also endorse regulating the fast food industry to provide healthier food, and employing forms of community education and awareness-raising. Implications for public health: Citizens' juries can play an important role in providing feedback and policy recommendations in response to the findings of a health impact assessment of transnational corporations. © 2018 The Authors.

The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act: Background and Issues for the 107th Congress

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-04-02

2002 The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act: Background and Issues for the 107th Congress Kevin J. Coleman Analyst in American National... absentee in federal elections under the provisions of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) of 1986. The law was enacted to...improve absentee registration and voting for this group of voters and to consolidate existing laws. Since 1942, several federal laws have been enacted to

Participatory Patterns in an International Air Quality Monitoring Initiative

PubMed Central

Sîrbu, Alina; Becker, Martin; Caminiti, Saverio; De Baets, Bernard; Elen, Bart; Francis, Louise; Gravino, Pietro; Hotho, Andreas; Ingarra, Stefano; Loreto, Vittorio; Molino, Andrea; Mueller, Juergen; Peters, Jan; Ricchiuti, Ferdinando; Saracino, Fabio; Servedio, Vito D. P.; Stumme, Gerd; Theunis, Jan; Tria, Francesca; Van den Bossche, Joris

2015-01-01

The issue of sustainability is at the top of the political and societal agenda, being considered of extreme importance and urgency. Human individual action impacts the environment both locally (e.g., local air/water quality, noise disturbance) and globally (e.g., climate change, resource use). Urban environments represent a crucial example, with an increasing realization that the most effective way of producing a change is involving the citizens themselves in monitoring campaigns (a citizen science bottom-up approach). This is possible by developing novel technologies and IT infrastructures enabling large citizen participation. Here, in the wider framework of one of the first such projects, we show results from an international competition where citizens were involved in mobile air pollution monitoring using low cost sensing devices, combined with a web-based game to monitor perceived levels of pollution. Measures of shift in perceptions over the course of the campaign are provided, together with insights into participatory patterns emerging from this study. Interesting effects related to inertia and to direct involvement in measurement activities rather than indirect information exposure are also highlighted, indicating that direct involvement can enhance learning and environmental awareness. In the future, this could result in better adoption of policies towards decreasing pollution. PMID:26313263

Participatory Patterns in an International Air Quality Monitoring Initiative.

PubMed

Sîrbu, Alina; Becker, Martin; Caminiti, Saverio; De Baets, Bernard; Elen, Bart; Francis, Louise; Gravino, Pietro; Hotho, Andreas; Ingarra, Stefano; Loreto, Vittorio; Molino, Andrea; Mueller, Juergen; Peters, Jan; Ricchiuti, Ferdinando; Saracino, Fabio; Servedio, Vito D P; Stumme, Gerd; Theunis, Jan; Tria, Francesca; Van den Bossche, Joris

2015-01-01

The issue of sustainability is at the top of the political and societal agenda, being considered of extreme importance and urgency. Human individual action impacts the environment both locally (e.g., local air/water quality, noise disturbance) and globally (e.g., climate change, resource use). Urban environments represent a crucial example, with an increasing realization that the most effective way of producing a change is involving the citizens themselves in monitoring campaigns (a citizen science bottom-up approach). This is possible by developing novel technologies and IT infrastructures enabling large citizen participation. Here, in the wider framework of one of the first such projects, we show results from an international competition where citizens were involved in mobile air pollution monitoring using low cost sensing devices, combined with a web-based game to monitor perceived levels of pollution. Measures of shift in perceptions over the course of the campaign are provided, together with insights into participatory patterns emerging from this study. Interesting effects related to inertia and to direct involvement in measurement activities rather than indirect information exposure are also highlighted, indicating that direct involvement can enhance learning and environmental awareness. In the future, this could result in better adoption of policies towards decreasing pollution.

Globalization and Migration: Some Pressing Contradictions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Castles, Stephen

1998-01-01

Examines the contradictions of inclusion and exclusion of group members, the state and market, growing wealth and impoverishment, networks and the self, global and local levels, economy and environment, modernity and postmodernity, citizen as a national and global citizen, and globalization from above and below. Illustrates each contradiction by…

78 FR 18616 - Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC) Charter Renewal

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-27

... DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard [Docket No. USCG-2013-0088] Prince William Sound... the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC) as an alternative voluntary advisory group for Prince William Sound, Alaska. This certification allows the PWSRCAC to monitor the...

75 FR 16159 - Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC) Charter Renewal

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-31

... DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard [USCG-2010-0121] Prince William Sound Regional... the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC) as an alternative voluntary advisory group for Prince William Sound, Alaska. This certification allows the PWSRCAC to monitor the...

76 FR 24506 - Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC) Charter Renewal

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-02

... DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard [Docket No. USCG-2011-0142] Prince William Sound... the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC) as an alternative voluntary advisory group for Prince William Sound, Alaska. This certification allows the PWSRCAC to monitor the...

Gangs, My Town and the Nation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Randolph, Norman; Erickson, Edsel

The nature of youth gangs is explored, with suggestions for gang prevention and intervention. The emphasis is on organizing citizens, especially at the neighborhood level, to affect all community institutions. Suggestions are offered for citizens' groups to look at critical areas in schooling, incarceration, law enforcement, community programs,…

21 CFR 10.30 - Citizen petition.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... requested action on: (1) Cost (and price) increases to industry, government, and consumers; (2) productivity... and in the following form: (Date) Division of Dockets Management, Food and Drug Administration... section and § 10.20 will be filed by the Division of Dockets Management, stamped with the date of filing...

A bill to prohibit the use of drones to kill citizens of the United States within the United States.

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX

2013-03-07

Senate - 03/11/2013 Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 22. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

40 CFR 135.10 - Purpose.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS PRIOR NOTICE OF CITIZEN SUITS Prior Notice Under the Safe Drinking Water Act § 135.10 Purpose. Section 1449 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (the Act) authorizes any person to commence a civil action to enforce the Act against an...

40 CFR 135.10 - Purpose.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS PRIOR NOTICE OF CITIZEN SUITS Prior Notice Under the Safe Drinking Water Act § 135.10 Purpose. Section 1449 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (the Act) authorizes any person to commence a civil action to enforce the Act against an...

Encouraging Citizenship in Science Education: Continuing Questions and Hopeful Possibilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blades, David

2015-01-01

This special issue of the "Canadian Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education" invokes questions intended to further the discourse of citizenship in science and mathematics education, such as, How do we define "citizen" and "democracy"? Is our call for student action hypocritical? Does positioning…

The Arab Citizens of Israel: Motivations for Collective Action

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-03-01

46 Jewish National Fund, “Tree Planting Center,” https://secure2.convio.net/jnf/site/ Ecommerce ?store_id=3181...2008]. ———, “Tree Planting Center,” available at https://secure2.convio.net/jnf/site/ Ecommerce ?store_id=3181&VIEW_HOMEPA GE=true

Guidelines for Local Governments on Solid Waste Management.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Association of Counties, Washington, DC. Research Foundation.

This document consists of ten guides on Solid Waste Management to assist local elected and appointed policy-making officials. They are entitled: Areawide Approaches; Legal Authority, Planning, Organization Design and Operation, Financing, Technical and Financial Assistance, Citizen Support, Personnel, and Action Plan and Bibliography. The guides…

Creating or Capturing Reality? Historical Photographs of the Progressive Era

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Callahan, Cory

2015-01-01

As pictorial-based social media (e.g., Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, Tumblr) continue to encourage and sustain contemporary culture, the future success of America's democratic experiment may increasingly depend on its citizens' ability to critique visual information and take informed action. Promoting critical, historical analysis of…

A Selected and Annotated Environmental Education Bibliography for Elementary, Secondary and Post-Secondary Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Howell, Jerry F., Jr.; Osborne, Jeanne S.

This is an environmental education bibliography for elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools. Eighteen environmental categories are included. They consist of attitudes, bibliographies, careers, conservation, ecology, energy, environmental education, law and citizen action, organic farming, other resources, periodicals, pesticides,…

77 FR 64379 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Form 1000

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-19

... 1000 AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY... 1000, Ownership Certificate. DATES: Written comments should be received on or before December 18, 2012...: Ownership Certificate. OMB Number: 1545-0054. Form Number: 1000. Abstract: Form 1000 is used by citizens...

Aristotle, Camus, and Teaching and Learning about Citizenship.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spurgeon, Chris

1995-01-01

Describes a high school citizenship class unit that contrasted Aristotle's concept of a public citizen with the actions of Meursault in Albert Camus's "The Stranger." Through writing assignments and class activities, the students connected their own ideas of citizenship, freedom, and conformity with Aristotelian and existentialist…

Y-12 Sustainability and Stewardship

ScienceCinema

John Krueger

2017-12-09

The Y-12 National Security Complex recently won a White House award for its leadership among Government installations for pollution prevention. This video tells the story of the many actions taken by this NNSA National Security Enterprise site towards being a responsible environmental citizen while protecting the national interest.

Students, Economics, and the Federal Reserve

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bernanke, Ben S.

2011-01-01

Students with an understanding of economics are better equipped to comprehend the forces that influence people's standard of living and overall financial well-being. Broad-based economic literacy supports an environment where students can participate in America's democracy as well-informed and responsible citizens, whose collective actions may…

Commending the efforts of State legislatures, Attorneys General, and citizens to resist the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Garrett, Scott [R-NJ-5

2010-03-25

House - 07/26/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Y-12 Sustainability and Stewardship

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

John Krueger

2009-10-06

The Y-12 National Security Complex recently won a White House award for its leadership among Government installations for pollution prevention. This video tells the story of the many actions taken by this NNSA National Security Enterprise site towards being a responsible environmental citizen while protecting the national interest.

POLLUTION FROM PERSONAL ACTIONS, ACTIVITIES, AND BEHAVIORS: PHARMACEUTICALS AND PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS IN THE ENVIRONMENT

EPA Science Inventory

Perhaps more so than with any other class of pollutants, the occurrence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in the environment highlights the immediate, intimate, and inseparable connection between the personal activities of individual citizens and their environ...

POLLUTION FROM PERSONAL ACTIONS, ACTIVITIES, AND BEHAVIORS: PHARMACEUTICALS AND PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS IN THE ENVIRONMENT

EPA Science Inventory

Perhaps more so than with any other class of pollutants, the occurrence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPS) in the environment highlights the immediate, intimate, and inseparable connection between the personal activities of individual citizens and their environ...

The Air Sensor Citizen Science Toolbox: A Collaboration in Community Air Quality Monitoring and Mapping

EPA Science Inventory

Research in Action: Collect air quality data to characterize near-road/near-source hotspots; Determine potential impact on nearby residences & roadways; Case study of successful use of such data; Relationship between distance to roadways and industrial sources, exposure to...

Regulatory Developments in Cable Television.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Federal Communications Commission, Washington, DC.

This report summarizes major rule making actions since 1972, current rules and regulations, and guidelines for citizen participation in FCC (Federal Communications Commission) processes related to cable television regulation. A large portion of the report pertains to current rules and regulations in the areas of certificate of compliance,…

76 FR 9636 - Public Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-18

... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY United States Mint Public Meeting ACTION: Notification of Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee March 1, 2011, Public Meeting. SUMMARY: Pursuant to United States Code, Title... (CCAC) public meeting scheduled for March 1, 2011. Date: March 1, 2011. Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Location...

The Ottawa Citizen Engagement and Action Model (OCEAM): A Citizen engagement Strategy Operationalized Through The Participatory Research in Ottawa, Management and Point-of-care of Tobacco (PROMPT) Study: A Community Based Participatory Action Research Project in Inner City Ottawa.

PubMed

Pakhale, Smita; Kaur, Tina; Florence, Kelly; Rose, Tiffany; Boyd, Robert; Haddad, Joanne; Pettey, Donna; Muckle, Wendy; Tyndall, Mark

2016-01-01

The PROMPT study is a community-based research project designed to understand the factors which affect smoking as well as ways to manage, reduce and quit smoking among people who use drugs in Ottawa. There is strong medical evidence that smoking tobacco is related to more than two dozen diseases and conditions. Smoking tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death and has negative health impacts on people of all ages. Although Ottawa has one of the lowest smoking rates in Ontario (12 %), major differences exist, with approximately a 96 % smoking rate among those who use drugs in the city of Ottawa. To address this inequity, we recruited and trained four community research peers who were representative of the study target population (ex- or currently homeless, insecurely housed or multi-drug users). We designed the ten-step Ottawa Citizen Engagement and Action Model (OCEAM) for the PROMPT study. In this paper we have described this process in a step-by-step fashion, as used in the PROMPT study. The eighty PROMPT participants are being followed for six months and are being provided with free and off-label Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). Objectives The PROMPT study, Participatory Research in Ottawa, Management and Point-of-care of Tobacco, is a prospective cohort study which utilizes community-based participation and social network-based approaches to address tobacco dependence in inner city Ottawa. The project was designed to: facilitate retention of participants; to understand the barriers and facilitators of smoking; optimize ways to manage, reduce, and quit tobacco use among people who use drugs in Ottawa, Canada. The purpose of this paper is to describe the processes utilized in citizen or patient engagement in academic research, through our tobacco dependence management project in the inner city population in Ottawa, Canada. Background Tobacco smoking is inequitably distributed in Canada with rates at 12 % in Ottawa, as compared to 18 % in rest of Canada. However, the PROUD Study (Participatory Research in Ottawa: Understanding Drugs) demonstrated that 96 % of the inner city population, of Ottawa currently smoke tobacco. This distinct inequity in tobacco use translates into inequitable distribution of health outcomes, such morbidity and mortality in this population. Consequently, a community-based participatory, peer-led research project was conducted in the inner city population of Ottawa. Methods We recruited and trained four community research peers who were representative of the study target population. We conceived, designed and operationalized the ten-step Ottawa Citizen Engagement and Action Model (OCEAM) for the PROMPT study. The peers have co-led all aspects of the project from conceptualizing the study question to participating in knowledge translation. Each step of the project had defined objectives and outcome measures. Discussion The involvement of peers in recruitment ensured representation of tobacco and drug users-individuals truly representative of the intended target population. Peer, participant engagement and trust was established from the conception of the project. For historical and self-evident reasons, trust and engagement is rarely found in this population. Peers successfully participated in all ten steps of the Citizen Engagement and Action model. The PROMPT study utilized the CBPR (Community Based Participatory research) approach to encourage engagement and build trust in a difficult to reach and hard to treat, inner city population. The ten-step OCEAM model was conceived, designed and operationalized and the PROMPT study will continue to follow the eighty PROMPT participants for six months to understand the optimal ways to manage, reduce, and quit smoking within an inner city population.

Structural actions toward HIV/AIDS prevention in Cartagena, Colombia: a qualitative study.

PubMed

Quevedo-Gómez, María Cristina; Krumeich, Anja; Abadía-Barrero, César Ernesto; Pastrana-Salcedo, Eduardo Manuel; van den Borne, Hubertus

2011-07-01

To obtain a thorough understanding of the complexity and dynamics of the social determination of HIV infection among inhabitants of Cartagena, Colombia, as well as their views on necessary actions and priorities. In a five-year ethnography of HIV/AIDS in collaboration with 96 citizens of Cartagena, different methods and data collection techniques were used. Through 40 in-depth interviews and 30 life histories of inhabitants, the scenario of HIV vulnerability was summarized in a diagram. This diagram was evaluated and complemented through group discussions with key representatives of local governmental and nongovernmental organizations and with people who were interested in the epidemic or affected by it. The diagram illustrates the dynamic and complex interrelationships among structural factors (i.e., social determinants) of HIV infection, such as machismo; lack of work, money, and social services; local dynamics of the performance of the state; and international dynamics of the sexual tourism industry. On the basis of the diagram, groups of key representatives proposed prioritizing structural actions such as reducing socioeconomic inequalities and providing access to health care and education. The social determinants displayed in the diagram relate to historic power forces that have shaped vulnerable scenarios in Cartagena. Collaboration between participants and researchers generates conceptual frameworks that make it possible to understand and manage the complexity of HIV's social determination. This way of understanding effectively connects local inequalities with international flows of power such as sexual tourism and makes evident the strengths and limitations of current approaches to HIV prevention.

Social Media Illuminates: Some Truths about School Reform

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blumenreich, Megan; Jaffe-Walter, Reva

2015-01-01

Montclair Cares About Schools (MCAS) is a citizen-activist group in Montclair, New Jersey, that used Facebook, emails, and online petitions to inform and organize citizens on local educational policy issues. Emerging in response to a new superintendent's plans to reshape Montclair schools with new teacher evaluations, administrative hires, and…

Cyber-Cops: Angels on the Net.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Educom Review, 1996

1996-01-01

Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels citizens' safety patrol, discusses the development of the Cyber Angels, an online citizens' patrol group that monitors Internet communication. Cyber Angels voluntarily look for and report any illegal activity conducted over the Internet, such as pyramid scams, transmission of stolen credit card and…

46 CFR 356.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... behalf of any Non-Citizen; and (iv) Control of the entity, by any other means whatsoever, may not be... within a management group, whether through veto power, combined voting, or otherwise, to exercise control... number of its directors, or equivalent, necessary to constitute a quorum are Non-Citizens; (ii) In the...

46 CFR 356.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... behalf of any Non-Citizen; and (iv) Control of the entity, by any other means whatsoever, may not be... within a management group, whether through veto power, combined voting, or otherwise, to exercise control... number of its directors, or equivalent, necessary to constitute a quorum are Non-Citizens; (ii) In the...

46 CFR 356.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... behalf of any Non-Citizen; and (iv) Control of the entity, by any other means whatsoever, may not be... within a management group, whether through veto power, combined voting, or otherwise, to exercise control... number of its directors, or equivalent, necessary to constitute a quorum are Non-Citizens; (ii) In the...

46 CFR 356.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... behalf of any Non-Citizen; and (iv) Control of the entity, by any other means whatsoever, may not be... within a management group, whether through veto power, combined voting, or otherwise, to exercise control... number of its directors, or equivalent, necessary to constitute a quorum are Non-Citizens; (ii) In the...

46 CFR 356.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... behalf of any Non-Citizen; and (iv) Control of the entity, by any other means whatsoever, may not be... within a management group, whether through veto power, combined voting, or otherwise, to exercise control... number of its directors, or equivalent, necessary to constitute a quorum are Non-Citizens; (ii) In the...

The Potential of Free-Choice Learning for Environmental Participation in Greece

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Skanavis, Constantina; Sakellari, Maria; Petreniti, Vassiliki

2005-01-01

Citizen participation in environmental decision-making is of extreme importance in securing a good quality of life. Local communities know best what alternate solutions should be implemented for appropriate management of their area. This paper presents findings about the environmental characteristics of various Greek citizens' groups, where…

Participatory Design of Citizen Science Experiments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Senabre, Enric; Ferran-Ferrer, Nuria; Perelló, Josep

2018-01-01

This article describes and analyzes the collaborative design of a citizen science research project through co-creation. Three groups of secondary school students and a team of scientists conceived three experiments on human behavior and social capital in urban and public spaces. The study goal is to address how interdisciplinary work and attention…

Cable Television: Citizen Participation After the Franchise.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Price, Monroe E.; Botein, Michael

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has incorporated several allowances in its regulations pertaining to cable television. Some of these enable citizen groups and communities to intervene in the cable franchise after the final issuance in order to correct deficiencies in the franchising process and the administration of the franchise.…

An evaluation of life satisfaction and health - Quality of life of senior citizens.

PubMed

Ziółkowski, Artur; Błachnio, Aleksandra; Pąchalska, Maria

2015-01-01

Modern medicine is still searching for the antecedents which will lead to successful aging. The article discusses the self-perception of life satisfaction and health of senior citizens. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between self-evaluation of life satisfaction and health by senior citizens in comparison to different age groups. The study included 463 persons - 230 men and 233 women. The age of the participants was in the range 16 - 83 years. All participants were asked to fill the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (Fragebogen zur Lebenszufriedenheit - FLZ). The FLZ questionnaire assesses the global life satisfaction of a person and health domain separately. The results show age-related differences in the evaluation of life satisfaction. Accordingly, there is a significant change in health evaluations in different age groups, but there are no significant gender differences in health self-report data. The senior citizens' assessment of general health, although the lowest among all the age-subgroups, showed significant difference only in relation to the people below 45 years of age. The significant differences in satisfaction from mental health occurred only for the elderly and participants aged 25-34 and 35-44. Life satisfaction is associated with subjective health evaluations. There are two domains (mental health and performance) that are positively evaluated by more than two-thirds of senior citizens. The observed differences challenge stereotypes and prejudices relating to negative aging process. Senior citizens can improve their control beliefs and develop self-regulation and coping skills.

Atomic-powered democracy: Policy against politics in the quest for American nuclear energy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Williams, R.W.

This dissertation focuses on the relationship of American nuclear energy to democracy. It examines whether the nuclear policy processes have furthered the legitimacy-government accountability and citizen participation-which the democratic institutes are based. Nuclear policy and its institutions have placed severe limitations on democratic practices. Contravened democracy is seen most clearly in the decoupling of policy from politics. Decoupling refers to the weakening of institutional linkages between citizens and government, and to the erosion of the norms that ground liberal democracy. Decoupling is manifested in policy centralization, procedural biases, technical rationality, and the spatial displacement of conflict. Decoupling has normative implications:more » While federal accountability was limited and citizen participation was shackled, other major groups enjoyed privileged access to policy making. The decoupling of nuclear policy from politics arose within the context of US liberal-democratic capitalism. The federal government pursued its own goals of defense and world leadership. Yet, it was not structurally autonomous from the hegemony of the political-economic context. Economically, the Atomic Energy Act did not permit federal agencies to directly invest in power plant construction, and did not authorize them to commercially generate electricity. Private industry was structurally placed to domesticate the atom. Politically, the liberal-democratic system hampered an unquestioning pursuit of atomic energy. Federal institutions have been forced to heed some of the anti-nuclear concerns. The pervasive influence of the US political economy on nuclear policy has come to transgress democracy. Nuclear power's growth faltered during the 1970s. The political and economic constraints on federal actions have limited the means available to revive a becalmed nuclear industry; this has exerted strong pressure on federal institutions to decouple policy from participation.« less

Lead exposure and hair lead level of workers in a lead refinery industry in Iran

PubMed Central

Pirsaraei, Seyed Reza Azimi

2007-01-01

This study was carried out on the workers of a lead refinery industry and two control groups in Zanjan city in Iran. The scalp hair samples were collected from 25 workers who were occupationally exposed to lead contamination as a case group and from 25 subjects among the staff of the same industry and 25 subjects among Zanjan citizens as the first and second control groups respectively. A flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer used to determine lead level in all of the samples. The age of all subjects in the three groups was matched. The mean concentrations of hair lead in the workers (case group), the staff (control groupA) and the citizens (control group B) were 131.7±93.4 µgr/gr, 21.1±13.2 µgr/gr and 27.9±14.1 µgr/gr respectively. The mean concentration of hair lead in the case group was more than hair lead of normal range found in humans (0-30 µgr/gr). The mean of hair lead level in the citizens who had used gas vehicles was statistically higher than who had not used it (36.9±12.2 µgr/gr vs. 16.6±4.9 µgr/gr, P<0.001). PMID:21957365

The National Security Model: A Hybrid Approach for Determining the Legality of the Targeted Killing of U.S. Citizens

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-14

principles .33 Attorney General Holder asserted that the President is not required to get permission from any federal court before taking action against a...damages from the defendants because they claimed that the deaths al-Awlaki and Khan were foreseeable consequences of the actions and omissions of the...noted by the District Court, “the presence of a political question suffices to prevent the power of the federal judiciary from being invoked.”5

American Presidents and Their Attitudes, Beliefs, and Actions Surrounding Education and Multiculturalism. A Series of Research Studies in Educational Policy. Sixth Installment: Examining Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and William Jefferson Clinton. Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baptiste, H. Prentice; Orvosh-Kamenski, Heidi; Kamenski, Christopher J.

2005-01-01

This article focuses on the recent presidencies of Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and William Jefferson Clinton and is the sixth installment in a series that examines how presidents, through their office of power, have impacted U.S. citizens by their actions and policies. By viewing the presidents through a multicultural lense we can more…

Outdoor Recreation. Community Action Guide for Public Officials: (1) Planning, (2) Legal Aspects, (3) Organization, (4) Staffing and Consultants, (5) Areawide and Multigovernmental Opportunities, (6) Financing, (7) Technical and Financial Assistance, (8) Land Acquisition, (9) Water Based Recreation, (10) Citizen Support

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bureau of Outdoor Recreation (Dept. of Interior), Washington, DC.

A series of 10 Community Action Guides was developed to assist public officials and community leaders in establishing comprehensive outdoor recreation programs. The importance of providing parks and recreation facilities in metropolitan areas and the importance of protecting the natural environment are emphasized. Methods of organization,…

Using citizen science to bridge taxonomic discovery with education and outreach.

PubMed

von Konrat, Matt; Campbell, Thomas; Carter, Ben; Greif, Matthew; Bryson, Mike; Larraín, Juan; Trouille, Laura; Cohen, Steve; Gaus, Eve; Qazi, Ayesha; Ribbens, Eric; Livshultz, Tatyana; Walker, Taylor J; Suwa, Tomomi; Peterson, Taylor; Rodriguez, Yarency; Vaughn, Caitlin; Yang, Christina; Aburahmeh, Selma; Carstensen, Brian; de Lange, Peter; Delavoi, Charlie; Strauss, Kalman; Drag, Justyna; Aguero, Blanka; Snyder, Chris; Martinec, Joann; Smith, Arfon

2018-02-01

Biological collections are uniquely poised to inform the stewardship of life on Earth in a time of cataclysmic biodiversity loss. Efforts to fully leverage collections are impeded by a lack of trained taxonomists and a lack of interest and engagement by the public. We provide a model of a crowd-sourced data collection project that produces quality taxonomic data sets and empowers citizen scientists through real contributions to science. Entitled MicroPlants, the project is a collaboration between taxonomists, citizen science experts, and teachers and students from universities and K-12. We developed an online tool that allows citizen scientists to measure photographs of specimens of a hyper-diverse group of liverworts from a biodiversity hotspot. Using the MicroPlants online tool, citizen scientists are generating high-quality data, with preliminary analysis indicating non-expert data can be comparable to expert data. More than 11,000 users from both the website and kiosk versions have contributed to the data set, which is demonstrably aiding taxonomists working toward establishing conservation priorities within this group. MicroPlants provides opportunities for public participation in authentic science research. The project's educational component helps move youth toward engaging in scientific thinking and has been adopted by several universities into curriculum for both biology and non-biology majors.

Increasing patient engagement in rehabilitation exercises using computer-based citizen science.

PubMed

Laut, Jeffrey; Cappa, Francesco; Nov, Oded; Porfiri, Maurizio

2015-01-01

Patient motivation is an important factor to consider when developing rehabilitation programs. Here, we explore the effectiveness of active participation in web-based citizen science activities as a means of increasing participant engagement in rehabilitation exercises, through the use of a low-cost haptic joystick interfaced with a laptop computer. Using the joystick, patients navigate a virtual environment representing the site of a citizen science project situated in a polluted canal. Participants are tasked with following a path on a laptop screen representing the canal. The experiment consists of two conditions: in one condition, a citizen science component where participants classify images from the canal is included; and in the other, the citizen science component is absent. Both conditions are tested on a group of young patients undergoing rehabilitation treatments and a group of healthy subjects. A survey administered at the end of both tasks reveals that participants prefer performing the scientific task, and are more likely to choose to repeat it, even at the cost of increasing the time of their rehabilitation exercise. Furthermore, performance indices based on data collected from the joystick indicate significant differences in the trajectories created by patients and healthy subjects, suggesting that the low-cost device can be used in a rehabilitation setting for gauging patient recovery.

Public assessment of new surveillance-oriented security technologies: Beyond the trade-off between privacy and security.

PubMed

Pavone, Vincenzo; Esposti, Sara Degli

2012-07-01

As surveillance-oriented security technologies (SOSTs) are considered security enhancing but also privacy infringing, citizens are expected to trade part of their privacy for higher security. Drawing from the PRISE project, this study casts some light on how citizens actually assess SOSTs through a combined analysis of focus groups and survey data. First, the outcomes suggest that people did not assess SOSTs in abstract terms but in relation to the specific institutional and social context of implementation. Second, from this embedded viewpoint, citizens either expressed concern about government's surveillance intentions and considered SOSTs mainly as privacy infringing, or trusted political institutions and believed that SOSTs effectively enhanced their security. None of them, however, seemed to trade privacy for security because concerned citizens saw their privacy being infringed without having their security enhanced, whilst trusting citizens saw their security being increased without their privacy being affected.

Connect: UNESCO-UNEP Environmental Education Newsletter. 1991-1992.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Connect, 1992

1992-01-01

This document consists of the eight issues of the UNESCO-UNEP Environmental Education Newsletter published in 1991 and 1992. The lead article in the March 1991 issue, "From Awareness to Action via Nonformal Environmental Education," discusses the different methods to translate and transmit environmental education concepts to citizens in…

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States regarding the right of citizens of the United States to health care of equal high quality.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Jackson, Jesse L., Jr. [D-IL-2

2009-03-03

House - 03/16/2009 Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Evaluation of Selected Recycling Curricula: Educating the Green Citizen.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boerschig, Sally; De Young, Raymond

1993-01-01

Solid waste curricula from various programs around the country were reviewed using eight variables identified as predictors of conservation behavior. Scores demonstrated that solid waste curricula focus mainly on knowledge and include, to a lesser extent, attitude change and action strategies. Lists the 14 programs evaluated in the study. (MDH)

Sense of Justice in School and Civic Behavior

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Resh, Nura; Sabbagh, Clara

2017-01-01

Adult citizenship requires a gradual acquisition of political culture--knowledge, attitudes, skills and patterns of behavior necessary to engage in political action. This is especially the case in democratic societies, which are based on citizens' participation. Hence, education for citizenship is uniformly considered as a major mission of the…

78 FR 78973 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-27

..., including allowing notifications for food contact substances to become effective and approving food additive petitions, color additive petitions, GRAS affirmation petitions, requests for exemption from regulation as a food additive, and actions on certain food labeling citizen petitions, nutrient content claims...

One-Year Plan for Library Services.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Caroline County Public Library, Denton, MD.

This action plan for the Caroline County (MD) Public Library describes the key elements of library service for the 1985-86 fiscal year, derived from the library's long range plan for 1985-90. Objectives, strategies, activities, and timetables for accomplishing the following goals are outlined: (1) citizens of the county will increasingly meet…

[National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month Kit.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (DHHS/PHS), Rockville, MD. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.

The Recovery Month observance highlights the societal benefits of substance abuse treatment, lauds the contributions of treatment providers, and promotes the message that recovery from substance abuse in all its forms is possible. The observance also encourages citizens to take action to help expand and improve the availability of effective…

77 FR 18856 - Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge, LA; Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-28

... local, state, and regional newspapers, six online media outlets, and two local radio networks. Copies of... Atchafalaya; The Nature Conservancy; Gulf Restoration Network; Atchafalaya Basinkeeper; Louisiana Crawfish... Environmental Action Network; and local citizens. Selected Alternative The Draft CCP/EA identified and evaluated...

40 CFR 135.13 - Timing of notice.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 21 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Timing of notice. 135.13 Section 135.13 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS PRIOR NOTICE OF CITIZEN SUITS Prior Notice Under the Safe Drinking Water Act § 135.13 Timing of notice. No action...

40 CFR 135.13 - Timing of notice.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 22 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Timing of notice. 135.13 Section 135.13 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS PRIOR NOTICE OF CITIZEN SUITS Prior Notice Under the Safe Drinking Water Act § 135.13 Timing of notice. No action...

For the relief of the peoples of Bikini, Enewetak, Rongelap, and Utrik, and of other affected citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Faleomavaega, Eni F. H. [D-AS-At Large

2010-12-01

House - 12/20/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Carbon pools and flux in U.S. forest products

Treesearch

Linda S. Heath; Richard A. Birdsey; Clark Row; Andrew J. Plantinga

1996-01-01

Increasing recognition that anthropogenic CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions may effect climate change has prompted research studies on global carbon (C) budgets and international agreements for action. At the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992, world leaders and citizens gathered and initiated the Framework...

Toward a Dependable Peace: A Proposal for an Appropriate Security System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johansen, Robert C.

This booklet proposes that citizens and governments think imaginatively about national and international security and take action for comprehensive arms reductions. The document is presented in eight chapters. Chapter I reports that global insecurity exists despite continuous arms control negotiations since World War II. Chapter II discusses…

United States: Exploring the Marriage Debate

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carter, Julie H.

2004-01-01

As citizens of the United States respond to legislative and judicial actions that have challenged the prohibition against same-sex couples receiving marriage licenses, schools have a timely opportunity to engage students on this most important debate. Educators can help their students understand the full significance of this issue by encouraging…

Improving wildfire preparedness: lessons from communities across the U.S

Treesearch

Pamela Jakes; Linda Kruger; Martha Monroe; Kristen Nelson; Victoria Sturtevant

2007-01-01

Communities across the U.S. have been taking action to adapt to the wildfire risk they face. In a series of case studies conducted in 15 communities, researchers identified and described four elements that form the foundation for community wildfire preparedness: landscape, government, citizens, and community.

A Science Club Takes Action

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

LeDee, Olivia; Mosser, Anna; Gamble, Tony; Childs, Greg; Oberhauser, Karen

2007-01-01

The after-school science club at Galtier Math, Science, and Technology Elementary Magnet School in St. Paul, Minnesota, learned some valuable lessons when they took newfound knowledge about pollution into their homes. After learning about the effects of various contaminants on health and what informed citizens can do about it, students tested…

78 FR 19466 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-01

... requirement of the Uniformed and Overseas Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA), 46 U.S.C. 1973ff wherein the Secretary... otherwise granted military/ overseas voting rights. The overseas citizen selection previously described as...)), Federal Voting Assistance Program, DoD. ACTION: Notice. In compliance with Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the...

78 FR 19465 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-01

... the requirement of the Uniformed and Overseas Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA), 46 U. S. C. 1973ff wherein... otherwise granted military/overseas voting rights. The overseas citizen selection previously described as...)), Federal Voting Assistance Program, DoD. ACTION: Notice. In compliance with Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the...

Developing Materials for Deliberative Forums

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rourke, Brad

2014-01-01

When citizens deliberate together about important issues, they can reach decisions and take action together on problems that confront them. Deliberation does not require a certain kind of guide, or framework, or language, or facilitator, but, because it can be difficult to face such choices, supporting materials can make it easier. In Developing…

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to give citizens of the United States the right to recall elected officials.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Hoekstra, Peter [R-MI-2

2010-01-21

House - 03/01/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

PHARMACEUTICALS AND PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS IN THE ENVIRONMENT: AN OVERVIEW - POLLUTION FROM PERSONAL ACTIONS, ACTIVITES, AND BEHAVIORS

EPA Science Inventory

Perhaps more so than with any other class of pollutants, the occurrence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in the environment highlights the immediate, intimate, and inseparable connection between the personal activities of individual citizens and their environ...

PHARMACEUTICALS AND PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS IN THE ENVIRONMENT: AN OVERVIEW - POLLUTION FROM PERSONAL ACTIONS, ACTIVITIES, AND BEHAVIORS

EPA Science Inventory

Perhaps more so than with any other class of pollutants, the occurrence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPS) in the environment highlights the immediate, intimate, and inseparable connection between the personal activities of individual citizens and their...

75 FR 42446 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Preparing a Claim...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-21

... approving food additive petitions, color additive petitions, GRAS affirmation petitions, requests for exemption from regulation as a food additive, and actions on certain food labeling citizen petitions... information about the manufacturing and production of FDA-regulated articles. FDA also has eliminated the...

75 FR 59722 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-28

..., including allowing notifications for food contact substances to become effective and approving food additive petitions, color additive petitions and GRAS petition requests for exemption from regulation as a food additive, and actions on certain food labeling citizen petitions, nutrient content claims petitions, and...

77 FR 19901 - Provisional Unlawful Presence Waivers of Inadmissibility for Certain Immediate Relatives

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-02

... Relatives AGENCY: Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. ACTION: Proposed rule. SUMMARY: On January 9, 2012, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced its... amend its regulations to allow certain immediate relatives of U.S. citizens who are physically present...

Ethical Reasoning of U.S. High School Seniors Exploring Just versus Unjust Laws

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kohlmeier, Jada; Saye, John W.

2014-01-01

Because a pluralistic democracy is inherently conflictual, public deliberation of issues holds the potential to expand the thinking of participants by revealing new insights, perspectives, information, or logics into the participants' consideration. These are ethical questions that ask citizens to decide whether policies, actions, and decisions…

Copenhagen Campaigners: An Active Citizens Project

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knox, Rohan

2010-01-01

In the lead-up to the Copenhagen Climate talks in December 2009, Islington Council's Sustainable Schools Officer involved seven local schools in an engaging citizenship project entitled "Copenhagen Campaigners". The aim of the project was to raise pupil's awareness of this historic global event and empower them to take action on a local…

Crowd-Funded Micro-Grants for Genomics and “Big Data”: An Actionable Idea Connecting Small (Artisan) Science, Infrastructure Science, and Citizen Philanthropy

PubMed Central

Badr, Kamal F.; Dove, Edward S.; Endrenyi, Laszlo; Geraci, Christy Jo; Hotez, Peter J.; Milius, Djims; Neves-Pereira, Maria; Pang, Tikki; Rotimi, Charles N.; Sabra, Ramzi; Sarkissian, Christineh N.; Srivastava, Sanjeeva; Tims, Hesther; Zgheib, Nathalie K.; Kickbusch, Ilona

2013-01-01

Abstract Biomedical science in the 21st century is embedded in, and draws from, a digital commons and “Big Data” created by high-throughput Omics technologies such as genomics. Classic Edisonian metaphors of science and scientists (i.e., “the lone genius” or other narrow definitions of expertise) are ill equipped to harness the vast promises of the 21st century digital commons. Moreover, in medicine and life sciences, experts often under-appreciate the important contributions made by citizen scholars and lead users of innovations to design innovative products and co-create new knowledge. We believe there are a large number of users waiting to be mobilized so as to engage with Big Data as citizen scientists—only if some funding were available. Yet many of these scholars may not meet the meta-criteria used to judge expertise, such as a track record in obtaining large research grants or a traditional academic curriculum vitae. This innovation research article describes a novel idea and action framework: micro-grants, each worth $1000, for genomics and Big Data. Though a relatively small amount at first glance, this far exceeds the annual income of the “bottom one billion”—the 1.4 billion people living below the extreme poverty level defined by the World Bank ($1.25/day). We describe two types of micro-grants. Type 1 micro-grants can be awarded through established funding agencies and philanthropies that create micro-granting programs to fund a broad and highly diverse array of small artisan labs and citizen scholars to connect genomics and Big Data with new models of discovery such as open user innovation. Type 2 micro-grants can be funded by existing or new science observatories and citizen think tanks through crowd-funding mechanisms described herein. Type 2 micro-grants would also facilitate global health diplomacy by co-creating crowd-funded micro-granting programs across nation-states in regions facing political and financial instability, while sharing similar disease burdens, therapeutics, and diagnostic needs. We report the creation of ten Type 2 micro-grants for citizen science and artisan labs to be administered by the nonprofit Data-Enabled Life Sciences Alliance International (DELSA Global, Seattle). Our hope is that these micro-grants will spur novel forms of disruptive innovation and genomics translation by artisan scientists and citizen scholars alike. We conclude with a neglected voice from the global health frontlines, the American University of Iraq in Sulaimani, and suggest that many similar global regions are now poised for micro-grant enabled collective innovation to harness the 21st century digital commons. PMID:23574338

Crowd-funded micro-grants for genomics and "big data": an actionable idea connecting small (artisan) science, infrastructure science, and citizen philanthropy.

PubMed

Özdemir, Vural; Badr, Kamal F; Dove, Edward S; Endrenyi, Laszlo; Geraci, Christy Jo; Hotez, Peter J; Milius, Djims; Neves-Pereira, Maria; Pang, Tikki; Rotimi, Charles N; Sabra, Ramzi; Sarkissian, Christineh N; Srivastava, Sanjeeva; Tims, Hesther; Zgheib, Nathalie K; Kickbusch, Ilona

2013-04-01

Biomedical science in the 21(st) century is embedded in, and draws from, a digital commons and "Big Data" created by high-throughput Omics technologies such as genomics. Classic Edisonian metaphors of science and scientists (i.e., "the lone genius" or other narrow definitions of expertise) are ill equipped to harness the vast promises of the 21(st) century digital commons. Moreover, in medicine and life sciences, experts often under-appreciate the important contributions made by citizen scholars and lead users of innovations to design innovative products and co-create new knowledge. We believe there are a large number of users waiting to be mobilized so as to engage with Big Data as citizen scientists-only if some funding were available. Yet many of these scholars may not meet the meta-criteria used to judge expertise, such as a track record in obtaining large research grants or a traditional academic curriculum vitae. This innovation research article describes a novel idea and action framework: micro-grants, each worth $1000, for genomics and Big Data. Though a relatively small amount at first glance, this far exceeds the annual income of the "bottom one billion"-the 1.4 billion people living below the extreme poverty level defined by the World Bank ($1.25/day). We describe two types of micro-grants. Type 1 micro-grants can be awarded through established funding agencies and philanthropies that create micro-granting programs to fund a broad and highly diverse array of small artisan labs and citizen scholars to connect genomics and Big Data with new models of discovery such as open user innovation. Type 2 micro-grants can be funded by existing or new science observatories and citizen think tanks through crowd-funding mechanisms described herein. Type 2 micro-grants would also facilitate global health diplomacy by co-creating crowd-funded micro-granting programs across nation-states in regions facing political and financial instability, while sharing similar disease burdens, therapeutics, and diagnostic needs. We report the creation of ten Type 2 micro-grants for citizen science and artisan labs to be administered by the nonprofit Data-Enabled Life Sciences Alliance International (DELSA Global, Seattle). Our hope is that these micro-grants will spur novel forms of disruptive innovation and genomics translation by artisan scientists and citizen scholars alike. We conclude with a neglected voice from the global health frontlines, the American University of Iraq in Sulaimani, and suggest that many similar global regions are now poised for micro-grant enabled collective innovation to harness the 21(st) century digital commons.

Immersive participation: Smartphone-Apps and Virtual Reality - tools for knowledge transfer, citizen science and interactive collaboration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dotterweich, Markus

2017-04-01

In the last few years, the use of smartphone-apps has become a daily routine in our life. However, only a few approaches have been undertaken to use apps for transferring scientific knowledge to the public audience. The development of learning apps or serious games requires large efforts and several levels of simplification which is different to traditional text books or learning webpages. Current approaches often lack a connection to the real life and/or innovative gamification concepts. Another almost untapped potential is the use of Virtual Reality, a fast growing technology which replicates a virtual environment in order to simulate physical experiences in artificial or real worlds. Hence, smartphone-apps and VR provides new opportunities for capacity building, knowledge transfer, citizen science or interactive engagement in the realm of environmental sciences. This presentation will show some examples and discuss the advantages of these immersive approaches to improve the knowledge transfer between scientists and citizens and to stimulate actions in the real world.

The Effects of Water Insecurity and Emotional Distress on Civic Action for Improved Water Infrastructure in Rural South Africa.

PubMed

Bulled, Nicola

2017-03-01

The South African constitution ratifies water as a human right. Yet millions of citizens remain disconnected from the national water infrastructure. Drawing on data collected in 2013-2014 from women in northern South Africa, this study explores "water citizenship"-individual civic engagement related to improving water service provision. Literature indicates that water insecurity is associated with emotional distress and that water-related emotional distress influences citizen engagement. I extend these lines of research by assessing the connection that water insecurity and emotional distress may collectively have with civic engagement to improve access to water infrastructure. © 2015 by the American Anthropological Association.

Homeland security in the USA: past, present, and future.

PubMed

Kemp, Roger L

2012-01-01

This paper examines the evolving and dynamic field of homeland security in the USA. Included in this analysis is the evolution of the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, an overview of the National Warning System, a summary of citizen support groups, and how the field of homeland security has had an impact on the location and architecture of public buildings and facilities. Also included are website directories of citizen support groups and federal agencies related to the field of homeland security.

Citizens' Forum; Its Origins and Development, 1943-1963.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mackie, Richard

The history of Citizens' Forum in Canada 1943-68 shows how it used a combination of radio, television, study pamphlets, and study groups, and led to many new programing techniques and formats for radio and television. Educational needs engendered by the Depression and World War II are described, along with earlier examples of public affairs…

Inspiring Glocal Citizens

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tichnor-Wagner, Ariel

2017-01-01

In an era when overlapping, intersecting national and cultural identities are a reality for many K-12 students in the United States, it is schools' responsibility to nurture skills and attitudes that help students feel empowered as citizens of their local area or country as well as of other cultural groups they identify with--and of the world.…

78 FR 57847 - Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Environmental Impact Assessment of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-20

... Environmental Protection Agency is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ``Final Rule at.... citizens or groups of citizens planning travel to Antarctica on an expedition for which they are not acting... identified and considered by the operator during the planning process and that to the extent practicable...

Climate Watch and Spoonbill Watch: Engaging Communities in Climate Science and Bird Conservation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michel, N. L.; Baker, R.; Bergstrom, E.; Cox, D.; Cox, G.; Dale, K.; Jensen, C.; Langham, G.; LeBaron, G.; Loftus, W.; Rowden, J.; Slavin, Z.; Smithson-Stanley, L.; Wilsey, C.

2016-12-01

Climate change poses serious challenges for conservation scientists and policymakers. Yet with these challenges come equally great opportunities to engage communities of concerned citizens in climate science and conservation. National Audubon Society's 2014 Birds and Climate Change report found that 314 North American bird species could lose over half their breeding or wintering ranges by 2080 due to climate change. Consequently, in 2016 Audubon developed two new crowd-sourced science programs that mobilized existing birding communities (i.e., Audubon Society chapters) in partnership with scientists to evaluate climate change effects on birds, and take action to protect vulnerable populations. Climate Watch expands upon traditional monitoring programs by involving citizen scientists in hypothesis-driven science, testing predictions of climate-driven range expansion in bluebirds developed by National Audubon Society scientists. Spoonbill Watch is a partnership between an Audubon research scientist and the Pelican Island Audubon Society community, in which citizen scientists monitor a Roseate Spoonbill colony recently established in response to changing habitat and climatic conditions. Additionally, Spoonbill Watch participants and leaders have moved beyond monitoring to take action to protect the colony, by working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission towards getting the site declared as a Critical Wildlife Area and by conducting local outreach and education efforts. We will present overviews, lessons learned, and conservation goals and opportunities achieved during the pilot year of Climate Watch and Spoonbill Watch. Scientific - community partnerships such as these are essential to confront the threats posed by climate change.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

The Weldon Spring DOE grantee, St. Charles County, is seeking an early renewal on the Weldon Spring Grant order to match the grant`s reporting calendar with the County`s fiscal calendar which is January through December. Therefore, this renewal application will cover five months time instead of 12 months. This notified annual overview bridges a two month period that precedes the appointment and activation of the Weldon Spring Citizens Commission in February 1995. In the original grant application the County described its intent to select a volunteer Citizens Oversight Commission to monitor the cleanup activities at the DOE`s Weldon Spring Site.more » This commission would serve at the County`s watchdog group by monitoring Weldon Spring Site activities and provide on-going communication to the County`s residents through publications and forums. The first eight months of the project involved setting up the project office and working with a three member {open_quotes}Section Panel/Work Group{close_quotes} to select the Citizen`s Commission. These activities were coordinated by a Project Director hired by the County and funded from the initial grant funds.« less

The effects of "psychological inoculation" versus ventilation on the mental resilience of Israeli citizens under continuous war stress.

PubMed

Farchi, Moshe; Gidron, Yori

2010-05-01

Anxiety and hopelessness are common reactions of citizens exposed to continuous war threats. Common interventions focus on support, calming, and emotional ventilation, with few attempts to reduce people's cognitive barriers concerning active coping, which could increase their resilience. This study tested the effects of psychological inoculation (PI), which specifically aims to challenge such barriers, on the mental resilience of Israeli citizens living in Sderot. Participants were randomly assigned to either 2 PI sessions or 2 ventilation sessions, provided over the phone. Anxiety, helplessness, pessimism, and functioning were briefly assessed at baseline and 1 week after interventions. No time, group, or group x time interactions were observed. However, a time x group x sex interaction emerged for helplessness: Men benefited from the PI whereas women benefited from ventilation, in reducing helplessness. Under chronic war stress, it seems difficult to improve people's resilience, although PI may be partly beneficial for men. Further research is needed to test the effects of PI on mental resilience.

All for the Planet, the Planet for everyone!

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drndarski, Marina

2014-05-01

The Eco-Musketeers are unique voluntary group of students. They have been established in Belgrade, in Primary school 'Drinka Pavlović'. Since the founding in year 2000, Eco-Musketeers have been involved in peer and citizens education guided by motto: All for the planet, the planet for all! Main goals of this group are spreading and popularization of environmental approach as well as gaining knowledge through collaborative projects and research. A great number of students from other schools in Serbia have joined Eco-Musketeers in observations aiming to better understand the problem of global climate change. In the past several years Eco-Musketeers have also participated in many national and international projects related to the active citizenship and rising the awareness of the importance of biodiversity and environment for sustainable development of society. In this presentation we will show some of the main activities, eco-performances and actions of our organization related to the environment, biodiversity, conservation and recycling, such as: spring cleaning the streets of Belgrade, cleaning the Sava and the Danube river banks, removing insect moth pupae in the area of Lipovica forest near Belgrade. Also, Eco-Musketeers worked on education of employees of Coca-Cola HBC Serbia about energy efficiency. All the time, we have working on raising public awareness of the harmful effects of plastic bags on the environment, too. In order to draw attention on rare and endangered species in Serbia and around the globe, there were several performing street-plays about biodiversity and also the plays about the water ecological footprint. Eco-Musketeers also participated in international projects Greenwave-signs of spring (Fibonacci project), European Schools For A Living Planet (WWF Austria and Erste stiftung) and Eco Schools. The eco dream of Eco-Musketeers is to influence the Government of the Republic of Serbia to determine and declare a 'green habits week'. This should be a one week in a year during which all the citizens will act with a minimum negative impact on the environment. All previous activities of the Eco-Musketeers are the only a small step in a persevering process of conservation of the living world, but we strongly believe that though the activities of small group as we are, we can change the way of thinking of our fellows and citizens, so that they learn to love and protect nature for future generations.

A public health perspective to environmental barriers and accessibility problems for senior citizens living in ordinary housing.

PubMed

Granbom, Marianne; Iwarsson, Susanne; Kylberg, Marianne; Pettersson, Cecilia; Slaug, Björn

2016-08-11

Housing environments that hinder performance of daily activities and impede participation in social life have negative health consequences particularly for the older segment of the population. From a public health perspective accessible housing that supports active and healthy ageing is therefore crucial. The objective of the present study was to make an inventory of environmental barriers and investigate accessibility problems in the ordinary housing stock in Sweden as related to the functional capacity of senior citizens. Particular attention was paid to differences between housing types and building periods and to identify environmental barriers generating the most accessibility problems for sub-groups of senior citizens. Data on environmental barriers in dwellings from three databases on housing and health in old age was analysed (N = 1021). Four functional profiles representing large groups of senior citizens were used in analyses of the magnitude and severity of potential accessibility problems. Differences in terms of type of housing and building period were examined. High proportions of one-family houses as well as multi-dwellings had substantial numbers of environmental barriers, with significantly lower numbers in later building periods. Accessibility problems occurred already for senior citizens with few functional limitations, but more profound for those dependent on mobility devices. The most problematic housing sections were entrances in one-family houses and kitchens of multi-dwellings. Despite a high housing standard in the Swedish ordinary housing stock the results show substantial accessibility problems for senior citizens with functional limitations. To make housing accessible large-scale and systematic efforts are required.

A citizens' plan for energy self-reliance. The process report: How it happened

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cohn, J.; Stayton, R.

Results are presented of a project undertaken to demonstrate that local action could meet the energy crisis in Santa Cruz, California, and to demonstrate that a community could cooperatively develop an energy plan for greater energy self reliance. Community participation took several forms: neighborhood outreach; community education and involvement, and media and press coverage of the project. An advisory board was formed and research was undertaken to determine the feasibility of energy ideas generated in the neighborhoods and to answer questions posed by the advisory board. Selection criteria were developed for use in screening individual actions. Thirty programs with more than 120 actions were approved and a list of 16 priorities was established. Actions implemented by the Advisory Board are noted.

A feasibility study for the provision of electronic healthcare tools and services in areas of Greece, Cyprus and Italy

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Through this paper, we present the initial steps for the creation of an integrated platform for the provision of a series of eHealth tools and services to both citizens and travelers in isolated areas of thesoutheast Mediterranean, and on board ships travelling across it. The platform was created through an INTERREG IIIB ARCHIMED project called INTERMED. Methods The support of primary healthcare, home care and the continuous education of physicians are the three major issues that the proposed platform is trying to facilitate. The proposed system is based on state-of-the-art telemedicine systems and is able to provide the following healthcare services: i) Telecollaboration and teleconsultation services between remotely located healthcare providers, ii) telemedicine services in emergencies, iii) home telecare services for "at risk" citizens such as the elderly and patients with chronic diseases, and iv) eLearning services for the continuous training through seminars of both healthcare personnel (physicians, nurses etc) and persons supporting "at risk" citizens. These systems support data transmission over simple phone lines, internet connections, integrated services digital network/digital subscriber lines, satellite links, mobile networks (GPRS/3G), and wireless local area networks. The data corresponds, among others, to voice, vital biosignals, still medical images, video, and data used by eLearning applications. The proposed platform comprises several systems, each supporting different services. These were integrated using a common data storage and exchange scheme in order to achieve system interoperability in terms of software, language and national characteristics. Results The platform has been installed and evaluated in different rural and urban sites in Greece, Cyprus and Italy. The evaluation was mainly related to technical issues and user satisfaction. The selected sites are, among others, rural health centers, ambulances, homes of "at-risk" citizens, and a ferry. Conclusions The results proved the functionality and utilization of the platform in various rural places in Greece, Cyprus and Italy. However, further actions are needed to enable the local healthcare systems and the different population groups to be familiarized with, and use in their everyday lives, mature technological solutions for the provision of healthcare services. PMID:21649924

Home closure as a weapon in the Dutch war on drugs: Does judicial review function as a safety net?

PubMed

Bruijn, L Michelle; Vols, Michel; Brouwer, Jan G

2018-01-01

A widespread sense of a failing criminal justice system and increased feelings of insecurity changed the response to crime into a culture of control, which is characterized by policies that punish and exclude. In the Netherlands, these influences can be witnessed in the war on drugs where local authorities use their administrative power to close homes involved in drug-related crime. Citizens can invoke judicial review over these administrative interferences by claiming that such closure results in an unfair balance between purposes, means and consequences. This paper assesses whether judicial review functions as a safety net against losing one's home due to drug-related crime. We used doctrinal legal research methods to examine the "law in the books" and empirical legal research methods to analyse the "law in action". We used a survey to investigate how often the drug-related closure power was used in 2015, and we statistically analysed all published case law of Dutch lower courts between 2007 and 2016. The scope of the closure power broadened over the years and our data show that local authorities fiercely make use of this instrument. In 41.4% of the cases, citizens are successful in fighting the closure. While scholarly literature indicates that judicial courts function as safeguards by questioning the proportionality of administrative action, raising a proportionality defence does not necessarily result in a more favourable outcome for citizens. In fact, raising a proportionality defence makes it more likely to result in dismissal of the appeal. The stretched scope of the drug-related closure power together with the relatively low success rate of citizens who fight the loss of their home and a seemingly meaningless proportionality check show no sign of a safety net against the loss of one's home at the suit of a local authority. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mind the gap in clinical trials: A participatory action analysis with citizen collaborators.

PubMed

Price, Amy; Liew, Su May; Kirkpatrick, Jo; Price, Jazmin; Lopreto, Taylor; Nelken, Yasmin

2017-02-01

What are the strengths, gaps, expectations, and barriers to research engagement in clinical trials as communicated through social media? Clinical trials test treatments to provide reliable information for safety and effectiveness. Trials are building blocks in which what is learned in earlier research can be used to improve treatments, compare alternatives, and improve quality of life. For 20 years, the percentages of clinical trials volunteers have decreased whereas the costs of running clinical trials have multiplied. Participants enroll in trials to access latest treatments, to help others, and to advance science, but there is growing unrest. The priorities of those running the trials differ from those of the participants, and the roles for public research involvement lack clarity. Changes to bridge these gaps in the research culture are proposed through the use of participatory action research (PAR) in which stakeholders collaborate to improve research methodology, galvanize citizen participation, multiply health knowledge, problem-solve barriers to access, and explore the value of research volunteers as collaborators. PAR enabled the inclusion of citizens as full collaborators. Social media data were gathered for 120 days until saturation was reached. De-identified data were organized into a Strengths Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats framework and coded into themes for analysis. After the analysis, the authors prioritized potential solutions for improving research engagement. Strengths and opportunities remained constant through trial phases, disease burdens, and interventions. Threats included alienation, litigation, disparity, and shaming. Poor management and barriers to inclusion were identified as weaknesses. Opportunities included improving resource management and information quality. Barriers were minimized when relationships between staff and participants were inclusive, respectful, tolerant, and open to change. Participants' communications ranged from fulfillment through trial involvement to disparities and rights violations. PAR provides a safe space without power imbalances in which researchers and citizen worked as equals rather than as researchers and objects of research. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Rural emergency care 360°: mobilising healthcare professionals, decision-makers, patients and citizens to improve rural emergency care in the province of Quebec, Canada: a qualitative study protocol

PubMed Central

Fleet, Richard; Dupuis, Gilles; Fortin, Jean-Paul; Gravel, Jocelyn; Ouimet, Mathieu; Poitras, Julien; Légaré, France

2017-01-01

Introduction Emergency departments (EDs) are an important safety net for rural populations. Results of our earlier studies suggest that rural Canadian hospitals have limited access to advanced imaging services and intensive care units and that patients are transferred over large distances. They also revealed significant geographical variations in rural services. In the absence of national standards, our studies raise questions about inequities in rural access to emergency services and the risks for citizens. Our goal is to build recommendations for improving services by mobilising stakeholders interested in rural emergency care. With help and full engagement of stakeholders, we will (1) identify solutions for improving quality and performance in rural EDs; (2) formulate and prioritise recommendations; (3) transfer knowledge of the recommendations to rural EDs and support operationalisation and (4) assess knowledge transfer and explore further impacts of this participatory action research project. Methodology We will use a participatory action research approach. We will plan for a governance structure that includes all stakeholders’ representatives, so throughout this project, stakeholders are fully engaged at every step. Our sample will be 26 EDs in rural Quebec. We will conduct semistructured individual and focus group interviews with relevant and representative participants, including patients and citizens (estimated n=200). Interviews will be thematically analysed to extract potential solutions and other qualitative information. An expert panel (±15) will use an analysis grid to develop consensus recommendations from solutions suggested and will evaluate feasibility, impacts, costs, conditions for implementation and establish monitoring indicators. Recommendations will be transferred to stakeholders using tailored knowledge translation strategies (web platform, meetings and so on). Discussion and expected results This study will result in a comprehensive consensus list of feasible and high-priority recommendations enabling decision-makers in emergency care to implement improvements in rural emergency care in Quebec. Ethics and dissemination This protocol has been approved by the CSSS Alphonse-Desjardins research ethics committee (Project number: MP 2017-009). The qualitative material will be kept confidential and the data will be presented in a way that respects confidentiality. The dissemination plan for the study includes publications in scientific and professional journals. We will also use social media to disseminate our findings and activities such as communications in public conferences. PMID:28819068

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States regarding the right of all citizens of the United States to a public education of equal high quality.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Jackson, Jesse L., Jr. [D-IL-2

2009-03-03

House - 03/16/2009 Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

76 FR 71027 - Proposed Settlement Agreements, Clean Air Act Citizen Suit

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-16

.... Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. Comments on a disk or CD-ROM should be formatted in Word... intervenors to the respective actions at issue. EPA or the Department of Justice may withdraw or withhold... the Act. Unless EPA or the Department of Justice determines that consent to these settlements...

77 FR 68043 - World Freedom Day, 2012

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-15

... A Proclamation There are times in the course of history when the actions of ordinary citizens spark... of that proud history, we must stand with those who are reaching for their rights, knowing their... goals with renewed vigor, the lessons of the 20th century will continue to remind us what is possible in...

Frasier v. UNC--A Personal Account

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frasier, Ralph K.

2005-01-01

Like the Brown Decision, Frasier was not simply an action challenging the right of three plaintiffs to attend one of the institutions of higher education within the State of North Carolina which historically had limited access to its undergraduate schools to white citizens. Rather, the suit was one of a series seeking to dismantle a system of…

Air Pollution Primer. Revised Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Corman, Rena

This revised and updated book is written to inform the citizens on the nature, causes, and effects of air pollution. It is written in terms familiar to the layman with the purpose of providing knowledge and motivation to spur community action on clean air policies. Numerous charts and drawings are provided to support discussion of air pollution…

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to limit citizenship at birth, merely by virtue of birth in the United States, to persons with citizen or legal resident mothers.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Gallegly, Elton [R-CA-24

2009-01-06

House - 02/09/2009 Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Women Creating a New World. Facts for Action #3.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tuttle, Leslie; Wunder, Haleh

An assessment of the role of women in third world countries and strategies to improve their status are provided for high school global education classes. The document emphasizes that women in rural areas of developing nations are subject to triple oppression: as citizens of underdeveloped countries; as peasants living in the most impoverished and…

Women Who Passed the Torch of Freedom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Christensen, Lois McFadyen

2005-01-01

The overarching goal of the social studies curriculum is to promote civic competence and to develop students' ability to make informed and reasoned decisions as citizens in a diverse and democratic society within an interdependent world. Philosophically, citizenship is the goal of social studies. Involvement in social action is the key for young…

Governance in the Digital Age: A Research and Action Framework for an Uncertain Future

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dawes, Sharon S.

2009-01-01

Research into relationships among government, society and technology has grown substantially over the past 30 years. However, most research and most advances in practice address narrowly defined categories of concern such as government organization, citizen services, interoperability, or personal privacy. By contrast, the future presents complex…

Increasing Baccalaureate Degree Attainment in Louisville: A Proposed Blueprint for Community Action

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Business-Higher Education Forum (NJ1), 2009

2009-01-01

Across the country, cities and regions have used community-wide partnerships to improve the educational attainment of their citizens. The most established of these partnerships have seen substantial education gains during their tenure. The community of Louisville, Kentucky has embarked on a similar effort to improve educational attainment. Nearly…

Securing clean water: A secret to success

Treesearch

Michael Somerville; Dino DeSimone

2000-01-01

Securing clean water is a primary goal for many agencies, organizations, and concerned citizens. To achieve that goal, agencies have traditionally taken a mostly regulatory approach. In recent years, however, a major trend in government has been to move decision-making and action-taking to the local level. Conservation Districts, watershed organizations, and other...

Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Health: National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (DHHS/PHS), Rockville, MD. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.

The Recovery Month observance highlights the societal benefits of substance abuse treatment, lauds the contributions of treatment providers, and promotes the message that recovery from substance abuse in all its forms is possible. The observance also encourages citizens to take action to help expand and improve the availability of effective…

Going Global: Science Issues for the Junior High.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cronkhite, Louella; And Others

This book contains a unit on science and global education that is designed to enable students to gain a practical understanding of the world they live in and the confidence to take appropriate action as responsible global citizens. This unit emphasizes cooperative learning that is experiential and participatory. Teachers and students are…

Writing to Learn Ecology: A Study of Three Populations of College Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Balgopal, Meena M.; Wallace, Alison M.; Dahlberg, Steven

2012-01-01

Being an ecologically literate citizen involves making decisions that are based on ecological knowledge and accepting responsibility for personal actions. Using writing-to-learn activities in college science courses, we asked students to consider personal dilemmas that they or others might have in response to how human choices can impact coastal…

78 FR 69292 - TWIC Not Evidence of Resident Alien Status

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-19

...-AC09 TWIC Not Evidence of Resident Alien Status AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY... on the OCS to U.S. citizens or resident aliens. The TWIC reference incorrectly provides that a TWIC.... resident alien, as that term is defined. This rule clarifies the regulations. DATES: This final rule is...

Teaching Sustainability in Higher Education: Pedagogical Styles That Make a Difference

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Seatter, Carol Scarff; Ceulemans, Kim

2017-01-01

The challenge of teaching sustainable development in higher education can mean that students--as future citizens--are left without insight, commitment, or a sense of their position regarding meaningful beliefs and actions related to sustainability. A paradox arises when educators approach a sustainability curriculum that has the potential to…

Assimilation and Affirmative Action in French Education Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Langan, Elise S.

2008-01-01

The French education system was created as a means to uphold the republican principles emanating from the Revolution. The first Article of the 1958 French Constitution says the Republic assures equality before the law of all citizens without distinction of origin or race. Theoretically at least, it is not only forbidden to discriminate, but to…

Closing the Civic Engagement Gap: The Potential of Action Civics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pope, Alexander; Stolte, Laurel; Cohen, Alison K.

2011-01-01

When taught in an engaging manner, civic education can help stimulate and motivate students to excel in other academic areas, while simultaneously preparing them to be active citizens in the democracy. As an initial attempt to more systematically analyze civic education practice, this article presents four case studies of projects in one action…

Planning Communities: Citizens in Two Border Towns Learn To Plan Their Own Initiatives.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Henkel, David

1998-01-01

The University of New Mexico's Community and Regional Planning Program worked with two border towns that share water resources--Columbus (New Mexico) and Puerto Palomas (Chihuahua, Mexico)--to help them prepare a community comprehensive plan needed for water-project funding. The program conducted action research involving local schools and people…

Perceived Community Functions and Supportive Residential Environments.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blake, Brian F.

Results of an illustrative study emphasize the importance of the images that the elderly and the general public have of a rural community's services for senior citizens. These images help to identify ways in which programs and services can be tailored to the requirements of the elderly. Public support for political action that bears directly upon…

Democratic Twittering: Microblogging for a More Participatory Social Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Krutka, Daniel G.

2014-01-01

Waves of revolutionary actions beginning in late 2010 led to the downfall of dictatorial leaders who had been entrenched in the Arab world for decades. Everyday citizens used social media services to coordinate, communicate, expose, and respond to the oppressive forces that would crush pockets of resistance. The period known as the Arab Spring…

A Model for Outcomes Assessment of Undergraduate Science Knowledge and Inquiry Processes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Puncochar, Judith; Klett, Mitchell

2013-01-01

The goals of a Liberal Studies education are designed to prepare citizens to live responsible, productive, and creative lives in a changing world. Ideally, a liberal education fosters well-grounded intellectuals with dispositions toward learning and an acceptance of responsibility regarding their ideas and actions. To measure the efficacy of a…

Wilmington Kids Count Fact Book, 2001.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Delaware Univ., Newark. Kids Count in Delaware.

This Kids Count fact book provides a statistical portrait of the well-being of children in Wilmington, Delaware, and is designed as a resource for policymakers and citizens to use in shaping local action to improve the status of children and families in Wilmington. In addition to demographic information, 11 featured indicators are used to describe…

Your Environment and What You Can Do About It.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Saltonstall, Richard

This book is written for the action oriented citizen concerned about pollution problems involving our physical environment. The book explains what can be done concerning problems in air and water pollution, noise, chemical pollution of the land, urban sprawl, clogged highways, rural decay, waste disposal, and litter. The book also comments on what…

Coming of Age in America. VERCAP: A Guide for High School Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bever, James A.

Guidelines are provided for implementing the modular Voter Education, Registration, Community Action Program (VERCAP) in high schools. VERCAP was developed in 1976 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The purposes of VERCAP are to help students become informed, active citizens who can understand the mechanics of registering…

Acid Rain: A Student's First Sourcebook.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kyle, Beth Ann; And Others

The purpose of this guide is to help students better understand the science, citizen action, and research issues that are part of the acid rain problem. The guide is designed for students in grades 4-8 and their teachers. Following an introduction, the first seven sections are informative in nature. They include: (1) "Observations about Acidity";…

75 FR 74046 - Proposed Consent Decree, Clean Air Act Citizen Suit

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-30

... WildEarth Guardians: WildEarth Guardians v. Jackson, Civil Action No. 1:10-cv- 01672-RPM (D. CO). On or about July 14, 2010, WildEarth Guardians filed a complaint alleging that EPA Administrator Jackson... schedule prescribed by the Court. On September 1, 2010, WildEarth Guardians filed a first amended complaint...

Learning Economics and Attitudes to Market Solutions to Environmental Problems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harring, Niklas; Davies, Peter; Lundholm, Cecilia

2017-01-01

Climate change challenges governments to reduce emissions, and to gain support for such actions from their citizens. This can be in the form of taxation or legislation, or other forms of government interventions. In previous research, several instruments have been developed to capture attitudes towards the roles of markets and governments in the…

POLLUTION FROM PERSONAL ACTIONS, ACTIVITIES, AND BEHAVIORS: PHARMACEUTICALS AND PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS IN THE ENVIRONMENT MULTIDIMENSIONAL SCIENCE ISSUES RELEVANT TO REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

EPA Science Inventory

Perhaps more so than with any other class of anthropogenic chemicals, the occurrence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPS) in the environment highlights the immediate, intimate, and inseparable connection between the personal activities of individual citizens and ...

A resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the National Council for International Visitors, and designating February 16, 2011, as "Citizen Diplomacy Day".

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Sen. Specter, Arlen [D-PA

2010-07-30

Senate - 09/14/2010 Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to give citizens of the United States the right to propose amendments to the Constitution by an initiative process.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Hoekstra, Peter [R-MI-2

2010-01-21

House - 03/01/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Citizen Education on Nuclear Technology (CENT). Teacher's Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Intermountain Science Experience Center, ID Falls, ID.

Using an interdisciplinary approach, this curriculum focuses on understanding: (1) the fundamental principles of operating a nuclear power plant; (2) the place of nuclear energy in the overall energy supply/demand situation; (3) risk-benefit balance of the major energy sources; and (4) the role of political action in developing nuclear energy…

Citizen Education on Nuclear Technology (CENT).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Intermountain Science Experience Center, ID Falls, ID.

Using an interdisciplinary approach, this curriculum focuses on an understanding of: (1) the fundamental principles of operation of a nuclear power plant; (2) the place of nuclear energy in the overall energy-supply-demand situation; (3) risk-benefit balance of the major energy sources; and (4) the role of political action in the development of…

A resolution expressing support for all Iranian citizens who embrace the values of freedom, human rights, civil liberties, and rule of law, and for other purposes.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ

2009-06-19

Senate - 06/19/2009 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Contemporary Public Policy Influencing Children and Families: "Compassionate" Social Provision or the Regulation of "Others"?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cannella, Gaile S.; Swadener, Beth Blue

2006-01-01

Critical analysis of change in public policy within and across nations recognizes that the education and welfare of children, families, and all citizens is intertwined with economics, politics, and cultural discourse(s). In the United States, increasingly narrow media, judiciary, and academic discourses have supported legislative actions that…

Scientific Value and Educational Goals: Balancing Priorities and Increasing Adult Engagement in a Citizen Science Project

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sickler, Jessica; Cherry, Tammy Messick; Allee, Leslie; Smyth, Rebecca Rice; Losey, John

2014-01-01

The Lost Ladybug Project is a citizen science project that engages individuals and groups in research and learning about ladybug population dynamics. With a dual purpose of advancing scientists' research about ladybug populations and achieving learning outcomes with participants, the project's summative evaluation led to critical reflection on the…

Civic Duty: Young People's Conceptions of Voting as a Means of Political Participation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chakera, Ottilia; Sears, Alan

2006-01-01

Many citizens have disengaged from participation in civic life with a resulting call for new initiatives in civic education. Many of these programs have had little research on citizens' prior conceptions of participation. In this article, we provide a map of the conceptions of civic participation, specifically voting, held by two groups: recent…

New Challenges: The Civil Rights Record of the Clinton Administration Mid-Term. Report of the Citizens' Commission on Civil Rights.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yu, Corrine M., Ed.; Taylor, William L., Ed.

This report is the work of the Citizens' Commission on Civil Rights, a bipartisan group of former federal officials with responsibility for equal opportunity. Part 1 contains three chapters: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Executive Summary and Review"; and (3) "Recommendations of the Commission." Part 2 contains the…

28 CFR 55.5 - Coverage under section 4(f)(4).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT REGARDING LANGUAGE MINORITY GROUPS Nature of Coverage § 55.5 Coverage under... which (1) Over five percent of the voting-age citizens were, on November 1, 1972, members of a single... 1, 1972, and (3) Fewer than 50 percent of the voting-age citizens were registered to vote or voted...

28 CFR 55.5 - Coverage under section 4(f)(4).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT REGARDING LANGUAGE MINORITY GROUPS Nature of Coverage § 55.5 Coverage under... which (1) Over five percent of the voting-age citizens were, on November 1, 1972, members of a single... 1, 1972, and (3) Fewer than 50 percent of the voting-age citizens were registered to vote or voted...

A Fire Safety Pre-Educational Plan.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rosenbaum, Lynn

A weekly dance at a community center was used to develop a teachable moment for active senior citizens regarding fire safety, in order to reduce their injuries and possible loss of life. A target group of active senior citizens 70 years of age and older who frequent the weekly community center dance was established for the program. The program…

7 CFR 610.4 - Technical assistance furnished.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

..., zoning (rural, urban, and flood plain), school, and institution boards, highway departments, and tax assessors. (3) Citizen groups, youth groups, recreation groups, and garden clubs. (4) State and local units...

7 CFR 610.4 - Technical assistance furnished.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

..., zoning (rural, urban, and flood plain), school, and institution boards, highway departments, and tax assessors. (3) Citizen groups, youth groups, recreation groups, and garden clubs. (4) State and local units...

Maternal and child health in urban Sabah, Malaysia: a comparison of citizens and migrants.

PubMed

Zulkifli, S N; U, K M; Yusof, K; Lin, W Y

1994-01-01

This paper describes selected maternal and child health indicators based on a cross-sectional study of citizens and migrants in Sabah, Malaysia. A total of 1,515 women were interviewed from a multi-stage random sample of households in eight urban centers. Among the 1,411 women in the sample who had experienced a pregnancy before, 76% were local citizens and 24% were migrants. There were statistically significant differences between citizens and migrants in ethnicity, religion, education, household income, and access to treated water supply and sanitary toilet facilities. Significantly fewer migrants practiced any form of contraception and obtained any antenatal care during any pregnancy. Furthermore, citizens tended to initiate care as early as three months but migrants as late as seven months. Despite these differences, only the infant mortality rate, and not pregnancy wastage, was statistically significantly higher among migrants. Pregnancy interval was also similar between the two groups. The influence of several socioeconomic factors on pregnancy wastage and infant mortality was explored.

[Measurement of customer satisfaction and participation of citizens in improving the quality of healthcare services.].

PubMed

Degrassi, Flori; Sopranzi, Cristina; Leto, Antonella; Amato, Simona; D'Urso, Antonio

2009-01-01

Managing quality in health care whilst ensuring equity is a fundamental aspect of the provision of services by healthcare organizations. Measuring perceived quality of care is an important tool for evaluating the quality of healthcare delivery in that it allows the implementation of corrective actions to meet the healthcare needs of patients. The Rome B (ASL RMB) local health authority adopted the UNI EN 10006:2006 norms as a management tool, therefore introducing the evaluation of customer satisfaction as an opportunity to involve users in the creation of quality healthcare services with and for the citizens. This paper presents the activities implemented and the results achieved with regards to shared and integrated continuous improvement of services.

Photovoice and Youth Empowerment in Environmental Justice Research: A Pilot Study Examining Woodsmoke Pollution in a Pacific Northwest Community.

PubMed

Brickle, Mattie B; Evans-Agnew, Robin

2017-01-01

Woodsmoke pollution is an environmental justice issue for youth living in certain Pacific Northwest cities. Participatory methods such as Citizen Science and Photovoice are effective ways to involve youth in environmental justice research. Little is understood about how youth may be empowered to address woodsmoke issues in their communities. We examined youth empowerment in a citizen science study on woodsmoke, using Photovoice methodology. Ten diverse youth collected and analyzed indoor air samples and photos, then presented their findings to the community and policy makers. Entrance and exit surveys revealed an increased sense of empowerment to take action on woodsmoke pollution. Youth also expressed increased optimism and a resolve to become scientists to combat environmental injustices.

POLLUTION FROM PERSONAL ACTIONS, ACTIVITIES, AND ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Perhaps more so than with any other class of anthropogenic chemicals, the occurrence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPS) in the environment highlights the immediate, intimate, and inseparable connection between the personal activities of individual citizens and their environment. PPCPS, in contrast to other types of environmental contaminants, owe their origins in the environment directly to their worldwide, universal, frequent, highly dispersed, and individually small but cumulative usage by multitudes of individuals - as opposed to the larger, highly delineated, and more-controllable industrial manufacturing/usage of most high-volume synthetic chemicals. PPCPs are a diverse group of chemicals, used internally or externally with the bodies of humans and domestic animals (and agricultural plants), comprising a wide spectrum of chemical classes. In very general terms, PPCPs include: o- drugs (available by prescription or over-the-counter; including the new genre of

The Effect of a Horseshoe Crab Citizen Science Program on Middle School Student Science Performance and STEM Career Motivation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hiller, Suzanne E.; Kitsantas, Anastasia

2014-01-01

The purpose of the present quasi-experimental study was to examine the impact of a horseshoe crab citizen science program on student achievement and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) career motivation with 86 (n = 86) eighth-grade students. The treatment group conducted fieldwork with naturalists and collected data for a…

Communicating science-based recommendations with memorable and actionable guidelines.

PubMed

Ratner, Rebecca K; Riis, Jason

2014-09-16

For many domains of basic and applied science, a key set of scientific facts is well established and there is a need for public action in light of those facts. However, individual citizens do not consistently follow science-based recommendations, even when they accept the veracity of the advice. To address this challenge, science communicators need to develop a guideline that individuals can commit to memory easily and act on straightforwardly at moments of decision. We draw on research from psychology to discuss several characteristics that will enhance a guideline's memorability and actionability and illustrate using a case study from the US Department of Agriculture's communications based on nutrition science. We conclude by discussing the importance of careful research to test whether any given guideline is memorable and actionable by the intended target audience.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to abolishing personal income, estate, and gift taxes and prohibiting the United States Government from engaging in business in competition with its citizens.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Paul, Ron [R-TX-14

2009-04-30

House - 06/12/2009 Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

75 FR 75672 - Proposed Settlement Agreement, Clean Air Act Citizen Suit

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-06

...: Jan Tierney, Air and Radiation Law Office (2344A), Office of General Counsel, U.S. Environmental... with the Court in LEAN v. Jackson (civil action no. 1:09-01333) a motion pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 41... available for public viewing at the Office of Environmental Information (OEI) Docket in the EPA Docket...

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to give citizens of the United States the right to enact and repeal laws by voting on legislation in a national election.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Hoekstra, Peter [R-MI-2

2010-01-21

House - 03/01/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Akbari, H.; Davis, S.; Huang, J.

This book is a practical guide that presents the current state of knowledge on potential environmental and economic benefits of strategic landscaping and altering surface colors in our communities. The guidebook, reviews the causes, magnitude, and impacts of increased urban warming, then focuses on actions by citizens and communities that can be undertaken to improve the quality of our homes and towns in cost-effective ways.

First Graders Research Stuffed Animals and Learn about Their World

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rogovin, Paula

2011-01-01

In this article, the author tells how her students researched every aspect of their own beloved stuffed animals, which led to an interview with a labor leader. When students learned that children in other countries played a role in manufacturing their stuffed animals, sometimes in unhealthy conditions, they decided to take action as citizens. As…

Transformative Geography: Ethics and Action in Elementary and Secondary Geography Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kirman, Joseph M.

2003-01-01

Geographic ethics are profoundly important if students are expected to be stewards of the earth and responsible citizens whose decisions about the environment will affect our planet's future. The proposed framework, founded in geography but applicable to other subject areas, guides students to moral decisions for the well-being of the planet and…

Civic Participation of High School Students: The Effect of Civic Learning in School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reichert, Frank; Print, Murray

2018-01-01

Building active and informed citizens is a major part of civics and citizenship education in order to enhance and sustain democracies. Civic learning and civic action opportunities within school contexts are commonly claimed to promote an active and informed citizenry. In the present research, we examine the meaning of formal civics education and…

Electing the President: The Electoral Process in Action.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

See, Betty M.

Electing the U.S. President and Vice President is a basic right and responsibility of every citizen of voting age. Even though it occurs every 4 years, the complexities of electing the president is not a concept that every person understands. This resource book aims to fill the gap in understanding by providing students with a learning-by-doing…

Applauding the State of Arizona for asserting its 10th amendment rights, protecting its citizens, and safeguarding its jobs, and calling upon the Administration to act immediately to enforce our Nation's immigration laws.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Barrett, J. Gresham [R-SC-3

2010-05-20

House - 07/26/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Building Better Relationships for Better Organizing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gecan, Michael

2013-01-01

As the co-director of the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF), a network founded by Saul Alinsky in 1940 that partners with faith and community-based organizations to improve local leadership and citizen-led action, the author has witnessed how power organizing can work. In the first few months of 2013, the author had been privileged to be part of a…

Empowering Citizens Act

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Rep. Price, David E. [D-NC-4

2013-01-15

House - 01/15/2013 Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee... (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

To provide discretionary authority to an immigration judge to determine that an alien parent of a United States citizen child should not be ordered removed, deported, or excluded from the United States.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Serrano, Jose E. [D-NY-16

2009-01-06

House - 02/09/2009 Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

A Design for Social Education in the Open Curriculum.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Engle, Shirley H.; Longstreet, Wilma S.

The authors of this book determine that traditional social studies curricula are no longer relevant to helping students cope as informed citizens in a changing society and offer a new approach to social education focusing on the full range of data sources, media, and forms of human action. The social studies curricula outlined here are based on…

Global Citizenship as a Floating Signifier: Lessons from UK Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moraes, Silvia Elisabeth

2014-01-01

In a world where people interact across countries, citizens need to find their role in the global community; therefore, global citizenship (GC) has become an influential theme in higher education. Due to its various interpretations and modes of action, in this paper GC is addressed as a floating signifier. Our main data comes from interviews with…

Private Black Colleges' Encouragement of Student Giving and Volunteerism: An Examination of Prosocial Behavior Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Drezner, Noah D.

2010-01-01

Colleges and university missions often espouse ideals such as creating an active and engaged citizen. The concept, principles and manifestation of citizenship can take many forms. One such form is that of prosocial behavior, or voluntary actions towards others. Philanthropy is one example of prosocial behavior. This study enhances our knowledge of…

Early Environmental Adult Education: An Oral History of Citizen Researchers' Learning in the Appalachian Land Ownership Study, 1979-1981

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sodano, Keara

2013-01-01

The Appalachian Land Ownership Study was a participatory action research project in one of our nation's poorest regions suffering from absenteeism, poverty, powerlessness, and improper taxation. In discovering who owned the region's land, the participants sought to organize against the social, economic and environmental injustices imposed on the…

The Educational Strategies of Citizens' Identification and Recognition for Sustainable Urban Development in Taipei

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kuo, Fan-Sheng; Perng, Yeng-Horng

2016-01-01

Creating an attractive cityscape has become one of the most promising actions to improve urban functionality and increase urban competitiveness. However, the resistances from the local inhabitants are always against the urban development. Taipei City, a metropolis in Taiwan, is now composed of complex urban systems chaotically enclosed by existing…

Social and environmental issues in developing vegetation and fire management plans

Treesearch

Leonard Charles

1995-01-01

To reduce the risk of wildfire in the California urban interface often requires actions that will be viewed by members of the public as having adverse effects on such resources as wildlife, vegetation, views, air quality, and recreational opportunities. These citizens can substantially delay and even thwart development of fire management plans. In developing such a...

Citizen Action Can Turn Things Around.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gardner, John W.

In this document, the author points out that Americans have lost confidence in the government and political processes and shows how Common Cause can help restore trust in our institutions. Over the years, since the signing of the Constitution, Americans have believed that their political system was one in which they had a voice and that the system…

76 FR 33309 - Guidance for Industry on Citizen Petitions and Petitions for Stay of Action Subject to Section...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-08

... the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; Availability AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS... to Section 505(q) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.'' The Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act (FDAAA) added new provisions to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the FD&C Act...

Group Interactions Among the Elderly and Group Therapy Interventions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lakin, M.; And Others

Methods developed for investigating group processes and contents among four Senior Citizens' discussion groups are described. The process dimensions are boundary behaviors, subgrouping, normative behaviors, organizing, establishing personal significance, group and leader interchanges, self disclosures, conflict, support, and emotional atmosphere.…

The function of credibility in information processing for risk perception.

PubMed

Trumbo, Craig W; McComas, Katherine A

2003-04-01

This study examines how credibility affects the way people process information and how they subsequently perceive risk. Three conceptual areas are brought together in this analysis: the psychometric model of risk perception, Eagly and Chaiken's heuristic-systematic information processing model, and Meyer's credibility index. Data come from a study of risk communication in the circumstance of state health department investigations of suspected cancer clusters (five cases, N = 696). Credibility is assessed for three information sources: state health departments, citizen groups, and industries involved in each case. Higher credibility for industry and the state directly predicts lower risk perception, whereas high credibility for citizen groups predicts greater risk perception. A path model shows that perceiving high credibility for industry and state-and perceiving low credibility for citizen groups-promotes heuristic processing, which in turn is a strong predictor of lower risk perception. Alternately, perceiving industry and the state to have low credibility also promotes greater systematic processing, which consistently leads to perception of greater risk. Between a one-fifth and one-third of the effect of credibility on risk perception is shown to be indirectly transmitted through information processing.

Taking action on developmental toxicity: Scientists’ duties to protect children

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Although adaptation and proper biological functioning require developmental programming, pollutant interference can cause developmental toxicity or DT. Objectives This commentary assesses whether it is ethical for citizens/physicians/scientists to allow avoidable DT. Methods Using conceptual, economic, ethical, and logical analysis, the commentary assesses what major ethical theories and objectors would say regarding the defensibility of allowing avoidable DT. Results The commentary argues that (1) none of the four major ethical theories (based, respectively, on virtue, natural law, utility, or equity) can consistently defend avoidable DT because it unjustifiably harms, respectively, individual human flourishing, human life, the greatest good, and equality. (2) Justice also requires leaving “as much and as good” biological resources for all, including future generations possibly harmed if epigenetic change is heritable. (3) Scientists/physicians have greater justice-based duties, than ordinary/average citizens, to help stop DT because they help cause it and have greater professional abilities/opportunities to help stop it. (4) Scientists/physicians likewise have greater justice-based duties, than ordinary/average citizens, to help stop DT because they benefit more from it, given their relatively greater education/consumption/income. The paper shows that major objections to (3)-(4) fail on logical, ethical, or scientific grounds, then closes with practical suggestions for implementing its proposals. Conclusions Because allowing avoidable DT is ethically indefensible, citizens---and especially physicians/scientists---have justice-based duties to help stop DT. PMID:22963689

Taking action on developmental toxicity: scientists' duties to protect children.

PubMed

Shrader-Frechette, Kristin

2012-09-10

Although adaptation and proper biological functioning require developmental programming, pollutant interference can cause developmental toxicity or DT. This commentary assesses whether it is ethical for citizens/physicians/scientists to allow avoidable DT. Using conceptual, economic, ethical, and logical analysis, the commentary assesses what major ethical theories and objectors would say regarding the defensibility of allowing avoidable DT. The commentary argues that (1) none of the four major ethical theories (based, respectively, on virtue, natural law, utility, or equity) can consistently defend avoidable DT because it unjustifiably harms, respectively, individual human flourishing, human life, the greatest good, and equality. (2) Justice also requires leaving "as much and as good" biological resources for all, including future generations possibly harmed if epigenetic change is heritable. (3) Scientists/physicians have greater justice-based duties, than ordinary/average citizens, to help stop DT because they help cause it and have greater professional abilities/opportunities to help stop it. (4) Scientists/physicians likewise have greater justice-based duties, than ordinary/average citizens, to help stop DT because they benefit more from it, given their relatively greater education/consumption/income. The paper shows that major objections to (3)-(4) fail on logical, ethical, or scientific grounds, then closes with practical suggestions for implementing its proposals. Because allowing avoidable DT is ethically indefensible, citizens---and especially physicians/scientists---have justice-based duties to help stop DT.

2010 Census: It's in Our Hands. What Educators Need to Know about the 2010 Census

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

US Department of Commerce, 2008

2008-01-01

The U.S. Constitution requires a national census once every 10 years. The census is a count of everyone (all ages, races, ethnic groups, both citizens and non-citizens) residing in the United States: in all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.…

Time for action: science education for an alternative future

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hodson, Derek

2003-06-01

Following a brief historical survey of the popular 'slogans' that have influenced science education during the past quarter century and a review of current international debate on scientific literacy and science pedagogy, the author takes the view that while much of value has been achieved, there is still considerable cause for concern and that it is time for action in two senses. First, it is time to take action on the school science curriculum because it no longer meets the needs, interests and aspirations of young citizens. Second, it is time for a science curriculum oriented toward sociopolitical action. The author argues that if current social and environmental problems are to be solved, we need a generation of scientifically and politically literate citizens who are not content with the role of 'armchair critic'. A particular concern in North America is the link between science education, economic globalization, increasing production and unlimited expansion - a link that threatens the freedom of individuals, the spiritual well-being of particular societies and the very future of the planet. The author's response is to advocate a politicized, issues-based curriculum focused on seven areas of concern (human health; food and agriculture; land, water and mineral resources; energy resources and consumption; industry; information transfer and transportation; ethics and social responsibility) and addressed at four levels of sophistication, culminating in preparation for sociopolitical action. The curriculum proposal outlined in the article is intended to produce activists: people who will fight for what is right, good and just; people who will work to re-fashion society along more socially-just lines; people who will work vigorously in the best interests of the biosphere. At the heart of this curriculum is a commitment to pursue a fundamental realignment of the values underpinning Western industrialized society. Achieving that goal is a formidable task - one that will not be achieved by conventional approaches to curriculum development and teacher education. The author's solution is action research linked to community involvement.

Studying citizen science through adaptive management and learning feedbacks as mechanisms for improving conservation.

PubMed

Jordan, Rebecca; Gray, Steven; Sorensen, Amanda; Newman, Greg; Mellor, David; Newman, Greg; Hmelo-Silver, Cindy; LaDeau, Shannon; Biehler, Dawn; Crall, Alycia

2016-06-01

Citizen science has generated a growing interest among scientists and community groups, and citizen science programs have been created specifically for conservation. We examined collaborative science, a highly interactive form of citizen science, which we developed within a theoretically informed framework. In this essay, we focused on 2 aspects of our framework: social learning and adaptive management. Social learning, in contrast to individual-based learning, stresses collaborative and generative insight making and is well-suited for adaptive management. Adaptive-management integrates feedback loops that are informed by what is learned and is guided by iterative decision making. Participants engaged in citizen science are able to add to what they are learning through primary data collection, which can result in the real-time information that is often necessary for conservation. Our work is particularly timely because research publications consistently report a lack of established frameworks and evaluation plans to address the extent of conservation outcomes in citizen science. To illustrate how our framework supports conservation through citizen science, we examined how 2 programs enacted our collaborative science framework. Further, we inspected preliminary conservation outcomes of our case-study programs. These programs, despite their recent implementation, are demonstrating promise with regard to positive conservation outcomes. To date, they are independently earning funds to support research, earning buy-in from local partners to engage in experimentation, and, in the absence of leading scientists, are collecting data to test ideas. We argue that this success is due to citizen scientists being organized around local issues and engaging in iterative, collaborative, and adaptive learning. © 2016 Society for Conservation Biology.

Academics and Citizens Working Together

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bogen, D., Jr.

2017-12-01

Traditionally Academics and citizens have contributed to each other lives but friction has always existed between the two. When there is a hostile relationship between community members and Academics, the collection of data suffers, which in returns hurts the potential solutions to community problems. Combining Community Based Participatory Research and the BISCO Community Organizing Model, {Listens, Identify, Research, offer solution}, these frictions can be limited, creating better working environments, and producing better data. Helping create and participating in workgroups, including NGO's, Academics and Citizens leaders, have produce better working environments. Using these methods within the work groups I observed, relationships being form between Academics and Citizens. Some of the relationships were both public and private. The workgroups that created space for professional and personal stories telling produced the most relationships. Listening and understand each other, before research have proven to be successful in producing trust between Academics and Citizens. When Academics and Citizens developed trust between themselves, each party respects the other limitation. Knowing each limitation is perhaps the most key element in working together, which eliminates over promises and culture hindrance within the community. It's amazing like getting the answers to the test before you take it. The project becomes richer in design, when there is trust in the process before it begins. Working together to eliminating potential road blocks ahead of time, enhance the project chances to produce, richer data.Academics cannot produce good data if citizens withhold information and citizens cannot solve their social ills if they do not have good data, in short we need each other.

What can Citizen Science do for Ocean Science and Ocean Scientists?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Best, M.; Hoeberechts, M.; Mangin, A.; Oggioni, A.; Orcutt, J. A.; Parrish, J.; Pearlman, J.; Piera, J.; Tagliolato, P.

2016-12-01

The ocean represents over 70% of our planet's surface area, over 90% of the living space. Humans are not marine creatures, we therefore have fundamentally not built up knowledge of the ocean in the same way we have on land. The more we learn about the ocean, the more we understand it is the regulatory engine of our planet…How do we catch up? Answers to this question will need to come from many quarters; A powerful and strategic option to complement existing observation programs and infrastructure is Citizen Science. There has been significant and relevant discussion of the importance of Citizen Science to citizens and stakeholders. The missing effective question is sometimes what is the potential of citizen science for scientists? The answers for both scientists and society are: spatial coverage, remote locations, temporal coverage, event response, early detection of harmful processes, sufficient data volume for statistical analysis and identification of outliers, integrating local knowledge, data access in exchange for analysis (e.g. with industry) and cost-effective monitoring systems. Citizens can be involved in: instrument manufacture and maintenance, instrument deployment/sample collection, data collection and transmission, data analysis, data validation/verification, and proposals of new topics of research. Such opportunities are balanced by concern on the part of scientists about the quality, the consistency and the reliability of citizen observations and analyses. Experience working with citizen science groups continues to suggest that with proper training and mentoring, these issues can be addressed, understanding both benefits and limitations. How to do it- implementation and maintenance of citizen science: How to recruit, engage, train, and maintain Citizen Scientists. Data systems for acquisition, assessment, access, analysis, and visualisation of distributed data sources. Tools/methods for acquiring observations: Simple instruments, Smartphone Apps, DIY-Instruments Community Online Platforms: websites, social networks, discussion forums. Crowdsourcing Tools: image acquisition, web and smartphone applications, surveys/questionnaires. Information, Engagement, and Training Resources: webinars, public lectures, websites, public/museum displays.

[The organization of defense of patients rights in the system of mandatory medical insurance].

PubMed

Svetlichnaia, T G; Tsyganova, O A

2009-01-01

The transition of Russian economy to the market relationship demanded the corresponding alterations in the organization of the population social defence system. The mandatory medical insurance is one of its important components. On the basis of data of the monitoring of defence of rights of insured in the system of mandatory medical insurance in Arkhangelskaya Oblast from 1998 to 2006 a significant increase of complaints of citizen was established. Among major reasons--unlawful actions of medical personnel during execution of their professional duties. It gives evidence of increased legal competence of population. The characteristic of complaints of insured is given according type, reasons and financial consequences for public health institutions. The main factors promoting the optimization of actual system of defense of right of insured citizen are considered.

Elementary School Children Contribute to Environmental Research as Citizen Scientists.

PubMed

Miczajka, Victoria L; Klein, Alexandra-Maria; Pufal, Gesine

2015-01-01

Research benefits increasingly from valuable contributions by citizen scientists. Mostly, participating adults investigate specific species, ecosystems or phenology to address conservation issues, but ecosystem functions supporting ecosystem health are rarely addressed and other demographic groups rarely involved. As part of a project investigating seed predation and dispersal as ecosystem functions along an urban-rural gradient, we tested whether elementary school children can contribute to the project as citizen scientists. Specifically, we compared data estimating vegetation cover, measuring vegetation height and counting seeds from a seed removal experiment, that were collected by children and scientists in schoolyards. Children counted seeds similarly to scientists but under- or overestimated vegetation cover and measured different heights. We conclude that children can be involved as citizen scientists in research projects according to their skill level. However, more sophisticated tasks require specific training to become familiarized with scientific experiments and the development of needed skills and methods.

Predictors of Death Penalty Views in China: An Empirical Comparison Between College Students and Citizens.

PubMed

Jiang, Shanhe; Hu, Ming; Lambert, Eric G

2018-04-01

China's current Criminal Law has 46 death-eligible offenses, and China executes more people than any other country in the world. However, there is a lack of study of attitudes toward capital punishment for specific offenses, and no death penalty view comparison between college students and regular citizens in China was found. This study was taken to address these limitations. Using a sample of 401 respondents from Zhejiang, China, in 2016, the present study found that more than 72% of respondents favored the death penalty without any specification of crime types. Level of death penalty support differed by various specific crimes. As expected, relative to college students, general population citizens were more likely to support capital punishment. Both groups had the highest death penalty support for murder. The study also revealed similar and different reasons behind death penalty attitudes between college students and regular citizens.

Teaching about International Issues, Geography, and Multiple Points of View Using the Internet

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Risinger, C. Frederick

2006-01-01

Many Muslims truly believe that the United States is leading a new "Crusade" (to use President Bush's term) against all Islamic peoples. Many European citizens, including those in Britain, America's closest ally, believe that U.S. unilateral actions in the Middle East and elsewhere have made the world less safe than it was prior to…

Institutional Participation and Social Transformation: Considering the Goals and Tensions of University-Initiated YPAR Projects with K-12 Youth

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mirra, Nicole; Rogers, John

2016-01-01

In today's educational context, characterized by growing inequality and the rise of neoliberal ideology, universities are dealing with pressures to contribute to the global workforce and partner with private interests rather than educating citizens and serving the public good. This article presents youth participatory action research (YPAR) as a…

Community Strategic Visioning as a Method to Define and Address Poverty: An Analysis from Select Rural Montana Communities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lachapelle, Paul; Austin, Eric; Clark, Daniel

2010-01-01

Community strategic visioning is a citizen-based planning process in which diverse sectors of a community collectively determine a future state and coordinate a plan of action. Twenty-one communities in rural Montana participated in a multi-phase poverty reduction program that culminated in a community strategic vision process. Research on this…

Recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Iranian hostage crisis, during which 52 United States citizens were held hostage for 444 days from November 4, 1979, to January 20, 1981, and for other purposes.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Fortenberry, Jeff [R-NE-1

2009-11-05

Senate - 11/09/2009 Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in HouseHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

77 FR 13496 - Effective Date for the Water Quality Standards for the State of Florida's Lakes and Flowing Waters

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-07

... Effective Date for the Water Quality Standards for the State of Florida's Lakes and Flowing Waters AGENCY... Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing an extension of the March 6, 2012 effective date of the ``Water Quality... INFORMATION: I. General Information Does this action apply to me? Citizens concerned with water quality in...

Social Injustice, Human Rights-Based Education and Citizens' Direct Action to Promote Social Transformation in the Philippines

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ty, Reynaldo

2011-01-01

This article opens with a proposed framework for human rights education (HRE), which synthesizes ideas drawn from Zinn's people's history, Sen's theory of justice and Freire's critical pedagogy. A review of the literature on HRE and human rights-based learning suggests three existent interrelated models of HRE. Drawing on human rights-based…

Star Wars and the State of Our Souls. Special Issue. The Whole Earth Papers, No. 20.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mische, Patricia M.

These two essays are intended to make U.S. citizens think about what they are doing, to put contemplation before action when considering the "Star Wars" proposals, i.e., proposals for research, development, and testing of space weapons. It is emphasized that the "Star Wars" proposals offer no real breakthroughs in strengthening…

Perceptions of The Energy Crisis: Who is Blamed and How Do Citizens React to Environment-Lifestyle Trade-Offs?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hummel, Carl F.; And Others

1978-01-01

Two representative samples of residents living in a Colorado community were surveyed during acute and chronic stages of the 1973 gasoline shortage. Support was assessed for three types of pro-energy actions. Applications of the findings were made to the current situation of mandatory proposals and environmental costs. (Author/MA)

77 FR 25 - Amendments to Regulations on Citizen Petitions, Petitions for Stay of Action, and Submission of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-03

... FD&C Act). Section 505(q) of the FD&C Act also includes certification and verification requirements... petition unless the submission is in writing and signed and contains a specific verification (section 505(q... Sec. 10.31(c) and (d) would codify the certification and verification requirements of section 505(q)(1...

To amend title VIII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide financial assistance to local educational agencies that educate alien children admitted to the United States as citizens of one of the Freely Associated States.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Bordallo, Madeleine Z. [D-GU-At Large

2010-02-25

House - 03/22/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

To amend title VIII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide financial assistance to local educational agencies that educate alien children admitted to the United States as citizens of one of the Freely Associated States.

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Rep. Bordallo, Madeleine Z. [D-GU-At Large

2011-03-02

House - 03/21/2011 Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

To allow an employer to pay an H-2A worker the Federal minimum wage or the prevailing wage in a case where the employer pays either wage to United States citizens similarly employed.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Whitfield, Ed [R-KY-1

2010-03-12

House - 04/26/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

75 FR 57543 - 30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Form DS-156K, Nonimmigrant Fiance(e) Visa...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-21

... DS-156K, Nonimmigrant Fiance(e) Visa Application, OMB Control Number 1405-0096 ACTION: Notice of... Reduction Act of 1995. Title of Information Collection: Nonimmigrant Fiance(e) Visa Application. OMB Control... applying for a nonimmigrant visa to enter the U.S. as the fianc[eacute](e) of a U.S. citizen Estimated...

Lost Opportunities: The Civil Rights Record of the Bush Administration Mid-Term.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liss, Susan M., Ed.; Taylor, William L., Ed.

This study of the civil rights policies and practices of the Bush Administration reviews the first 2 years of that administration's actions, presents recommendations for the future, and offers a series of working papers prepared by experts in the civil rights field. Part 1 of two major parts presents the actual report of the Citizen's Commission…

Beyond Recycling: Guiding Preservice Teachers to Understand and Incorporate the Deeper Principles of Sustainability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bauermeister, Maxine L.; Diefenbacher, Lori H.

2015-01-01

Sustainability is a term with an evolving definition that applies to more than the physical environment. It speaks to the interconnectivity of every action we take (or fail to take) and to human beings' relationships with one another and their environment. A sustainable future is one in which global citizens engage in critical thinking,…

77 FR 51101 - 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Application for Consular Report of Birth Abroad...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-23

...: Application for Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America ACTION: Notice of...: [email protected]state.gov . Mail: (paper, disk, or CD-ROM submissions): U.S. Department of... Courier: U.S. Department of State, CA/ OCSL 2100 Pennsylvania Avenue, 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20037-3202...

77 FR 15180 - Public Meeting: U.S. Registration of Aircraft in the Name of Owner Trustees

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-14

... Administration. ACTION: Notice of Public Meeting. SUMMARY: The FAA will be holding a public meeting on Wednesday... the meeting, the FAA will be seeking further views from the public with respect to the use of owner trusts to register aircraft for the benefit of beneficiaries that are neither U.S. citizens nor resident...

Education for Action. Undergraduate and Graduate Programs That Focus on Social Change. Expanded Third Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brooks, Sean, Ed.; Knowles, Alison, Ed.

This book provides a comprehensive guide to graduate and undergraduate programs focusing on social change that are recommended by Food First, a non-profit research and education center with a mission of empowering citizens to address the root causes of hunger, poverty, and environmental decline. Listings provide the name and address of the…

Teaching Citizenship: What if the EU Is Part of the Solution and Not the Problem?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lödén, Hans; McCallion, Malin Stegmann; Wall, Peter

2014-01-01

We propose that the European Union (EU) should be used in citizenship education as a possible vehicle for citizens' influence on issues outside the reach of the nation-state. Citizenship education thus ought to include the EU as an arena for political action and relevant "EU knowledge" ought to be part of the curriculum. Concepts from…

From favours to entitlements: community voice and action and health service quality in Zambia

PubMed Central

Topp, Stephanie M.; Ngulube, Moses

2017-01-01

Abstract Social accountability is increasingly invoked as a way of improving health services. This article presents a theory-driven qualitative study of the context, mechanisms and outcomes of a social accountability program, Citizen Voice and Action (CVA), implemented by World Vision (WV) in Zambia. Primary data were collected between November 2013 and January 2014. It included in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with program stakeholders. Secondary data were used iteratively—to inform the process for primary data collection, to guide primary data analysis and to contextualize findings from the primary data. CVA positively impacted the state, society, state–society relations and development coordination at the local level. Specifically, sustained improvements in some aspects of health system responsiveness, empowered citizens, the improved provision of public goods (health services) and increased consensus on development issues appeared to flow from CVA. The central challenge described by interviewees and FGD participants was the inability of CVA to address problems that required central level input. The mechanisms that generated these outcomes included productive state–society communication, enhanced trust, and state–society co-production of priorities and the provision of services. These mechanisms were activated in the context of existing structures for state–society interaction, willing political leaders, buy-in by traditional leaders, and WV’s strong reputation and access to resources. Prospective observational research in multiple contexts would shed more light on the context, mechanisms and outcomes of CVA programs. In addition to findings that are intuitive and well supported in the literature we identified new areas that are promising areas for future research. These include (1) the context of organizational reputation by the organization(s) spearheading social accountability efforts; (2) the potential relationship between social accountability efforts and making ambitious national programs operational at the frontlines of the health system and (3) the feasibility of scale up for certain types of local level responsiveness. PMID:28369410

Mapping media representation of the Seine river flood to assess the impact of communication on Paris resilience

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vicari, Rosa; Tchiguirisnkaia, Ioulia; Schertzer, Daniel

2017-04-01

By the 2000s increasing attention among academics, as well as practitioners, has been devoted to the implementation of resilience. Putting the concept of social-ecological resilience (Holling, 1973) into practice involves relevant changes in policy and decision-making. Indeed, the social-ecological resilience approach emphasizes the need to apply the principle of subsidiarity, i.e. to decentralize risk management, to encourage citizen participation and share responsibilities (Tanguy, 2015). The concept of social-ecological resilience draws attention to the the impact of social construction of the reality- and therefore of the influence of media and other cultural contents, individual and groups knowledge, perceptions, emotions - on urban development. In this framework, communication between municipalities and citizens, especially a two-ways dialogue (i.e. participatory communication), has become a keystone of resilience strategies since it facilitates mutual understanding, shared goals identification and cooperation. Going beyond theory and implementing resilience requires resilience metrics: such indexes allow decision makers to compare the costs of resilience enhancement actions with the economic, environmental, social, and sanitary costs of non-action. However important gaps persists between theories and applied metrics of resilience. For instance, operational resilience metrics are usually defined with the help of semi-quantitative indicators that are applied to variables aggregated up to the outer scale of the system, not across the various spatial scales of the system. This research exploits recent computer aided text mining techniques to explore web communications and map press and social media representation of flood resilience, as well as identify the main opinion makers in the city of Paris. This approach allows a quantitative analysis of communication impacts, in terms of frequency and quality, and it is meant to be a basis to define new resilience communication indicators that take into account the interplay among different resilience drivers and between multiple spatial and temporal scales. This research is being undertaken in partnership with Veolia.

Fostering Environmental Literacy For A Changing Earth: Interactive and Participatory Outreach Programs at Biosphere 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pavao-Zuckerman, M.; Huxman, T.; Morehouse, B.

2008-12-01

Earth system and ecological sustainability problems are complex outcomes of biological, physical, social, and economic interactions. A common goal of outreach and education programs is to foster a scientifically literate community that possesses the knowledge to contribute to environmental policies and decision making. Uncertainty and variability that is both inherent in Earth system and ecological sciences can confound such goals of improved ecological literacy. Public programs provide an opportunity to engage lay-persons in the scientific method, allowing them to experience science in action and confront these uncertainties face-on. We begin with a definition of scientific literacy that expands its conceptualization of science beyond just a collection of facts and concepts to one that views science as a process to aid understanding of natural phenomena. A process-based scientific literacy allows the public, teachers, and students to assimilate new information, evaluate climate research, and to ultimately make decisions that are informed by science. The Biosphere 2 facility (B2) is uniquely suited for such outreach programs because it allows linking Earth system and ecological science research activities in a large scale controlled environment setting with outreach and education opportunities. A primary outreach goal is to demonstrate science in action to an audience that ranges from K-12 groups to retired citizens. Here we discuss approaches to outreach programs that focus on soil-water-atmosphere-plant interactions and their roles in the impacts and causes of global environmental change. We describe a suite of programs designed to vary the amount of participation a visitor has with the science process (from passive learning to data collection to helping design experiments) to test the hypothesis that active learning fosters increased scientific literacy and the creation of science advocates. We argue that a revised framing of the scientific method with a more open role for citizens in science will have greater success in fostering science literacy and produce a citizenry that is equipped to tackle complex environmental decision making.

From favours to entitlements: community voice and action and health service quality in Zambia.

PubMed

Schaaf, Marta; Topp, Stephanie M; Ngulube, Moses

2017-07-01

Social accountability is increasingly invoked as a way of improving health services. This article presents a theory-driven qualitative study of the context, mechanisms and outcomes of a social accountability program, Citizen Voice and Action (CVA), implemented by World Vision (WV) in Zambia. Primary data were collected between November 2013 and January 2014. It included in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with program stakeholders. Secondary data were used iteratively-to inform the process for primary data collection, to guide primary data analysis and to contextualize findings from the primary data. CVA positively impacted the state, society, state-society relations and development coordination at the local level. Specifically, sustained improvements in some aspects of health system responsiveness, empowered citizens, the improved provision of public goods (health services) and increased consensus on development issues appeared to flow from CVA. The central challenge described by interviewees and FGD participants was the inability of CVA to address problems that required central level input. The mechanisms that generated these outcomes included productive state-society communication, enhanced trust, and state-society co-production of priorities and the provision of services. These mechanisms were activated in the context of existing structures for state-society interaction, willing political leaders, buy-in by traditional leaders, and WV's strong reputation and access to resources. Prospective observational research in multiple contexts would shed more light on the context, mechanisms and outcomes of CVA programs. In addition to findings that are intuitive and well supported in the literature we identified new areas that are promising areas for future research. These include (1) the context of organizational reputation by the organization(s) spearheading social accountability efforts; (2) the potential relationship between social accountability efforts and making ambitious national programs operational at the frontlines of the health system and (3) the feasibility of scale up for certain types of local level responsiveness. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press in association with The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Communicating science-based recommendations with memorable and actionable guidelines

PubMed Central

Ratner, Rebecca K.; Riis, Jason

2014-01-01

For many domains of basic and applied science, a key set of scientific facts is well established and there is a need for public action in light of those facts. However, individual citizens do not consistently follow science-based recommendations, even when they accept the veracity of the advice. To address this challenge, science communicators need to develop a guideline that individuals can commit to memory easily and act on straightforwardly at moments of decision. We draw on research from psychology to discuss several characteristics that will enhance a guideline’s memorability and actionability and illustrate using a case study from the US Department of Agriculture’s communications based on nutrition science. We conclude by discussing the importance of careful research to test whether any given guideline is memorable and actionable by the intended target audience. PMID:25225363

Informal Education and Climate Change: An Example From The Miami Science Museum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delaughter, J.

2007-12-01

The Miami Science Museum recently took part in the National Conversation on Climate Action, held on October 4, 2007. This nationwide event encouraged members of the general public to explore local climate policy options. It provided an opportunity for citizens to discuss the issues and science of climate change with experts and policy makers, as well as neighbors and friends. During the day, the Miami Science Museum hosted a variety of events with something for everyone. Local school groups played DECIDE games and competed to find the most "treasure" in trash. Members and visitors were encouraged to leave their mark by posting comments and ideas about climate change. A "Gates of Change" exhibit provided dramatic visual indication of the effects of climate change and sea level rise. And a special "Meet the scientists" forum allowed the general public to discuss the facts and fictions of climate change with experts from Miami University's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. This activity was part of the Association of Science and Technology Centers' (ASTC) International action on Global Warming (IGLO) program. ASTC is the largest association of public science venues, and has 540 member institutions in 40 countries.

The Sovereign Citizen Movement: The Shifting Ideological Winds

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-01

Identity Movement. It was primarily a movement embraced by right-wing Caucasians. Over time, the SCM has morphed from a primarily racialist platform to a...circumstances. Using social identity theory as a framework, what conclusions can be drawn regarding this change, and how can the government prepare for the...Sovereign Citizen Movement (SCM), SCM threat, SCM tactics, domestic terrorism, law enforcement, social identity theory, Aryan Nations, militia groups

Partners in Science: A Suggested Framework for Inclusive Research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandya, R. E.

2012-12-01

Public participation in scientific research, also known as citizen science, is effective on many levels: it produces sound, publishable science and data, helps participants gain scientific knowledge and learn about the methods and practices of modern science, and can help communities advance their own priorities. Unfortunately, the demographics of citizen science programs do not reflect the demographics of the US; in general people of color and less affluent members of society are under-represented. To understand the reasons for this disparity, it is useful to look to the broader research about participation in science in a variety of informal and formal settings. From this research, the causes for unequal participation in science can be grouped into three broad categories: accessibility challenges, cultural differences, and a gap between scientific goals and community priorities. Many of these challenges are addressed in working with communities to develop an integrated program of scientific research, education, and community action that addresses community priorities and invites community participation at every stage of the process from defining the question to applying the results. In the spectrum of ways to engage the public in scientific research, this approach of "co-creation" is the most intensive. This talk will explore several examples of co-creation of science, including collaborations with tribal communities around climate change adaptation, work in the Louisiana Delta concerning land loss, and the link between weather and disease in Africa. We will articulate some of the challenges of working this intensively with communities, and suggest a general framework for guiding this kind of work with communities. This model of intensive collaboration at every stage is a promising one for adding to the diversity of citizen science efforts. It also provides a powerful strategy for science more generally, and may help us diversify our field, ensure the use and usability of our science, and help strengthen public support for and acceptance of scientific results.

"The Volunteer Monitor" Newsletter: A National Publication for Citizen Scientists (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ely, E.

2009-12-01

Citizen scientists have many communication tools available, including listservs, blogs, websites, and online discussion groups. What is the role of traditional publications such as newsletters or journals in this new environment? This presentation will summarize lessons learned from the 20-year history of The Volunteer Monitor newsletter, a national publication that provides a networking and information-sharing forum for citizen scientists engaged in water quality monitoring. The presenter, who has been the editor of The Volunteer Monitor since 1990, will emphasize practical tips for editors or prospective editors. Topics will include defining the publication's mission and target audience, obtaining submissions, communicating with authors, and applying basic journalistic techniques to enhance the usefulness and readability of articles.

Religiosity, Culture, and Science Communication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Malley, R. C.; Kahan, D.

2017-12-01

It is well established that cultural commitments influence receptivity to scientific information on risks and related policy-relevant facts. Religiosity is one proxy for such commitments. My presentation will present data from numerous studies (observational and experimental, lab and field) that address how religiosity as a form of cultural affinity shapes engagement with the best available evidence on human-caused climate change. The central conclusion of this research is that a skeptical position on climate change, much like a skeptical position on human evolution, operates as a tacit badge of membership in and loyalty to groups bound together by religious affiliations. Overcoming the distorting impact that this dynamic has on climate-science communication requires engaging members of religious groups not as members of those groups per se but as citizens with a practical stake in addressing the risks that climate change poses to them and their neighbors. Once enlisted into discussion and practical action on these grounds, however, religious individuals can be expected to share their positive experiences and outlooks with other members of their religious communities, thereby demonstrating to them that engaging with this form of science does not conflict with their cultural identities.

5 Star Wetland and Urban Waters Restoration Grants

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The Five Star Restoration Program brings together students, conservation corps, other youth groups, citizen groups, corporations, landowners and government agencies to provide environmental education and training through projects that restore wetlands

Congregating to create for social change: Urban youth media production and sense of community

PubMed Central

Charmaraman, Linda

2011-01-01

This case study explored how adolescents were empowered through after school media production activities and, in the process, re-imagined themselves as active and engaged citizens within their community. Through analyzing interviews, participant observations, and media artifacts of 14 participants (aged 15-19) over a period of 18 months, three main themes emerged from the triangulation of data: (1) sociocultural capital through group ownership; (2) safe space for creative expression; and (3) developing a sense of community with diverse voices. These young people exercised their collective voice toward pro-social actions by writing and producing their stories and showcasing their works at community screenings. They hoped that their videos would promote individual and community transformations. Building on youth development, community psychology, and media literacy frameworks, this article discusses educational implications like advocating for the power of youth media production to bridge participants’ personal and private artistry to public and political statements. PMID:23459677

Community engagement: leadership tool for catastrophic health events.

PubMed

Schoch-Spana, Monica; Franco, Crystal; Nuzzo, Jennifer B; Usenza, Christiana

2007-03-01

Disasters and epidemics are immense and shocking disturbances that require the judgments and efforts of large numbers of people, not simply those who serve in an official capacity. This article reviews the Working Group on Community Engagement in Health Emergency Planning's recommendations to government decision makers on why and how to catalyze the civic infrastructure for an extreme health event. Community engagement--defined here as structured dialogue, joint problem solving, and collaborative action among formal authorities, citizens at-large, and local opinion leaders around a pressing public matter--can augment officials' abilities to govern in a crisis, improve application of communally held resources in a disaster or epidemic, and mitigate community wide losses. The case of limited medical options in an influenza pandemic serves to demonstrate the civic infrastructure's preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities and to illustrate how community engagement can improve pandemic contingency planning.

Spill at the Butler Tunnel in Pittston, PA. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Commerce, Transportation, and Tourism of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives, Ninety-Ninth Congress, First Session, October 23, 1985

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1986-01-01

Over 100,000 gallons of toxic waste entered the Susquehanna River when Hurricane Gloria flooded a Superfund cleanup site near Pittston, Pennsylvania. A hearing to investigate why cleanup had not been done at the site focused on the Butler Tunnel, an underground mine drainage tunnel, and its potential threat to area drinking water. Witnesses represented the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), citizen groups, and the State of Pennsylvania. Their testimony emphasized the continuing danger and the fear and anger which residents were experiencing. EPA officials described past actions to correct the problem and plans for future remedial work. Additional correspondence and materialmore » submitted for the record follows the testimony of the 10 witnesses.« less