Catoctin Association | Central Atlantic Conference | United Church of Christ (UCC)

Air Quality Data Collaborative

Air Quality Data Collaborative

 

Sign-Up Deadline, August 10th


We’re sorry we missed you at our June 27 kick-off event or the Mid-Atlantic Data Collaborative, but it’s not too late to get involved! The Central Atlantic Conference of the UCC will be partnering with Interfaith Power and Light (DC.MD.NoVA) and the Center for Community Engagement, Environmental Justice, and Health (CEEJH) from the University of Maryland over the coming months to gather air quality data to support underserved communities in the legislative process.

 

Communities of color have been systematically disadvantaged and burdened with environmental degradation and pollution. Disparities in exposure to pollution and inadequate infrastructure carry over into health disparities and long-term impacts on quality of life over the course of a lifetime.


At the moment, there is a lack of high-resolution data on the subject, and it is the aim of the Data Collaborative to clear up that picture through the installation of air quality monitors on the grounds of participating congregations. These monitors will form the basis of an air quality monitoring network covering the Mid-Atlantic region, focusing on the Maryland and DC areas.

 

Additionally, from August 20th through November 28th we’ll be holding a series of training sessions on everything from the basics of environmental justice and faith-based community organizing to how data is best used in policymaking. While these sessions are required for any congregation participating in the air quality initiative, they are open to all local churches in the conference should they be interested in joining us and learning. Interest forms from congregations invested in taking part are available at the link below and due by August 10.


So, do we have your interest piqued? If you’d like to learn more about the program itself, but you missed our session on the 27th, you’re in luck! The recording is available at the link below as well as several other helpful resources that’ll go a long way toward answering any lingering questions you may have.

 

While you’re skimming through those, take a look at the schedule for our training sessions and make a note of which ones you’d like to attend. Just remember, we’ll need to hear back from you and your congregation if you’re interested in joining by August 10. If at any point you have any questions we can help answer in order to help your congregation feel more confident about getting involved, we’d be happy to help, so just let us know.


Training Session Dates and Topics:

  • August 20, Environmental Justice Basics (9:30 AM – Noon)
  • September 12 Air Quality Basics (5 PM-7:30 PM)
  • September 26th – Air Quality Monitoring & Tools (5 PM-7:30 PM)
  • October 3rd – Mapping Tools (5 PM-7:30 PM)
  • October 10th – Data usage & Accessibility (5 PM-7:30 PM)
  • October 24th – Using Data for Policy (5 PM-7:30 PM)
  • November 14th – Community Science (5 PM-7:30 PM)
  • November 28th – Faith Based Community Organizing (5 PM-7:30 PM)


Resources:

Interest Form

Air Quality FAQ

Air Monitor Host Agreement Workshop SlidesSession Recording (Access code: rglD@0Z6)

Google Drive Folder for easy access to all documents
John Kasander Environmental & Climate Justice Organizer ecjorganizer@cacucc.org