Community Culture and the Environment: A Guide to Understanding a Sense of Place (EPA, 2002)

Understanding community social systems can be key to successful environmental protection outreach and education. The Community Culture and the Environment: A Guide to Understanding a Sense of Place is a flexible toolbox for understanding the social dynamics involved in community-based efforts. Users will learn about such things as local knowledge about community issues, the language community members use, influential subgroups within the community, historical trends in the community, environmental and other community priorities, and other social factors. This information is crucial in developing sustainable strategies for community participation and planning regarding environmental protection.