Educational Components of Outreach

[Cynthia Peurifoy <Peurifoy.Cynthia@epa.gov>]

Hello!  I'm Cynthia Peurifoy, EPA Region 4, Environmental Justice Office.  I'm very excited that we are the first regional host of this very important dialogue.  In my many years of working with communities here in Region 4, I have seen first hand the importance of involving communities in EPA's decisions, as well as the impacts that our decisions have on communities.  I also know how important outreach is to effective public involvement.  I strongly believe that one aspect of outreach is public education.  I'd like to here you opinions on that issue.

I'd also like to encourage all of you to submit comments on the proposed policy prior to the comment period ending later this month.

It's also been my experience that outreach has to be tailored to the communities needs.  I have always enjoyed going door to door in communities.  I have also had success when participating in community sponsored events; I have found that we reach more people that way.

Finally, I'd like to here what resources communities need to assist EPA and others with outreach efforts.

Thanks!

Cynthia Peurifoy
Acting Manager
Environmental Justice/Community Liasion Office
EPA Region 4