Community activism through mapping

Young activists are adding computer technology to the list of ways to get your issue across to political leaders and the public.  Students at Roosevelt High School were challenged to use digital maps to demonstrate an environmental justice issue.  They presented visualizations comparing neighborhoods in Los Angeles, showing differences in proximity to environmental hazards, median income, murals versus billboards, and racial and ethnic breakdowns.  Maps are proving to be an excellent tool for political advocacy.  One student used data to compare the green space for parks versus green space for cemeteries.  The results led to questions about the tie between health and access to parks: he reported that the cemetery near his neighborhood is twice as large as all of the parks combined.  “Is our general population around this community unhealthy because they’re not staying active?”  Find out more on Youth Radio.