1. EcoVillage Farm Learning Center Richmond, CA Presented by Shyaam M. Shabaka Executive Director Fish Mercury Project Annual Meeting June 13, 2006

2. Purpose of Mini-grants Provide consumer health education to at-risk populations in West Contra Costa county. - Women of childbearing age - Anglers - Low-income sector - People of color

3. Why is outreach and education about fish contamination an important issue for our community ?

4. Activities 2005 Recruited core group of EcoVillage Youth Community Health Educators (EYCHE) Conducted over 30 Fish Advisory workshops Served over 300 at-risk women Developed Fish Advisory curriculum Attended 2005 National Forum on Contaminants in Fish, Baltimore

5. 2006 Posted (to date) 8 fish advisory signs Co-sponsored Youth Conference with over 300 attendees

6. How did EcoVillage benefit from participating on LSAG and FMP Steering Committee? LSAG Learning from experiences of other groups Multiculturalism: learning how to work more effectively in various ethnic / cultural groups Sharing of resources Collaborative planning Networking FMP Steering Committee Enhance knowledge and understanding of “Big Picture” Gained better understanding about challenges, concerns, and priorities of the scientific community.

7. Increase awareness of scientific resources (i.e., Moss Landing) Establish better communication between lay consumers and scientific community. Help scientific community better understand concern of Environmental and Social Justice Communities. How did EcoVillage benefit from participating on LSAG and FMP Steering Committee? FMP Steering Committee (cont’d)

8. FMP could increase community involvement by: Helping to secure resources for community-base organizations to do competent / culturally based education. Assist with the development of 5-Year Strategic Action Plan for educating at-risk population. Help make the Environmental and Social Justice issues clearly understood and a priority for all sectors of the FMP.

9. Thank You!