Environmental Literacy Program (ELP) Community Resilience Education Theory of Change
This publication outlines the conceptual framework for the ways in which community resilience education can lead to increased community engagement and civic action, ultimately leading to a healthier, more resilient, and equitable society. The beautifully illustrated report containing the theory of change describes the overarching philosophy that guides our grants and provides best practices for this emerging field. This publication represents a significant step forward and plants a “stake in the ground” for the Environmental Literacy Program’s investments in community resilience.
The report is a rich resource that integrates research on environmental literacy, social learning, citizen science, civic engagement, youth empowerment, climate justice, equitable resilience, and more. In the theory of change itself, we lay out the education and community engagement pathways (including over 100 outcomes) that lead to community resilience. We also provide a first-ever definition of “community resilience education.” We hope this resource will guide similar efforts and serve as a model for how environmental literacy contributes to resilience that others working in the field of community resilience might use.
This theory of change is not final; it will be managed as a “living document”. We are open to feedback and will make modifications regularly. If you have any feedback or suggestions now, please email us at oed.grants@noaa.gov.
