Multicultural Environmental Education (Winter/Spring 1996)

Vol.6, No.2 & 3: Winter/Spring 1996

Multicultural environmental education is not merely environmental education with multicultural populations or "audiences" nor is it "urban environmental education with multicultural populations." It is rather a very new kind of environmental education, where content is influenced by and taught from multiple cultural perspectives. It is conscious of its own cultural perspectives and of the function that it has in the world and in the lives of diverse students and communities. As the nation's schoolrooms and communities become more diverse and value their diversity, environmental education must evolve as it encounters new cultural realities in specific community contexts.

There are many themes and subthemes running through this issue: the emerging dialogue between environmental education and environmental justice; the experimental attempts of environmental educators to authentically work at the community level; and others. But one of the most significant themes is the integrative dynamic of culture, ecology and community that is evident in each article. This dynamic is the foundation for a new paradigm for environmental education. Educators and activists at the grassroots level in communities around the country are creating it. Here are some of their fears, hopes, struggles, successes and stories.

This Journal can be used in a number of ways. Environmental studies programs can use it for course readers. Environmental education programs can use it for training purposes by having staff read and discuss articles. Classroom teachers can use it for practical ideas for their students. Activists can use it for networking purposes. Make it a part of your work and let us know of its usefulness and meaning to you.