Karen Magruder: Community Roots — Fostering Eco-friendly Communities | On the House #57

This episode promises insights on cultivating sustainable communities through understanding interwoven social and environmental issues. You will learn the importance of understanding how environmental issues intersect with social and economic concerns and how challenges like climate change disproportionately impact vulnerable groups.

Meet Karen Magruder

Karen Magruder is an LCSW-S (Licensed Clinical Social Worker–Supervisor) and an Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work. She created a course on environmental justice and green social work at the university.

Karen is a dedicated and award-winning educator passionate about integrating evidence-based and innovative techniques to promote student success in online learning. She was trained by Al Gore as a Climate Reality Leader and has been active in environmental organizations in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas and Phoenix, Arizona areas.

She holds a Master of Social Work degree and a certificate in Climate Change & Health from Yale University. She has served on the National Council for Social Work Education’s Environmental Justice Committee and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree

About the episode

With experience addressing hardship through hurricane disaster relief, Karen lends passionate insights to fostering sustainability through intersectional angles. She paints a vivid picture of how environmental challenges often arise from broader social inequities, whether it’s vulnerable groups bearing the brunt of natural disasters or lower-income areas wrestling with the urban heat island effect. You can hear the passion in her voice as she recounts finding her calling to address these intersections through community social work.

Karen has a gift for helping intricate issues feel tangible through real-world examples. From the grass lawns debate splitting neighbors to the very real toll of extreme heat waves on families like those in her adopted hometown of Phoenix, Arizona, she brings each topic down to a human scale. But make no mistake–her message is one of optimism and empowerment. She reminds people that small personal choices like biking instead of driving really can multiply when people collaborate at the neighborhood level.

She says diversity in approaches is important to make sustainability initiatives inclusive, such as groups for business, arts, and youth. Marginalized communities must have access to participation and decision-making to strengthen solutions and address their unique needs.

Here are some tips to foster a stronger sense of community:

Get to know your neighbors. Make an effort to interact with those living near you, even if just in casual conversations. Developing social ties lays the foundation for collaboration.
Look for opportunities to spend time with neighbors, such as organizing a book club, game night, or other regular social activities.
Be willing to rely on neighbors, such as by asking small favors or offering help yourself. This strengthens reciprocal relationships.
Start informal community initiatives like a “buy nothing” Facebook group where people can share items to reduce waste.
Find ways for everyone to participate through their skills, whether that’s via activism, art, education, youth programs, business partnerships, etc.

In conclusion

The episode highlights that people need partnerships across sectors and perspectives to foster sustainability. When considering stakeholder needs and existing assets, both top-down and bottom-up approaches have merit. But don’t forget! There are as many approaches as there are communities! As Karen notes, the key lies not in any one path but in embracing diversity, understanding linked challenges, and prioritizing equity and participation. The goal is for people to come together and make decisions or take action collaboratively.

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