Our Approach
Community.
Collaboration.
Change.
The HyLo Model
We believe a resident-first approach is key to creating community-driven solutions to current and future climate impacts, and our work is entirely collaborative.
We work alongside community groups and local governmental organizations to choose neighborhoods and communities of highest need and offer unique workshop-based programming to residents. Our community partners select participant areas based on geographic features, climate risks, social information, and other related factors.
To create a dynamic and individualized experience, we use research-supported methods of engagement to facilitate conversations between residents and their elected officials. Based on those interactions, the HyLo team creates custom educational materials and participants have the opportunity to share their needs and ideas with decision-makers in a unique setting.
We currently work in communities of high priority in Miami-Dade County, though we created our approach with transferability in mind. We look forward to expanding our reach in the future.
Learn more about our workshop programs below.
Step by Step.
Community Selection.
We work with nonprofit and governmental organizations to select communities at high risk of climate impacts. These organizations have knowledge of and ties to residents and incorporate the HyLo team into their programming schedule. Community partners assist with recruitment and outreach and our team provides materials and support for workshop planning.
Photovoice.
To learn more about the how residents perceive and experience their neighborhoods, we ask them to take and share photos that represent their daily lives or perceptions of their community. The HyLo team provides all program participants an introduction to photography and storytelling. Participants then select and share their photos and stories with the group.
Mapping Risks.
In response to photos, stories, and other information residents share, the HyLo team develops custom maps for the group. These interactive tools can include information about climate projections, social data, or the built environment.
Designing the Future.
Residents have the opportunity to participate in design-thinking exercises to identify assets and challenges in their community, and work with others to imagine what future solutions could look like. The HyLo team and community partners facilitate conversations, but outcomes are entirely participant-generated.
Sharing Knowledge.
Throughout the HyLo workshops, residents have the opportunity to share their ideas and community knowledge, practice public speaking, and learn from others. In the final workshop, government officials see what participants created and hear directly from residents in a unique, informal setting.
Evaluating Outcomes.
The HyLo team evaluates outcomes of the workshops to measure our impact, produce research to share with the scientific community, and make the HyLo model adaptable.