DESIGN FOR
SOCIAL AND
ENVIRONMENTAL EQUITY
NOTABLE PROJECTS
CO-VAX PEER AMBASSADORS
How might we support Value Peer Ambassadors in
engaging Baltimore Communities around COVAX
The Baltimore City Health Department partnered with MICA’s Center for Social Design partnered, Johns Hopkins, and Morgan state to identify challenges with Covax outreach in order to equip Peer Ambassadors with tools to manage their roles and increase vaccination rates. The design team centered empowerment of Ambassadors, facilitating co-design sessions for ownership of the process by those it would benefit.
WOODWARD MUTUAL AID STATION
How might we provide a zero contact (covid) mutual aid hub promoting the accessibility of resource exchanges for Austin residents?
In the spring of 2020, resource networks were shut down due to Covid-19, resulting in an urgent need for access to resources, services, information, and low-contact community building and communication. Networks needed strengthening and mutual aid offers solidarity not just in response to crisis, but as a sustainable piece of the landscape regardless of government sanctioned assistance.
NARRATIVE EQUITY IN PUBLIC SAFETY —
MASTER'S THESIS RESEARCH DESIGN
How might we ensure narrative equity for grassroots organizations in Baltimore's public safety planning?
Working closely with several grassroots organizations, city employees and narrative specialists to research the evolution of public safety narratives in municipalities and potential interventions to decentralize and equitably disperse public facing perspectives on municipal and counter platforms.
LOCAL MUNICIPAL ENGAGEMENT
How might we simplify access and empower residents to engage with their local government?
Austin reported less than a 20% engagement in local elections, and many residents feel issues and representative engagement are inaccessible and too complex and time consuming. Low civic engagement results in less information circulating between residents and elected representatives.
