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American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
 APHA 2005
 
4014.0: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 9:30 AM

Abstract #111756

Fiestas en la Casa: New Models for Evidence-Based Interventions in Immigrant Communities

Neelam, G. Pathikonda, MPH and Luisa Chavarin. Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition, 760 North First St., San Jose, CA 95112, 408-287-6707, npathikonda@svtc.org

Issues: Participatory action research has become an important model for gathering evidence in marginalized communities. For immigrant communities, who are often undocumented, research gathering must be an engaging process that builds on the strengths of the community. In addition, evidence gathering must promote the leadership of the community and position the organization for community advocacy and action.

Description: Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition (SVTC) is widely recognized for its work in promoting sustainable manufacturing in the technological industry. While the industry's production has moved overseas, many immigrant communities continue to feel the health impacts of industrial pollution. However, it is difficult to determine exactly what and how pervasive these impacts are. Tierra Viva, SVTC's Health and Environmental Justice Project, launched a program called Fiestas en la Casa to gather evidence on the health status of immigrants.

Lessons Learned: The Fiesta en la Casa program is a successful way to outreach to Latina women in San Jose and promote community action. This is because the program: 1) utilizes an already established practice of cooking and inviting friends and neighbors into houses to eat and talk; 2) employs a non-threatening discussion-based format; 3) develops the host's community organizing skills and increases her investment in the organization; and 4) emphasizes relationship building.

Recommendations: The Fiesta en la Casa program is an evidence-based intervention that creatively employs community organizing tools to fit a specific community's established practices. This program can be used in immigrant communities worldwide in research, planning, community organizing and action.

Learning Objectives:

  • Learning Objectives