We are excited to announce that Training to Impact, in collaboration with local artist Carmen Momeni, has received funding from Oregon State University ASPIRE for our pilot project, “Mente Sana, Cuerpo Sano.” This initiative aims to create a bilingual children’s book, “Superheroes of the Planet,” designed to educate Latinx and other children of color about the health impacts of wildfires and air pollution while promoting resilience practices. We are thankful for the support of OSU ASPIRE and the mentorship of Megan McClelland, Ph.D., Endowed Director of the Hallie E. Ford Center for Healthy Children & Families, and Professor at Oregon State University. Their financial support and mentorship allowed us to contract with expert translators, illustrators, digital designers, a social worker, and others to create this beautiful, culturally appropriate bilingual book and website and conduct outreach to children of vulnerable communities. Their support enabled us to give away one thousand books and provide the children with a Superheroes of the Planet certificate. All this wouldn’t have been possible without their support and the support of the training to the Impact team and collaborators.
About “Superheroes of the Planet”
“Superheroes of the Planet” follows Valentina, a young girl on a mission to uncover the source of air pollution affecting her friends’ health. Set in culturally rich environments, Valentina’s journey encourages her friends and readers alike to become environmental heroes. The book is bilingual (Spanish and English) and written by Ana Iris Ruiz Morillo, features vibrant illustrations by Carmen Momeni, and includes activities to foster resilience and environmental awareness. We aim to empower children by teaching them the importance of environmental stewardship and collective action. The story celebrates diversity through relatable characters and helps develop young readers’ critical thinking and environmental awareness.
Our Impact and Outreach
Since launching “Superheroes of the Planet,” we’ve reached hundreds of children through community events, including schools, health fairs, and storytimes. In collaboration with our partner local non-profit community organizations, we have also integrated this book into training and projects related to Emergency Preparedness and Climate Action for community health workers, further spreading its message. We are continually inspired by the feedback and photos children share, showcasing their commitment to environmental stewardship.
About Our Project and Mission
Training to Impact LLC focuses on antiracist, equity, diversity, inclusion, cultural humility, and trauma-informed practices. Our team, mainly composed of immigrant women of color, is committed to using cross-cultural communication and evidence-based methods to provide essential services to the Latinx community. We aim to positively impact our communities with empathy, equity, and cultural appreciation at the forefront. In addition to the book, TTI created a bilingual website, www.superheroesdelplaneta.com, that provides digital access to additional information on air quality, wildfires, and pollution, promoting further engagement and education.
Research from the National Institutes of Health reports that children of color are more likely to develop asthma, highlighting the urgent need for resources like “Superheroes of the Planet.” Our project aligns with the ASPIRE Center’s mission to accelerate equitable improvements in children’s health, particularly for Latinx children in Oregon.
Help Us Continue to Make an Impact
“Superheroes of the Planet” is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. We invite schools, libraries, and community centers to reach out if they want a presentation or storytime session. Your support helps us create a brighter, more sustainable future for all, especially for the Latinx community in Oregon, where 23% of children are Latino (US Census, 2021). To learn more, visit our website at www.superheroesdelplaneta.com. By supporting “Superheroes of the Planet,” you promote health, resilience, and environmental stewardship in vulnerable communities. We are dedicated to making a meaningful difference and appreciate your help spreading this important message.
Please order your copy today and join Valentina and her friends on a mission to save the planet, one small action at a time!
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