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The Environmental Caucus:

The Environmental Caucus at Northern Arizona University (NAU) fosters a culture of sustainability through collaboration across the campus. By engaging faculty, staff, students, and community partners in open communication and strategic initiatives, it champions education, research, and advocacy for the environment. Key achievements include the launch of the Green NAU website, the ACUP Climate Action Plan, and various action teams focusing on climate advocacy, sustainable practices, and transportation. This vibrant and inclusive forum empowers participants and drives engagement with holistic solutions for a sustainable future.

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The Environmental Caucus:

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  1. The Environmental Caucus: Breaking Down Silos to Create a Culture of Sustainability nau.edu/green

  2. Breaking Down Silos: The Environmental Caucus Mission Statement: The Environmental Caucus facilitates creative and strategic communication across campus to advance the institutional commitment to sustainability and to promote education, research, and collaboration on the environment.

  3. History and Organization • Self-organized, not appointed • Began with conversations with key faculty leaders, then an electronic poll to determine priority roles and initiatives • Non-hierarchical – faculty, staff, students • Cross-disciplinary – Everyone welcome, even community partners • 30-40 people participate in monthly meetings, plus action teams and Steering Committee; 400 on listserv • 1/3 time staff support through Research Division; currently 2 paid student interns at 10 hours/week nau.edu/green

  4. Greatest strengths • Forum for cross-campus networking • Unexpected partners • Incredible catalyst for student engagement • We are all equals and involved in decision making • Viral energy – leading to creative, solutions-oriented approach to implement the Climate Action Plan Synergy -- the whole is greater than the sum of its parts nau.edu/green

  5. Current Action Teams • Advocacy for the ACUP Climate Commitment • Ponderosa 2.0/Curriculum and the Environment • Student Environmental Caucus • Action Group for Water Advocacy (AGWA) • Transportation • Sustainable Environmental Practices • NAU's Environmental Identity

  6. Accomplishments in 2009-2010 • Launched Green NAU website – www.nau.edu/green • Sparked completion of ACUP Climate Action Plan • Supported significant student action (Green Fund, ARTs, etc.) • Reactivated the Ponderosa Group • Advanced the Global Learning Initiative • Developed sustainability as NAU Marketing theme • Connected faculty, staff, students in cross-boundary initiatives • Gave first annual Sustainability Leadership Awards • Linked student energy to operations and academic programs.

  7. Perhaps the most sustainable of all practices is building relationships, networking, and sharing information and resources. RESULTS… BUY-IN: Ownership by multiple groups (staying power) HOLISTIC SOLUTIONS: Creativity/diverse perspectives RELATIONSHIPS: Network for future initiatives EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS: Purposeful use of resources FULFILLMENT AND FUN: Building a positive community! nau.edu/green

  8. Shelley Silbert, Chair Environmental Caucus Shelley.Silbert@nau.edu (928) 523-7635 www.nau.edu/envcaucus www.nau.edu/green

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