Public Engagement

Introduction

Engagement in community problem-solving is fundamental to sustainability. By engaging with community members and organizations in the governmental, non-profit and for-profit sectors, institutions can help solve sustainability challenges. Community engagement can help students develop leadership skills while deepening their understandings of practical, real-world problems and the process of creating solutions.

2946 resources

Learning for Sustainability Scotland

  • Environmental Association for Universities & Colleges (EAUC) (Gloucestershire)

There is an undeniable need for a world that is sustainable: where people and communities value and are engaged with the natural environment; societies are inclusive and equitable; and a ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Bioregional Urbanism on Campus: Building Regional Leadership Models

  • EcoMotion (CA)
  • Earthos Institute (MA)

Bioregional Urbanism is a practice methodology that helps cities and regions become more resilient and self-sustaining in ways that measurably contribute to global sustainability. Campus communities are influential centers for ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Curricular Engagement in Building Sustainable Communities

  • Dickinson College (PA)

Dickinson College is leading the way in integrating sustainability across the curriculum. As an innovative liberal arts college, over 90% of our graduating students are taking sustainability-focused and related courses ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Liberal Arts Institutions Networking Meeting (2014)

  • Dickinson College (PA)
  • Linfield College (OR)
  • Lewis & Clark College (OR)
  • Sewanee - The University of the South (TN)
  • Willamette University (OR)

A lunch meeting for representatives of liberal arts colleges and universities. A similar lunchtime networking event was hosted by others in Nashville with approximately 100 attendees.

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Health Promotion: a vehicle for partnerships

  • Carnegie Mellon University (PA)

Public Health and Health Promotion on campus is uniquely positioned to partner and provide leadership on sustainability goals for higher education. Through a public health lens, we can offer support ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Local APPetite: Partnering with Rural Farms to Grow Our Economy

  • Appalachian State University (NC)

During the fall of 2013, Appalachian State University Food Services launched Local Appetite, a partnership that brought together farmers, community organizations and the university to grow our economy. Being self-operated ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Campus Models for Sustainability from Audubon International

  • University of Florida (FL)
  • Audubon International (NY)

During this presentation, AI staff will describe how two of its programs, the Signature Program and the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, have promoted sustainable practices at educational institutions. The presentation ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Say Goodbye to Green: How to Mainstream Sustainability Messaging

  • Pennsylvania State University (PA)

Over the 50 years since the publication of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, sustainability has been linked primarily with environmentalism—and guilt. The earth has been hurt, and we are ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Repair Fairs: Promoting waste reduction in community involvement

  • Oregon State University (OR)

One of the largest challenges in engaging students in sustainability is creating meaningful experiences. Encouraging students to practice reuse is particularly challenging, as it requires a personal commitment. Likewise, educating ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Building a Statewide Sustainability Strategy in Higher Education (2014)

  • University of Hawaii at Hilo (HI)

This case study will describe the first two years of developing the system-wide University of Hawaii (UH) Sustainability Strategy. In January 2014 the Board of Regents of the University of ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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A Balancing Act: St Louis Higher Education Sustainability Consortium

  • Maryville University (MO)
  • Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (IL)
  • Southwestern Illinois College (IL)
  • University of Missouri-St. Louis (MO)
  • Missouri Botanical Garden (MO)

At a time when colleges and universities and communities are under ever-increasing economic pressure to do more with less the values at the heart of sustainability in higher education offer ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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A Sustainability Liaison Network

  • Santa Clara University (CA)

We think we have found the key to establishing a community of engaged and active citizens for sustainability! By targeting our programming toward individuals (rather than whole departments or organizations ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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The Wisdom Project: The Native American Youth Leadership Initiative

  • Portland Community College (OR)
  • Wisdom of the Elders, Inc. (OR)

America needs the talents and perspectives of Native Americans, America’s first scientists, to enhance innovation and diversity across disciplines. However, the lack of Native representation in programs, particularly STEM ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Saving Lives: Using Art Curriculum To Reduce Bird Collisions On Campus and in Philadelphia

  • Temple University (PA)

This session will provide a case study of how graphic design faculty used an experiential learning project to engage art students on sustainability while also aiding the university in addressing ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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The Big Bouncy Castle: Community Partnerships & Involvement

  • Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (IL)

In the communities surrounding many colleges and universities the schools are often viewed as exclusive “Ivory Towers” of education that, while being physically located within a community, are not a ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Regional Alliances for Sustainability: Strength in Numbers and Networking

  • Texas A&M University (TX)
  • University of Texas at Austin (TX)

The Texas Regional Alliance for Campus Sustainability (TRACS) is an emerging regional collaborative designed to serve as a community of practice for institutions of higher education across the state. Originally ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Voluntary Sustainability Agreements as a Transition Niche

  • Chatham University (PA)

The lack of climate change leadership across many government levels in the United States has left a gap in the work of low-carbon transition for sustainability. Recognizing the importance and ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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A Zero-waste Community: Bridging the Gap Between Goals and Behaviors

  • Green Mountain College (VT)

One of the main goals of Green Mountain College’s Sustainability 2020 Strategic Plan is to have a net positive impact on the surrounding community. Vermont’s new universal waste ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Strength Training the Social and Human Capital Muscle

  • Green Mountain College (VT)

A sustainability movement is only as strong as the community muscle behind it, including a community’s ability to work together to solve problems and be resilient in the face ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Creating partnerships between companies and design/build programs

  • Big Ass Solutions (KY)

Collaboration between manufacturers and academic design/build programs is one of the most effective ways of introducing advanced products to the evolving sustainable technology field while providing valuable hands-on experience ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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EcoDistricts, Anchor Institutions & Urban Revitalization

  • Clark Atlanta University (GA)
  • Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FL)
  • Spelman College (GA)
  • EcoDistricts (OR)

This session brings together the experience of the Portland based originator of the EcoDistrict and the Atlanta University Center to examine how EcoDistrict the tools, resources and framework are applied ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Young Sustainability Professionals in Higher Ed. Networking Lunch

  • Dickinson College (PA)
  • Indiana State University (IN)
  • Indiana University Bloomington (IN)

As you walk the halls of your college or university do other employees sometimes mistake you for a student? Were you hired by your alma mater to continue working on ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Amplify Your Message: Advice from Communications Professionals

  • Lewis & Clark College (OR)
  • Pennsylvania State University (PA)
  • Santa Clara University (CA)

The basic tenets of marketing communications—defining an audience and explaining how the benefits of a product or service suit that audience’s needs—are important tools for sustainability professionals ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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UA Compost Cats: Creating Community Partnerships to Address Local Food Security and Sustainability

  • University of Arizona (AZ)
  • City of Tucson (AZ)
  • San Xavier Co-op Farm (AZ)

Over 4 years of existence, the student-run, Compost Cats program at the University of Arizona has forged enduring community partnerships with San Xavier Co-op Farm of the Tohono O’odham ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Build Your Own Shareable Campus

  • University of North Carolina, Asheville (NC)
  • CoFED (NM)
  • Shareable (CA)

In this half-day workshop, participants will dive head first into the sharing economy: Part campus sustainability, part new economics, part DIY, and part open education. With support from key leaders ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Small is Beautiful: Sustainability on a Small Campus in a Small City

  • Agnes Scott College (GA)
  • City of Decatur (GA)

From the beginning of the City of Decatur (Georgia) and Agnes Scott College’s sustainability programs, through success and challenges, these two entities have been in a solid partnership. The ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Networking Session for Sustainability Communications Professionals

  • American University (DC)
  • Northwestern University (IL)

Several Sustainability Offices have communications professionals to assist in creating a culture of sustainability by marketing behavior change, empowering action, and sharing the hard work institutions have done to lower ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Seeing the Carbon for the Trees: Offsetting Air Travel Through Avoided Deforestation in Costa Rica

  • American University (DC)
  • Pax Natura Foundation (UT)

Achieving carbon neutrality requires reducing emissions at the source through efficiency and reduced consumption, while switching to clean, renewable sources of energy. Not only are these reductions technically feasible within ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Doing Our Part: Innovative Work by Networks of Higher Ed Associations

  • Oakland Community College (MI)
  • Portland State University (OR)

This briefing describes some innovative efforts by consortiums of higher education associations to accelerate the transition to sustainable communities and campuses. Collaborations such as the Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability (UMACS) Networking Session

  • University of Minnesota, Morris (MN)
  • National Wildlife Federation (VA)

This is a networking meeting for members of the Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability (UMACS) to meet and discuss related sustainability topics with a regional focus. It is also ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Alliance for Resilient Campuses (ARC): Campus, Community, and Corporate Partnership for Climate Adaption and Resilience

  • Second Nature (MA)
  • Van Ness Feldman (DC)

Addressing climate-related risks and the need for corresponding adaptation strategies is both a necessary and strategic priority for institutions of higher education in the 21st century. Colleges and universities face ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Broadening the Definition of Campus: Creating a Collaborative Place to Live & Learn to Reinvent a Sustainable Future with Innovation Districts

  • Oklahoma State University (OK)
  • Via Suzuki Architecture (WA)

How can we be relevant? How can a town and gown community create a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem that fosters genuine green innovation, house & grow students to become game changers ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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UR vs. VCU: A Campus ConseRVAtion Nationals Cross-Town Competition

  • American University (DC)
  • Virginia Commonwealth University (VA)

In 2013, the University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University partnered in a cross-town energy competition, Campus Conservation Nationals. The schools wanted to capitalize on an existing basketball rivalry and ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Post Consumer Composting at the University of Florida: A Partnership Between ARAMARK, WCA and the University of Florida

  • University of Florida (FL)
  • WCA (TX)

Overview: As part of its goal to be zero waste by 2015, the University of Florida developed a comprehensive organics composting solution to address almost 25% of the total campus ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Cultivating community and sustainability at the Learning Gardens Lab

  • Portland State University (OR)

Learning gardens serve as rich sustainability learning sites due to their ecological and sociocultural benefits, and provide a hands-on way for learners of all ages to engage in interconnected issues ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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From Home to Haiti: Hooking Students on the Public Interest

  • Portland State University (OR)

In this Rapid Fire Panel Discussion, Fellows at the new Center for Public Interest Design at Portland State University will discuss innovative methods for student and community engagement through a ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Connecting Higher Education and Sustainable Practices in Prisons

  • Evergreen State College, The (WA)

The Sustainability in Prisons Project (SPP) offers students and faculty of The Evergreen State College (Evergreen) opportunities to experience and influence sustainability beyond the college campus; we connect educators, researchers ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainability in Prisons Project: Essential Components

  • Evergreen State College, The (WA)

The Sustainability in Prisons Project (SPP) is a partnership founded by The Evergreen State College and Washington State Department of Corrections, and fulfills a mission to bring nature and science ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Transdisciplinary Model for Sustainable Placemaking and Engagement

  • James Madison University (VA)

This case study discusses an innovative faculty-led approach to investigating sustainable placemaking and community engagement for the planning, design and management of public spaces around James Madison University. The Applied ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Reclaiming the Urban Forest for Food, Medicine and Ceremony: A Collaborative Process

  • Portland State University (OR)

American Indian and Alaska Native communities suffer from the highest rates of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease in the country. This project seeks to address the impact of colonization ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Pursuing Impact: PSU’s Sustainable Neighborhood Initiative

  • Portland State University (OR)

Portland State University (PSU) takes its role as an urban-serving university seriously. For decades, PSU has been nationally recognized for our commitment to “Let Knowledge Serve the City” by engaging ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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10 Years of Talking - and Doing: PSU Social Sustainability Colloquium

  • Portland State University (OR)

The Social Sustainability Colloquium at Portland State University is a weekly speaker series that gathers students, faculty, and staff from PSU and other universities, community members, community organizations, and government ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Women in Sustainability Network (2014)

  • Prescott College (AZ)

Who this session is for: Administrators, faculty, and program leaders concerned with innovation, gender equity, and social justice, including women in the field of sustainability who want to share our ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Global Sustainability for Social Justice

  • Santa Clara University (CA)

Santa Clara University’s Food & Agribusiness Institute (FAI) offers a unique approach to immersion trips; they are designed differently than other trips sponsored by universities, and even from other ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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SCU CLASP-Hero Projects: A Collaborative Immersion Production

  • Santa Clara University (CA)

In 2012, the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University and "voluntourism" company Hero Projects partnered to create the CLASP (Co-creative Leadership and Sustainability Program) Alaska Immersion trip. The ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Intentional Endowments Network (IEN) Lunch Table Dialogue Session

  • Second Nature (MA)

Beyond Divestment: Investing in a Sustainable Future The Intentional Endowments Network (IEN) supports colleges, universities, and other mission-driven tax-exempt organizations in aligning endowment investment practices with their mission, values, and ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Tying Together Tradition and Core Values to Share Your Message and Foster Connections

  • Texas A&M University (TX)

Your institution has unique attributes that help define your organizational culture. Understanding this culture can be a critical key ingredient to help spread your sustainability message. This session will demonstrate ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Community Engagement Through the Arts

  • Transylvania University (KY)

This presentation will focus on “Community Engagement Through the Arts” (CETA), a course we teach at Transylvania University in Lexington, KY with the stated goal of creating and maintaining sustainable ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Environmental Justice: Bridging the Gap Between Sustainability and Justice

  • University of Colorado Boulder (CO)

If we as citizens of the world are set on combatting industrial pollution, environmental degradation, and social injustices committed on Earth, we must find ways to collaborate as a collective ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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The Nuts & Bolts of Adapting the UO’s Sustainable City Year Program

  • University of Oregon (OR)

In 2010, the New York Times called the University of Oregon’s Sustainable City Year Program (SCYP) “perhaps the most comprehensive effort by a U.S. university to infuse sustainability ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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This tab provides access to data collected through AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS). STARS is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. STARS enables meaningful comparisons over time and across institutions using a common set of measurements developed with broad participation from the campus sustainability community.

All responses reference content from reports under the latest version of STARS, version 2.2. AASHE membership and log-in is required.

EN 10: Community Partnerships

EN 11: Inter-campus Collaboration

EN 12: Continuing Education

EN 13: Community Service

EN 14: Participation in Public Policy

EN 15: Trademark Licensing

Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.

Public Engagement Partners