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.
Featured Resources
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Using the Pursuit of Equitable Tree Canopy to Combat Effects of Redlining in Lexington, Kentucky
- University of Kentucky (KY)
The historical housing policy of redlining reflected systemic racism in the home lending industry; it disproportionately impacted people of color and created socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods in intentional and negative ways. …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Climate Solutions 101: Curricula That Inform Conversations & Inspire Action on Climate Solutions
- Villanova University (PA)
- AASHE (MA)
- Project Drawdown (CA)
- Solutions Journalism Network (NY)
Project Drawdown and the Solutions Journalism Network are partnering to offer a webinar for AASHE educators and staff who want to shift the conversation about climate change away from gloom …
- Posted Jan. 13, 2022
- Videos & Webinars
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Launching the Emerging Environmental Leaders (EELs) Program in Minnesota
- University of Minnesota, Morris (MN)
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
University of Minnesota campuses (Twin Cities and Morris) collaborated with the State of Minnesota to launch the Emerging Environmental Leaders (EELs) program in the spring of 2021. The program brought …
- Posted Jan. 3, 2022
- Case Studies
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Place Setting: Enhancing sustainable approaches to food security & community engagement through design of space
- University of Kentucky (KY)
The Campus Kitchen at the University of Kentucky (CKUK) is a student-led service organization that is a partner agency of God’s Pantry Food Bank within the Feeding America’s network. Housed …
- Posted Jan. 3, 2022
- Case Studies
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CSUF Celebrates Arbor Day With Tree Planting Ceremony
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
Cal State Fullerton, in cooperation with the City of Fullerton, celebrated Arbor Day by planting several trees throughout campus. The mayor, city council members and administrators from the City of …
- Posted Dec. 9, 2021
- Photographs
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A Framework for Advancing Anti-Racism Strategy on Campus
- National Assocation of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (FL)
The National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE) serves as the preeminent voice for diversity officers at institutions of higher education throughout the country and around the world. …
- Posted Dec. 9, 2021
- Publications
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Summarizing Your STARS Report for Senior Leadership
- Boston University (MA)
- AASHE (MA)
Building off of the “Conversations on STARS as a Strategic Tool for Advancing Sustainability” 2020 GCSHE presentation, this webinar will dive into the creation of the STARS Report Summary (presented …
- Posted Dec. 9, 2021
- Videos & Webinars
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Our Changing Menu: Climate change and the foods we love and need
- Cornell University (NY)
We tell the climate change story through something we encounter and communicate about every day. It is imbedded in our cultures and family histories, and we love and need it—food. …
- Posted Nov. 29, 2021
- Publications
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Campus Culture and Communication at the University of Michigan: A Report Developed for and Supported by the U-M President's Commission on Carbon Neutrality
- University of Michigan (MI)
This report was compiled during the academic year of 2019-2020 for the University of Michigan President's Commission on Carbon Neutrality by the Campus Culture and Communication Internal Analysis Team. In …
- Posted Nov. 17, 2021
- Publications
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External Collaboration at the University of Michigan: A Report Developed for and Supported by the U-M President's Commission on Carbon Neutrality
- University of Michigan (MI)
This report was compiled during the academic year of 2019-2020 for the University of Michigan (U-M) President's Commission on Carbon Neutrality by the External Collaboration Internal Analysis Team. Through its …
- Posted Nov. 17, 2021
- Publications
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University-Sponsored Travel at the University of Michigan: A Report Developed for and Supported by the U-M President's Commission on Carbon Neutrality
- University of Michigan (MI)
This report was compiled during the academic year of 2019-2020 for the University of Michigan (U-M) President's Commission on Carbon Neutrality by the University-Sponsored Travel Internal Analysis Team. The University-Sponsored …
- Posted Nov. 17, 2021
- Publications
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International Networking Meeting
- Portland Community College (OR)
Members of the international community and anyone interested in international issues or collaboration are invited to join in a networking meeting to share resources, challenges, and ideas from our countries, …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
- Conference Presentations
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Networking to collaborate with UC-CSU NXTerra: California's new Climate Emergency Teaching Tool
- University of California, Santa Barbara (CA)
Presenters Dr. John Foran and Richard Widick will introduce UC-CSU NXTerra and discuss our strategies for scaling up the urgency of climate change education. NXTerra is an interdisciplinary network collaboration …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
- Conference Presentations
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Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability (UMACS) Networking Session
- Central College (IA)
This is an opportunity to network with others from the Upper Midwest, including Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Learn about upcoming regional events and discuss regional collaborations …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
- Conference Presentations
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Inspiration from signatories of the SDG Accord
- Environmental Association for Universities & Colleges (EAUC) (Gloucestershire)
The SDG Accord is a HESI initiative and AASHE is a supporting partner. The session will include a brief overview of the SDG Accord and will bring together signatories to …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
- Conference Presentations
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Faculty Networking Meeting hosted by Sustainability Curriculum Consortium (SCC)
- Sustainability Curriculum Consortium (MD)
This Faculty Meet-up will serve as a networking opportunity for those faculty attending the Global Conference, complementing the curriculum track being co-presented by AASHE and the Sustainability Curriculum Consortium. This …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
- Conference Presentations
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Invitation to NXTerra California's new Climate Emergency Teaching Tool
- University of California, Santa Barbara (CA)
Join us for an introduction to UC-CSU NXTerra - a Knowledge-Action Network (KAN) and Digital Platform for climate educators, developed by faculty from the University of California (UC) and California …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
- Conference Presentations
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Optimization of Environmental Communication Through the Analysis of Media Engagement
- Hope College (MI)
This presentation aims to explore the relationship between communication medium and effectiveness in the digital landscape during COVID-19. The presentation explores video, graphic, and photo as communication methods for different …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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What is 'Sustainability' in the Time of Anti-Racist Uprising & a Global Pandemic?
- Cornell University (NY)
- Ithaca College (NY)
In the wake of George Floyd's murder and in the throes of a deadly pandemic, sustainability, as it's traditionally practiced, has become all but irrelevant as social unrest and unmet …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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(Some of the) Surprising Findings About Living Wages in Higher Education During a Global Pandemic
- Saint Joseph's University (PA)
Between the global pandemic, broadening awareness of racial inequalities, and intensifying financial pressure, American higher education institutions are having to revisit their core beliefs, implicit assumptions, and day-to-day operations. During …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Community College Networking Meeting
- Johnson County Community College (KS)
This annual networking session will encourage community college staff/students/faculty to share their accomplishments from the previous year. Further, structured networking around certain topics will encourage practitioners to share best practices …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
- Conference Presentations
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Your Values at Work - How YOU Can Drive Corporate Action on Climate Change
- Environmental Defense Fund (DC)
Young people today are increasingly aligning their lifestyles and career choices with their values, especially when it comes to sustainability. With their futures ahead of them, students and young professionals …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Mobilizing to VOTE: Climate 2020
- Our Climate (OR)
Our Climate's workshop will highlight our voter registration and Get Out The Vote campaign. Young people are the largest voting bloc in this country, we can have a tremendous influence …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
- Conference Presentations
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We are Uprooted and Rising: The Fight for Food Sovereignty in Higher Ed
- Real Food Challenge (MA)
What does it look like to have a future that nourishes and sustains all of us for generations to come? How can colleges and universities support that future for their …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
- Conference Presentations
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Green Career Planning Workshop with the National Wildlife Federation
- National Wildlife Federation (VA)
A goal without a plan is merely a wish - start writing your green career plan today in this interactive workshop, utilizing the National Wildlife Federation's Career Center resources and …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
- Conference Presentations
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Advancing Sustainable Development Goals by Committing to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
In 2019, the University of Colorado Boulder became the first US university to commit to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework. The UN effort now includes major international/national sports …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
- Conference Presentations
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Student Healing in a Time of Climate Crisis
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
Against a global backdrop of climate strikes in the Fall of 2019, students and youth everywhere are demanding an immediate shift toward climate change solutions and policies that address the …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Examples and Conversation about Elevating Equity and Justice in Sustainability Literacy
- Agnes Scott College (GA)
- Emory University (GA)
- Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)
- Spelman College (GA)
This workshop will provide participants with opportunities to explore a diverse set of strategies for elevating equity and justice components of sustainability across the college curriculum and through co-curricular opportunities. …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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The Power of Multistakeholder Collaborations in Centering Equity and Working for a Just Transition
- Coastal Carolina University (SC)
- Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)
- Georgia State University (GA)
- Middlebury College (VT)
- University of Texas at Arlington (TX)
- University of Illinois Chicago (IL)
Universities and community, government, and business stakeholders are uniting - through a variety of different networks and collaborations to achieve Agenda 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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How to Ban Fracking, Divest, and Win a Green New Deal - 5 Successful Steps for Leaders to Win Change
- Elected Officials to Protect America (SC)
First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, and then you win - Gandhi Led by a nationally-renown changemaker and former elected official, this dynamic, …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Another Just Transition: Community-Engaged Research and Learning for Environmental Justice
- Santa Clara University (CA)
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (WI)
To contribute to a just transition to a regenerative economy and an equitable society, academia can accelerate its own shift toward conducting more community-engaged research (CER) for environmental justice (EJ). …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Beyond Campus Boundaries: Transferring your Skills to Support Climate Action in Local Government
- Hampshire College (MA)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA)
- University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (MA)
The climate crisis and lack of national-level action has left many of us feeling like we need to do more - both on campus and beyond. As students, staff, and …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Lots of Watts: Four Campuses Join Forces to Build a Giant Solar Farm
- Dickinson College (PA)
- Lafayette College (PA)
- Lehigh University (PA)
- Muhlenberg College (PA)
- Coho Climate Advisors (MD)
Large-scale renewable energy power purchase agreements can eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from purchased electricity, while saving money and mitigating energy price risk over time. However, most campuses are too small, …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
- Conference Presentations
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Investing in the Just Transition: How to Leverage Your Institution's Endowment
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
- Intentional Endowments Network (MA)
- RBC Global Asset Management
- Low Income Investment Fund (CA)
When exploring how to finance the just transition, the over half-trillion dollars in endowment funds invested by the nation's higher education institutions represent a relatively untapped resource containing immense economic …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Bold Leadership and the Refugee Crisis
- Colorado State University (CO)
- Minnesota State University Moorhead (MN)
Bold leaders are needed to address the current global refugee crisis. Through our interactive presentation we will provide attendees the information they need to become those leaders. We will walk …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Facilitation for Organizational Change
- Trust (MA)
One of the most important, yet often underappreciated, skill sets of any profession is the ability to be a strong group meeting facilitator. Whether it is a small staff meeting …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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The Offset Network: Campus-driven Carbon Offset Projects
- Duke University (NC)
- Hamilton College-Clinton.NY (NY)
- Second Nature (MA)
Most campuses need to use some amount of carbon offsets to meet climate goals. However, few options through traditional carbon markets are affordable and provide the local co-benefits and connection …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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The Union of the Preposterous: Playfully Engaging with Climate Change
- Western Technical College (WI)
We are entering a decade in which the world requires massive climate action. Yet, as sustainability professionals we still struggle to engage people to take meaningful climate action. Equally problematic, …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
- Conference Presentations
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Applied Sustainability: Leadership Lessons From the Field
- Ohio University (OH)
- University of Oregon (OR)
- Local Government Commission (CA)
In order to empower leaders and build momentum for the sustainability movement, we need to embrace the full leadership pathway before, during and after the higher education experience. While much …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
- Conference Presentations
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Transforming Sustainability Storytelling Through GIS: an Introductory Learning Lab
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County (MD)
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a tool traditionally associated with the management and display of geospatial data. The tool is very prevalent, in both the academic and professional realm, with …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
- Conference Presentations
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Teaching Learners, Preparing Leaders: Using Peer Education to Complement the Academic Experience
- Cornell University (NY)
- Ithaca College (NY)
Grappling with the effects of the climate crisis will require new and innovative ways of teaching, learning, and leading to ensure emerging leaders are equipped with the skills necessary to …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
- Conference Presentations
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Developing Sustainability Internships Through an Employer Relations Lens: A Pilot
- The College of Saint Scholastica (MN)
A brief talk on how grant funding and new academic programming in sustainability fostered a pilot to increase experiential learning opportunities. This session presenter is not a subject matter expert …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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A Community College Partnership: Forty-Eight Members in One State
- Illinois Green Economy Network (IL)
The Illinois community college system is the third largest in the United States, educating nearly one million students each year. The Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN) is a consortium of …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Visualizing sustainability: building a robust online sustainability dashboard
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
The University of Washington's recently redesigned its sustainability dashboard. Starting with a group of static graph images presented largely without context, we moved all of our data into Tableau to …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Enhancing Sustainable Approaches to Food Security and Community Engagement through Design of Space
- University of Kentucky (KY)
The Campus Kitchen at the University of Kentucky (CKUK) is a student-led service organization that is a partner agency of God's Pantry Food Bank within the Feeding America's Network. In …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
- Conference Presentations
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Green Advisors, Sustainability Advocates, and More: Building Engaged Community
- Swarthmore College (PA)
This session will focus on innovative, action-oriented engagement opportunities in sustainability for a diverse range of stakeholders at the college and university level. At Swarthmore College, more than 80 faculty, …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Using Hand-crafts to Engage a Campus on the Climate Crisis: 50 Years of Tempestries & a Sketch-crawl
- University of California, Davis (CA)
For the 50th anniversary of Earth Day in April 2020, the UC Davis Office of Sustainability coordinated a master list and website (https://earthday.ucdavis.edu/) of more than 60 events over nearly …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Skill Development Workshops for Impact at UC Berkeley‚ Green Initiative Fund
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
Established in 2007, The Green Initiative Fund (TGIF) at UC Berkeley provides funding, via grants, for projects that improve and support UC Berkeley's campus sustainability efforts. TGIF allocates funds to …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Creating a Sustainability Professional Learning Network
- Colorado State University (CO)
Professional Learning Networks are commonly used by educators to share innovative and unique teaching and learning ideas. In this presentation I will build from the idea of a professional learning …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Food Waste Warriors: Combating Food Waste with Strong Relationships and Education
- University of North Carolina, Asheville (NC)
Through strong partnerships with community members both on and off campus, UNC Asheville Dining Services continues to reduce waste, while increasing educational opportunities around food waste. UNC Asheville Dining Services …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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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
- Description of a formal community partnership to advance sustainability (first partnership)
- Description of a formal community partnership to advance sustainability (second partnership)
- Description of a formal community partnership to advance sustainability (third partnership)
- Website URL - Community partnerships to advance sustainability
EN 11: Inter-campus Collaboration
- The national or international sustainability network(s)
- The regional, state/provincial or local sustainability network(s)
- Description of sustainability conference(s) and presentation(s)
- Description of sustainability resource center or awards program and submission(s)
- Description of sustainability board or committee appointment(s)
- Description of sustainability-related mentoring relationship and activities
- Description of sustainability-related peer review activities
- Website URL - Sustainability-related inter-campus collaborations
EN 12: Continuing Education
- Percentage of continuing education courses that are sustainability course offerings
- Inventory of continuing education sustainability course offerings (upload)
- Inventory of continuing education sustainability course offerings (description)
- Description of sustainability-related continuing education certificate program(s)
- Website URL - Continuing education courses and programs in sustainability
EN 13: Community Service
- Percentage of students engaged in community service
- Number of annual community service hours contributed per student
- Description of program(s) to support employee volunteering
- Website URL- Community service programs
EN 14: Participation in Public Policy
- Description of sustainability public policy advocacy at the municipal/local level
- Description of sustainability public policy advocacy at the state/provincial/regional level
- Description of sustainability public policy advocacy at the national level
- Description of sustainability public policy advocacy at the international level
- Website URL - Sustainability advocacy efforts
EN 15: Trademark Licensing
- Description of the independent trademark monitoring and verification organization
- The labor rights code of conduct for licensees (upload)
- The labor rights code of conduct for licensees (description)
- Website URL - Trademark licensing initiatives
Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.