Welcome to the Environmental Center (EC) Digest! Every two weeks, this little gem of digital media arrives in your inbox full of all things environmental, sustainable, socially responsible, and just plain "green".
Scroll down to check out:
- Environmental Center happenings and chances to get involved
- Community and campus events, initiatives, and opportunities
- Jobs, internships, workshops, and trainings
And of course, our thought-provoking opening thoughts from EC students and staff. Enjoy!
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Taking on Possibilities
Nearly through the first month of 2021, this year has felt eerily like the previous. Despite us all collectively holding our breath and hoping for the new year to magically cure all problems (no? just me?), we remain in the middle of a bit of madness. Still, there's a trickle of hope that with this new year, new administration, new chance to get it right, we might succeed. It may seem naïve at this point to believe that sticking the next number on the calendar really makes any kind of difference, but why be pessimistic? Maybe, we could all use a bit of idealism. Whether it's that wavering commitment to go to the gym, or read a new book every week, or to learn a new language, why not totally immerse in that activity? "New year, new me" oversimplifies what it takes to create a lasting change, but perhaps focusing on this year's little possibilities could be an amazing thing.
Madeline Chandler
EC Student Media & Communications Manager
We don't often do duel intro postings, but Madeline's thoughts inspired me to add just a bit of my own. I read an article today about how different groups are handling the transition to the Biden/Harris administration. What really stood out to me is how much they stressed that this is not the time to sit back and think "great, things will automatically get better now." Yes, the approach to creating lasting environmental and social change will look different now, but the efforts will still require all the energy and dedication they always have. "New year, new world" does not happen without us all putting in the effort!
Marty Pool
EC Coordinator
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Environmental Center Happenings |
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Events, programs, and ways to help make a difference! |
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Getting Back in the Swing of Things |
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Here in the EC, our students have been enjoying a nice long winter break, but we're just about ready to kick off another semester full of environmental and sustainability work! We can't wait to share another semester of making positive change!
Getting connected with the EC is easy. We have opportunities for everyone, from folks just looking to meet some like-minded friends to students looking to commit to more involved leadership positions. The first step is to simply fill out our member sign-up form (and share it with anyone else you know who would be interested)!
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The EC on our fall retreat where we planted baby spruce saplings with Mountain Studies Institute and the US Forrest Service |
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Community Events and Happenings |
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What's Going On at FLC and in Our Local Community |
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Good News for the Atmosphere!
Just this November, 4CORE launched the Four Corners Carbon Offset Fund. In this time, they have already raised well over $3,000 and offset more than 65.58 tons of carbon!
Donations to this amazing cause help those who would otherwise struggle or be unable to afford environmentally friendly efficiency upgrades.
Visit the Four Corners Carbon Offset Fund webpage for more information.
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Join the National Wildlife Federation for the Final Installment of their Creating Safe Spaces Series
From birding to hiking, outdoor recreation on our public lands—big and small—should be welcoming to all and free of fear of violence or harassment. Whether you strive to see more people from your community recreating outside safely or care deeply about enhancing equitable access to the great outdoors, NWF is excited to see you at the roundtable discussion. Moderated by Mamie Parker, pioneering conservationist, and Dianne Dillon-Ridgley, celebrated environmental advocate.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 2 from 6:30 to 8 PM (mountain time)
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Animas Valley Grange 2021 Program Series |
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Animas Valley Grange is hosting a series of events throughout 2021! Events occurring January-April will be held virtually, with those after held as outdoor expeditions.
The organization keeps a detailed Facebook page that includes the full event schedule, as well as other updates from around the area!
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ACT NOW: Make Your Voice Heard on the 30x30 Campaign to Protect Western Land and Water |
Tell state representatives that you stand with protecting our natural resources! According to ecologists, we must protect at least half of all land and water to keep species alive and our planet healthy. This needs to be happening right now! To help gain momentum, environmental advocacy groups are joining forces to send a message: we need to protect 30% of land and water by 2030.
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Jobs, Scholarships, Internships, and more! |
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Volunteer for Outdoor Colorado is Offering Scholarships
Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) is offering four $5,000 scholarships to help make educational dreams possible for Colorado students who have demonstrated a proven commitment to environmental stewardship. It is open to high school seniors and graduate/non-traditional students.
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Volunteer with Manna Soup Kitchen
Manna Soup Kitchen is eager to work with volunteers again, and while it is still very difficult to arrange in-person projects, the organization is accepting remote volunteers for part time work! As time goes on, this should begin to transition to more in person experience. If you are detail- oriented, a team player, have volunteer experience, and love to help people, please reach out to Marissa Hunt for more details or to apply. |
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LPEA is Hiring for a Energy Management Advisor
This position is responsible for providing exemplary customer support for LPEA’s various energy management programs, which focus on promoting the use of electricity as a clean and efficient power source. This position also manages LPEA’s key accounts, acting as the first point of contact with these members and providing them personalized service and support.
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Wilderness Society Intern Opportunity
Manna Soup Kitchen is eager to work with volunteers again, and while it is still very difficult to arrange in-person projects, the organization is accepting remote volunteers for part time work! As time goes on, this should begin to transition to more in person experience. If you are detail- oriented, a team player, have volunteer experience, and love to help people, please consider this opportunity!
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Be Sure to Share Opportunities with Us!
Hey there campus and community organizations! We pride the EC Digest in being an excellent resource for students and community members looking for jobs, internships, and other opportunities in this field. We believe in the power of strong social networks to share this important information.
Know of an opportunity? Be sure to email it to the EC Coordinator, Marty Pool at mlpool@fortlewis.edu
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Your Chance to Explore a New Advocacy Organization |
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The Wilderness Society
The mission of The Wilderness Society is to unite people to protect America's wild places. They support this mission through five principles: We love, respect and are part of the natural world; we believe clean air and water and access to nature are basic rights; we strive for equity and justice in everything we do and seek to reflect the many communities with whom we work; we take bold action informed by sound science to protect and defend nature for all; we collaborate across generations to build a healthier, sustainable future. |
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News and Inspiration from Our Community and Beyond |
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- The US is constructing a bike trail set to span nearly 6,000 kilometers and cross twelve states once finished!
- What if schools all found a way to go green? This amazing mom and climate change activist helped make that dream a reality for this school!
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STAY CONNECTED - Like and Follow the EC! |
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