Hello and 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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Thankful for What?
Some of you may know that the upcoming break from classes here at Fort Lewis College is intentionally called "Fall Break" as opposed to "Thanksgiving Break". As an Indigenous serving institution, this intentional choice of language is out of respect for the fact that the myth of the first Thanksgiving is disrespectful and damaging to the Native peoples of this continent. The myth was certainly something that I learned when I was in grade school. Sadly, it wasn't until one of my college courses included the book Lies My Teacher Told Me for reading and discussion that my eyes were opened to the harm of this myth (and many others perpetuated in US history classes, then and to this day).
Across this country, many people believe that challenging these superficial and inaccurate historic myths is somehow an unacceptable "rewrite" of history. Well, I agree that it is a rewrite, but I disagree that it is unacceptable. How can it be a bad thing to give a more accurate representation that allows for a broader collection of voices to be heard? If our identities are wrapped up in these myths, then having them challenged can be hard, but it's necessary.
I now take this reflection into every Thanksgiving holiday. I reflect on my upbringing and how my identities have allowed me to navigate the world. I learn from the prospective of others who have different identities and perspectives from my own. And I also celebrate what is at the core of the intent of this holiday: a harvest dinner, a reason to come together with loved ones, and a chance to express gratitude for the good things in your life, even among the hardships and injustice. I like to think there is enough room at the table to hold all these thoughts at once: challenges to harmful myths and celebration for things that are nearly universal in their humanity. At the same time, I respect those who refuse to take part in the holiday in defiance of the lies associated with it. In any case, I hope over course of the next week you can find something to be thankful for and be grounded in at least some kind of gratitude.
Marty Pool
Assistant Director, Fort Lewis College Environmental Center
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Environmental Center Happenings |
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Events, programs, and ways to help make a difference! |
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EC Harvest Celebration Gathering
Join us for the next EC Gathering, a Harvest Celebration and Upcycling. The potluck will include dishes featuring ingredients from our very own campus growing spaces! Plus, we'll be doing an upcycling activity to transform discarded t-shirts into reusable shopping bags for the Grub Hub! We're excited to see you all there, but especially everyone who helped out in the growing spaces this year - come taste the rewards of your hard work!
Bring your own bowl and cup- please! Bring a friend or two, and as always, feel free to share engagement opportunities or general educational information about a social / environmental cause close to your heart. Remember: all majors, groups, backgrounds, and perspectives are welcome. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
When: Wednesday, Nov. 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM
Where: Colorado Room, 2nd floor of the Student Union (right above the EC office)
Cost: FREE!
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Help us get our reusable container program back on track by taking this survey!
COVID was rough for the world of reusables. But we're dedicated to getting back on track. The Environmental Center and Campus Dining are studying user habits of people who take to-go containers to help us launch a reusable container program on campus!
Oh, and just a reminder that you get a pretty sweet discount when you use your own mug or beverage container at our Campus Dining coffee shops!
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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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Curious about Electric Vehicles? Come to the FLC EV Show and Tell!
The future of cars is electric, but maybe you're not sure what it takes to make the switch. Come check out some different models, chat with owners, learn about incentive programs for purchasing, and get to know what it's like to have your own EV!
When: Tuesday, Nov. 16 from 1 - 2 PM
Where: FLC Electric Vehicle Chargers - South Rim Parking Lot (between Sitter and West Hall)
Cost: FREE!
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Share Your Thoughts about Our Regional Food System!
The Good Food Collective is hosting multiple online listening session roundtables to gather feedback from local food system stakeholders throughout our region. The information gathered from you will help in future planning and creating a stronger, more equitable, and resilient food system in our region.
Regional stakeholders invited from: Montezuma, Dolores, La Plata, San Juan, Archuleta Counties; SUIT or Ute Mtn Ute Nations; Northern NM, Eastern UT, and Northern AZ.
If you are unable to participate in one of our Roundtables, but have ideas that you would like to share, please reach out to us at info@goodfoodcollective.org or 970-403-5347.
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Support San Juan Mountains Association by Volunteering for Christmas Trees for Conservation
SJMA's annual tree sale is one of their largest annual fundraisers, and there are several volunteer opportunities for you to help out!
Nov. 20: Tree Cutting
Help carry trees to the roadside or meet us at the tree lot to help unload from 12-2 PM. TREE CUTTING SIGNUP
Nov. 22-23: Tree Lot Set up
Help us unload and prepare trees in preparation for the tree lot opening day on Friday, Nov. 26. TREE LOT SET UP SIGNUP
Nov. 26 - Dec. 19: Tree Sales
Sign up for a 3 hour shift to help sell our Christmas Trees, a fun activity this holiday season. TREE LOT SALES SIGNUP
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Retrospective to Real-time: Public Lands Perspectives
Mark your calendars for SJCA's upcoming November Scoop hosted by San Juan Citizen Alliance (SJCA) long-time Lands & Forest Protection Program Manager, Jimbo Buickerood! The event will focus on the major lands campaigns SJCA has devoted its time to over the years, including the Dolores National Conservation Area, the Valle Seco Land Exchange, and Stop the Pillage at Wolf Creek, to name a few. Jimbo will also speak to his years of expertise and give some pointers on how people can best get involved in these issues.
Whether you're a new or a long-time member of SJCA, this Scoop will be an excellent source of information and updates on some of SJCA's longest and most involved campaigns! We must all work together to preserve the biodiversity and integrity of the lands we all love.
When: Thursday, Nov. 18 from 5 - 6 PM
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A Meeting of Sacred Waters (Te Huinga Wai Tapu in Māori)
A Meeting of Sacred Waters (translated from Te Huinga Wai Tapu in Māori) will be held on November 18, 2021. This one-day virtual event will provide space for sharing Indigenous worldviews, values, and perspectives to reclaim the health of the world’s rivers. The program will feature a keynote from United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, José Francisco Calí Tzay, and a world premiere screening of the film From the Mountains to the Sea, a 2021 American Indian Film Festival selection, followed by a panel discussion featuring film participants.
When: Thursday, Nov. 18
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Conscious Gift-Giving This Holiday Season
Check out these excellent resources on how to be just a little more mindful about your holiday purchases and consumption.
The Colorado Public Interest Research Group is hosting a webinar to highlight their Buy Less, Give more holiday gift guide. It includes 10 ideas for reducing waste around the holidays that focus more on creating connections and memories. |
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Green Drinks is Back In Person - one week early in Nov!
Your favorite sustainability happy hour, Durango Green Drinks, is happy to be the place where you can come together and meet other folks who care about the same things you do! Hosts this month are San Juan Citizen's Alliance and San Juan Mountains Association. And don't think if you know Juan you know them all!
When: Thursday Nov. 18, from 5 - 6:30 PM
Where: 11st Street Station
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Jobs, Scholarships, Internships, and more! |
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The Old Fort is Hiring for Positions at All Levels!
Love growing food? Interested in Ag? The Old Fort has opportunities for anyone interested in farming, with positions open for various levels of experience. Check out the links below for the following positions: Farmer-in-Training, FIT, Program (new farming training); Incubator Program (new farmer start-up program); Production Manager (staff position).
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Climate Adaptation Scientists of Tomorrow (CAST) Program
Undergraduate Research Experience
Recruiting the next generation of climate scientists!
Build your climate science skills in a cohort of 12 undergraduate students with common interests across the U.S., lead an undergraduate research project, build strong professional partnerships with a scientist-mentor, graduate students, and faculty scholars, and participate in trainings to prepare for a career in climate adaptation science!
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Durango Airport part-time Environmental Analyst
A great introductory position for environmental and building engineers! the Environmental Assistant will assist with assuring regulatory compliance with federal and state environmental regulations as they pertain to water treatment, wastewater treatment, airport wildlife management, storm water pollution prevention, and fuel storage as well as providing technical support to all Airport departments. This position works 2-3 days per week, with at least two of those days occurring on the weekends. Schedule can be compatibility with classes and the opportunity to gain some hands-on experience in the science/utilities field by working with our water and wastewater team.
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Mountain Roots Healthy Futures AmeriCorps
The Mountain Roots Healthy Futures Program engages individuals of all ages and backgrounds to contribute their time, energy, and talents to improve personal, economic, and environmental health for communities in rural Colorado. Members will have key roles in identifying community need, determining service plans, developing, and implementing community-based projects, supervising volunteers, and reporting on the measurable outcomes of member service. Members gain valuable work experience, while the host sites and communities they serve benefit from the services the members provide. In this application, it will be important to clearly state your impact through member service.
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Real Food Generation is Hiring a Part-Time Communications and Fundraising Coordinator
Real Food Generation (“RFG”) harnesses the power of youth and universities to create an equitable and sustainable food system. The Real Meals Campaign is an unprecedented coalition of national organizations representing farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and environmentalists working to change the food service management industry. Uprooted & Rising is a movement to end college and university support for Big Food and white supremacy in the food system and to direct the energy of our generation toward food sovereignty.
Applications due ASAP!
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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 Marty Pool, EC Assistant Director, at mlpool@fortlewis.edu
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