Communication from the Chair of the Board
In the realm of environmental education, a significant shift is underway. From the United States to North Carolina and beyond, organizations are embracing novel approaches to empower youth, foster international collaboration, and implement practical sustainability solutions.
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC), for instance, is spearheading this change through its Generation of Environmental Leaders Program (GELP). This innovative initiative brings together cross-national youth teams from Canada, Mexico, and the United States, promoting collaborative solutions to preserve shared natural resources.
The GELP goes beyond funding ideas, offering comprehensive support, capacity building, and mentorship. Youth teams receive training in public speaking, marketing, and project management, and are guided by experts, ensuring innovative ideas are transformed into actionable projects. Each team is awarded C$15,000 in seed funding, with a focus on fostering long-term environmental sustainability and reducing landfill waste.
Meanwhile, the Environmental Education of North Carolina (EENC) supports grassroots projects, such as immersive ecosystem field trips and improved educational materials for new educators, reflecting a trend towards hands-on, community-inclusive education.
The author's association, a key player in this transformation, has launched a new website in January, including a new professional learning hub for EE called the educator portal. The association has also revised its bylaws based on discussions with the board, input from members, and experts in association management and organizational development.
This year, the association is inviting members to play a role in its future, whether serving on the board, Advisory Council, or participating in the annual international conference in Madison this fall. The association is also seeking unconventional partnerships to address changing audiences and new challenges.
The association's efforts are not limited to domestic initiatives. A diverse human community is addressing global environmental issues and solutions, with environmental education leaders bringing nature and people together in various locations such as schoolyards, urban gardens, national parks, and corporate offices.
In the world of arts, the musical "Hamilton" is making waves in the field of education. The Schuyler Sisters, characters from the musical, express excitement about the American Revolution, and the musical is considered a game changer in making American history and civics relevant to today's high school students. The author first heard "Hamilton" in its cast recording.
As we move forward, it's clear that environmental education is evolving, with a focus on youth empowerment, international collaboration, mentorship-backed innovation, and practical sustainability solutions. The future is bright, as we continue to work towards a greener, more sustainable world.
[1] For more information on the CEC's Generation of Environmental Leaders Program, visit their website at [www.cec.org/gelp](http://www.cec.org/gelp).
[2] To learn more about the Environmental Education of North Carolina and their innovative projects, visit their website at [www.eenorthcarolina.org](http://www.eenorthcarolina.org).
- The Commission for Environmental Cooperation's Generation of Environmental Leaders Program (GELP), a groundbreaking initiative, offers comprehensive support and mentorship, merging 'environmental education' with 'movies-and-tv' imaginations, as demonstrated by the educational impact of the musical "Hamilton".
- In the realm of 'entertainment', the musical "Hamilton" serves as a practical example of how education can be made engaging and relevant to youth, mirroring the trend towards hands-on, community-inclusive 'environmental education' championed by organizations like the Environmental Education of North Carolina.
