https://www.nwfecoleaders.org/forms/item/58/857

1. Developed an EcoLeader profile, including my personal EcoMission., 2. Contributed to a project in one or more of the following ways: created or added to the EcoLeader project profile, project updates pages, and/or the application for certified project status. Project name and URL are listed below. (All projects must be hosted on EcoLeaders site to be eligible for certification), 3. Informed myself of leadership models and principals in one or more of the following ways: Read articles on leadership, participated in an NWF EcoLeaders webinar series, and/or participated in equivalent program offered by other organizations., 4. Encouraged the wider EcoLeaders community by contributing an idea, question, comment, article, video or photo in the community related to my or others’ projects, or to relevant leadership topics., 5. Sought a basic understanding of sustainability and biodiversity by reading one of the following resources (listed below and linked in the resource box on the right) and providing your top three reflections in the box below.

The first reflection I have from reading the Primer on Biodiversity is on pg 17 during the discussion of invasive species as this hits home. Currently here in NJ we are dealing with the impacts of Spotted Lantern flies. It is scary knowing what negative impacts they will have. Another reflection on pg 25 it reminded me of my own project. Current restoration projects are mentioned and northeastern beaches are specified which is where I focused my study. I agree that restoration efforts are needed along our shores. Here in NJ we are a tourist hotspot, unfortunately this leads to heavy development along our coast/barrier islands, this degrades ecosystems and wildlife. On pg 30 the concept of ecological footprint and the ways you can reduce are introduced. This made me reflect what on the state level here in NJ and what can be done. Such as investing in better public transportation, the plastic and paper bag ban, conserving what open land we have left, and supporting local agriculture.

Identified a need and invented a project to address it., Clarified project outcomes and measures of success., Identified potential risks and strategies to address them., Designed or tested strategies and tactics., Developed short and long-term goals and specific activities to achieve them., Investigated similar projects, Facilitated a team of people to define a vision for the project (or coordinated a planning charrette)., Surveyed people to help define project vision, needs, priorities and/or strategies.

Recruited volunteers to help with the project (beyond the core project team)., Met with organizational superiors or staff and received support for the project.

Raised funds for the project., Organized a fundraising campaign such as online crowd-sourcing or plant sale.

Developed a project management plan with timeline and assigned tasks to team members. , Organized materials, goods or services needed for volunteer service. , Kept a team up-to-date regularly over the course of the project., Documented and maintained a calendar for the project or managed scheduling for key meetings., Created a back-up plan in case the project faced challenges., Worked with the team to prioritize ideas for the project.

Educated myself through reading, participating in a leadership or skills training and/or earning a related credential., Coordinated leadership or skills training for other students., Facilitated professional development or skills training for faculty, staff or community members., Offered or attended a diversity training or spoke up to encourage a diversity of view and perspectives.

Facilitated a situation that required conflict management skills., Offered or attended a diversity training or spoke up to encourage a diversity of views and perspectives., Prepared a checklist of items to bring to an event.

Organized or attended a rally to support the project., Developed an advocacy campaign in support of the project (email blasts, postering, educational gatherings, etc.), Prepared promotional print or web materials., Organized a table about the project at an event.

Prepared a checklist of items to bring to an event., Lead a shopping trip to gather items for an event.

Learned a new technology to help with the project., Gathered scientific data on a regular basis for the project.

Prepared a document or website that explained the project vision and accomplishments., Reached out to diverse groups in the community that had not been previously engaged in the project., Created posters, banners, illustrations or other visuals for the project.

Took photos or videos at project events, and secured releases for their use., Reached out to diverse groups on campus or in the community that had not been previously engaged in the project.

Designed or conducted a formative, summative, goals-based or goals-free evaluation of the project., Took photos or videos before, during and after project, securing any necessary releases for use., Interviewed community members, participants or others., Developed a project report including goals, progress, challenges, lessons learned or next steps.

Applied for an award or other recognition for the project awarded by a third-party that is not employed by the campus (e.g., this can include the NWF application for EcoLeader project recognition or other local or international awards).

Facilitated reflection on lessons learned with one or more teams., Reviewed and revised plans, goals, or policies., Helped develop a plan to broaden and sustain engagement.

Cultivated a mentor or sought advice from others to help manage my personal and professional growth., Participated in a professional association or other support group of individuals who have similar goals, opportunities and challenges., Engaged the support of professionals with team building, leadership, communications or structure.

Preforming research through the reading of peer review articles. Helping your team members when they ask for advice. Challenging yourself to see the flaws in your project and solving them.