To achieve sustainability and conservation on campus or in the community creating and implementing policy is often at least a piece of the puzzle.

Campus and community policy is a broad topic and can include involvement with campus, local, state and federal policy; the work of nonprofits; environmental services on campuses and in other institutions; and grassroots community organizations. Regardless of the level or approach, the objective is to alter public policy and social institutions that affect the way we interact with the environment and manage natural resources. In doing so, policy can create new guidelines for land use, reduction of environmental harm, conservation of natural resources, and protect future risks to the natural environment.

There are many ways that you can get involved in campus and community policy, here are a few ideas:

 

Work with your student government to create and implement policy on campus.

Create a petition initiative in your community.

Attend a town hall meeting to learn more about issues in your community and how you can get involved.



Interested in pursuing a policy-related career? Check out the policy and governance careers outlook in the EcoLeaders Career Center to learn more about careers in the field, hear from professionals and map out your career plan.

Campus and Community Policy EcoLeader Projects

Resources

  • American Student Government Association The American Student Government Association works to provide all Student Government leaders and advisors nationwide with networking, research, and information resources and teaches them how to become more effective, ethical, and influential leaders on their campus.
  • Powershift Network The Power Shift Network mobilizes the collective power of young people to mitigate climate change and create a just, clean energy future and resilient, thriving communities for all.
  • United States Student Association The United States Student Association is the country’s oldest and largest student-led organization. They work to amplify the student voice by mobilizing grassroots power to win concrete victories on student issues.
  • University-City Collaborations on Sustainability Research and resources from the University of Colorado, Boulder on examples of successful examples of cities and higher education institutions working together toward sustainability goals.

Endandangered Species Day May 18

       

Take action on campus for Endangered Species Day on May 15. Learn more and get ideas