Take Action

Why Take Action?

It’s important for all of us that our schools and districts educate students for sustainability and operate for sustainability.

As a community we rely on our schools to provide our children with an education that enables them to create a flourishing future
As tax payers we hope the school system will invest our dollars for optimum social, economic and environmental benefit over the long term
As school and district staff, students, parents and school board members we seek to maximize academic success
As parents and grandparents we expect schools to protect the health of our students as well as that of the environment which we leave behind for our children and grandchildren
The future of businesses and governments depends on our schools to produce a workforce and citizenry that can think, innovate, care and act for sustainability. Also, a school system recognized as a sustainability leader attracts workers and investors from other places
The success of non-profit and for-profit organizations that provide sustainable products and services will be supported by schools interested in and seeking those offerings

Just Start! There is not a right, wrong or best way to start.
There are opportunities for everyone to be involved. See Role-Based Opportunities
The Sustainability Journey evolves as you gain knowledge and experience, and is defined here in three stages:

Group work: Courtesy Jon Yoder and Straub Environmental Center, Salem

Demonstrated top-level support REALLY helps!

Include and train “on-the-ground” staff in order to achieve maximum success.

Change is difficult. It’s very helpful (perhaps necessary) to obtain coaching from someone not employed by the district.