More and more we’re reading about the importance of individuals getting involved in creating a more sustainable planet. We don’t all agree with that perspective; some people think it’s the government’s job and would prefer to leave the work to elected officials. During an interview with National Geographic, the former mayor of New York and one of today’s most outspoken environmental activist, Michael Bloomberg, shared his perspective on where progress is being made to protect the environment. “All this [environmental] progress is not made by the federal government—not the last administration, certainly not this administration—and not made by the state governments. There are a handful that do a little bit; [California governor] Jerry Brown has tried to do some real things. But it’s the local governments, the local companies, and the local nonprofits—that’s where the progress is made.”
For those ready to get involved, finding the right outlet to share your talents can sometimes be challenging. EcoAction Arlington is Arlington’s environmental nonprofit, and we offer several ways you can take an active role in protecting our home here on Earth. We regularly conduct cleanups in Arlington parks and streams and we work with Arlington schools to share hands-on opportunities to help students understand what they can do to improve our environment. And, we also equip volunteers in the Energy Masters program with energy efficiency and water conservation skills to help neighbors living in affordable housing decrease their carbon footprint.
If you’re interested in devoting more time to advancing sustainability, working with like-minded individuals interested in empowering people with the information, tools, and resources they need to live a more sustainable lifestyle, the volunteer opportunities listed below may be right for you.
- Apply for a board position or student board position. Submit your application by February 15th.
- Apply for a board committee by sending a cover letter and resume to the EcoAction Arlington office at the address listed below. Review of applications occurs on a rolling basis.
- Come to our next 40th anniversary event planning committee meeting on Wednesday, January 31 at 7 p.m. at Walter Reed Community Center. We appreciate an RSVP by January 30.
- Joining other EcoAction Arlington committees and action groups like the development committee, membership and outreach committee, website committee, and the R4 (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot) Action Group.
Please also consider joining us at the Getting to Know EcoAction Arlington Social on Monday, January 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Whole Foods in Pentagon City, 520 12th St S #100, Arlington. This will be a great chance to meet other EcoAction Arlington board members and volunteers and find out about opportunities to get involved.
Joining the EcoAction Arlington leadership team is a great way to bring your passion and expertise in sustainability to a small, local organization that’s having a huge impact on our environment and community. We hope you’re ready to join committed volunteers working to make Arlington one of the most sustainable communities in America.