Hello!

So sorry for the delay in last week’s post! The reason this post is so late is because we have added a new member to our collaborative team! Leslie Strader works with the Mayor’s office and she is also working on developing a guide for the elementary school program they are creating for Columbus City Schools. Erin contacted Leslie because the last part of our guide will explore ways for schools to effectively engage with local and state government institutions regarding environmental issues and Leslie was among our resource contacts we were going to utilize for guidance. When it was discovered that the mayor’s office was also developing a resource guide, a collaborative partnership was suggested! Their guide has a curriculum-based focus while ours will encompass a wider range of issues, however there is much we can learn from one another and use to make our individual projects the best possible. In fact, what is kind of exciting about this collaboration is that Leslie will be able to use the extensive research I have been conducting in areas that extend beyond a curriculum focus to help support the Columbus City Schools elementary school program. While I am very passionate about the opportunity to help develop a green schools network for Central Ohio that will help facilitate greener schools, the actual programs for students, especially elementary school age, represent a wonderful opportunity to reach the minds and hearts of young people.

Reading over Leslie’s guide, I cannot help but feel excited and thankful that there are people committed to bring fun, engaging opportunities to learn about the environment to the bright minds of Columbus schools. To be perfectly honest, while I love the chance to learn about the communities outside of Columbus, C-bus will always have a very special place in my heart. And what many people don’t know, myself included until I began this Fellowship, is that almost every public school in Columbus is has inner-city school status. Disheartening as this is, people like Leslie Strader represent a group of professional adults who work tirelessly to improve and support the schools within Columbus that are so deserving of such dedication.

So! The reason that my post is late is because adding Leslie to our team also added a new deadline! The first draft of Green Columbus’ resource guide was due for submission and consideration yesterday so I spent the first part of this week working to complete as much as possible. I will admit that stepping back, I feel a tremendous sense of pride and humbling appreciation that I am able to help support schools develop green programs. It is truly a wonderful type of work-contributing to something that is bigger than you.

Lastly, a fun reminder! Tomorrow, July 21st from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Green Drinks is happening at Woodland’s Tavern in Grandview! I guarantee is will be a great night so come get your green (and your drink) on! Here is the link to their website with directions!

http://www.woodlandstavern.com/

Alex ~Green Columbus