By Julia Mericle
News Assignment Editor
Last month, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) announced its new initiative, EcoLeaders, an online community for college students that encourages the creation of sustainability projects and networking with other students.
“EcoLeaders is the only community of its kind for students to connect with others in their region and across the country that have the same interests in the environment and conservation,” Kristy Jones, senior manager of campus ecology at the NWF, said.
Those involved in the EcoLeader community have the opportunity to plan and launch sustainability projects within their campuses or communities and recruit fellow students to join their cause.
“Students are working on many different types of projects from habitat restoration to energy efficiency to waste reduction,” Jones said.
Jones used the example of Aaron Davis, a University of North Texas student and featured EcoLeader, who is working on a project to encourage sustainability of residence halls and student adoption of environmentally-friendly habits.
Students who do not wish to participate in a project may still join the online community to engage in forum discussions or research what other students are doing.
“It is also an opportunity to simply connect with likeminded individuals. The student may not be interested in starting a project or joining one but simply want to meet new folks that have the same interests and hear what they are working on or get advice,” Jones said.
However, according to Jones, the NWF hopes a majority of the members of the online community will become certified EcoLeaders. This achievement can be recognized on résumés and help students gain experience in the environmental field.
“One of the challenges in searching for a job right out of college is that many employers are looking for professional experience,” Jones said. “Through EcoLeaders students can receive recognition for their demonstrated leadership skills— skills such as marketing and outreach, fundraising and volunteer recruitment.”
The NWF will introduce a new career center this spring to provide both current students and graduates with more resources, such as trends in the eco-friendly job market and sustainable job sites.
Jones said she believes the EcoLeader community provides extra support and advice for smaller campus-based environmental clubs. When clubs have a question about their efforts, they can connect with other EcoLeaders to find and share solutions.
Jones said, “The [EcoLeader] community can help campus eco-clubs reach their goals through providing resources, a space to share their project, goals and successes, and to receive national recognition from the NWF for their campus efforts.”
