Interested in being a Sustainability Ambassador?
"I highly recommend Ambassador Program; they provided me with the tools and resources I needed to make a meaningful impact. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to get involved in their community!"
- Jamie Walther, Assistant to the Dean, Paul College
Sustainability Ambassadors
Embracing NH Through Community Engagement and Giving Back
Are you organizing things like food drives, invasive species clean-ups, or other community events? Or are you interested in helping lead these efforts for colleagues at Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø but need help and inspiration? The new Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø Sustainability Ambassadors program aims to connect faculty and staff across campus who want to be part of a community that cares about people and planet and the wellbeing of our communities – and have fun while doing it!
The Sustainability Institute and the Office of Research, Economic Engagement and Outreach are partnering to coordinate the Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø Sustainability Ambassadors program, a new community of practice and a gateway for networking, collaboration, and idea and resource sharing. The program is open to all Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø employees: You do not need to be an expert in sustainability! You only need to have a strong interest in making a positive impact - engagement projects of all kinds help build communities that are healthy and resilient.
Interested in getting involved in the program?
Questions? Contact El.Farrell@unh.edu.
1. Can I use my benefit of 8 hours of paid Community Service as part of my Ambassador community service work?
Yes! Please make sure your hours are approved by your supervisor.
2. Are students eligible to be a Sustainability Ambassador?
At this time, the program is only open to Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø faculty and staff. Sustainability Ambassadors are welcomed to invite students to participate in planned community events. Students who are interested in getting involved in other sustainability-related volunteer, internship or hands-on experiences should contact Kelsey.Farrell@unh.edu.
Why be an ambassador, and what do they do?
- Be part of a cross-campus community that cares about people and planet and the wellbeing of our communities.
- Meet new colleagues at our Sustainability Ambassador networking events, make new connections across campus, and serve as a resource
- Make a difference on campus and/or in local communities by facilitating community engagement projects for colleagues from your unit*
- Provide regular input and feedback on ongoing campus efforts and share challenges and opportunities from your unit/team
- Be invited to events to learn about the latest campus sustainability efforts and exciting new practices, including Lunch and Learns and Sustainability Ambassador networking events
- Build valuable peer education, coaching, planning, and facilitation skills
- Provide peer coaching to incoming Sustainability Ambassadors
- Be recognized as a Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø Sustainability Ambassador on our website, and on other Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø publications. You are encouraged to add your role as a Sustainability Ambassador, your , as well as your to your LinkedIn profile.
- Be invited to a special annual celebration and recognition event with Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø Leadership
- Contribute to building a culture of sustainability!
*Did you know all benefitted staff and faculty receive 1 day each year to be used for community service, yet only 2% of employees used this benefit in FY23?
What are examples of engagement projects ambassadors could plan and organize?
food drive in your department for Cats Cupboard
Work with Trash 2 Treasure to provide necessary volunteer support for spring collections and/or fall move-in sale
Work with on a landscape/invasive plant clean-up
Partner with to engage in community-based service
Facilitate a "Sustainability Lunch & Learn" discussion for your unit (e.g. around a topic, and/or sharing sustainability news, events, and resources with your colleagues, etc.)
Participate in off campus sustainability-related community engagement offered through or other resources (e.g. beach clean-ups, trail building, etc.)
