AASHE Conference 10 October 2010

Bailey Kilbourne – University of FloridaExecutive Director & FounderGators Going Green AgencyStudent Government

OutlineUncovering opportunities for effective change on

campus

Examples of student-led change efforts at UF

Common threads for success

Gators Going Green

Identifying OpportunitiesThe pessimist complains about the wind.  The optimist expects it

to change.  The leader adjusts the sails. - William Arthur Ward

Optimistic Realism

Research

Campus Culture

Students & SustainabilityStudent Education• Sustainability Major• Sustainability Minor

Student Clubs• Gators for a Sustainable Campus (GSC)• Greeks Going Green• U.S. Green Building Council, UF Student Chapter • Bio-energy and Sustainable Technology Society • American Solar Energy Society at UF • Human Rights Awareness on Campus • UF Environment, Science, and Policy Society• Students Making Trade Fair • Engineers Without Borders• Change the World• UF Roots and Shoots• UF Students in Free Enterprise • EnVeg

Setting the StageEmpowered Leadership

InternshipsB20 Buses, Lighting InitiativeRenewable Energy FeeMinor in Sustainability Studies

Low Hanging FruitGreen Graduation PledgeStudent Leadership Convergence

Creating A Successful ProgramWork within institutional framework

Understand how decisions are madeCulture mattersProjects and Organizations already in motion and

successful

Consider stakeholdersMeet people where they areFind common threads – make connections

Importance of reflection on effectivenessBuild Partnerships – Seek DiversityChange may not happen on your timetablePolitical will must be there

Student Government

Gators Going Green“Gators Going Green’s mission is to constantly work towards implementing policies and programming which brings about sustainable improvements to

the University of Florida. Gators Going Green seeks to be the link between Student Government and the Student Body, the

University of Florida, and the Gainesville Community by promoting sustainable initiatives, addressing the needs of the student body for future

generations, and establishing a permanent culture of environmental awareness”

Steps to ImplementationNetworking

Point contact and representative to spearhead project

Determine best branch and directionPoint contact in Student Government and Senate

to start developing and writing legislation Develop Framework

Mission Statement, Bylaws, Structure, budget Approval

Executive BoardSenate Vote

Steps to ImplementationLogistics

Positions/ApplicationsWebsite Logo

Realistic First Year GoalsLocal and National climatePartnerships

Evaluation

Current

ProgramsDirector of Outreach

Student Leadership ConvergenceSustainable Organization FairSustainability Monthly Events

Director Of EducationGreen Graduate Pledge & ReceptionNew Student Programs Alumni Relations & Activities

ProgramsDirector of Programming

Campus Activities, Speakers, and Sustainable EventsTOMS comes to UF, Earth Day

Internal AffairsEducate Senate and CabinetExecutive Board Platform Items

External AffairsCommunication with community outside universityState wide campaigns Initiatives - Renewable

Energy Fee

Growing PainsTime & Dedication

Starting Small

Saying no to projects

Making it a priority

Pleasing stakeholders

What about your campus?Each campus cultures is differentQuestions/comments/discussion

Thank you!Thank you!