Green Schools: A CELEBRATION OF GLOBAL SOLUTIONS TM
A Nexus of Education and Economics
Background
The Inner Connection is a Tucson based non-profit organization that has been in existence since 2002. Our mission is to bring people together under an umbrella of commonality, highlighting similarities instead of differences Our programs have created a lasting impact throughout the community and beyond, creating partnerships with local school districts, Pima Public Library, University of Arizona and a multitude of community groups. We have initiated projects that include curriculum and specially designed programs for K-12 audiences.
Our newest creation is our Green Schools project. This is a multi-year, national scope endeavor. Although the breadth of this project is deeper and longer, our fundamental model of utilizing The Inner Connection as the spark plug and catalyst to empower a community to action is the same. The keystones are collaboration, partnership and synergy.
Project Description
GREEN SCHOOLS: A CELEBRATION OF GLOBAL SOLUTIONS is an innovative, comprehensive and important endeavor that has the promise of changing the way we think about education and energy/conservation. In many ways we are proposing a rather radical concept which is based on systems theory and if adopted will result in the creation of a new educational framework. Interestingly, there is much discussion about the need for energy conservation, new technology creation and its application throughout our society at large; however, there is little emphasis on applying this in our public K-12 education system nationwide. This does not make sense on any level, given the numbers of our citizenry that have some connection to education throughout the United States. The Inner Connection intends to change this through our Green Schools initiative. An excerpt from Thomas Friedman’s recent book, Flat, Hot and Crowded sums up the spirit of this project. “ As David Rothkopf, an energy expert and visiting scholar at the Carnegie Institute said ‘Green is not simply a new form of generating electric power, it is a new form of generating national power-period’” What better place to initiate this new Green National Power than in our schools and with the most precious commodity we have, our children.
The differentiating factor in this project is its holistic nature, leveraging this program throughout the entire school not just one part for a limited time. We are proposing a systemic solution instead of the traditional niche approach, which is the typical way subjects/projects are integrated into a school. The ‘business as usual’ has inherent weaknesses, as it limits the impact and overall effectiveness of a given project. With our systems approach we can really achieve a culture change, creating concentric circles of impact within the school community and beyond. There are many programs that focus on the environment, but none that we are aware of, that integrate the components of our “Green Schools: A Celebration of Global Solutions”.
The Three Foundational Pillars of the Green Schools Project: Curriculum, Community and Facilities
1. A comprehensive, multi-dimensional curriculum that weaves energy/ environment/conservation into all parts of a school, not just science.
2. View School as the "Community " thus including parents, teachers and all affiliated individuals with the school as part of the project, so that what gets learned at school permeates larger community, home life, etc.
3. Complete energy audit of all schools, retrofitting where needed to ramp up the efficiency of school, resulting in saving energy costs. Create comprehensive, school wide recycling program, and utilization of green cleaning supplies; initiation of No Idling program and energy conservation/management program integrated as well as installation of solar on/in school.
We are working with 6 schools in the Tucson Unified School District. Our demonstration schools include 3 elementary, 1 middle and 2 high schools. The program will launch in the academic year 2009-2010. We are bringing together a diverse and expansive group to create and implement this very promising program. We are working with the executive team of the district to create and implement this project. The team spans all areas including facilities, engineering, energy management, curriculum development, science and Opening Minds through the Arts (a multi-disciplinary curriculum approach, utilizing art to inspire and educate.
Green Pueblo Map
Many people are familiar with driving maps, bus route maps, and even topographic maps. But a unique partnership between Pima County, the City of Tucson, and The Inner Connection is launching a first-of-its-kind map in the greater Tucson area: The Green Pueblo Map.
The Green Pueblo Map promises to offer a new perspective on the greater Tucson area with the help of all of us who live, work and play here. In fact, every resident and visitor of the Greater Tucson area is invited to “make their mark” on the map by nominating the sites that showcase the best of the region’s sustainable features – from community gardens and recycling centers to favorite recreation spots and historical sites.
To join the Green Pueblo mapmaking team, visit www.GreenPuebloMap.org and fill out a short nomination form for the sites you feel contribute to our region’s livability and sustainability. The project organizers have already identified 38 “green map” categories that you may want to consider; each comes with its very own icon that will memorialize your nomination on the map. Of course, you may think of a new “green” or “sustainable” category altogether.
Teachers, educators and youth groups are encouraged to visit the “Green Explorers” section of the website and learn about special mapping opportunities. The Green Explorers program will bring the green mapmaking process to classrooms and libraries throughout Pima County.
The Green Pueblo Map will be a resource for residents, students, visitors, existing and prospective employers, and others seeking to learn about the multitude of sustainability assets Pima County has to offer, and those seeking to make greener, more sustainable lifestyle choices. The map will be continually updated on-line, and a printed version of the map will be developed in late 2009.
The locally-created Green Pueblo Map is part of the growing international Green Map movement. Today, there are over 500 Green Maps completed, or in process, in 54 countries around the world. For more information about the Green Map network, visit www.greenmap.org.