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 UNH but need help and inspiration? The new UNH 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 UNH 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 UNH 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?
SUBMIT The Sustainability Ambassador FORM
Questions about the program? Contact El.Farrell@bearinterestgroup.com.
Launching summer 2024!
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 UNH 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 Jade.Chalkley@bearinterestgroup.com.
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 UNH Sustainability Ambassador on our website, and on other UNH publications. You are encouraged to add your role as a Sustainability Ambassador, your Sustainability at UNH Micro-Credential badge, as well as your Sustainability Ambassador Micro-Credential badge to your LinkedIn profile.
- Be invited to a special annual celebration and recognition event with UNH 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 Nature Groupie on a landscape/invasive plant clean-up
Partner with Cooperative Extension 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 UNH Serves or other resources (e.g. beach clean-ups, trail building, etc.)
