Can you tell us a bit about how this club got started?
The Sustainability Club started as the Environmental Committee for faculty and staff only. In 2017 the committee decided to change the name to Sustainability Committee when Sarah Barfels was Chair.
In order to encourage the exchange of ideas between everyone on campus students were invited to participate and the naming was changed to the Sustainability Club and Committee in 2018 which encompasses faculty, staff, and students.
In 2022 a charter was written and approved for a Sustainability Committee to become an officially recognized Kirkwood committee.
What is the purpose of the club?
All are invited to help increase awareness of environmental issues and address sustainability concerns on campus. We will host creative workshops, guest speakers, share tips, screen documentaries, etc. Get more information on the Sustainability Club & Committee Facebook page.
The Kirkwood Sustainability Club & Committee exists for students, faculty, staff and administration to work together developing solutions to our climate crisis through sustainability efforts on all campuses while aligning with the community’s climate action goals.
When and where do you meet up?
We usually meet once per month on campus and are working to establish a routine meeting time that works with a majority of the club members.
What do meetings consist of?
We spend our meetings discussing current projects and project ideas, listen to speakers, possible field trips, and working on projects.
Past examples of projects have included constructing bat houses from reclaimed wood, creating seed balls, planting seeds for fresh produce and picking apples to benefit the Kirkwood Food Pantry.
What are some benefits of joining?
Get involved to help the planet! Make Kirkwood and our community more sustainable! Serve as a lead or co-lead of a project to build your resume!
How can students join?
Email either advisor: Jessica Westin or Elizabeth O’Brien.
Who are members of the leadership team?
Co-Advisors Jessica Westin or Elizabeth O’Brien.
Do you have plans for any upcoming events?
Nothing planned but we love new ideas and encourage new students to come pitch their idea!
Is there anything you would like to add?
Kirkwood Community College recently approved implementing a Climate Action Plan to identify key priorities for the campus community as it relates to sustainability and climate action. All faculty, students, and staff will receive a link to complete a short 5-minute survey and share their perspective. In addition, there are ways to get involved and help with the Climate Action Plan. Please reach out to the Sustainability Club and Committee if you have questions.
Information provided by Sustainability Club Co-Advisor Elizabeth O’Brien.
Outreach Coordinator | Distribution Manager
Categories: Club Corner, Feature
