Volume 12, Issue 8

August, 2006

Executive Director's Corner: Ali Goulstone Sweeney
(303-273-9527 or director@caee.org)

This Month's Topic: EE and Religion?

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"So what does it mean when Sunday school begins to sound like Ecology 101 and environmentalists (many of them church-allergic) begin to sound like street preachers? Good news for both."
- Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods

Have you noticed any of the recent articles about the religious community working with the environmental community? Check out sites like - the National Religious Partnership for the Environment (http://www.nrpe.org/index.html), National Council of Churches of Christ Eco-Justice Programs (http://www.nccecojustice.org/index.htm), or Eco-Justice Ministries (http://www.eco-justice.org). I've recently come across at least 10 different Christian denomination statements about the importance of care for the environment. I was surprised by the environmental literacy focus in many of these statements because I didn't realize the Christian church was even talking about the environment.

Yet, despite all that different religions are doing to create environmental understanding and stewardship, very few (about 1%) CAEE members represent a religious organization as their primary affiliation.

Why is that?
It is very apparent that CAEE isn't representing religious communities and their work in environmental education. This seems to be an area of huge growth potential for CAEE and environmental education. And I'd like to get a little more information.

Specifically - please email me at director@caee.org with your thoughts on the following questions (or any other concerns you may have):

• Has your organization consciously decided to work with religious organizations? What kind of environmental education do you provide? To what kind of religious organizations?
• Has your organization consciously decided NOT to work with religious organizations? For what reasons?
• Is your organization prepared to provide theologically sound environmental education? If so, how did you build this capacity?
• Are you interested in being a part of a committee to work on how CAEE can partner with religious organizations to build support for environmental education, and increase the effectiveness of environmental education?

Take CAEE's Online Stakeholder Survey!

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WE’RE ALL EARS!

The Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) needs to hear your voice in our new online stakeholder survey. Over the past 15 years, CAEE has successfully expanded its services for environmental educators in Colorado. Yet, we need feedback from stakeholders throughout the state to help shape our future. We ask you to help us by sharing your thoughts, ideas and concerns. We will use your responses to better meet your needs.

The survey should take only about 20 minutes, and will make a big difference for environmental education in Colorado. Complete the survey by September 1, 2006 and your name will be added to a drawing to win a $100 certificate to Gaiam (a Colorado-based business providing products and services at http://www.gaiam.com that support the environment, a sustainable economy, and healthy lifestyles).

Visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=914452267908 to complete the survey today!

Your help is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions please contact info@caee.org or 303-273-9527.

Last Chance - Environmental Education Awards

The deadline for nominations is August 25th!

Colorado Environmental Film Festival

A celebration of the inspirational, educational, and motivational power of film!

September 23-24, 2006
American Mountaineering Center
Golden, Colorado

CAEE is excited to present the upcoming Colorado Environmental Film Festival! Throughout the weekend, informative and entertaining films will explore interconnected ecological, social, and economic themes, while engaging speakers and audience discussion, plus an expo of environmental organizations, will enrich the experience. Movie-goers will leave inspired, surprised, motivated, entertained, and transformed!

This unique event will include:

• Feature length and short films (including films from The Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival on Tour on Sunday, September 24). Visit http://www.ceff.net for the film schedule and tickets.
• A kids' movie room on Saturday and Sunday, featuring a selection of films from Bullfrog Films for kids of all ages
• Thought-provoking dialogue
• A VIP reception
• Information from a variety of groups from around the state!

Attention teachers! Bullfrog Films has study guides available for each of the films shown in the kids' room! This is a great opportunity to preview films you might use in your classroom. Visit http://www.bullfrogfilms.com for more information on these films.

Expo of Environmental Organizations
If you are part of an organization focusing on education and the environment, become a part of the first Colorado Environmental Film Festival as an exhibitor! Share your organization's mission and connect with audiences from Denver and beyond! Exhibits allow you to discuss your latest programs and activities and show an interested audience your innovative technologies and practices that contribute to a sustainable society. You will also have the opportunity to connect with representatives from other environmental groups.

Volunteers
You can help make this event possible! Volunteers will receive admission to one segment of the film festival for each shift worked. To get involved in this exciting event, contact CAEE.

Supporters
Many thanks to these organizations and individuals for their support of the first Colorado Environmental Film Festival:
The Colorado Mountain Club for graciously hosting this event in the American Mountaineering Center, Bullfrog Films for supporting the Children's Film Room, and Ball Corporation, Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, US EPA Region 8, and John Fielder for sponsoring this festival!

These planning committee partners are contributing countless resources to present this event: The Colorado Mountain Club, The Wildlife Experience, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Golden GREAT, Colorado State Forest Service - Project Learning Tree, and the National Wildlife Federation.

Visit http://www.ceff.net or contact CAEE at 303-273-9527 or info@caee.org for more information, tickets, exhibitor applications, volunteer and sponsorship inquiries.

Bulletin Board

Upcoming Events

Visit www.caee.org/calendar.html for an online listing of upcoming events!

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Gore Range Natural Science School - Learning Local Mushrooms with Ellen Jacobson, August 22 & 23, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Fruits of the forest, Rocky Mountain summer mushrooms are 'out' in full force. Learning Local Mushrooms is a great way to get your feet wet, or advance your skills, in the art of mushroom identification. Cost: $65/day or $120 both days. Register in advance: 970-827-9725 ext. 10. Info and registration forms at http://www.gorerange.org

The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks environmental art presentations with internationally-known guest artist Lynne Hull. To see samples of Lynne Hull's work, visit http://www.eco-art.org. Reservations required, call 720-564-2083 to register. For a full list of all programs, visit http://www.NatureHikes.org
(1) Environmental Art from Lascaux to Last Week: Environmental Art in the USA, Europe, and Africa, Aug 25, 7 - 9 pm. Join Lynne Hull for a slide program to explore the role of artists as interpreters of nature. This indoor presentation will span historic traditions focusing on painting and photography to current exciting and controversial artists working on remediation, restoration, and reclamation. Chautauqua Community House. No admission charge.
(2) Functional Sculpture: Enhancing Bird and Wildlife Gardens, Aug 26, 9 am - 3 pm. Lynne Hull will show you how to add functional sculpture to bird and wildlife gardens. Beginning with a hike to look at "natural" wildlife habitat, we'll continue with ideas for designing and working with natural materials to create sculpture useful to wildlife by providing shelter, water or food assistance. Create a sculpture on site as a part of an OSMP habitat restoration project. Hull recommends that workshop participants attend her slide talk as an introduction. Workshop is free.

1st Annual Better Living Expo, September 17 at The Wildlife Experience in Parker. The event is sponsored in part by CO Division of Wildlife, CO State Parks and the CO Lottery. CAEE members will not only receive a discount on the vendor/exhibitor space, but D&D Marketing Concepts, Inc. will donate $25 to CAEE for each space you purchase! CAEE member cost is $200 (for profit cost is $250). This is a perfect opportunity, as fall begins, to reach out and speak to people about your organizations and missions and ensure your message is heard, to increase your visibility, to sell your products and raise funds, sign up new members, distribute information, increase your mailing list and database, all to a targeted consumer in a pleasant atmosphere. For further information, contact Debby Pfauntsch at 720-261-6829 or debby@ddmarketingconcepts.com. http://www.betterlivingexpo.info.

2006 Regional Children's Environmental Health Summit: "Children's Health and Their Environments: Making The Connection." September 19-21, Vail Cascade Resort and Spa, Vail. the conference provides further education to health, environment, and education professionals; sharing and encouraging the spread of information on children's environmental health issues; and identifies actions and strategies aimed to protect children from environmental health threats. Please visit http://www.epa.gov/region8/humanhealth/children/ for details.

Metro Volunteers' 11th annual 16th Street Mall Volunteer Fair. September 14, 10:30 am - 1:30 pm. Recruit volunteers, showcase your agency and network with other nonprofits. Nearly 30,000 people and more than 100 nonprofit agencies will be on the mall. Registration will be available at http://www.metrovolunteers.org - $50 for Metro Volunteers members; $65 for nonmembers. Space is limited. Registration deadline is September 1, 2006. Contact: Martina Torres, martinat@metrovolunteers.org, 303-282-1234 EXT 300

13th annual National Public Lands Day - September 30. National Public Lands Day (NPLD) provides an opportunity for volunteers to join together across the nation and work towards the common goal of improving public lands. NPLD worksites can involve all sorts of activities such as picking up trash, planting trees and flowers, building or repairing trails and bridges, removing invasive plants, collecting native seeds, improving wildlife habitat, restoring shorelines, putting up bird boxes, stabilizing stream banks, painting picnic tables, and many more. For information, Contact Claudia Kessel, Program Coordinator, claudia@neetf.org, (202) 261-6478, http://www.publiclandsday.org

The Aspen Climate Action Conference, October 11-13. How is your community addressing global warming? Resorts and destination communities, from mountains to the seaside, have the unique and high profile opportunity to demonstrate commitment, to educate, and to inspire millions of visitors into action. The Aspen Climate Action Conference provides a forum for business and community leaders to learn about emerging policies and initiatives underway, network with peers, and create partnerships to stop global warming. Attendees will learn how leading resort and destination communities are taking actions to address global warming. A wide range of strategies and opportunities will be presented. Details and registration at http://www.SustainableConferences.com

Career

Note: these announcements are only position highlights and are not intended to be all-inclusive.

NAAEE/EE-Link offers a jobs database service for EE job seekers or employers seeking EE staff.

To view job postings, visit: eelink.net/eejobsdatabase.html

To submit a job to the database: eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/add_job.cgi

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Colorado Division of Water Resources Employment Opportunities. The Colorado Division of Water Resources is currently recruiting to fill various positions statewide. Complete job descriptions and instructions for applying may be found on the State of Colorado job website: http://www.gssa.state.co.us; click on Agency; and go to the Department of Natural Resources tab. For general information about DWR's positions, interested candidates may go to www.water.state.co.us or contact Jo Ann Thomas at joann.thomas@state.co.us.

Colorado Division of Wildlife Temporary Positions:
(1) Public Outreach administrative assistant. Assists the Education coordinator, Watchable Wildlife coordinator and volunteer program for the northeastern region of the state. 6 month position. Responsibilities range from general office work to workshop preparation; hosting information booths; supporting/coordinating volunteers; planning and producing education materials, portable exhibits, fliers etc.; providing on-site interpretation. Work primarily weekdays; occasionally evenings or weekend days. Approximately $11.50/hour. Closing Date: August 25, start: September 2006.
(2) Program Assistant for Wildlife Education Specialist, NE Region, Denver. Assists the Education specialist by managing certain aspects and duties of their job for the northeastern region of the state. 3 to 6 months temporary job. Responsibilities range from workshop preparation and planning; supporting Project WILD facilitators; planning and producing education materials; working with school and district administrators; working with Bear Aware volunteers; attending various team meetings. Work primarily weekdays; occasionally evenings or weekend days. Approximately $17.00/hour. Closing Date: August 21, start: September 2006.
To Apply: Contact Stacy Wolff, 303-291-7337. Send resume and letter of interest to Colorado Division of Wildlife, 6060 Broadway, Denver, 80216 or stacy.wolff@state.co.us

Jefferson County Open Space, Volunteer Services Coordinator. Deadline: August 24, 2006. The Volunteer Services program offers meaningful volunteer service opportunities for citizens to support and enhance the Jefferson County Open Space Program. Under general supervision, develops, coordinates, manages, promotes and administers a comprehensive volunteer program for all operating sections of Open Space. In addition, coordinates and administers civic and community group volunteer service projects, court appointed community service workers and unpaid internship opportunities. Range of Consideration: $2,450-$3,133/month. For application and information, visit www.co.jefferson.co.us and link to the Human Resources Department. Applications and announcements can be picked up at: Jefferson County Human Resources Department, 800 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 140, Golden, CO 80401. (303) 271-8400

Grants, Awards and Competitions

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Starbucks Giving Voice Grants. Proposals submission period: August 1 - September 1. This Starbucks grant program is for youth that integrate literacy with personal and civic action in the communities where they live. Grants range from $5,000-$20,000. http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/grantinfo.asp

Excellence in Environmental Journalism Awards. Deadline: September 15. Reuters Foundation and the World Conservation Union 2006 Media Awards for Excellence in Environmental Reporting are open to journalists in print and online news services throughout the world. Journalists are invited to submit entries related to environment and sustainable development. http://www.iucn.org/reuters/2006/enter.htm

President's Environmental Youth Awards. Deadline: October 31. President's Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA) recognizes young people across America for projects that demonstrate their commitment to the environment. K-12 students sponsored by an adult submit evidence of a completed project as defined in the application to their local EPA regional office. http://epa.gov/enviroed/awards.html

Resources and Announcements

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New Diversity Content Available on NAAEE Web Site. EETAP, Intercambios, and NAAEE have teamed up to provide environmental educators with information and resources on EE and diversity at www.naaee.org/programs-and-initiatives/diversity/cultural-diversity-eetap/. This is part of a long-term effort to boost the ability of people working in EE and related fields to involve and work with culturally diverse audiences. There are six site sections that will focus on a different aspect, quarterly.

American Public Media's new website dedicated to sustainability contains features from "Marketplace" and "Marketplace Money" as well as sustainability-themed stories which appear on its "Speaking of Faith" and "Weekend America" programs. The website also allows people to join a "Living a Sustainable Life" discussion group. The new focus for American Public Media gives web viewers and radio listeners a chance to review recent sustainability stories reported on, find resource links, use online surveys and simulations on topics explored in its reporting. http://americanpublicmedia.publicradio.org/sustainability/.

Posting of resources or events does not constitute endorsement of those materials or activities by the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education or sponsors of CAEE.

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Phone: 303-273-9527 Fax: 303-273-5780
E-mail: info@caee.org

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