Do you use the water refill stations around campus? Do you believe in and support environmental sustainability? Do you have ideas for new, exciting, earth-friendly projects that will make a difference on campus?
Then become a Planet Blue Student Leader (PBSL)!
PBSLs assist with sustainability projects and are empowered to carry out their own sustainability initiatives and campaigns with resource and staff support. The students work with a number of campus departments and organizations to benefit the environment. Leaders spend approximately 3-5 hours per week on their responsibilities and programming, including outreach to their hall community, planning, project work, and attending trainings. Then you can work with your peers and staff to implement sustainability projects. The rewards? You will gain hands-on experience with sustainability projects on campus and be trained in leadership and communication skills on how to effectively engage others in sustainability.
Recent results
Working with Michigan Housing facilities staff, PBSLs helped bring water refill stations to the residence halls. PBSLs also recently partnered with Housing to create a 12-week composting pilot at Bursley Hall giving residents the opportunity to make a big impact in waste reduction right where they live.The program is sponsored as a partnership between Student Life, U-M’s Office of Campus Sustainability, University Housing, and the Graham Sustainability Institute.
How to get involved
Being a PBSL is a hands-on, paid position where you will take a leadership role in promoting sustainability in your residence hall and across campus. You’ll help spread awareness, lead green initiatives, and make an environmental (and social) impact on your community. The program includes paid sustainability leadership training. Students are encouraged to be sustainability champions in their residence, workplace, building, or school. As a PBSL you will have access to additional resources, recognition events, training sessions, and monthly e-newsletters to help you!
Students from all majors and schools/colleges are encouraged to apply. Preference is for applicants who will live in University Housing during the 2016-2017 academic year, but off-campus students are welcome to apply.
Interested? Fill out statement of interest form and start making a difference on Planet Blue!