Operation Green: Improving Our Communities
Erin Wilson is Phi Theta Kappa's 2006-07 International Vice President for Division IV, representing the Arizona, Colorado, Greater Northwest, Nebraska/Wyoming, Nevada/ California, New Mexico, Pacific and Rocky Mountain-Cascade Regions. She is pursuing an Associate of Arts degree at North Seattle Community College in Seattle, Washington.
This year we are setting to work on our new International Service Program for 2006-08, Operation Green: Improving Our Communities, in conjunction with Keep America Beautiful (www.kab.org/ptk). The International Service Program Guide is an excellent resource for learning about the program (like the four focus areas: Education/Awareness, Recycling, Beautification and Clean Communities), brainstorming projects, and gathering more sources of help and information. The printed guide is included in the Chapter Resource Packet, and is quickly accessible online at www.ptk.org/service.
While online, be sure to enroll as a Chapter of Service. Enrolling as a Chapter of Service allows you to be recognized for your accomplishments, keeps your focus on your chapter's service goals, and helps Phi Theta Kappa to know how many chapters are participating.
Your 2006-07 International Officers have set a goal of enrolling 500 Chapters of Service. By having chapters register, we can measure how close we are to reaching that goal. You can monitor how many chapters are enrolled in your region by visiting the online Chapters of Service Directory at http://www.ptk.org/service/track-your-chapters-progress/ . If the chapter across town that you meet with for Satellite Seminars is not registered, encourage them to sign up and then plan a project to work on together!
Although 500 Chapters of Service is a commendable goal, our International Officer team wanted to do even more. With your help, and with the help of Phi Theta Kappa chapters across the globe, we hope to plant 2007 trees by the 2007 International Convention, April 12-14, in Nashville, Tennessee!
If your chapter joins the National Arbor Day Foundation (www.arborday.org) for a $10 membership fee, you can receive 10 free trees, especially selected for your local climate. This opportunity makes our goal of planting 2007 trees more affordable, more accessible, and more attainable for every chapter.
However, tree planting is not the only way for your chapter to get involved-stencil storm drains, start a recycling program, take a tour of a local landfill, do any project that excites your chapter and gets your members motivated to participate in Operation Green.
Running a successful event requires a little planning, but there are many resources for finding that perfect project. Start by looking at the International Service Program website, contacting your local Keep America Beautiful Affiliate, or asking your members to suggest project ideas.
This is also an opportunity for you to fellowship with other chapters in order to give an environmental presentation, start a letter writing campaign, or clean up a section of your local highway. Whatever you choose to do, remember to set a reasonable goal for the project, advertise the event everywhere, wear your Phi Theta Kappa gear when you can, and have fun helping the environment with your chapter members!
Cleaning up the environment doesn't simply have to be a lot of dirty work; it can be a chance to educate your members, bond with your chapter, and network with other chapters in your region. We are excited to see how you will work toward Improving Our Communities!
