Sustainable Floridians Master Volunteer Program
Mission Statement
To train and inspire a core of volunteers to deliver information to residents on the significance of sustainability; the value of lifestyle choices and its impact on the environment; and the challenge to share the responsibility for protecting Earth's limited resources.
Overview
Are you interested in living a green and sustainable lifestyle? Pinellas County Extension is launching a new University of Florida led program to teach you about green and sustainable practices. This intensive training program creates knowledgeable and motivated volunteers ready to support sustainable education programs in Extension. Volunteers will share this information in the community through programs, events, schools and outreach activities.
- About
- Training
- Your Role
- Sign Up Today!
About the Sustainable Floridian Program
The Sustainable Floridian Program is a volunteer-driven program that will benefit UF/IFAS Extension and the citizens of Florida. The program will rely on dedicated volunteers who have an interest in protecting the environment and giving back to their communities.
The Sustainable Floridians Program will benefit those who complete the training by providing information to motivated individuals to connect personal decisions with information about sustainable practices.
A required number of volunteer hours (30) are needed at the completion of the program for certification. This can be accomplished through many fun community activities in partnership with Extension Agents. Every year, each certified Sustainable Floridian must complete a total of 30 hours (volunteer service and ongoing training) to remain active.
Training Program
Program participants will attend a seven week course that combines group discussions, weekly action exercises and resource materials for an interactive and informative program. Participants will be provided with course materials, books, energy conservation devices for the home, and other products that relate to sustainable living. Each week participants will meet for a half-day session to learn about:
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energy conservation
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local foods
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land use issues
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water conservation, and
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community leadership.
Classes will meet on Thursdays from 9 am to 1 pm.
Your role as a Sustainable Floridian
When you commit to participation in the Sustainable Floridian program and become certified, the Sustainable Floridian takes on the role of educator and activist within the local community. You will work in the following areas to advance the message of sustainability and to create impetus for residents' to answer the call to sustainability. Sustainable Floridians can meet the volunteer hours requirement by
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Giving educational programs to the public
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Supporting youth activities (K-12)
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Writing newspaper articles or blogs
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Researching new and emerging policies and technologies
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Conducting tours and assessments
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Participating in local outreach events
How to Become a Sustainable Floridian
Interested applicants should download and complete the application kit. Completed applications should be mailed or dropped off at the Pinellas County Extension Office located on Ulmerton Road. Applicant packages will be reviewed by staff in the Sustainable Living program area and follow-up interviews will be scheduled with potential program participants
Download Application
Before completing the questionnaires included in the application kit, candidates should review the information at the following links:
Think you might be interested in becoming a Sustainable Floridian? Read more about the:
The Sustainable Floridian Program is being piloted in the State of Florida in 2010-2011. Only select counties and agents are working with interested citizens, volunteers, and government teams to launch the training program.
The Sustainable Floridian Program follows the model of the successful Florida Master Gardener Program and aims to develop engaged citizen volunteers who will become local sustainability champions. The Sustainable Floridian will become an active participant in the mission of the Florida Extension Service to transform societies through lifestyle choices and behaviors.
Participants in the Sustainable Floridian Program will explore values, attitudes and actions through discussion, hands-on learning, and expert testimony from practicing professionals.
Pinellas County is one of six counties participating in the pilot launch of Sustainable Floridians. Pinellas County Extension determined that this program would provide valuable training and education to the residents of the county.
Pinellas County is recognized as one of the most densely populated counties in the State of Florida and with 280 square miles and a population count of approximately 910,000 permanent residents, it’s no wonder why! Census 2009 population estimates identifies Pinellas County as the 6th most populous county in the state with 3,320 persons/sq mile compared to the state’s value of 346 persons/sq mile. This population pressure places tremendous stress on the natural environment and the county has been focused on innovative strategies and policies to support its sustainability goals. Energy and water consumption along with alternative transportation options are the primary areas where the county government and Extension services have partnered to promote “green” programs and strategies that support sustainability.
The 2008 Pinellas County Comprehensive Plan is titled “Planning Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow” and includes a “Planning to Stay” element that outlines the challenges the county faces in attaining its sustainability goals in the economic, social and environmental spheres. The governing principles identify the need for innovation, collaboration, and responsibility to create and maintain a vibrant, urban county.
For more information on the comprehensive plan and related sustainable policies, please visit the Pinellas County Planning Department.
Next Training
April 12 – May 24th, 2012
Pinellas County Extension
12520 Ulmerton Rd.
Largo, FL
September 13th - October 25th, 2012
Brooker Creek Preserve
3940 Keystone Rd.
Tarpon Springs, FL
Class size limited to 20
Apply Today
Select the link below to download the current Sustainable Floridians application.
Download Application
More Information
To learn more about this program contact
Ramona Madhosingh-Hector
(727) 582-2100
rmadhosingh-hector@pinellascounty.org
