Poster Session 5, 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A47]

Strengthening Organizations to Promote Community, Action, & Sustainability

Presenter: Rowan Downey

Faculty Sponsor: Heather Ruel

School: Holyoke Community College

Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability

ABSTRACT

Organizations play a vital role in the development and protection of communities and institutions. Without defined and structured functions and capacities, many organizations would fail to uphold their mission. The United Nations, and several other international groups, have identified strong institutions and community partnerships as necessary goals for a peaceful and sustainable world. When it has strong foundations, an organization is capable of working to resolve various issues within its community, such as environmental health, social justice, food equity, administrative dysfunction, and education access. Through direct investigation and observation of student organizations at Holyoke Community College, and referencing official data and research from trusted sources, a series of guidelines and actions will be determined for the formation of strong and effective organizations within a community. When strong organizations are formed, they provide a foundation to create a space where a community's members can connect with one another through common interests and initiatives. This promotes a sense of shared common purpose and united focus, while in turn generating positive action taken by the community. Many of these actions, especially those focused on the community environment and support systems, promote principles of sustainability, such as waste reduction, reduced consumption, and increased local agriculture. Through projects and initiatives following these principles and ideas, the organizations are continuously strengthened and empowered.

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