1. Developed an EcoLeader profile, including my personal EcoMission., 2. Contributed to a project in one or more of the following ways: created or added to the EcoLeader project profile, project updates pages, and/or the application for certified project status. Project name and URL are listed below. (All projects must be hosted on EcoLeaders site to be eligible for certification), 3. Informed myself of leadership models and principals in one or more of the following ways: Read articles on leadership, participated in an NWF EcoLeaders webinar series, and/or participated in equivalent program offered by other organizations., 4. Encouraged the wider EcoLeaders community by contributing an idea, question, comment, article, video or photo in the community related to my or others’ projects, or to relevant leadership topics., 5. Sought a basic understanding of sustainability and biodiversity by reading one of the following resources (listed below and linked in the resource box on the right) and providing your top three reflections in the box below.

1- The Earth is such a complex and mysterious place, and we shouldn't pretend to understand its myriad of complexities. While there is a vast range of ecosystems around the world, each one serves its own purpose and they all work together to form the world we live in, whether it is obvious or not. All too frequently, humankind jumps too quickly on new discoveries without considering the consequences of our actions, and we continue to not only hurt our planet, but the unique position we are in as humans. 2- Biodiversity is crucial to our survival. Whether we nurture it because of the benefits it serves, or we respect the actors at play within it, we would not survive without it. Biodiversity should be both respected and built upon. 3- While everyone thinks of more drastic weather when it comes to climate change, it also affects economies, lifestyles and ecosystems. The media rarely highlights anything beyond disastrous storms, but there are other major factors at play.

Identified a need and invented a project to address it., Clarified project outcomes and measures of success., Developed short and long-term goals and specific activities to achieve them., Researched or tested options (including various technologies, vendors or costs)., Investigated similar projects, Identified potential risks and strategies to address them.

Recruited one or more other individuals for the core project team., Recruited volunteers to help with the project (beyond the core project team)., Met with organizational superiors or staff and received support for the project.

Met with prospective donors to discuss the project and fundraising needs.

Secured use of building space, land, goods or services., Kept a team up-to-date regularly over the course of the project., Worked with the team to prioritize ideas for the project.

Educated myself through reading, participating in a leadership or skills training and/or earning a related credential., Facilitated professional development or skills training for faculty, staff or community members., Offered or attended a diversity training or spoke up to encourage a diversity of view and perspectives.

Offered or attended a diversity training or spoke up to encourage a diversity of views and perspectives.

Developed an advocacy campaign in support of the project (email blasts, postering, educational gatherings, etc.), Responded to a NWF action alert, Hosted in-person gatherings in support of the project to foster relationships among project participants and other interested individuals., Prepared promotional print or web materials.

Prepared promotional print or web materials.

Learned a new technology to help with the project., Gathered scientific data on a regular basis for the project.

Prepared a document or website that explained the project vision and accomplishments., Created posters, banners, illustrations or other visuals for the project., Developed a marketing/communications campaign for the project (including social media, email, postering, coffee breaks, etc.), Reached out to diverse groups in the community that had not been previously engaged in the project.

Took photos or videos at project events, and secured releases for their use., Reached out to diverse groups on campus or in the community that had not been previously engaged in the project.

Took photos or videos before, during and after project, securing any necessary releases for use.

Applied for an award or other recognition for the project awarded by a third-party that is not employed by the campus (e.g., this can include the NWF application for EcoLeader project recognition or other local or international awards).

Cultivated a mentor or sought advice from others to help manage my personal and professional growth.

1- Welcoming collaboration. Just because it is a good idea does not mean it is the only idea. Additionally, there might be other people out there that can share their knowledge or the work they have been doing, in turn forming an impactful partnership. 2- Maintaining perseverance. There are always obstacles in the way, and sometimes even people that value profit over progress. With the right people working together, we have been able to at least start fulfilling the first steps to a much larger goal of greening up the space. We can't finish what we don't start. 3- Identifying resourceful solutions. Where there is a will, there is a way! When we work together, collaboration and perseverance can offer a variety of creative avenues to overcome obstacles.