Integrating Sustainability into

Greek Life Empowering Students and

Creating a Sustainable Campus Culture

Kelsea SearsFellow, Office of Sustainability

sears.kk@gmail.comBiology & PsychologyCollege of Charleston,

2014

Virginia WhorleyFellow, Office of Sustainability

whorleyv@gmail.comPolitical Science & Env.

StudiesCollege of Charleston, 2015

Why Greek Life?Integral part of campus communities around the

country 9 million students are involved in Fraternities and

Sororities Frequent philanthropy & social events Core values influence members

Greek Life promotes preserving identity and values, while instilling leadership and making a positive impact on others. This

overlapping mission with our Office drove the development of the Sustainable Greek Chair Program.

Sustainable Greek InitiativeAt the College of Charleston

Cross-programming Making sustainability

accessible Co-hosting events Promoting sustainability Sustainable Greek Chair

program

Sustainable Greek Chair Program

Representatives from each organization participate in regular meetings, workshops and events. Strive to represent the National Panhellenic Council,

Interfraternatity Council, and the National PanHellenic Council

Meetings, Workshops, & Events

Mission of the Project

Office of Sustainability: "To generate and apply knowledge through holistic praxis to create sustainable solutions that transform society by rethinking, redesigning and restoring integrated systems.”

Sustainable Greek Initiative: “To integrate and apply knowledge of sustainable practices within Greek Life to better the college community as a whole.”

Project TimelineFall

2011• Office of Sustainability

established• Greek Life Initiative

Spring 2013

• Greek Chair program launched

• Presented at Borelli Awards

Spring 2014

• 21 Chairs, 13 Organizations, 3 councils

• 1st Greek Life & Office of Sustainability Event

Fall 2014

• First Zero Waste• Water Bottles• Hands on learning

Spring 2014 Renovated Sustainable Greek Initiative

New project leaders, adjusted structure Increased participation Sustainability Week

Fall 2014 Hands on learning

Activity based Developing relationships Marketing Recruitment

Tips & Tricks Work from the inside out

Start slow & develop relationships Get members involved in the process

Understand campus traditions Incentives Awards

Be patient & don’t give up Change comes in small increments Reevaluate often

Have fun!

Questions?

sears.kk@gmail.com

whorleyv@gmail.com