Eco-Reps Program

Champlain College Eco-Reps are (primarily) residential students who help raise awareness about ecological issues and encourage environmentally responsible behavior from campus residents.

Eco-Reps educate their peers about environmental issues such as waste reduction and energy conservation. They also collaborate on related activities in their residence halls with their Resident Assistants (RA) or other Champlain student event planners.

Eco-Reps act as additional “eyes and ears” regarding the physical operations of the buildings and will alert Physical Plant staff if necessary.

There are currently over 100 similar programs on campuses across the country.

Goals of the Eco-Reps Program at Champlain College

Train, educate, and empower student leaders
Increase student engagement and community building through peer leadership
Increase environmental behaviors on campus (including but not limited to: waste reduction, energy and water conservation, alternative transportation, and conscious consumption)

Program Format & Training

Student Eco-Reps meet with the Sustainability Coordinator on a weekly basis. Each month has a theme with related events & activities. Students are provided related resources and a to-do list for the month.

Throughout the year, students participate in trainings that include: team-building exercises, program orientation, and other activities.

Possible Themes
- Waste
- Energy
- Food
- Transportation
- Water
- Conscious Consumption
We work deliberately to show the intersectionality between these topics and many social justice issues.
Training/Professional Development Topics
- How to Host an Event
- Effective Communication
- Community-Based Social Marketing
- Time Management for Student Leaders
- Collaborations across campus
Activities
- Set up an bulletin board in their residence hall / target area and post information
- Collaborate with residential life staff and/or other campus event planners on programming opportunities
- Conduct audits of the trash and recycling bins in their building/area
- Be a resource person for students in the residence hall/area
- Promote the Green Room Certification Program
- Act as “eyes & ears” regarding res hall operations and report accordingly to Physical Plant staff
- Conduct energy audits of appliances in residence halls
- Conduct surveys about ecological issues
- Attend meetings to plan activities and provide feedback to the Office of Sustainability staff
- Assist with waste reduction activities at move in/move out
- Set up and staff environmental information tables and exhibits
- Go on tours of local sites such as Green Mountain Compost and the Material Recovery Facility
- Develop programs and projects related to your interests

How to Apply

To learn more about Champlain’s Eco Rep position, download the full job description. Eco-Reps must reside in a Champlain College residence hall.

Expectations

Eco Reps must attend training and planning meetings on Wednesday afternoons 3:30-5pm, where you’ll be introduced to a new topic, help plan activities, and brainstorm actions you’ll take in your residence halls and target area over the following weeks. Other duties include group activities, collaborative projects, and opportunities to represent the Eco-Reps Program at various campus events.
Time Commitment

Eco Reps commit an average of four hours per week including one-and-a-half (1.5) hour meetings on most Wednesdays. Much of your work will be done independently and on your own schedule. There will be requests for participation in occasional group events and training opportunities.
Qualifications
- Effective communication skills (through a variety of means)
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Ability to see projects through to completion
- Ability to learn information about environmental topics and relate that information to your peers
- Creativity and fun
- Eco-Reps must reside in a Champlain College residence hall.
What We’re Looking For
- Enthusiastic, engaging individuals who are passionate about environmental and social issues
- Students who can be held accountable for their work
- Folks who have planned events of any size or are excited to learn how to do so
- Students who are willing to learn how to interact and informally educate their peers about sustainability topics
What’s In It For You
- Level 1 student employee pay rate for 4-6 hours of work per week. (You do not have to be work-study eligible, but you can use this position as a work-study job.)
- Professional development, leadership, event planning, teamwork, and peer education skills
- Knowledge of environmental and social justice topics
- The experience of working with other passionate students
- Connections and trainings with representatives from local organizations
- Great resume builder available to students starting their first semester
- Room to grow into roles like Eco-Rep Area Coordinator and/or Eco-Rep Captain

Apply Now!

Questions?

Contact Holly Francis at hfrancis@champlain.edu or (802) 865-5449.

Meet the Eco-Reps

Emma Dannenberg

Class of 2024

Creative Media, Eco-Reps Program and Environmental Studies & Policy Minor

Emma Dannenberg

Class of 2024

School/Division	Division of Communication & Creative Media
Programs	Creative Media
Class	2024
Pronouns	She/Her/Hers
Hometown	Wakefield, MA

Concentrations

Visual Arts and Film

Why does your field matter – how does it impact our world/the average person?

I think separately, my study of art and environmental issues matter so much and impact the world and average person immensely. Art is a universal language, something that is loved, thought provoking, and needed in the turbulent times that we are facing so much nowadays. Art allows for expression of feelings and is also a powerful tool in education and advocating for important things that need to be discussed. I think looking at the intersection of my fields is where I have truly found my life’s passion and purpose, and where I think the world could benefit greatly. This intersection is the realm of environmental art, which is using art as a form of education on the environmental issues we are facing today, such as the climate crisis, mass extinction, deforestation, etc. I think it is an incredible way to reach large audiences and introduce these tougher topics to the mainstream population and get people to become passionate about saving our planet and all the species, including us, who call it home.

Why did you choose Champlain to study this?

Champlain’s smaller class sizes allow me to make connections and build relationships with professors, faculty, staff, and other students. The close connections I have made at Champlain will hopefully allow me to secure a job after college in something that will be supportive, but also something I am passionate about. Champlain’s location in Burlington allows for wonderful experiences and relationships with people, businesses, organizations, and NGOs that are both in the art world and the environmental studies and activism world.

Describe your other professional experiences so far. Have you worked on-campus or in a work-study position?

I have been so incredibly lucky to be a part of the Eco-Reps program as my work study on campus. It is my second year in this position and I can already confidently say that Eco-Reps has changed my life. Dr. Christina Erickson, who runs the Center for Service and Sustainability, initiated the Eco-Reps program here at Champlain and has fostered an inspiring and educational environment that I am so glad to contribute to and learn from. As an Eco-Rep, I’ve had the opportunity to grow my leadership skills, become a peer educator about sustainability practices and environmental awareness, and get to work with an amazing group of individuals. Because of Eco-Reps, I have been able to hear from so many inspiring speakers and play a part in so many amazing events. Most recently, I volunteered with Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s Beach Turtle Nesting clean up at North Hero State Park where I got to learn and be an active participant in the wildlife conservation efforts for the endangered Spiny Softshell Turtle and help release some hatchlings back into the wild. Even though my time here at Champlain isn’t quite done yet, I know that being an Eco-Rep has been one of the greatest opportunities of my experience here.

Office of Sustainability

Location

Skiff Annex, Room 203
163 South Willard Street, Burlington, VT 05401

Office Hours

Tuesday – Friday
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Email us to set up a meeting outside of the academic year

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