Appalachian State University
EN-9: Community Partnerships

Boone Sustainable Development Task Force - The local town government has a sustainable development committee upon which the Sustainability Director has a seat. Appalachian has more than 80 programs with a community outreach focus. From providing student volunteers to offering technical assistance on starting your own business, we are continually developing new ways to serve and partner with the community. The 12 programs specifically involved in the areas of sustainability and the environment are: Appalachian Regional Bureau of Government, Appalachian State University Energy Center, ASU Renewable Energy Initiative, ASU Sustainable Energy Society, ASU Trail Crew, Biodiesel Research and Education Projects, Blue Ridge Parkway Liason Program, Boone Bicycle Initiative, Research Institute for Environment, Energy, and Economics, Sustainable Development Outreach Program, Watauga Green Business Plan, and WNC Renewable Energy Initiative.

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Board Fellows Program (ACT) The Appalachian and Community Together (ACT) office runs the Board Fellows Program. The Board Fellows Program matches undergraduate students with a local non profit board of directors to gain insight into the operations involved in making our many active Community Partners successful. This experience provides students opportunities to be exposed to community leadership, nonprofit management, and governance while gaining valuable skills and experience as future community leaders. Board fellows serve for one year with each partner organization participating in service hours, attending board meetings, and acting as a liaison between the campus community and the organization. Board fellows meet bi-monthly to share experiences and and discuss nonprofit leadership. Non profit partner organizations benefit by gaining increased representation at the university by the Board Member. Board Members help to identify further sources of volunteers and funding from the campus community as well as represent their sponsors at campus events. The BIG Sale (ACT) Items collected from the “Don’t Throw it Away” campaign at the end of spring semesters are used to raise funds for local charities at the BIG Sale held at the beginning of every fall semester. The BIG Sale was a collaborative effort between campus housing, the Office of Sustainability, the ACT office, students, and local nonprofits (the most recent iteration included Watagua Habitat for Humanity and the Hunger and Health Coalition). The goals of this program are to divert waste from the landfill, recycle clothes and large items, and raise money for energy efficiency improvements for partner non profit facilities and operations. This program has grown in volunteer hours and dollars raised every year.