The Mobile County Public Schools Environmental Studies Center recently held its spring Open House event. Soon after, we joined the Discovery Hall Program for Discovery Day at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, which is their annual public outreach event. The role of these educational institutions, which are a part of the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Education and Extension Team, as centers of learning and research, is important to students of all ages. However, the role of these institutions in engaging with their surrounding communities is just as important. Community engagement and outreach are vital components of non-traditional educational facilities.
Non-traditional education facilities play a significant role in creating environmentally responsible citizens. Many people still lack an adequate understanding of critical environmental issues or how their actions impact the ecosystems around them. Through outreach events, the public can interact with exhibitors in a fun and comfortable environment to learn about ecological challenges. Topics such as waste reduction, pollution and wildlife appreciation are often presented. The goal is to create public awareness that leads to the adoption of eco-friendly behaviors. Educated communities are more likely to support and engage in environmental protection initiatives.
Community engagement can also be greatly helpful to the institutions themselves. Engaging with the community can lead to fresh ideas for programming or exhibits helping to keep institutions relevant. Successful outreach events can bring about an increase in donations and funding once the public engages with and understands the mission of the institution. We find outreach events bring about an increase in volunteers and material support which can greatly reduce financial overhead.
As a final thought, having active community engagement keeps the institution relevant to the community. Fostering a good relationship with the local citizenry helps keep them satisfied with the performance of the institution and more likely to accept recommendations on relevant issues. This can lead to better conservation efforts and support for policies that support our local wildlife and coastal ecosystems. Healthy coastal ecosystems return the benefit through job creation and strong eco-tourism revenue.
Environmental education facilities spend most of their time educating young people preparing them to become future policy makers, leaders, and scientists. However, engaging with the communities they serve should be fundamental in their goal to create a stronger future for us all.
Meet the author
Tracy Jay, Ed.D.
Director, Environmental Studies Center
Tracy Jay is a member of the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium's Engagement and Education Team. She is the director of the Mobile County Public School System's Environmental Studies... Read more
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