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Center for Service and Leadership helps students engage in learning activities that address human and community needs. Service learning is the process of integrating community service and critical thinking exercises into the curriculum to enhance and enrich student learning and development. Academic credit is offered to students in classes where faculty includes a service-learning component. Volunteer opportunities, service-learning forms, and handbooks are available at http://www.gmu.edu/student/csl/.
Mason Recycling and Waste Management maintains and operates approximately
4.5 million square feet of facilities on 806 acres of grounds. In-house
staff handles most routine and preventative maintenance. The web site
includes contact information, pickup information, how to recycle, and
a list of acceptable recycling materials. http://www.gmu.edu/gmu/recycling/pudays/index.htm
http://www.gmu.edu/news/gazette/9709/recycle.html
Student Activities strives to create a holistic learning community designed to complement academic studies and enhance the overall educational experience of the student. Through involvement and participation in leadership, cultural, governance, service and social activities, students will be challenged to think critically and develop skills and competencies preparing them for success in the greater global society. The Student Leadership & Community Service Awards offers awards that are designed to honor individuals, recognized student organizations, and advisors that have made outstanding contributions to their communities through their involvement, service and leadership development activities http://www.gmu.edu/student/sa/about.html.
University 100 Community Service Section 026 is a two-credit course offered at George Mason University. It is intended to help in the transition from high school to college. The main objectives are to develop relationships with classmates, the instructor and the peer advisors, to establish knowledge of campus resources and review skills for success in and out of the classroom. The web site also includes a list of useful resources on campus http://mason.gmu.edu/%7Enanderso/edit772basic/finalproject/index.html <back to top>
Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment is a community-based project whose interest is to educate and assist citizens, schools, businesses and community organizations in Arlington County with the creation of wildlife habitats that provide food, water, shelter and places to raise young. The site offers a newsletter, upcoming events, an opportunity to join an e-mail list, and more resources. http://www.arlingtonenvironment.org/programs/wildlifehabitat/
Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory protects wildlife and habitats in coastal Virginia through field and land conversation. It is a non-profit observatory founded in 1994 to carry on and expand established annual songbird banding stations. They conduct field research, public education, and land conservation. http://members.tripod.com/cvwova/
Community and Volunteering is one of the county’s greatest assets – a strong sense of community http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/living/community/. A citizen can get involved with community or citizen associations, or volunteer at one of the parks, libraries, Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court to help contribute to the quality of life in Fairfax County.
Fairfax County – Environment includes areas of interest such as Air Quality, Domestic Animals, Wildlife, Dumping/Filling, Forest Pests and Mosquitoes, Sewers, Soil, Storm water (Drainage), Trees, and Trash and Recycling http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/living/environment/
Fairfax County Park Authority – offers information about upcoming and recent news, including planning and development and hearings. The web site offers a list of how to find a park and how to find a particular activity. It also reports special events, and offers administration items such as park rules, frequently asked questions, employment and internship opportunities. http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/parks/
4-H Program is an organization where young men and women can get the experiences that help them to be leaders. To learn more about animal science, citizenship, communications, natural resources and environmental education, foods, nutrition, and health, visit http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/leadership.html
Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia consists of individuals, corporations, faith communities and civic organizations helping to build homes, which are sold to low-income families. The web site offers contact information, why it exists, and accomplishments. http://www.charitablechoices.org/charities/HHNV/default.asp
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers a wealth of information
on Chesapeake Bay, Public Lands, Wildlife & Plants, Fish and Shellfish,
Natural Resource Police, Forestry, and Education for Children. DNR offers
information about hunting and fishing licenses, rules and regulations,
and classes on hunting and boating safety. Employment and Internship
opportunities can also be found here. http://www.dnr.state.md.us/sw_index_flash.asp
Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA) provides general
information about NVRPA, a list of facilities, administration, such
as volunteer programs, and a list of the regional parks. http://www.nvrpa.org/.
Under http://www.nvrpa.org/getinvolved.html, the web site offers information
about volunteer opportunities and regional parks. For a complete list
of parks, such as Hemlock Overlook, Algonkian, Bull Run, and the W&OD
trail, and the facilities they offer, go to http://www.nvrpa.org/facilities.html.
Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) include such links to Construction and Land Use, County Facilities, Environment, DPWES e-Services, Public Works and Utilities, and Trash and Recycling. The Trash and Recycling web site includes Frequently Asked Questions, Recycling and Waste Reduction in General, at Home, at the Office, and in the Yard. http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/dpwes/
Virginia AmeriCorps offers a variety of programs of service activities throughout the commonwealth including such examples as Community Housing Partners Corporation, The Good Shepherd Alliance, Inc., Habitat for Humanity, Virginia Crime Prevention Association, and Our Health, Inc. http://www.vaservice.americorps.org
Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) covers such programs as state parks, soil and water conservation, natural heritage, dam safety, recreation planning, and land conservation. News releases, jobs postings, publications, laws and regulation, special events, and environmental education are additional links available. http://www.dcr.state.va.us/
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) protects and enhances Virginia’s environment, and promotes the health and well being of the citizens of the Commonwealth. DEQ develops environmental regulation and permits regarding air quality, water quality and waste disposal. The web site offers public information for businesses, for educators and students, and for the communities. It also offers news releases, public notices, studies and data, and contact information. http://www.deq.virginia.gov/
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries develops a comprehensive
strategy for managing wildlife in Virginia. The Department uses State
Wildlife Grant funding for a variety of essential conservation projects.
The web site offers such information as where to get hunting/fishing
licenses, 2005 regulation review and amendment process, the Virginia
Wildlife magazine, and how to report a wildlife violation, along with
safety tips for the month. http://www.dgif.state.va.us/
Virginia Department of Health offers many reports on toxic waste and
other related topics such as Superfund. It includes a list of pertinent
programs regarding toxic substances, such as Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services and Department of Energy. VDH also offers other
health related information from A-Z topics, family health services,
safety tip recommendations, and a list of Virginia health care providers. http://www.vdh.state.va.us/index.asp
Virginia Naturally – adopted in 2000 as the official environmental
education initiative goals of the Commonwealth, Virginia naturally strives
to link Virginians to environmental information and promote lifelong
learning about Virginia’s environment and stewardship of the commonwealth’s
natural and historic resources. The web site has links to teachers & students,
families & communities, volunteer & stewardship, environmental
information, and resources. http://www.vanaturally.com/
Water Environment Federation based out of Alexandria, Virginia was
founded in 1928 as a not-for-profit technical and educational organization
with members from varied disciplines who work towards the preservation
and enhancement of global water environment. Their web site offers
information about who they are, how to join, resources, and events. http://www.wef.org/
YMCA of Metropolitan Washington offers many programs such as community service, health and fitness programs, child care, camps and youth and family services. Many community services, such as young child literacy project, kid’s computer workshop, food bank, family literacy, seniors programs, and many more, are available. http://www.ymcawashdc.org/ <back to top>
Corporation for National and Community Service engages Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service to help strengthen communities. Through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America has mobilized a new generation of engaged citizens. The programs help thousands of national and community nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, schools, and local agencies meet local needs in education, the environment, public safety, homeland security, and other critical areas. National and community service programs work closely with traditional volunteer organizations to broaden, deepen, and strengthen the ability of America’s volunteers to contribute not only to their communities, but also to their nation. http://www.cns.gov/
National Park Service, under the U.S. Department of the Interior, has many opportunities to become involved in a stewardship of these national treasures by volunteering, working, or interning in one of 380 parks. http://www.nps.gov/
National Wildlife Federation (NWF) protects America’s wildlife by representing the power and commitment of four million members and supporters along with affiliated wildlife organizations in 47 states. The web site has the history and structure of NWF, a list of what they do, and awards and honors given. “Your Yard” links to a variety of places in the United States such as South Riding (http://www.nwf.org/backyardwildlifehabitat/southriding.cfm) and Reston, Virginia, (http://nwf.org/backyardwildlifehabitat/reston.cfm), as sample certified areas. http://www.nwf.org/
Peace Corps traces its roots and mission to 1960, when John F. Kennedy challenged students to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. Now more than 178,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have been invited by 138 host countries to work on issue ranging from AIDS education and information technology to environmental preservation. On the web site look for the mission statement, history, books on the Peace Corps, what volunteers do, where volunteers go, and how to apply. http://www.peacecorps.gov/
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides many services including conservation agency (Natural Resources and Environment) that encourages volunteer efforts to protect soil, water, and wildlife on 70 percent of American’s lands. The site offers other subjects such as agriculture, food and nutrition, marketing and trade, rural and community development and travel and recreation. http://www.usda.gov/
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers community planning and development in regards to energy/environment conservation. HUD offers a list of compliances, resources/library/ laws and regulations, and environmental subjects. For an address of a HUD office near you, visit http://www.hud.gov.
U. S. Department of Human Service includes the Office of Community Service (OCS) that is responsible for federal programs that promote the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals, and communities. OCS represents a modest collection of discretionary and block grant resources. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/
U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal agency primarily responsible for setting, maintaining, and enforcing environmental standards. EPA leads the nation’s environmental science, research, education and assessment efforts. EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for American people. EPA includes many topics such as Clean Water Act, Global Warming, Hazardous Waste, Human Health, and Recycling to name a few. The Recycling segment it gives an overall description, the three-step process, facts and figures, opportunities, and other related links. http://www.epa.gov/
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is concerned with our nation’s wildlife and land conservation. It offers many recent articles of events and occurrences. Also U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is broken down into many sections of the United States, and links to each section are found by region. Other links include employment and volunteer opportunities, history, laws and policies. http://www.fws.gov/
USA Freedom Corps is the President’s call to service. Housed at the White House, the USA Freedom Corps is working to strengthen our culture of service and help find opportunities for every American to start volunteering. The comprehensive network gives individuals service opportunities that match their interests and talents in their hometowns, across the country or around the world. A list of national service programs and volunteer service initiatives can be found at http://www.usafreedomcorps.gov/.
Plant Native offers a link to the importance of planting and preserving
plants that are native to our country. It offers links to the nation,
and its regions, and individual states. It offers contact information
to a variety of preserves, societies, and conservancy that promote
and protect native wildlife. http://www.plantnative.org/
Science Daily offers the latest in news over many science-related topics, such as plants, animals, earth, climate, matter, energy, fossils and ruins, agriculture, astronomy, biology, Earth Sciences, and many more. http://www.sciencedaily.com/
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) provides leadership and
encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing,
and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without
compromising that of future generations. UNEP includes resources for
governments, scientists, journalists, businesses, civil society, and
children and youth. http://www.unep.org/ <back
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