USGBC-NCC
kicked-off its 2012 regional advocacy efforts with a high-energy
retreat in December attended by 70 volunteer experts – both new and
returning - who came together to present and refine their plans for the
year. Newly organized committees attracted top industry leaders who now
have action plans in four policy areas: sustainable neighborhoods,
green schools, green homes, and sustainable healthcare.
The retreat was the culmination of a several month process to
re-organize the Chapter’s public policy committees and define a focus on
four priorities for the year. The re-organization and planning process
evolved from an assessment of the Chapter’s previous work and
structures, and involved developing new guidelines, procedures, and
planning processes.
In September, the Chapter invited all its members to apply for
sub-committee chair positions. The Public Policy Committee of the Board
and staff worked together to interview and appoint Chairs who
subsequently developed plans in their respective areas.
In October, USGBC-NCC held a kick-off celebration to honor our past
advocacy leaders, recognize and welcome new leaders and to begin the
most important task: a two-month planning process that built towards the
December advocacy retreat. During this time, the newly appointed
expert chairs worked with key Chapter leaders, members, and advocates –
as well as USGBC-NCC/USGBC staff – to develop ambitious and well-thought
out, step- by-step advocacy campaign plans to serve as a foundation for
2012 USGBC-NCC regional advocacy efforts.
We then put a call out for volunteer committee members, and received 90
very impressive applications. Applicants were selected to participate
on the committees, and everyone came together for an inspiring retreat
where committee members got an overview of the overall Chapter plans,
met the whole team, and broke out into their sub-committees to refine
plans, tasks, and assignments.
With record attendance – a majority of which were executive level
professionals and CEOs - the retreat played a key role in recruiting a
larger advocacy volunteer base. Having core 2012 advocacy plans already
in place, this retreat allowed members an opportunity to plug in to
USGBC-NCC's advocacy efforts in specific concrete and meaningful ways.
We received some great feedback about this planning approach and the
role of the retreat. While it took some time – the process began in
September – it really paid off in allowing the Chapter to recruit new
leaders, produce great campaign plans, and celebrate an advocacy New
Year while expanding our base of advocates. We believe this process
will help make 2012 the most effective, action-oriented advocacy year in
USGBC-NCC history that can be built upon in 2013.
These efforts complement USGBC-NCC’s other important advocacy program:
our role in working with the coalition of all 8 California Chapters,
USGBC California Advocacy, which focuses on state-wide issues.
USGBC-NCC Board member Dennis Murphy serves as the Chair of the
California coalition.
With the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo coming to San
Francisco in November, great talent supporting our efforts, and solid
planning, we’re looking forward to having a big impact in 2012!
Interested in getting involved? Interested in sponsoring USGBC-NCC’s advocacy efforts? Contact Ashleigh@usgbc-ncc.org for more information.
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