Sustainability Ambassador Program
Are you passionate about sustainability and contributing to a sustainable campus? We encourage you to get involved with TMU’s Sustainability Office through the Sustainability Ambassador Program for students, faculty and staff who are interested in promoting a culture of sustainability through peer-to-peer education, engagement, research and action.
Part-time or full-time students, faculty and staff from any department who have a positive attitude with a passion for sustainability are encouraged to get involved and volunteer. You can help shape our green future with tools and information that empower our community to support the goals of TMU’s Sustainability Action Plan.
Your efforts can support key focus areas
If you have the ability to take the lead and work cooperatively in a team, you can help advance sustainability and eco-conscious practices that can be used on campus and at home. Good environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility and with your help, we can make a difference through key on-campus channels.
Zero Waste Education
Educate the campus community on proper recycling and composting practices and the importance of reducing waste on campus. We’ll train you on all you need to know about zero waste, waste management on campus and how it differs from the way waste is sorted at home. We’ll also equip you with knowledge about what the university does to advance sustainability and the operational efforts required in the context of a large, higher-education institution.
Educational outreach
Join our outreach team and help increase education and engagement on campus about all things related to sustainability. As part of the outreach team, you’ll have the opportunity to present information and develop implementation plans to collaborate with student groups, faculties, departments and business units who are looking to improve their sustainability practices.
Campus events
Support ongoing events that take place throughout the year. As part of the team, you’ll be able to provide extra support to help make events a success, both virtually and in person. We are also always interested in supporting your special talents, skills or grassroots, interest-based initiatives.
The Sustainability Ambassador Program is a volunteer leadership program open to undergraduate and graduate students.
You will work with a team of like-minded peers to lead and inspire students, faculty and staff with initiatives, presentations and campaigns that promote sustainability. Work is conducted with guidance from the Sustainability Office and in collaboration with university researchers and institutional partners.
Take away valuable leadership skills and knowledge of best practice engagement strategies to inspire behaviour change and motivate participation.
What you’ll gain from the role
- Get an in-depth understanding of sustainability and learn how you can turn that knowledge into action.
- Build leadership skills, relationship-building skills, event coordination and presentation skills, to name a few.
- Take advantage of mentorship and networking opportunities and be a part of a growing sustainability community.
- Get experience to build your resume and demonstrate your capability in tackling sustainability issues.
Earn a Level-Up Badge and Boost Your Co-curricular Record!
The student Sustainability Ambassador program is part of TMU’s official co-curricular program, Level-Up. It provides recognition to students for their involvement outside of the classroom and presents an official record to prospective employers and graduate schools to complement their academic transcript.
Students fulfilling the participation requirements of the ambassador program will automatically receive a badge that can be displayed on their resume and/or Linkedin profile to demonstrate knowledge of sustainability. Learn more about the Level-Up program.
Commitment
Student Sustainability Ambassadors are expected to:
- Attend one mandatory orientation/training session (approximately 1.5 hours).
- Attend at least four bi-weekly team meetings to connect, collaborate and share knowledge.
- Engage other students through activities and events and contribute to the overall program goal of engaging and informing 20-25% of the campus student population.
- Fulfill two out of three focus-area team requirements:
- Zero Waste Team: Promote waste reduction, the Five Rs and proper waste sorting through conducting at least three waste monitoring sessions/tabling
- Events Team: Support at least three events or campaigns (e.g planning, day of support, photography, etc.)
- Educators Team: Conduct at least two classroom presentations, student group/club presentations, or residence presentations.
The Sustainability Ambassador Program is an opportunity for TMU’s faculty and staff to take a leading role in fostering a culture of sustainability across our campus.
Inspire your colleagues by spearheading sustainability initiatives and campaign engagement. Build momentum for sustainability in your department and help make a tangible difference.
Photo of staff participants in a Sustainability event.
What you’ll gain from the role
- Learn about sustainability best practices that can be applied within your department and campus wide.
- Collaborate with a diverse group of faculty and staff who share your passion for sustainability
- Make a real difference in reducing TMU’s environmental footprint
- Contribute to sustainability discussions that help shape practices and policies that support TMU’s strategic objectives and long-term sustainability goals.
Commitment
Employee Sustainability Ambassadors are expected to:
- Attend one mandatory orientation/training session (approximately 1.5 hours). The training session will help develop your skills and knowledge to meaningful changes in your workplace.
- Connect, collaborate and share knowledge at quarterly team meetings. Build on your knowledge of sustainability-related topics and explore the challenges and opportunities for advancing sustainability practices on campus.
- Contribute two hours of work time* per month on promoting and implementing sustainability-related campaigns and practices.
- Take away knowledge you can use to educate their co-workers on topics that will help foster a culture of sustainability at TMU.
*Manager approval may be required for activities that take place during regular business hours.
Questions?
If you have questions about the Sustainability Ambassador Program, please contact Erica Wilkimson, sustainability coordinator, at sustainability@torontomu.ca or 416-979-5000, ext. 556273.