The Green Bridge: Designing a Connected Alumni Network of Climate Innovators and Leaders

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School of Arts & Sciences::Positive Psychology Center::Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) Service Learning Projects
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Psychology
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Subject
well-being
positive psychology
climate change
alumni network
appreciative inquiry
climate optimism
alumni network
alumni engagement
youth summits
job crafting
science center
adirondacks
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2024
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Adams, Noah; Choksi, Vishwas; Masters, Juad; Peterson, Molly
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Abstract

The Wild Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the Adirondacks, is dedicated to fostering a sustainable relationship between humans and nature. Although its Youth Climate Program and signature annual Youth Climate Summit have successfully empowered young climate leaders, the absence of an active alumni network has hindered broader community engagement and long-term impact. This paper proposes organizing an Appreciative Inquiry (AI) Summit as a strategic, strength-based approach to establish the Youth Climate Summit Alumni Network. By employing the AI 4D cycle—Discovery, Dream, Design, Destiny—the Summit aims to gather all relevant stakeholders in a comprehensive, collaborative process to establish a robust network. The AI Summit Handbook, detailed as an appendix in this paper, provides guidance to facilitate the Summit effectively. It includes foundational theory, structured activities, and practical templates for each phase of the 4-D cycle. This comprehensive resource is a scalable tool for broader adaptation, which serves as a model for other organizations to replicate the process, thereby fostering sustainable impact across communities. The overall anticipated outcome of the AI Summit is the creation of a thriving alumni network that amplifies The Wild Center’s influence on climate advocacy. Significantly, this initiative demonstrates how strategic applications of positive psychology, such as Appreciative Inquiry, can serve as a replicable model for other organizations, enhancing their ability to mobilize and empower themselves to effectively establish their own alumni networks.

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2024-05-14
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