Commission urges ideas for volunteer projects and eyes federal education grant

At its February meeting, the Green Bay Sustainability Commission’s community engagement group asked commissioners and community partners to submit ideas for sustainability volunteer projects and described a near-term opportunity to prepare for a federal environmental-education grant.

Staff and commissioners said the grant supports environmental-education programming for communities and nonprofits; the deadline is in March and the group does not expect to prepare a submission this year but plans to explore it for next year if suitable projects are identified. The work group asked members to include key details in submissions — project name, location, impacted city departments, estimated costs and materials, and time commitment — to make requests actionable for city staff and potential volunteer matches.

Commissioners described using a compiled project list to match volunteers (Leadership Green Bay, scouts, corporate teams) to specific needs — for example, boardwalk repairs or targeted park projects — and encouraged more precise proposals rather than general requests.

The commission also reported outreach to Southwest High School about re-engaging students in a youth engagement group; staff will meet quarterly with student organizers if students assemble and designate a school staff sponsor.

The community engagement report was received and placed on file as part of the consent to file motion.