Opportunities for civic action, volunteerism, participation, and engagement with EENC's work. Advocate for environmental education in North Carolina! Take Action Speaking Up for the NC Office of EE Unless: Your Voice Can Make A Difference for EE in North Carolina Support The 2024 Let's Grow Together Campaign! Updates from the Road to 100 Urgent Action Alert: Advocate for Federal Appropriations Supporting Environmental Education N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources launches ‘Learning Happens Here’ initiative 1 2 3 4 5

EENC Members have the exclusive opportunity to apply for our annual mini-grants. Mini-Grant Program 2025 Mini-Grant applications are now CLOSED. What difference would $250 make for your teaching? Could it pay for that workshop you’ve been dreaming of taking? Materials for a professional development course you want to facilitate? Resources for an environmental education project in your community? EENC recognizes that in our field, sometimes a little bit goes a long way in making a difference for the teachers, non-formal educators, government employees, students and volunteers we work with. Open to all paying members of EENC, the goal of this grant is to provide support to promote excellence in environmental education across North Carolina. EENC awards mini-grants annually; accepted proposals can range from $50 to $250. Members may submit one proposal per year, either on their own behalf or on behalf of an organization or school. Funding will be distributed on a reimbursement basis to awardees after their p ro jects are completed. What You Can Apply For: Anything that would promote excellence for environmental education in NC, including but not limited to: professional development course fees, substitute teacher fees to allow professional development attendance, student field trip fees, educational books or m aterials for facility/classroom/workshop, garden resources, staff time to deliver programming to a new audience, etc. Eligibility Criteria: Our Mini-Grant Program is a member benefit . Professional, Student, Senior, New to EE, Life, and all Organizational Members may apply. The 2025 mini-grant application will be open from Monday, March 17th through Friday, April 18th at 11:59 PM; all applicants will be notified of their status in early May. Funded projects must take place within the 2025 calendar year. The 2025 EENC Mini-Grant program is made possible by the generous support of the Glass Foundation, Inc . The Foundation strives to help Western North Carolina thrive as a whole community educationally, environmentally, and culturally and offer a distinctive quality of life. Past Mini-Grant Application Cycles and Awardees Announcing EENC’s 2025 Mini-Grant Awardees Now in its 7th year, we are excited to continue our successful mini-grant program in supporting the teachers, non-formal educators, government employees, students, and volunteers we work with across North Carolina. Jun 15 Meet EENC's 2024 Mini-Grant Awardees Map of all mini-grant awardees to date, with orange pins representing the 2024 awardees. It's the best time of year – the time when we... Mar 26, 2024 Reflections and Accomplishments from The First Five Years of EENC's Mini-Grant Program 2023 marks the fifth year of EENC’s mini-grant program, an innovative, equity-driven member benefit that promotes excellence in... Dec 27, 2023 Celebrating 2023’s EENC Mini-Grant Awardees Each year, EENC awards mini-grants of $50-$250 to support members’ environmental education efforts. This year’s six awardees used this... Dec 8, 2023 Congratulations to our 2023 Mini-Grant Winners! EENC recognizes that in our field, sometimes a little bit goes a long way in making a difference for the teachers, non-formal educators,... Apr 6, 2023 2023 Mini-Grants for EENC Members Open for Proposals What difference would $250 make for your teaching? Could it pay for that workshop you’ve been dreaming of taking? Materials for a... Jan 18, 2023 Celebrating 2022 EENC Mini-Grant Winners Each year, EENC awards mini-grants to ranging from $50 to $250. This year’s nine winners used this funding for school gardens, community... Dec 9, 2022 Announcing 2022 Mini-Grant Winners Congratulations to the 10 educators of this year’s mini-grant! This Earth Day, EENC is thrilled to announce that we're helping 10 EENC... Apr 21, 2022 Now Accepting Proposals: 2022 EENC Mini-Grant What difference would $250 make for your teaching? Could it pay for that workshop you’ve been dreaming of taking? Materials for a... Feb 10, 2022 Sharing Successes from 2021 Mini-Grant Awardees This year EENC awarded our third year of funding through our annual mini-grant program! These grants provided up to $250 to cover time, ... Dec 20, 2021 Announcing 2021 Mini-Grant Winners EENC is thrilled to announce that we're helping 11 educators from across our state in the third year of our mini-grant program. With... Apr 14, 2021 2021 Mini-Grant Application Opens What difference would $250 make for your teaching? Could it pay for that workshop you’ve been dreaming of taking? Materials for a... Jan 11, 2021 Congratulations to our 2020 Mini-Grant Recipients! Wow what a year! When EENC announced our mini-grant winners back in April, none of us had any idea of what the year ahead would look... Dec 15, 2020 Announcing 2020 Mini-Grant Winners! Environmental education is not cancelled! EENC is thrilled to announce that we're helping 10 educators from across our state take on EE... Apr 16, 2020 Apply now for 2020 Mini-Grant! What difference would $250 make for your teaching? Could it pay for that workshop you’ve been dreaming of taking? Materials for a... Jan 24, 2020 Celebrating EENC's First Mini-Grant Awardees 2019 has been a big year for EENC. We've launched lot's of new resources and events - but this was also the first year we've awarded... Dec 20, 2019 Congratulations to Our First Mini-Grant Recipients! After a detailed review by a committee of EENC life members and board members, we are proud to announce the recipients of EENC's... Apr 10, 2019

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See the schedule and description of EENC's 2022 conference, held in Raleigh. 2022 Conference Join us for the 31st Annual Environmental Educators of North Carolina conference at NC State’s McKimmon Conference & Training Center in Raleigh, NC! This year’s conference will be held September 9 to Saturday September 10, 2022. Plan ahead now for pre-conference workshops, field trips, and more on Thursday, September 8. We are excited to announce that the 2022 conference theme is rEEdefine: redefining how we connect, reflect and identify in the field of Environmental Education. During the conference, we will delve deeper into what EE looks like in our state, the exciting and surprising places where EE is happening, and why EE should be designed for and accessible to everyone. If you have any questions about the conference, please contact Michelle Pearce at programs @eenc.org . Keynote Speaker: Dr. Rasul Mowatt Our Keynote speaker will be NC State’s very own Dr. Rasul Mowatt, Department Head of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management. Dr. Mowatt’s research centers on the production and restructuring of urban space, primarily within cities, and how that impacts what we understand to be the function of race, gender and class in a society. Most recently his teaching and research culminated in his book titled "The Geographies of Threat and the Production of Violence: The State and the City Between Us,” published by Routledge press in 2021. In his free time, Dr. Mowatt is a DJ. Schedule

Thank you for your interest in joining EENC's Staff team! Join Our Team The application window for the Operations and Development Lead position is now closed. Applications are currently under review; all applicants will be contacted the week of April 22nd. Interviews will be held between April 22nd and May 1st. Interview scheduling options include weekday business hours, evenings, and weekends. We will ask for references after interviews have been conducted. We anticipate a target start date of June 1, 2024. EENC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate of race, color, religious creed, gender, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, or disability. Environmental Educators of North Carolina Operations and Development Lead The Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC) is a dynamic community of environmental educators dedicated to fostering connections, providing professional development, and promoting excellence in environmental education. Established in 1990, EENC has grown into a broad network of passionate individuals and organizations collaborating to achieve its core mission. We provide the forum to bring people together, leverage resources, and unite our voices across the state. Role Overview: As Operations & Development Lead, you will be pivotal in shaping our organization's operational efficiency and financial sustainability while driving strategic development initiatives. This position encompasses a range of responsibilities, including business management, fundraising, and collaborative leadership. You will work closely with the other two staff members, the Programming Lead and the Communications & Relationships Lead. This position is full-time (average of 35 hours per week), remote within North Carolina, with some travel required. Most travel is within the state. Shared Leadership: EENC practices shared leadership, a non-hierarchical approach to organizational structuring that prioritizes collaborative accountability and decision-making responsibilities to define and achieve strategic goals. All staff are formally employed by the board, and important decisions are made among staff, between staff and board members or committees, and at the board level as defined in our decision-making model. All staff members report to one another regularly on progress and challenges. Staff serve as liaisons to board committees and routinely communicate with board leaders to plan and implement projects. Our shared leadership model empowers both individual and collective decision-making; therefore, all team members must be able to self-motivate and take ownership of their individual tasks while contributing effectively to shared goals and initiatives. Ongoing, transparent, frequent communication among team members is integral to this model. For more about this model, review our Shared Leadership Statement . Key Responsibilities: Business Operations (50%): Oversee routine operations including budgeting, finance, payroll, benefits, HR, organizational policies, etc. Develop and implement strategic plans to optimize business operations and align them with organizational goals. Guide long-term business and financial planning. Ensure legal and regulatory compliance for the organization in collaboration with the Board of Directors leadership, including taxes, solicitation license, and non-profit policy compliance Fundraising and Development (50%): Align development strategies with the overall goals and mission of EENC. Design and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies with diverse revenue streams with an emphasis on grant writing and donor cultivation. Lead the development and implementation of engaging fundraising campaigns and events, major gift campaigns, and sponsorships. Fundraising events and campaigns are coordinated in collaboration with staff and Board committees. Assess financial data, measure performance, and guide data-driven decisions related to organization’s $225,000 annual budget. Regularly report on key performance indicators related to business operations, development efforts, and risk management. Serve as staff liaison to the Board of Directors for the following committees, which collaborate with staff to meet organizational goals: Finance Development Governance Other duties as needed. Who We’re Looking For: We are seeking a strategic thinker who can keep things running smoothly while helping guide long-term plans for EENC’s fiscal sustainability. The Operations & Development Lead should be experienced and comfortable managing budgets, cultivating revenue streams, and successfully executing dynamic projects. The ideal candidate for this new position will be excited to practice shared leadership in EENC’s staff team and eager to foster an expanding community of funders and supporters for our mission. Desired Skills and Experience Proven ability to work effectively with diverse teams, stakeholders, and partners to achieve common goals through leaderful collaboration Ability to manage multiple projects independently and as part of a team Experience with business operations, bookkeeping, or organizational financial management Ability to plan, organize, and think creatively at the systems level Experience developing and leading successful fundraising initiatives Experience writing, managing, and reporting on grants Exceptional writing, networking, and interpersonal skills Background in nonprofit or business leadership, especially collaborating with a non-profit Board of Directors and committees Tech Savvy: Proficient with or able to quickly learn the use of Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, Quickbooks Online, and other digital tools including video conferencing, project management, fundraising, and donor management platforms Ability to adapt to changing priorities and environments, with a flexible and proactive approach to challenges. Familiarity with environmental education and an understanding of the field in the state, nationally, and internationally Requirements Diversity Commitment: Demonstrated commitment to fostering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within the organization and in external relationships. Residency: North Carolina residency or a commitment to move within 30 days of hire. Driver’s License: A North Carolina driver’s license or the ability to acquire one within 90 days of hire. Travel: Infrequent independent travel in North Carolina for events. Schedule: Work will average 35 hours per week with a flexible schedule. Occasional evening and weekend work is necessary to accommodate special events. Work location: Employee must provide their own work location with reliable internet. We believe that environmental literacy and mutual respect are inherently linked with environmental and social justice, that environmental education and resources should be accessible to all communities, that biodiversity is critical to the success of natural spaces and the diversity of humanity is what makes us stronger, and that we are never done learning and growing as an organization and as individuals. We strongly encourage applications from People of Color, LGBTQ+ people, and those who are members of other marginalized communities. This job description is a general overview, not a mandatory or comprehensive list. We encourage you to apply if you have 75% of the skills and experience listed. Your experience includes paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer and non-traditional work and learning. If you feel passionate about our efforts and believe you have the skills to accomplish the job, we want to hear from you! Salary and Benefits: This full-time exempt salaried position will have a starting annual salary of $40,150 plus a 10% benefit stipend. Additional tangible benefits: Communications stipend for phone/internet ($80 per month) 2% employer-provided retirement contribution (no employee match required) EENC-provided computer, printer, and office supplies Paid professional development 32 days of paid personal leave for vacations, holidays, and other days of your choosing, plus 5 sick days per year Additional intangible benefits: Flexible scheduling Work from home Opportunity to work at a systemic level to support environmental educators and advance environmental education across the state Networking with environmental educators across the state How To Apply: Apply online by submitting our application form (embedded below, also available in-browser ). Resumes and cover letters will NOT be accepted via email. If you have questions, please contact Board Past President Amy Juliana at amy@eenc.org . To apply, you will need to submit: Resume Cover letter that addresses the following (maximum 2 pages): This position requires significant interaction with multiple internal and external stakeholder groups (grantors, staff, Board of Directors, others). Describe your experience interacting with multiple stakeholder groups. Describe a time you managed or developed an organizational or business budget. How did you plan for, track, and evaluate success? Hiring Timeline: Applications accepted through April 12, 2024. Application review period April 14 - April 19, 2024. All applicants will be contacted the following week. We anticipate conducting interviews April 22 - May 1. Interview scheduling options include weekday business hours, evenings, and weekends. We will ask for references after interviews have been conducted. We anticipate a target start date of June 1, 2024. EENC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate of race, color, religious creed, gender, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, or disability.

EENC Members have the exclusive opportunity to apply for fiscal sponsorship here. Fiscal Sponsorship Opportunities Classroom teachers, independent contractors, and others educator without nonprofit 501(c)3 status who are EENC members may apply for EENC to serve as a fiscal sponsor if they need help qualifying for grants or accepting tax-deductible charitable contributions. Fiscal sponsorship is a member benefit . Professional, Student, Senior, New to EE, Life, and all Organizational Members may log in to learn more about the application process for fiscal sponsorship in the Member Area of our website. "Using a fiscal sponsorship arrangement offers a way for a cause to attract donors even when it is not yet recognized as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). In essence the fiscal sponsor serves as the administrative "home" of the cause. Charitable contributions are given to the fiscal sponsor, which then grants them to support the cause. " ~ National Council of Nonprofits

Donor support directly enables us to take action in pursuit of our mission to support and advocate on behalf of North Carolina's community of environmental educators. Thank you. Donate Make a Donation Invest in environmental education by making a n online donation directly to EENC by completing the form on the left. We also accept donations via check at the below address: Environmental Educators of North C arolina 150 Highlands Sq Dr #1034, Hendersonville, NC 28792 To coordinate wire-transfer gifts, contact director@eenc.org . Learn about our Donor Recognition Tiers here. Explore our Sponsorship opportunities here. Learn more about our Legacy Giving program here. Get to know our community of 2023 Donors here. Everyone benefits from environmental education. Your donation helps EENC provide low-cost and free training for educators, collaborate with partners to advance our field, and work to make environmental education more equitable and inclusive. EENC wants to change the world by: Providing professional development and networking for educators Diversifying the field of environmental education Bringing together like-minded organizations to increase capacity Promoting excellence in environmental education As a learner, teacher, parent, or community member, you can play a critical role in helping people access the intellectual, personal, and social benefits of environmental education. As a society, we are facing huge environmental, social, and economic issues. The author Richard Louv spoke at our conference in 2016 and summed it up with a JAWS reference: We’re gonna need a bigger boat. Will you be a part of EENC’s bigger boat? Your gift of any size brings us another step closer to achieving our vision of an environmentally literate community.

Latest News All Posts Member Highlights Events & Programs Impact Updates Take Action Search Jul 26 Impact Updates From NC to DC: A Climate Education Journey EENC will be part of a design team in Washington, DC for the Educating for Climate Action and Justice: Guidelines for Excellence. Jun 28 Member Highlights The Road to 100 Journey Continues This year, EENC has taken on a membership growth challenge, the Road to 100, to fill in geographic gaps in our membership and have member... Jun 11 Impact Updates Silent Auction + Scholarships= Mutualism! EENC's Annual Conference has always had the goal of bringing together educators for idea sharing, networking, and an overall good time.... Jun 4 Impact Updates #EEforALL: UDL in EE Impact Report Since its rollout in 2022, the Universal Design for Environmental Education course designed by EENC, California AEOE, and Silvers... May 3 Member Highlights EENC Board Member At-Large Sammy Bauer on Completing the Environmental Educator Certification Program Re-published with permission from the NC Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs blog, "Teachable Moments." Find the... Apr 23 Impact Updates DEQ Celebrates Earth Day with the Release the State K-12 Environmental Literacy Plan Republished from NC DEQ. FUQUAY-VARINA State and local leaders gathered today at Lincoln Heights Environmental Connections Magnet... Apr 22 Take Action Support The 2024 Let's Grow Together Campaign! Through the Let’s Grow Together Campaign, we’re working to raise funds and draw attention to five amazing EE organizations across the state. Apr 12 Member Highlights I am EENC: Justin Young, RiverLink I am EENC is a series of quarterly guest-written blog posts where members share their journeys, passions, and accomplishments as... Apr 1 Impact Updates Updates from the Road to 100 Read the Road to 100 Launch Announcement Blog Post Read February Road to 100 Updates Read January Road to 100 Updates March Celebrations... Mar 29 Take Action Urgent Action Alert: Advocate for Federal Appropriations Supporting Environmental Education Calling all educators and advocates! It's time to reach out to your Senators and Representatives to ask for support for robust funding... 1 2 3 4 5

Sat, Oct 05 | Asheville Inquiry Based Outdoor Learning: Using BEETLES in NC Workshop: The NC Arboretum, Asheville The BEETLES learning sessions are active experiences crafted to encourage instructors to look at specific aspects of research-based science pedagogy and to inspire shifts in instructors’ thinking about their own teaching and learning. Register Time & Location Oct 05, 2024, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Asheville, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806, USA About This Event The BEETLES (Better Environmental Education, Teaching, Learning, and Expertise Sharing) learning sessions are active experiences crafted to encourage instructors to look at specific aspects of research-based science pedagogy and to inspire shifts in instructors’ thinking about their own teaching and learning. Developed by the Lawrence Hall of Science, these hands-on and interactive sessions promote a student-centered approach to help participants better engage with science and the natural world through inquiry. This workshop will focus on Making Observations and Field Journaling . This workshop is for educators (formal, nonformal, and higher education) who want to: Explore different methods and model activities that can strengthen learners’ skills in making observations. Engage in journaling activities and discuss the benefits of field journaling as a practice to support outdoor science learning. Explore best practices for planning and implementing EE programs that foster learning and promote inclusivity. Show More Membership Offer Buy a membership and get up to 20% off this event at checkout Show Details Tickets Ticket type BEETLES in NC Ticket Sale ends Sep 30, 8:05 AM Sale ends: Sep 30, 8:05 AM More info Generic Price $25.00 +$0.63 service fee +$0.63 service fee Quantity 0 Total $0.00 Checkout Share this event