About Green Cities Coalition
Mission
The purpose of the Green Cities Coalition is to promote ecologically, economically and socially healthy cities in El Paso County, for the benefit of present and future residents of the Pikes Peak region. We envision healthy, equitable and sustainable communities, both human and natural.
More than 450 organizations, businesses and individuals have participated with the coalition, developing initiatives in many areas that impact the sustainability of the region. Please visit the working group links to see what we have been working on or to join a group that shares your interests.
TOGETHER, WE CAN GREEN THE REGION!
GCC Membership Update
Stand Up and Be Counted!
Membership to the Green Cities Coalition is open to any group, business or individuals interested in greening the Pikes Peak Region.
When you JOIN, you or your organization will have a voice in the Coalition and be counted! You will receive a membership decal and your name will be added to the member list. You will become part of our prominent sustainability network. If you join at the Sponsor level, your organization will be entitled to a featured article on the Green Cities Coalition website, you will be highlighted in the upcoming e-Blast as well as at the next Green Drinks.
Beside paying modest dues, you will be asked to uphold the following pledge, which is much more important. As members of the Green Cities Coalition, we uphold to this with heart, soul and mind!
Pledge
As a member of the Green Cities Coalition, I/we pledge to promote an ecologically, economically and socially healthy area for the benefit of present and future residents of the Pikes Peak region. We envision healthy, equitable and sustainable communities, both human and natural.
Organization
Working Groups
Working Groups are created by the initiative of Green Cities Coalition members, who have a desire and commitment to develop coalition-building in an area of interest. Currently we have the following Working Groups: Energy Working Group (EWG), Transportation Working Group (TWG), Water Working Group (WWG), Local Food Working Group (LFWG), the Coalition Building Working Group (CBWG) and the Recycling Coalition.
Steering Committee
GCC Steering Committee functions by a charter which defines the scope, goals, objectives and overall approach. This charter is evaluated and updated each year (at the annual meeting).
The current Green Cities Coalition Steering Committee members are: Megan Andreozzi-Harris, Gail Conners, Becky Elder, Kevin Gilford, Scott Harvey, Ray Krueger, Allison Plute, Steve Saint and Mark Tremmel.
History of the Green Cities Coalition
2011
During this past year, Local Foods Colorado Springs really kicked off! They were one of the main organizers of Local Food Week, which was a great success. The Energy Working Group, Transportation Working Group and Recycling Coalition had a number of impact-full projects. Check out the complete Green Cities Coalition 2011 Year in Review
2010
The Water Working Group was formed. The Coalition Building Working Group was re-instated in December of 2010. Its purpose is to increase GCC memberships and marketing, efficient use of the new website, and to support GCC administration and housekeeping matters.
2009
The Local Food Working Group was formed. The functions of government relations, education and coalition-building were folded into each working group.
2008
In January, 2008, the SLWG opened the doors for broader participation by holding the first Green City Summit at the Penrose Library. About 125 attended and identified three top priority areas: recycling, renewable energy, and transit.
The charter members of the new Green Cities Coalition of the Pikes Peak Region were Jane Ard-Smith, Art of Engineering, Catamount Institute, Center for Creative Leadership, Colorado College, Colorado Springs Conservation Corps, Old Town Bike Shop, Pikes Peak Justice & Peace Commission and Pikes Peak Mobility Coalition. This website - envisioned as a complete portal for all things green - was launched.
At Green City Summit 2 - held on World Environment Day, June 5, 2008 at the Colorado College Cornerstone Arts Center - working groups were formed around these three issues as well as government relations, education and coalition-building.
2007
After a successful, collaborative Pikes Peak Earth Day in April, 2007, some of the event organizers decided to keep meeting and look for ways to green the region. The Sustainable Living Working Group was convened by the Pikes Peak Justice & Peace Commission and seven people began meeting monthly.
