Committee members are the driving force behind all that MAEOE does. With your help, MAEOE can further its mission and connect our members to great resources, collaboration and opportunities.

If you are interested in joining a committee, please contact the committee chair listed below.

Awards
Co-Chairs: Becky Durling and Tracy Page 

The MAEOE Awards Committee hosts the awards ceremony, recognizing excellence in EE and OE.

• Reviews award criteria and prepares the application form 
• Solicits award nominations from MAEOE members and non-members
• Scores applications and proposes winners to the full board for approval
• Sets up the ceremony and presents awards

Climate Education
Chair: Bridget Booth

The Climate Education Committee collaborates with MiCAN to advance climate change education throughout Michigan.

• Introduces educators to resources through the MI Climate Education Hub
• Identifies and develops professional training opportunities for MI educators
• Communicates the need for climate lessons and programs at educational institutions
• Networks with other EE/OE organizations to support climate educators in MI

Conference
Chair: conference@maeoe.com

The Conference Committee is an internal board committee that plans annual conference logistics including venues, budget, presenters, and sponsorships.

• Researches, investigate and select conference sites based on multiple criteria.
• Delegates conference duties to board and other MAEOE members with time and interest
• Reviews all submissions and selects most appropriate workshops, breakouts, and field trips
• Creates a professional conference that balances value, knowledge, creativity and networking opportunities

Education
Chair: Samantha Lichtenwald

The Education Committee connects resources and partners to cultivate environmental literacy and stewardship.

• Creates and maintain an EE/OE database of resources and startup guide
• Expands the MiPINES map of Michigan greenspaces connected to lessons.
• Supports MI Green Schools (MGS) through the MGS Ambassadors group
• Engages youth representation to empower future environmental and outdoor leaders

Environmental Educator Certification (EEC)
Chair: Cindy Fitzwilliams-Heck

The EEC Committee supports, maintains, and expands MAEOE’s Environmental Educator Certification (EEC) programs.

• Mentors candidates through certification and professional growth
• Coordinates EEC-Justice cohorts for underserved school participation
• Maintains program quality and accreditation standards
• Expands environmental education through new initiatives and outreach

Finance
Chair: Meag Schwartz

The Finance Committee provides oversight and input for the financial health of MAEOE.

• Assists the Treasurer in generating an annual budget
• Ensures MAEOE is in compliance with state and federal financial institutions and rules
• Reviews quarterly and year-end financial reports
• Provides input for other financial decisions relevant to MAEOE

Grants
Co-Chairs: Becky Durling and Tracy Page

The Grant Committee facilitates administration of MAEOE Mini Grants for EE and OE.

• Reviews grant criteria and prepares planning documents and application form
• Helps solicit grant applications from MAEOE members
• Scores applications on a rubric and proposes winners to the full board for approval
• Helps with two grant cycles per year

Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility
Co-Chairs: D'Nae Hearn and Aja Edwards

The Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Committee addresses barriers to EE/OE opportunities to create an equitable environment for all.

• Assists Conference Team to ensure wording and conference offerings are inclusive and provide information for conference attendees
• Develops recruitment strategies focusing on diverse groups
• Assists in member recruitment through town halls, meet-ups, membership surveys, etc.
• Hosts annual MAEOE Meetup in Detroit