Colorado EE Master Plan 2005

This website is designed so that you can access the plan online, report how you are accomplishing or planning to contribute to goals in the plan, and see how others are a part of the plan. If you would rather just download a copy of the plan and come back another time, Download Master Plan

Who is the CEEMP for?

Achieving the goals and strategies proposed in this plan will require the collective contributions of a diverse community. Our intent is to reach out to anyone who shares an interest in EE. It is our hope that the community working to accomplish these goals will include, but not be limited to:

• teachers and others who provide EE learning experiences through schools and formal education;
• educators, guides, naturalists and docents who provide EE in nature centers, outdoor schools, parks, forests, museums etc.;
• agencies and non-profit organizations whose missions include natural resource and environmental health; and
• businesses, artists, government and community leaders who share an interest in increasing environmental literacy.

If you are reading this plan, there is a place for you in helping the community to accomplish it. Section II is a description of the EE community in Colorado.

What's in the CEEMP?

1. A general introduction to EE in Colorado is provided in this section. These sections include an introduction the CEEMP process, a discussion about the definition and scope of EE, as well as, an introduction to the many ways that the EE community provides environmental learning opportunities for a variety of audiences.
2. "Tomorrow's EE" outlines the 2005 CEEMP Goals for the EE community. This section includes a summary of the broad, statewide goals provided to challenge and unite the EE community to realize a grander vision for "Tomorrow's EE". Following the summary, each goal is described individually. These goals are mutually supportive and not listed in any specific order. For each goal, there are sub-goals that further define the direction of the goal. Each sub-goal is accompanied by several strategies that are suggested actions. The strategies vary in the amount of effort required. Some of these strategies are already being accomplished (the intent of their mention is to highlight them as models and to encourage expanded participation). Other strategies require innovation. Some require more research and others will need a committee to initiate the work. The listed strategies represent suggestions, however the list is far from exhaustive. There are many other ways to contribute to accomplishing a goal, and your creativity is welcomed. (See below who will accomplish the tasks in the CEEMP and how we should use the plan). 
3. References and appendices provide additional information on sources for developing the CEEMP, CAEE, on the Tbilisi Declaration, on resources for enhancing EE, and on terms commonly used.

Who Will Accomplish the Tasks in the CEEMP?

The accomplishment of the goals, subgoals and strategies outlined in the plan will be the result of the collective effort by our state's EE stakeholders. Readers are invited to consider which goals and tasks best suit their needs or aspirations, to reach out to others who share their perspective - and to dive right in (please report these accomplishments).

Here's how you can help:

Read through the plan. Talk about it with others. Keep it nearby.
Find ideas that match your interests, needs, beliefs, etc.
Decide that you will help our community accomplish this task.
Do something - and let everyone know about it. Click Here.
Build momentum by using the online system to find others to help you and to tell us what you are already doing or want to do.
Inspire others to follow your lead.

Think of the CEEMP as a tool, a "multi-purpose" utensil, that you keep within arms reach and use often. You may reach for this tool to help:

• Increase awareness and understanding of EE in Colorado;
• Encourage those new to the field to identify a contributing role and persuade new providers to participate in EE efforts;
• Guide the creation of partnerships and development of programs to increase efficiency and effectiveness as a community;
• Illustrate community support for particular aims such as incorporating EE more fully into curriculum design;
• Provide basis and rationale for efforts to encourage funders to embrace EE programs and projects as part of their business plan.

What is CAEE's Role in the CEEMP?

The Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE), as the name implies, is an alliance of individuals and organizations who share interest in communication, cooperation, and collaboration to enhance the reach and effectiveness of EE in Colorado. CAEE facilitated the development of this plan, and is committed to leading the accomplishment of the plan Goals. The staff and Board of Directors of CAEE is committed to drafting and implementing an organizational strategic plan, based on this Master Plan, that will outline the best strategies for facilitating and supporting the community in accomplishing the Goals. For more information about CAEE's role as steward for the CEEMP, click here.

How Will We Know When We Have Reached Our Goals?

The first year of the CEEMP's implementation will involve creating a baseline understanding of the numerous activities and programs already underway in Colorado on local, regional, and statewide scales and that contribute to the CEEMP goals. As you participate in the Master Plan, report what you plan to do or are already doing, and read what others are doing. By assessing the strengths and weaknesses in the EE community, this baseline will be used to prioritize strategies within the Master Plan. After this baseline is established, the plan will be updated with measurements to motivate action in the areas of greatest need. We need to know where we are to help us shape where we are going. This flow of information will keep this plan a "living document."

What is a Living Document?

To be effective, any plan must be at once visionary enough to provide a strong and long lasting foundation, but also flexible enough to change over time as circumstances change and opportunities arise. As a living document, this master plan is more than the words in this document; it is about what happens to these words when you become part of the plan. As you participate in the ideas of this plan, and share your accomplishments, the tasks and strategies will grow and change. The ideas in this plan are not set in stone, they are ever-changing and alive because of the energy you give them. Picture an ascending spiral where as we work to accomplish one task, we rise to the level of another. This is what makes the document a process, as one task is accomplished or other needs are identified, the plan will be updated and renewed so that we as a community can reach for the next greatest vision for EE. This current plan is the beginning, not the end of the creative process, and this work will continue to be updated and revised as needed.

Where Did this CEEMP Come from?

This plan represents a "re-vision" of the 1995 Colorado Environmental Education Master Plan. This update came about both in response to, and in anticipation of, change. Many of the goals and objectives of the 1995 plan had been accomplished. New priorities and new ideas were ready to be expressed. In crafting this plan revision, the aim was to produce a document that would:

• provide utility, support, and inspiration for anyone interested in any aspect of EE;
• support expanding the reach and impact of EE endeavors; and
• remain a living document, responding to accomplishments as well as important developments in the field, and adapting to serve the diverse needs of members of the EE community.