listen to a conversation between a student and a Facilities Management employee.

E: So how did you hear about us and our programs? S: I'm taking an environmental science class. The professor frequently brings up sustainability, using resources responsibly. And earlier in the semester, I wrote a paper about a variety of community sustainability models used around the country. Well, that got me curious about what's being done right here on our campus. You know, locally, when I searched around the university website, it led me to your department.

E: Well, you've come to the right place. At facilities management, we're in charge of things like managing energy use, landscaping and also the recycling program. S: That's the kind of volunteer work I'm interested in. Anything involving the recycling program. How's the program doing? E: Well, we sorted through the recycling bins last year to figure out how well they're working. We discovered that people are still putting non-recyclable items in the recycling bins. It's not at the level I'd like it to be. We do have recycling guidelines posted on the school website, but I guess that's not enough. The campus community needs to be better informed, and we're intent on remedying that. S: Hmm, so how can I fit into this picture?

E: Well, let's see. First of all, there's the activity planning component. Uh... have you seen the huge bundle of recyclable materials near the library? S: Yeah, it's for a contest, right? E: Yes. Students guess the weight of the bundle, and whoever comes closest gets a prize. See, we could use a few good people who can come up with a variety of educational activities, for events, ideas that will really engage the student body, get people thinking. Raising awareness doesn't have to be dull or boring. S: Makes sense.

E: Or alternatively, it'd be great to have more assistance actually promoting our future events on campus. Getting the word out. I mean, there's chalking and... S: Chalking? E: Advertising on campus sidewalks, writing in chalk.

S: Oh, sure, just this week, I noticed information for an upcoming concert written on the campus sidewalk. E: Right? Anything that's sponsored by the university can be chalked. It's an inexpensive form of publicity. You know, you don't have to make flyers and pay for printing costs.

S: Hmm, you know, both the things you've mentioned are, well, pretty much behind the scenes. I don't know. I was hoping to do something where I interact with a lot of people. I'm more of a people person. I mean, I'm really comfortable giving presentations or interacting with groups. I enjoy fielding questions.

E: You say you enjoy fielding questions? Well, hold on a minute. Here's a thought. You know, the university's hosting a sustainability conference next month, of course, there'll be speakers from many backgrounds, like engineers, academics and city employees. Now, unlike last year, this event will be co-sponsored by the Education Department. Last year, most of our sponsors were small local businesses, which is great, but it's nice to receive financial support from our own education department too. Anyway, we need to send a few individuals to help attendees with registration and at the information booth. What do you think?