Think Big, Think “Blue Sky”

Wanted: sustainability ideas; all proposals will be considered, no matter how “blue sky.”

That’s the message from the presidents and chancellor of the member institutions of the Five College consortium.

“The Five College Board of Directors is looking for ideas for new initiatives and programs in academic, co-curricular and operational aspects of sustainability,” said Five College Executive Director Neal Abraham.

The directors have asked the staff of the consortium to convene “blue sky”—brainstorming—meetings of faculty members, students, administrators and staff members over the next two months to explore incorporating sustainable practices into existing operations and initiating projects and programs centered around sustainability. Ideas are welcome relating to any aspect of life on the campuses, as well as Five College cooperation and collaborations with communities in the Five College area of Western Massachusetts.

This call and these meetings are an opportunity for us all to think broadly about how we engage with sustainability issues on many levels,” said President Christ, “to dust off ideas that have been put on the back burner for one reason or another, to bring forward ideas for innovative solutions related to our daily work, to think creatively about how we learn or teach, or just come together with enthusiasm to brainstorm.”

All members of the Smith community are invited to “blue sky” brainstorming sessions—on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 9 to 10:20 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. in Neilson Browsing Room; and Thursday, Feb. 9, 9 to 10:30 a.m. and 10:30 to 11:50 a.m. in Campus Center 205—to discuss ways to incorporate sustainability into the campus, the consortium and the community.

Meanwhile, to submit sustainability ideas online directly to Five Colleges.

No idea is too big—or small!