Underwriting support from:
/Kristen Dunn
The Rapid Operations Center's 40,000 sq. foot green roof retains 9 million gallons of water each year /Kristen Dunn
On Tuesday, a "who’s who" of local environmentalists, politicians, and community members attended the public launch of West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC)’s You Are Here Campaign, held at The Rapid Operations Center in downtown Grand Rapids.
The year-long $886,000 advancement campaign is designed to emphasize WMEAC's connection to West Michigan residents who value environmental protection and preservation, while highlighting programs that will directly impact the quality of life for West Michigan residents. WMEAC officials hope that the funds raised will help expand efforts to meet today’s environmental challenges.
Currently, the organization has raised $440,000.
“WMEAC was instrumental in the fight to ban DDT, helping pass the Michigan Environmental Protection Act and helping found the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum,” said Rachel Hood, Executive Director at WMEAC. “This campaign will allow WMEAC to meet today’s environmental challenges from protecting freshwater resources, shaping regional priorities around energy and training the next generation of environmental leaders.”
Attendees of the event were encouraged to tour the newly-renovated Rapid Operations Center, where the announcement took place. The $31 million facility includes a 40,000-square-foot "green" roof.
Local reporter and You Are Here Campaign Cabinet Member Tommy Allen explained that the campaign is designed to continue WMEAC's role as a community watchdog organization, monitoring environmental issues in the West Michigan.
“We need champions in our community that will hold us accountable to green standards. We need observers on a local and state level. This campaign will help us achieve those goals,” he said.
Former congressman and long-time WMEAC supporter Vern Ehlers was on hand at the event. In his address to WMEAC donors and members, he noted his past political involvement in environmental issues and praised WMEAC's long-standing commitment to protecting the environment and natural resources in the region.
“I’m very proud to see that West Michigan Environmental Action Council is still active. I’m particularly delighted to see a new generation of environmentalists ready to take over and hopefully finish what my generation couldn’t,” said Ehlers.
Advancement Co-Chair David LaGrand also noted that environmentalism isn't a political issue.
"I've had the pleasure of working on this campaign with both Republicans and Democrats. Environmentalism isn't about partisan politics," LaGrand said.
WMEAC officials’ and members hope that in addition to raising money to support new environmental programs the campaign will be a coming-out party of sorts, helping to foster an interest in environmental stewardship and inspire a sense of community among West Michigan residents.
WMEAC encourages residents to submit their own personal thoughts in the form of photos, videos and essays about what makes West Michigan’s environment special at on the You Are Here website.
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