For the past several years a group of environmental education leaders in California have been meeting to organize an effort to promote environmental education. The group participated in and received funding from the North American Environmental Education Advancement Project (NEEAP). This program, funded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency through the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point, sought ways for organizations to expand each participating States capacity to conduct environmental education. Originally known as ìNEECAPî (North American Environmental Education California Advancement Project) this group changed their name to ìGSEECî (Golden State Environmental Education Consortium) in late 1999. Meeting regularly, the group developed several working committees to work on specific goals and objectives. In the past ten months, the group developed an effective communication network through Edgateway and an organizational structure.

As part of NEEAP, annual Leadership Clinics were conducted to help States develop strategic plans appropriate to each States circumstances and needs. Over the past four years, different representatives of GSEEC have attended these clinics and have developed some common ideas on how California should proceed in promoting environmental education. Besides having a large population which is mostly urban, California has a number of other factors which warrant a unique approach to unifying the States environmental education efforts. Between and within government organizations, nonprofit and community based organizations and private businesses, environmental education is fragmented. Individual programs have goals and objectives that usually work independently of each other. California is also one of the most culturally diverse States in the nation. Conducting environmental education in its varied communities will require the latest theories on urban and multicultural education. Both developed human communities as well as natural areas in the State face major environmental threats prompting an urgency to make programs relevant and effective. The California Department of Education, Office of Environmental Education has taken the lead to develop regional environmental education coordinators. The California Regional Environmental Education Coordinators (CREEC) program is moving ahead with regional strategic planning. These plans will help each region address their specific needs and promote local action. This leaves the need for a statewide organization to assist in regional needs and address statewide issues. An organization that will be effective in creating significant change based on our current situation.

It was clear to the participants of the NEEAP Leadership Conference that a strategic plan models primarily involving NAAEE affiliates or teacher-training programs would not significantly advance E.E. nor would it address the needs in California. At the April 1999 Leadership Clinic in Albuquerque, the team of California leaders suggested forming a consortium. At the May GSEEC Steering Committee meeting the concept for a consortium was adopted as well as the strategic plan that was developed by the team. The Golden State Environmental Education Consortium was thus formed.

The rationale for forming a Consortium is as follows:

• It would create shared leadership and does not rely on the same people doing all the work.
• The organization would have goals and plans that are task-oriented
• There is no need to form a non profit organization, deal with issues such as membership, internal structure etc., allowing more time and energy to completing tasks.
• The group is comprised of individuals who represent organizations, major programs or needed expertise and resources rather than people with an interest in environmental education.
• Like a partnership, the Consortium would focus on bring together the skills and assets of the group, match them with the work that needs to take place in order to accomplish tasks.
• Working committees would complete tasks with the coordination and support of the Consortium members, promoting the concept of shared leadership and the participation by many individuals.
• The Consortium will seek out partners from communities and businesses not represented in current environmental education settings, providing an opportunity for developing a more inclusive approach to environmental education.

GSEEC had organized a number of working committees. With the formation of the Consortium these committees will continue. A short term Workplan has been adopted for each of the committees. They are as follows: EE Advancement; Standards, Legislative; Constituency; and Communications. Each committee will be moving ahead on their goals and objectives as the Consortium further develops its structure and diverse representation.