What is the background of the E3 process? 

This Section gives an overview of the Background, Vision, Goals, Process, Structure and Timeline of the E3 Washington Planning Process.  Please take note for both yourself as well as talking points for approaching Leaders and other Stakeholders.

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Getting Started: Documents

Washington’s Strong Environmental Education Foundation

Since the 1920s, public and private organizations have built Washington’s scholastic foundation for environmental education with academic assessment, teacher preparation and in-service training, and curriculum development.

In the 1970s, Washington began to coordinate environmental education (EE) among teachers, schools and school districts. Research begun in 1998 continues to show strong correlation between Washington students’ exposure to EE and higher scores on standardized tests. Numerous independent, innovative approaches by schools and communities have forged new, dynamic directions for environmental education – resulting in more effective programs that reach broader audience.

In more recent years, however, communities have realized the benefits of citizens who understand the importance of sustainability to a community’s quality of life. Businesses and corporations are utilizing employees to promote sustainability and add to the bottom line

Why We Need E3 Washington

EE is fundamental to helping create thriving schools, communities and businesses in Washington State. Currently EE efforts in the state are under-funded, fragmented, disjointed and in some cases redundant. (EE Report Card) The E3 Washington initiative is designed to optimize environmental education for everyone by linking and leveraging current resources, identifying areas that need improvement and/or development, and gaining increased commitment and funding to ensure success from both private and public entities.

E3 Washington Vision

To achieve environmental literacy and sustainability by inspiring community behaviors, business practices, legislative policies, and educational opportunities that support sustainable and thriving environments for everyone in the state of Washington.

E3 Washington Goals

1. Develop 18 local-level plans and a comprehensive, statewide plan to strengthen environmental education programs in schools and communities.
2. Secure commitment by public-private decision-makers and institutions to ensure implementation of strategic priorities.

E3 Washington Plan Process

• Today, everybody has a stake in environmental education.
• There are some environmental education stakeholders with substantial training and experience and therefore, expertise to inform the plan draft strategies. 
• Leader representatives of constituencies with a stake in EE are encouraged to provide input and take a position on the implementation of E3 Washington regional and state-wide plans. 

• Practice a business management model of operation with use of cutting-edge organizational, evaluation, administrative, internet, and communications tools.
• Be “ground up” with regional planning models developed by local leaders working with staff and consultants.
• Honor the wisdom and role of our state’s indigenous peoples, the tribes.
• The brand strategy process resulted in three key audiences to message the project to: formal education, the business/industry community, community-based leaders
• Recognize and tap into the expertise of environmental education (broadly defined) leadership.
• Provide regional forums where a broad base of leadership is welcomed to learn about and provide input to the E3 regional plan elements.
• After E3 statewide plan strategies are developed, but before they are finalized, cross reference and align with other state and regional strategic initiatives (Cascade Agenda, Washington Learns, Biodiversity Initiative, Puget Sound Partnership, etc.) for greater impact during implementation.
• Develop state and regional commitment to, and capacity for, the implementation of plan strategies as the plans are developing.
• Seek endorsements at every level throughout the process.

E3 Washington Structure

Coordinating the overall initiative is the Environmental Education Association of Washington (EEAW) in partnership with the organizations listed below. Leading the statewide Advisory Council are Honorary Co-chairs Governor Chris Gregoire, William D. Ruckelshaus and Billy Frank

Participating are educators, administrators, community leaders, students, parents, business people, and many other citizens who care about a prosperous, healthy future for us all.

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E3 Washington Timeline

The initiative launches Sept. 22, 2006, followed by a year of local and state sessions, a statewide summit in November 2007, and completion of the plan in May 2008.

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These Documents will be useful to Regions who are just getting started.  They are informative pieces that can be used either to get yourself situated in what E3 Washington and the Regional Planning Process is all about, and/or attracting a Steering Committee to aid in this unprecedented opportunity.

Next: Forming A Team