councilonsustainability.org

PURPOSE: The Southeastern Massachusetts Council on Sustainability is established by the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth (UMD) and the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) to provide education, advice and assistance on the broad issue of sustainability in Southeastern Massachusetts.
 
The Council will act as a leadership forum and network to connect, facilitate, support and coordinate sustainability efforts and initiatives throughout Southeastern Massachusetts.
 
The Council will act as a regional coordination point for targeted efforts at achieving sustainability in food and agriculture, transportation, energy, natural resources and economic development. The Council will work to unite these elements into a regional plan for sustainability.
 
The Council will endeavor to secure and provide technical support by identifying expertise within UMD, SRPEDD and among regional resources for sustainability efforts and initiatives throughout the region.  
 
MEMBERSHIP: The Council members will be representative of diverse interests from throughout the region served by UMD and SRPEDD.  Members shall be invited by UMD and SRPEDD based upon nominations from participating municipalities and organizations.  Membership shall be renewed annually and may be expanded at any time.  Representatives from UMD and SRPEDD shall act as co-chairs.
 
MEETINGS: The Council will meet four times a year.  It will convene for its organizational meeting at the Advanced Technology manufacturing Center at UMass Dartmouth on June 18, 2009 and shall also meet in the months of September, December, and February.    Council meetings shall include speakers on relevant topics, reports on sustainability activities throughout the region, and an information exchange to which council members will provide input.  The Council will operate by consensus.
 
SUBCOMMITTEES: The Council may establish or support existing subcommittees for food and agriculture, transportation, energy, natural resources and economic development.
 
ADMINISTRATION:  The Council shall be jointly administered by SRPEDD and UMD.  SRPEDD shall be primarily responsible for organizing meetings and maintenance of council membership.  UMD shall be primarily responsible for website maintenance and administration of subcommittees.
 
COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP:  Council members will be nominated to SRPEDD and UMD from these categories.   

• Municipal  
• Education
• Regional Organizations
• Economic Development
• Natural Resources/ Environment
• Community Organizations
• Faith Based Organizations
• Transportation
• Energy
• Foundations
• At Large Members

June 11, 2009