Join Us!
Groundswell is a coalition of community partners and educators supporting place-based stewardship education in West Michigan. Groundswell helps educators access community resources that supports place-based education and environmental stewardship in your community.
Groundswell Network Area
Kent & Ottawa Counties
Groundswell serves traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, and private schools in Kent and Ottawa counties. If you're interested in doing a project in your area but are unsure where your school would fall among our regional GLSI hubs, feel free to contact us.
A Hub of the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative
Groundswell is one of the regional hubs under the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative (GLSI). If your school is not within our network area, take a look at the different counties within the Great Lakes State where GLSI hubs are located:
Why Join Groundswell?
Teacher Training
FREE, high-quality professional learning opportunities on unique, innovative topics. Substitute reimbursement is available for workshops during the school day.
Project Funding
Up to $1,000 to implement a student-led stewardship project to address a real environmental need in your community.
Technical Support
Connections with local community organizations to provide technical support and guidance for your stewardship project.
Educator Collaboration
Opportunities for networking and collaborating with other inspiring educators dedicated to place-based education.
How do I join?
There are multiple ways to participate in Groundswell, and our staff will work with you to find the best fit for you. Opportunities for participation include:
Attend a Professional Learning Event
Learn about local place-based educational resources by attending Groundswell's year-round professional development for both formal and informal educators. Teachers who attend our professional development are eligible for reimbursement of substitute fees and can apply for project funding.
Attend a
or
Do a Stewardship Action Project
Local teachers and schools are eligible to apply for funding from Groundswell through our project committee. Planning a project can help you lead students in quality, meaningful place-based environmental stewardship education. Our project guidance helps you be successful as you work to make your community a better place. Any grade or subject area can do a stewardship project, and we are there to help you along the way.
Be a Presenter
There is so much you can do: Lead professional learning opportunities, serve as Groundswell PBE mentor, or network with the Groundswell community.
If interested, please
or attend a Groundswell workshop to get started.
We strongly encourage teams of multiple teachers (at the same school or different schools). This approach allows for collaboration, enhances in-school support, and provides expanded place-based education opportunities for students. If you are just starting out, we do offer options for individual teachers.
Typical School-Year Timeline
I'm Ready to Join!
Step 1
Form a team of teachers from your school or another school.
Step 2
Explore the program materials available online and complete a Project Funding Request.
Step 3
Work with our staff to determine the best fit for your school.