I started out with CEC as a Film Festival attendee. Aside from being inspired by the films, I was surprised to learn about environmental organizations in the Houston Area that I had never heard of before and decided to get involved with CEC to learn more. Now, a few years later, I am on the board and a huge believer in the mission of the CEC. Their work is vital in bringing together the environmental community to ensure that partnerships are forged and the great work being done is brought to light and given the chance to shine in front of the greater Houston community. Its more important than ever that the limited funds and effort shared in the environmental community are used effectively and efficiently and the CEC moves mountains to make that happen.
My name is Della Barbato and I am the Director of Education for the Native Prairies Association of Texas. In the past two years, CEC has provided awesome opportunities for the environmental educators in the Houston region. We have had opportunities to stay in touch, discover what other organizations are doing, meet other fabulous educators in the area (via Zoom during pandemic), provide ways to collaborate in teacher workshops, provide forums to teach our material to area teachers, educators and each other; and submit grants with collaborative partners (NPAT is currently involved in 2 awarded grants with CEC and area partners!). I am very grateful for CEC, they have been our glue as environmental educators.
I came across the CEC through a Sustainability networking group and became fascinated with the extend that CEC covers in the Houston area region in terms of environmental programs and the engagement with the community.
What started as an avid subscriber/reader of CEC newsletter, it moved as an active participant of the monthly Green film series in the Rice media center and now member of the CEC Board since 2019.
My background is Finance and IT on a Technology company, and it has been really rewarding to realize that regardless of your background, if the environment is your passion, the CEC is like the center of the Universe for you to learn, connect and contribute.
The CEC is full of savvy environmentalist that can guide your journey anywhere you want to go!
I found CEC and was very happy because they provided me with information about the environment in my community. Their newsletter gave me news and events in the Houston area, CEC made it so easy for me to be involved with my community. I immediately shared this newsletter with my friends and family.
I found the CEC after some soul searching. I wanted to be involved in my local community on an issue I cared about. The CEC connects the environmental community and the public by fostering conversation and education. The weekly newsletter is an invaluable resource for what is going on in the Houston environmental community. The annual film festival shows powerful and fun environmental short films.
In 2016, I went to a United Way Board fair and shortly after I was convinced that I could make a difference with the CEC. I was a board member a couple months later. The board is a working board and one of the most diverse that I know of. There is a lot to do and I feel we make a difference.
Review from Guidestar
I became involved with the CEC after hearing about it through my role as a sustainability consultant for a local business. This is a passionate group of people who provide a meaningful service to the local community and to those who are looking to connect with other environmentalists and to stay in touch with local environmental news and events. The CEC's weekly newsletter in particular is a great resource -- sign up!
Review from Guidestar
The Citizens' Environmental Coalition was formed in the early 1970's, about the time of the first Earth Day. It is a revered institution in Houston. It is the "GO-TO" place for all things environmental for our general region. I always eagerly awaited the arrival of it's weekly newsletter in order to plan additional activities that I was interested in. When I became a board member, I wanted to help get the word out to other Houstonians all the environmental news and activities of the region. This year, I became the President of the Board, so I know I am making the effort that I had wished for. The upper Texas Gulf Coast is a great region of the country and we have a lot of attributes and challenges. We have done much and have much more to do. I hope to continue this effort as long as I am able.
The CEC is an information clearinghouse for everything environmental in Houston. Information on all Houston environmental organizations, events, programs and job opportunities are compiled on a user friendly website that is updated regularly. This is a very important organization for those concerned about the future of our rapidly expanding city.
The CEC is an information clearing house that provides relevant and useful information throughout the greater Houston and surrounding areas. It is one of the most important environmental organizations and informational sources for Houstonians. Over the past few years the organization has been growing and becoming more efficient and effective and with the right finding and opportunities, it will continue to provide Business's, Government and Citizens in Houston the information they desire.
The CEC has a long and distinguished history. It was formed in response to a potential environmental disaster, the channelization of Houston's primary waterway, Buffalo Bayou. To achieve that goal its original leaders brought together Houston's many environmental organizations and concerned citizens throughout the region. Today its mission remains to bring together concerned citizens, environmental organizations, and other groups that are interested in the environmental future of the Houston region. As one of the most environmentally challenged major cities in North America, this mission is essential to the future of the Houston region. Our health, welfare, and quality of life depend on people and organizations coordinating their efforts to prevent future environmental disasters, many perhaps more grave than the channelization of scenic and historically important waterways. Membership in the CEC is one way to ensure a bright future for the Houston region and for our children and grandchildren. It’s a great way to find out what is going on in our region. Why not join today!