68: Team GREAT Golden

Challenger Profile at a Glance

Meet the Golden Residents Eco-Action Team. They’re GREAT!

Team GREAT Golden is an all-ages group working to promote sustainability in the city of Golden, Colorado.

Team

#66 – Team GREAT Golden
90-Day Challenge Goal: Organize a local eco-sustainability group
Location: Golden, Colorado, USA
Registered Challenger: Shiela DeForest
90-Day Challenge Period: September 1 – November 30, 2020

Impact

Here are some impact highlights from G.R.E.A.T. during the 90-day challenge period:

Came together as a new team and grew to 8 members
Held 4 community events, making Fridays for Future strike a regular fixture at the corner of Washington & 10th Street in Golden
Established Facebook and Instagram accounts and a Facebook group
Developed 3 key partnerships: Sustainability Golden, School of Mines Green Team, and School of Mines Solar Team

Challenge Experience

We asked Shiela, what parts of the challenge were most helpful for your and your team. Here’s what she said:

Having Joan as a mentor was helpful she introduced me and referred to me to her sustainability contacts in and around Golden.
The workbook and weekly writing assignment were handy because they provided a guideline and helped me know what to do.
Collaborating with the other challengers provided speaking opportunities and partnering opportunities so we could cross borders even during the pandemic.
Connecting with other like-minded people in the weekly trainings and portal made the experience actually fun!

Next Steps

Moving forward, the team is planning to build on the momentum established. They plan to continue with weekly Fridays for Future gatherings and plan Earth Day 2021 in Golden, Colorado.

Advice

We asked Shiela, what is your advice for someone who wants to make an impact?

Climate action is something that we need strength in number. We need everyone’s help, everyone’s actions.
It’s a matter of us being responsible and being more proactive with the community, for people to care more about our neighbors, our communities, and our planet.
Keep going. Don’t give up!