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Page 2 GO TO GUIDE - ARMY EARTH DAY Planning an Army Earth Day Event Planning an installation-wide Army Earth Day event is like planning a community appreciation day, only with the environment as the focus. As with all post-wide events, planning for Earth Day begins with getting installation leadership support early enough to ensure a place on the installation calendar. Secure Commander approval in early January, then make sure the date - April 22 or another convenient day - is on all participants’ and leadership calendars. Begin holding planning meetings. Command endorsement is step one in creating a successful Earth Day event; the next is assembling a good team. Assembling an Earth Day Team Pulling together a team of interested and dedicated individuals is crucial to an event's success. Team members are responsible for selecting sites, dates, and activities to support the theme; developing event goals; generating publicity; and providing activities, exhibitors, and entertainment. Your core team members should come from: The post environmental staff has valuable experience in all aspects of environmental management and can provide technical support in arranging displays or showcasing the installation's environmental programs, projects and successes. They also have valuable contacts with outside environmental agency personnel who may provide information materials or be interested in partnering with you to put together an exciting event. A Public Affairs Office (PAO) develops the command media and community relations programs, and deals with a variety of off-post organizations and civic leaders. Public Affairs staff can: • Heighten awareness and encourage attendance by sending out articles, announcements, and media releases to installation and local media outlets. • Function as official spokespeople for offpost\media queries. • If appropriate, arrange services of an Army band. Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) staff are often responsible for installation recreational facilities, such as parks and open spaces. They also sponsor many Soldier and Family activities so could be a good partner for your Army Earth Day event. Your MWR can help reserve space for an event, or suggest activities for the location. Your MWR may be able to coordinate with its marketing office, which can help with many promotional items. Only your MWR representative is authorized to accept or acknowledge corporate support such as money, services, and products. April is the Month of the Military Child, so you may want to combine your Army Earth Day with an MWR event. Partnering with a school that serves military families can promote understanding of the Army’s environmental goals. The Office of the Staff Judge Advocate’s environmental law specialists should be included for both event ideas and to ensure compliance with fiscal law and ethics regulations. The Safety Office, Directorate of Public Works, Military Police, and other staff and organizations, also can be valuable resources. Restoration Advisory Boards, which provide public input to Army environmental restoration programs, are important links to the community and should be included. Plan a short kickoff meeting at a time and location convenient to all team members. Ask the members to introduce themselves and describe what they can contribute to the team.

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