Collaborative Learning Group Assignment
Group 4

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Group Name:   American Rivers Clean Water/Safe Habitat Coalition (“Rivers Coalition”)

Group Members:  Jim Stallings, Mallory Anthony, Michelle Byrd (Sustainable Bolivar Representative), LaToya Beard (Sustainable Bolivar Representative)

Group Characteristics:  You are a local chapter of a national environmental organization dedicated to bringing environmentalists, natural resource specialists, and outdoorsmen together to protect streams and rivers for birdwatching, fishing, hunting, and wildlife protection.  Your group is currently working on the Clean Rivers Campaign, an initiative that began 18 months ago and that is designed to educate people about the causes and consequences of pollution in our nation’s rivers.  You hope that if people learn about water pollution, they will take action to prevent it.  The Bolivar County chapter of the Rivers Coalition focuses on the Mississippi River, and wants to educate the public about the effects of boat traffic on the river, in particular how it affects wildlife and fishing.  You have a membership of about 275 people, mostly from middle class professional families in Cleveland and Rosedale.  You are funded through membership fees, from a small grant from the national office, and from two foundation grants.  Generally, your budget is somewhat tight and does not allow you to take on all of the projects you would like.

Group Perspective:  Your members believe strongly in protecting the environment and conserving natural resources.  Most members hunt and fish, while others engage in bird watching, and all believe it is crucial to protect wildlife habitat such as forests, lakes, rivers and streams.  Your members are also worried about pollution from agricultural chemicals, and from some of the industries in the county.  You believe we need a fundamental change in how our society operates, in order to sustain our economy and our environment.