10,000 Hands - 2017-2018

Green Network
The Green Network is a well-established volunteer engagement program whereby community
stakeholders participate in hands-on improvements to their local environment through cleanups, tree
planting, and education. The program’s effectiveness lies in its ability to maintain a strong partnership
with the City of Saint John for logistic support, the NB Environmental Trust Fund for financial support,
and in ACAP Saint John’s ability to maintain an established and dedicated network of volunteers.
ACAP Saint John has been engaging the regional community in volunteer-based cleanups since 1997.
Since that time, ACAP Saint John has proved successful in developing a volunteer base, educating the
public on the extent of littering and illegal dumping in the region, and establishing ACAP Saint John as a
credible and trusted environmental champion.
The Green Network model was developed to enhance the effectiveness of volunteer-based cleanups in
the Greater Saint John area, both logistically and in deliverability. This model places responsibility on
engaged individuals, community groups, and businesses interested in conducting hands-on projects to
contact ACAP Saint John for assistance. The Green Network, by way of ACAP Saint John, assists
interested groups in executing a successful cleanup by making available to them a coordinator who
provides necessary knowledge, materials, and resources. This coordinator supplies essential items, such
as gloves, garbage bags, safety tips, garbage disposal (via the City of Saint John), and a cleanup site if
necessary. This helps volunteers to be prepared and ensures they will have all the materials to complete
a successful cleanup.
The implementation of the Green Network and the services it offers were
promoted throughout the community through a wide array of media channels including: social media,
ACAP Saint John’s webpage, media, and community outreach.
Methods
The Green Network operates on a collaborative model for sustainability whereby multiple stakeholders
are directly involved in each event from planning though to completion. In 2017, the Green Network
coordinator acted as a facilitator and interested groups contacted the coordinator to setup their cleanup.
A date, time, and location were discussed and determined between the coordinator and interested
groups. Some volunteer groups already had a cleanup location chosen; if not, the coordinator chose a
cleanup site and determined an appropriate site for garbage pickup based on a list developed at the
beginning of the season. The coordinator then contacted the City of Saint John’s Transportation and
Environment Services Department to confirm the location and time for pickup from the city workers. The
appropriate number of garbage bags and gloves were prepared at the ACAP Saint John office for a
member of the volunteer group to pick up prior to the cleanup. Upon request, the coordinator brought
the supplies to the cleanup location and spoke with the group about the environmental issues of the area
they were helping to clean up. The Green Network Cleanup Sheet was included in the cleanup package
and a request was made for a member of the cleanup group to complete the form and return it to ACAP
Saint John along with pictures through our website, via email, or in person. The group was contacted just
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