SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Net Impact, the leading nonprofit empowering a new generation to work for a sustainable future, is thrilled to announce the winners of this fall's Small Steps, Big Wins Campus Challenge. The undergraduate challenge is a competition which inspires undergraduates to take and record small steps to collectively create big social and environmental change. Small Steps, Big Wins is made possible by the Founding and Environmental Partner, Alcoa Foundation, Community Partner, Newman's Own Foundation, and other leading companies and foundations.
In less than three months, thousands of students on 62 campuses took over 50,000 actions ranging from refusing a bag to recycling electronics to organizing volunteer activities. In taking these actions, students raised $12,279.50 in donations for nonprofit organizations.
"We are impressed with the level of student participation and the great results of Net Impact's Small Steps campaign," said Tricia Napor, Principal Manager for Environmental Programs, Alcoa Foundation. "Alcoa and Alcoa Foundation are committed to environmental sustainability and community engagement, and this program inspires and rewards young people to take actions that reduce their environmental footprint."
These sentiments were echoed by students themselves.
"The most inspirational thing is that we've started something," said Oklahoma State campus leader Shelby Hansen."Students are not simply reporting actions they've done, but are changing their lifestyles to better our world."
Oklahoma State University took first place, having earned 329,240 points by rallying students to take a diverse range of actions such as reusing water bottles or growing a mustache for Movember to raise awareness of men's health issues. As a reward for their hard work, the campus team will receive a cash award to hold a sustainable party to celebrate. University of California, Berkeley came in second place, also generating an impressive level of student engagement.
Winning aside, Net Impact is impressed with students from all campuses, who came together to generate collective impact throughout the Challenge. Whether it's through unplugging electronics, taking a pledge not to text while driving, or donating blood, students are proving they have a strong desire to improve their communities and the world.
"Net Impact is helping college students understand that each one of us can make our world a better place," said Lisa Walker, managing director of Newman's Own Foundation. "We applaud the participants for engaging in activities to generate great collective impact in their communities."
This semester students benefited from a new and improved online platform, developed by myActions, the social network for the planet. In addition to enabling students to measure their personal impact and compare themselves to fellow students and other campuses, the platform encourages real-time reporting, and allows for increased social interaction and sharing.
"We're proud of the work students are doing to make positive change part of their daily lives," says Liz Maw, CEO of Net Impact. "We hope this is just an early step on the path to meaningful careers once these students join the professional world."
Students interested in getting involved should complete the Small Steps, Big Wins interest form: https://netimpact.org/ssbw-campus-director
Media Contact
Paul Campbell
Director of Student Programs, Net Impact
(415) 495-4230 x332
pcampbell@netimpact.org
About Net Impact
Net Impact is the leading nonprofit that inspires a new generation to work within and beyond business to tackle the world's toughest social and environmental problems. We support student and professional leaders to act locally through our vibrant chapter network and connect globally online and through our flagship conference. By doing so, we show the world that it's possible to make a positive net impact that will transform our lives, our organizations, and the world. Learn more at netimpact.org.
About myActions
"The Social Network for the Planet" makes sharing your sustainable and compassionate actions worthwhile. Harnessing the power of social networks, consumer engagement and mobile innovations, myActions connects and activates the ecosystem of Green Participants: friends, committed businesses, donors and nonprofits in a meaningful way to drive real world impact. Learn more at myactions.org.
Challenge Sponsors
Small Steps, Big Wins is made possible through the support of our Founding and Environment Partner, Alcoa Foundation, and our Community Partner, Newman's Own Foundation. Small Steps is also supported by AT&T, Avon, Chevrolet, The Coca-Cola Company, the Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies, and Join My Village.
Relevant Websites
Small Steps, Big Wins Campus Challenge: smallsteps.netimpact.org
Twitter: #SmallStepsBigWins | twitter.com/netimpact | twitter.com/myactions
Facebook: facebook.com/smallstepsbigwins