What We're Doing: Great American Cleanup
In 2008, you accepted the Go Green Challenge, which successfully launched Apollo Group’s long-term journey to embracing sustainable practices in the work we do every day. The participation of thousands of employees across the nation made a loud statement about our collective commitment to “going green” and our dedication to environmental innovation and responsibility.
Last week, Keep America Beautiful, the largest volunteer-based community action and education organization in the United States, officially announced University of Phoenix as a national sponsor of the Great American Cleanup Campaign. The Great American Cleanup Campaign is the country’s largest community improvement program, taking place each year from March 1 through May 31, 2009. During these three months, millions of volunteers participate in a variety of environmental efforts dedicated to cleaning, beautifying and improving tens of thousands of communities across the country.
Since its inception, the Great American Cleanup has made a significant impact in thousands of communities across the country. Last year alone, volunteers donated more than 6.7 million hours to clean, beautify and improve more than 17,000 communities during more than 30,000 volunteer events in all 50 states and beyond. Activities included beautifying parks and recreation areas, cleaning seashores and waterways, handling recycling collections, picking up litter, planting trees and flowers, and conducting educational programs and litter-free events.
As a national sponsor, alongside other national brands such as Pepsi, Honda and Waste Management, University of Phoenix is providing substantial support to Keep America Beautiful and the Great American Cleanup program in a variety of ways, including helping the organization spread the word about volunteer efforts. Through the Great American Cleanup, we have an opportunity to showcase our commitment to a greener world.
Looking back at the amazing things we have accomplished together, we would like to present another exciting challenge. With locations across the country, we have the opportunity to positively impact our neighborhoods, parks, schools and beaches. We are working with our 100+ Go Green Captains across the country to identify local eco-volunteer opportunities and we are hoping you will all join us during this three-month campaign. The opportunities for helping are as diverse as the many communities we serve. Be on the lookout for a message from your Go Green Captain, but in the interim you can learn more about the many different local initiatives in your area on the Great American Cleanup Web site.
We hope you will join us and be one of the millions of volunteers who are involved in the Great American Cleanup this year! Should you have any questions or ideas please contact your Green Captain or email us at GreatAmericanCleanup@apollogrp.edu.
Sincerely,
Ayla Dickey
Senior Vice President, Public Affairs and Corporate Social Responsibility
Apollo Group, Inc. - University of Phoenix
Manny Rivera
Director, Public Affairs
Apollo Group, Inc. - University of Phoenix
PS: Don’t forget to log all volunteer hours into http://apollo.volunteermatch.org. When entering hours for the Great American Cleanup, be sure the organization name is entered as “Keep America Beautiful.” If you have any questions about logging in your hours, please contact volunteermatch@apollogrp.edu.