By SABRINA ZIZO / Community Columnist

As the new school year kicks off, there is an opportunity for students to get involved with student organizations as a way of developing one’s thoughts and skills and getting introduced to a diverse group of people.

At the University of Montevallo, there are organizations for everyone to get involved with and be a part of projects, events and in some cases a change.

One of these special interest organizations at the university is the Environmental Club.

In the past, the E-Club has helped with the development and continues to work with projects such as the Green Fund, ValloCycle and the organic community garden.

The E-Club provides unique opportunities for each member. Over the summer Ryan Ahrendt, a current member, participated in an internship with Black Belt Citizens and also had the opportunity to attend a Sierra Club’s weeklong Summer Program (SPROG) in Courtland, Va., with a few other E-Club members.

This year, the E-Club has taken on a student lead campaign, alongside Black Belt Citizens Fighting for Health and Justice, a group organization based in Uniontown, Ala.

This campaign has allowed UM students to learn and advocate for a cause they are passionate about.

Their initiatives have been implemented through social media, writing letters and planning events.
Along with this new campaign, the E-Club has big plans for the 2016-2017 school year.

“Ourclub provides a lot of great services for the university as well as the community,” Haley O’Bannon, the new vice president of the club, said. “I, personally, hope that we will be able to expand some of those services. We also want to raise awareness about environmental issues on campus.”

To find out more or to get involved with UM’s Environmental Club, find them on Facebook or contact O’Bannon at hobannon@forum.montevallo.edu.