We interviewed a leader from the Associated Students of Madison at the University of Wisconsin about an exciting new program they’ve created called the Green Fund.
Please tell us your name and current position in student government. Please also tell us a little bit about who you are: your year, major, etc.
My name is Will Mulhern. I’m a sophomore studying Environmental Science and Environmental Studies. I am the current chair of the ASM Sustainability Committee.
How did you get involved in ASM?
I got involved with ASM during my Freshman year. I went to one of the first ASM Sustainability Committee meetings and I really fit in with everyone else there. From that point I decided to run for vice chair of the committee and I won. This past year I ran for chair and I won that as well.
What is the Green Fund? How does it operate?
The Green Fund is an $80,000 grant system that only registered student organizations on campus can apply for. It allows students to get actively involved with improving campus sustainability, while also sending the message that students care about these kinds of issues. It funds grants that fall under one of the six areas of campus sustainability: Energy, Water, Food, Transportation, Waste, and Ecological Restoration.
Where did the idea for the Green Fund come from?
The idea for the Green Fund came from a few fellow students and friends of mine. Last fall we were all discussing possible campaign ideas and someone suggested we try to create a Green Fund. After doing some research on green funds at other universities I was hooked.
Why did the ASM Sustainability Committee decide to create the Green Fund?
We decided to create the Green Fund because we wanted to simultaneously improve campus sustainability and get students involved in the process.
What are your goals for the fund?
My main goal for the fund is make sure that it improves lives for students and the surrounding community at UW-Madison. It would be great to see it expand, but that isn’t as important as making sure that it is productive and effective.
For other student governments that are considering a similar project, what advice would you give them? What have been the biggest challenges? Biggest surprises? Lessons learned?
My biggest advice would be to actually listen and take advice. For some people it is hard to take criticism and deal with conflict, but that was my most helpful tool. Some people were very opposed to the project (for various different reasons) but rather than ignore their critiques I tried to work with them. In doing so, I believe that we were able to create a green fund that, if managed and utilized properly, will be a success for years to come.
