MC101: Program Overview
How much do you really know about Martin County?
Sustainable Martin challenges you to learn more!
Whether you just arrived in our little piece of paradise or your family has been here for generations, everyone can learn something new about Martin County during an interactive and educational program called “Martin County 101 – It’s Different Here.”
The half-day program designed for new and existing residents explores Martin County through its history, natural and manmade environments, economy and social elements. The curriculum looks at how the various parts of the community are interrelated and interdependent. From biodiversity to biotech, waterways to wages, agriculture to the arts, subject matter experts provide the information in a neutral, unbiased way to attendees.
Participants form their own opinions about Martin County and whether or not they think we are a sustainable community. The program simply provides the facts for attendees to consider and a new lens through which to view this place we call home.
Presentations are given by volunteer speakers representing diverse organizations throughout Martin County including: the Treasure Coast Wildlife Center, the Business Development Board of Martin County, Martin County Growth Management, Children’s Services Council of Martin County, Environmental Studies Center (part of the Martin County School District) and others.
Since its inception in 2003, more than one thousand people have attended the program.
In addition to offering the general public the opportunity to attend the program, Sustainable Martin also coordinates with South Fork High School’s International Baccalaureate program to educate hundreds of high school students as well.
Through our exit surveys we’ve discovered that the program appeals to a wide cross section of Martin County residents. From students to seniors, business people and environmental advocates, people generally come away with a new nugget of information and a greater appreciation of parts of our community that they were previously unaware of.
For more information email info@sustainablemartin.com.
Topics:
- Our unique water and land resources in Martin County and Florida
- Natives versus Exotics – Plants and Animals
- Why and how did people change the natural systems?
- Where We Are Now: Triumphs or Tradeoffs?
- Growth Management and Planning for the future
- Social and Community Issues (There’s more going on here than the growth debate)
- The Economics of our county – How does the money flow?
Presenters:
Sustainable Martin has a dedicated group of volunteer speakers who are trained to present the information in their area of expertise in an unbiased fashion. Speakers donate their time to participate in the MC101 education program, each of them telling a piece of the story and connecting the dots to understanding the big picture of creating and sustaining a healthy, thriving community. Individual presenters at any particular MC101 program will vary depending on their schedule and availability. A typical MC101 program will include a representative from among these organizations and agencies:
- Chamber of Commerce or Business Development Board
- Children’s Services Council of Martin County
- Healthy Start Coalition of Martin County
- Martin County Environmental Studies Center
- Martin County Growth Management and Coastal Engineering
- South Florida Water Management District
- Treasure Coast Wildlife Center
- United Way of Martin County