As problems facing our environment are becoming more frequent, there is a new Miami University student organization taking a stand. This group is Leaders of Environmental Awareness and Protection (LEAP). They are bringing students together to preserve and protect the environment as a whole. LEAP's goal is to take responsibility in promoting environmental awareness and giving students the opportunity to make a positive change. They believe that by getting involved in the community, students can acquire an understanding of local, state and national environmental issues. They acknowledge the importance of the natural world and try to remind themselves and their peers of our personal responsibility to take a stand for the environment we live in.Taylor Goldberg started the club during the Fall semester of 2017. “I tried to join an environmental club because my passion is saving our planet and giving back. After researching the student organizations at Miami, I noticed there was no club with the sole ambition to make Miami greener” Taylor said. As a result, she decided to start her own organization, LEAP. Following its establishment, the leadership team was created by calling in the best people for each position that also deeply care for the environment. The leadership team includes Taylor Goldberg as the president, Emily Frigon and the Treasurer, Tatum Andres as the Secretary, Maddie Kahl as the Event Planner and Marketing leader, Maya Leyden as the Webmaster and Bennett Faloni as the Marketing & Promotions leader. They base ideas, actions and decisions on the ideal: “Act locally and think globally.” Since their establishment, they have participated in many environmental awareness activities such as promoting recycling, using of fresh produce and making Miami a greener campus. This past spring, they have even held two clean-up hikes on Miami’s campus, and they plan to organize more when the weather is nicer. LEAP is also planning some awesome upcoming events this semester! They are hosting yoga in central quad on April 15 and an Earth Day Cookout on April 22. This is a great organization to be a part of and help a new local group that is taking it upon themselves to protect the environment. They meet every other Monday in Harrison Room 012 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. If you are wanting to get involved, you can request a membership on the Hub, email leapmiamiu@gmail.com or email goldbetb@miamioh.edu.
Photos obtained from Taylor Goldberg.