‘EcoAction Arlington’ approaches 50 years while focusing toward the future

It was founded nearly a half-century ago, but EcoAction Arlington is looking toward the future — and to collaboration throughout the community.

“We want partners who can commit to longer-term relationships, whatever that relationship is,” the organization’s executive director, Elenor Hodges, said at the Nov. 20 meeting of the Kiwanis Club of South Arlington.

Hodges has led the organization since 2000, when it was known as Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment. The organization, founded 47 years ago, rebranded in 2018 with its new name. “Action” was chosen as part of the new name, in part to appeal to a new generation.

“Young people are really looking to do things, to get involved,” Hodges said.

“We get a very cross-generational group of volunteers — age 16 to retiree,” Hodges told Kiwanians. “We help them to be empowered, to teach others.”

One of the organization’s volunteer initiatives is the “Eco Ambassadors” program. Modeled after Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, it offers local residents the opportunity to receive training in environmental initiatives, then give back to their community.

The first class of the Eco Ambassadors program, offered to Arlington and Alexandria residents, graduated in November.

The presentation at the Kiwanis meeting also looked at EcoAction’s efforts to plant more trees across Arlington, especially in areas that previously have been underserved.

All this is done with a modest staff of three full-time and eight part-time staff. While EcoAction Arlington receives county-government support as well as private donations, it, like many other safety-net organizations, is facing the challenges of the current economic environment.

Hodges said she’s committed to continuing and, where possible, expanding services.

“There’s a big imperative for doing this work,” she told the South Arlington Kiwanians.