Environmental education strengthens communities. As an educator—whether you work with youth or adults, for an organization or independently—this user-friendly guide will help you create programs that connect environmental learning with community well-being. Working with Communities (2026) was written as a companion, introductory guide to Community Engagement: Guidelines for Excellence (NAAEE 2026). Throughout the guide, you will find case studies about programs and collaborations that illustrate good practice, along with selected resources that can help you dive more deeply into the content.

We’ve organized the guide around five key characteristics of successful community engagement:

1. Community Centered – Listening to the community

2. Based on Sound Environmental Education – Grounding education in proven practices

3. Focused on Collaboration – Building real partnerships

4. Oriented Toward Capacity Building and Civic Action – Empowering people to make change

5. A Long-term Investment in Change – Committing to sustained impact

Download a copy of Working with Communities