Keep Midland Beautiful: Cultivating environmental responsibility and communal pride in the heart of West Texas

Profiles
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Executive Director of KMB Joy Paulson | DaLeesa Brown

Nestled in the core of Midland, a nonprofit organization is crafting an initiative of environmental responsibility and communal pride. Led by the visionary Executive Director Joy Paulson, Keep Midland Beautiful (KMB) stands as a dynamic force with efforts in reshaping the West Texas city.

KMB's mission for the community of Midland is a dedication to empower residents with the tools and knowledge needed to champion a clean, vibrant, and beautiful community. 

Working hand in hand with the city of Midland, KMB has evolved into a vital force behind initiatives aimed at elevating the city's aesthetic allure and fortifying its commitment to environmental sustainability. KMB's collaboration with the city enables a broader reach by allowing them to amplify their impact and engage the community in meaningful ways.

"Our main goals are litter prevention, education, and community involvement or outreach," said Joy Paulson, the driving force behind KMB's transformative initiatives. "The biggest target and feat will always be education and community outreach, and that's something we tackle every day."

Within Keep Midland Beautiful's expansive portfolio of initiatives, diverse programs such as 10 On Tuesday, Adopt-A-Spot, Clue Crew Club, Pick A Park, Trash 4 Cash, and numerous others showcase distinct focuses. KMB’s programs collectively support the organization's mission to promote environmental stewardship and foster community involvement.

As a nonprofit organization, KMB recognizes the invaluable role played by volunteers. "Since we’re a non-profit, we greatly depend on volunteers to help out when they can," Paulson told Midland Times. 

Paulson emphasizes the organization's commitment to community empowerment. "We believe even if you're unable to volunteer, you can still do your part by picking up any trash you may see and being mindful of how you're disposing of your trash," states Paulson. "This is your community as well as everyone else’s community, too."

KMB's multifaceted approach involves leading by example through socials, cleanup events, and active participation of board members in community cleanups. 

They also contribute by educating residents on litter prevention and proper trash disposal. The organization's emphasis on education and community outreach extends beyond rhetoric, manifesting in measurable actions to ensure successful working orders.

"We have a litter prevention coordinator to help us measure our efforts, and we also report to the city everything we collect and how many volunteers were able to contribute to help," said Paulson after being asked how KMB measures the impact of its programs on the cleanliness and beauty of Midland.

In the hands of Paulson, Keep Midland Beautiful is not only navigating the challenges of environmental conservation but is also inspiring a collective sense of responsibility among residents within the community. As KMB continues to weave its green tapestry, it continues to embark on a commitment to a cleaner, vibrant, and waste-free city of Midland, Texas.

To explore additional programs or find ways to get involved with the organization, visit KMB’s official website at https://www.keepmidlandbeautiful.org/.