Fairfax County Green Guides

Department Resources

Lead Where You Live: Become a Fairfax County Green Guide

The Fairfax County Green Guides is a new volunteer program from the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination. Green Guides are neighbors who learn how the county’s sustainability and climate programs work, then share what they know at community events and in their own neighborhoods.

No environmental experience needed. You bring your knowledge of your community. Fairfax County helps you turn it into practical green action.

Could You Be a Green Guide?

You might already be one! Green Guides are neighbors, parents, teachers, students, young professionals, business owners, and members of faith and cultural groups. They’re volunteers and organizers. They care about where they live and want practical ways to make it greener.

The Green Guides program empowers trusted community members to make a real difference in their neighborhoods and beyond. As a Green Guide, you’ll learn about Fairfax County’s environmental initiatives, covering:

climate change,
home energy,
resilience,
waste reduction,
natural resources,
clean transportation,
and effective climate communication.

The program equips you with tools to strengthen your communication skills, engage your community, and advance climate action. Along the way, you’ll connect with like‑minded individuals and play an active role in creating a more sustainable, resilient community.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Prospective volunteers must meet the following requirements:

Must be a Fairfax County resident, including the Towns of Herndon, Vienna, and Clifton
Must be 16 years of age or older (16-17 years old with parental permission)
Must complete a background check

The program is a continuous opportunity, requiring volunteers to commit to a year of service, as Green Guides will be deployed to outreach events and/or community presentations throughout the year. By joining the Green Guides, you agree to:

Sign an annual Code of Conduct
Make a commitment to the program for a year
Attend all sessions in the six-week training;
- Two trainings will be held in-person at the Fairfax County Government Center — January 21, 2027 and February 25, 2027 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
- All other training sessions will be held virtually on Thursday evenings from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Be able to complete 20 hours of service and 5 hours of continuing education

Prospective Green Guides will need to apply for the program through Fairfax County’s Volunteer Management System. The initial class of Green Guides will be limited to 15-20 individuals.

If interest surpasses 15-20 individuals, volunteers will be selected based on location to ensure representation across the county. After selection, perspective volunteers will be asked to complete a background check. A waitlist will be created if needed.

Not sure you can commit to the program in the winter of 2027? Contact GreenGuides@fairfaxcounty.gov to be added to future communications.

Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination

Alert:

Department Resources

Become a Green Guide

Learn

Connect

Share

Could You Be a Green Guide?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Recent Interactions

Ask Fairfax

Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination

Alert:

Department Resources

Fairfax County Green Guides

Become a Green Guide

Learn

Connect

Share

Could You Be a Green Guide?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Eligibility Requirements

Expectations

How to Apply

Recent Interactions

Ask Fairfax