Environment

why it's important:

This garden symbolizes the state of the community. Before the recession, our school had money to properly take care of this garden. But because of lack of funds, the garden has died. What our school, and what our community needs, is a pick me up. That's what we believe this Valentine's garden can accomplish.

the plan of action:

Our plan of action is a 2 part garden restoration process. First, we will pick up all the trash in the garden, pull out weeds, and get rid of all the dead plants.
Then we are going to plant new plants that will thrive in the garden. The garden will have a valentines theme, and so all the plants will be red, white, and pink.

how you can get involved:

We could use money to buy the necessary gardening tools to restore our garden. We need gardening spades, wooden sticks, etc.

why it's important:

After numerous meetings with the Ell Pond Committee we decided on a few main ideas that will be the basis of my project. In short, the Ell Pond area between the Knoll and the DCR Lloyd Memorial Pool has many things that could be done to help preserve the integrity of the wildlife in that area and to beautify the Ell Pond area.

the plan of action:

A first step in this process was to minimize human impact on the wildlife surrounding the pond. To do this, a natural low key barrier was placed along the path to ensure that this vital wildlife isn’t being trampled, mowed, or stepped on. A second step was to better define the path leading from the Knoll to the pool. It looks better and it will also discourage people from going off the path and trampling grass and other plants around that area. The third step was planting native trees and bushes in that area in various spots to improve the appearance and to improve the ecological impact of the area.

how you can get involved:

Volunteering on Ell Pond Day

why it's important:

WaterCycle is a Canadian, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to help make the right to safe, clean water a worldwide reality. We believe this goal can be achieved by raising the public’s level of consciousness regarding world water issues, by eliminating private control of water resources and through the pursuit of sustainable water management strategies. Education is a key component of WaterCycle’s project, which is a three-pronged learning mission designed to help us and the public better understand water issues. Education will help people to make better water-related decisions and we hope it will in turn pressure governments and corporations to do the same. On a personal level, this cause is important to me because water has had a tangible impact in my life beyond sustaining my basic human needs. Canoe tripping, lifeguarding, swim instructing, surfing, scuba diving and my constant battle against severe dehydration with my jobs as both an Infantry Reservist and Forest Firefighter, have fostered within me a profound respect for water. As a teacher certified with the Ontario College of Teachers the educational mandate of WaterCycle also resonates with me; this link is the source of my passion for this project.

the plan of action:

WaterCycle began as a simple idea between a few friends. As they discussed possibilities it became ever clearer that they had an opportunity to participate in history and make an impact on something they really cared about. Gradually new people with important skills were added to the team. As each member joined the discussion, WaterCycle's goals, policies and identity took a step toward what it is now. With monthly meetings turning into bi-weekly meetings and grant deadlines looming the organization has gained momentum. Since the beginning we have taken pains to ensure WaterCycle operates democratically and that it's Board of Directors are organized horizontally, rather than in a hierarchical system of power.
WaterCycle does not claim to be in possession of all of the answers. Although well informed about water issues, WaterCycle is primarily based on secondary research and lacks direct, first-hand experience. In recognition of this, WaterCycle will embark on a three-pronged learning mission where we will assume the role of students rather than teachers. The three elements include:

1. An African cycling expedition designed to help us experience water adversity and to learn about privatization and sustainability in a setting that presents some of the world’s most extreme examples of water issues.
2. A media campaign that will chronicle the expedition in an entertaining and accessible way, helping the general public learn about water issues through the group’s experiences.
3. The creation of a water-themed database of educational resources that can be used to incorporate water issues into everyday learning. Education will empower people to make better personal water choices and to pressure corporations and governments to do the same.

These are just the first steps. Once the learning mission has been completed, WaterCycle will be better equipped to influence tangible changes in support of the right to water at home and abroad.

Important steps that WaterCycle has already made include:
• establishing a Board of Directors
• finishing stages of incorporation and drafting a business plan
• completed the expedition plan
• presention at COEO (Council of Outdoor Educator’s of Ontario), Impact Youth Sustainability Conference and Queens University
• development of a volunteer program
• submittion of an article for COEO’s Parthways Journal
• solution to the water crisis published by the World Water Forum
• approval to present at the World Water Forum in Marseille, France in March

My specific contributions include:
• planning the expedition
• co-authorship in the writing of the Risk Management Plan, Business Plan, Projected Cost Summary and Pathways article
• presentations at Queen’s University and COEO Conference
• WaterCycle representative and presenter at the World Water Forum in Marseille, France
• involvement in the construction of our water-themed resource database, website design
• co-coordinator of WaterCycle's voluneteer program
• several grant applications
• trip director

how you can get involved:

WaterCycle offers those who are interested in seeking volunteer experience many opportunities. The huge scope of our project and our focus on local solutions means there is a volunteering experience for anyone. WaterCycle’s Volunteer Coordinators will make every effort to place you with the appropriate Director so you can communicate with the Board of Directors at any time and receive the appropriate feedback. Whether you are seeking to conduct research, fundraise, serve on our Board of Advisors, distribute flyers, or contribute to our educational database, or whether you want to contribute to WaterCycle from your own particular area of expertise, we have a place for you.

videos:

why it's important:

In 2008, I traveled to Nairobi, Kenya to volunteer with an HIV clinic in Mathare, the second largest slum in Kenya. The experience changed my life. Upon my return to the U.S. I changed my major from Biology to International Studies with the determination to go back to Kenya after I graduated.

I graduated in December 2010 and moved to Kenya in March 2011 determined to make a change in the world. Just a few short days after landing in Nairobi I met a former street boy, Wiclif Otieno. Wiclif's story, success, and passion for changing the lives of other street youth through KITO International was very inspiring. We became instant friends.

Wiclif taught me a lot about street life, poverty, and the importance of quality aid. I quickly fell in love with the KITO community and it didn't take long before Wiclif and I joined forces to continue KITO's growth.

the plan of action:

KITO believes that "moving off the streets" means "getting out of poverty." If street youth are given an economic opportunity that enables them to work their way out of poverty and become self-sufficient, they will stay off the streets forever.

Potential KITO youth are referred by partner organizations, recruited by team members, or apply on their own. KITO selects street youth through a participatory interview process. Successful applicants enter a vigorous 2 month training program which covers entrepreneurship, life skills, employability skills, and financial literacy. Upon graduation of KITO's Training Program, KITO youth are offered temporary employment with KITO's social enterprise, EcoSafi, where they learn to make bags from recycled material as well as practice the skills they have learned in a hands-on setting. KITO staff work tirelessly to customize each youth's exit strategy. KITO youth have the option to start their own business, go back to school, or find full-time employment.

how you can get involved:

Spreading the word about KITO International is very important to us. You can help us in these efforts by liking us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/kitointernational) or following us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/kitointl). KITO International is always looking for volunteers, interns, and donations to help us achieve our mission. To learn more about us please visit www.kitointernational.org.

videos: