Youth, environment and sustainability – our future.
Youth Program Development Funding Goal – Phase 1: $35,000
Youth, environment and sustainability; we hear these words repeatedly linked, yet, what do we really mean? Do we know what hooks today’s youth into being motivated, enthusiastic advocates and participants of sound environmental and sustainability practices?
At the Alberta Emerald Foundation (AEF) we have an idea, but before we put it into action, we want to test our assumptions, ensure that efforts are not being duplicated and that any program we put in place, adds value to the work that is already being done by other worthy organizations.
We know sharing examples of success changes people’s attitudes and behaviours, encouraging others to participate; our Foundation was established based upon this researched and demonstrated premise. Now, we would like to take this one step further. The Alberta Emerald Foundation proposes to advance ongoing environmental behavioural change by encouraging and recognizing youth projects with an environment focus.
PROJECT OBJECTIVE
- To explore the potential of the Alberta Emerald Foundation to enhance youth involvement in environmental excellence by encouraging environmentally-related projects, potentially as Science Fair projects and also as a part of other educational modules and voluntary initiatives.
- To determine the most effective role the Alberta Emerald Foundation can take in supporting and encouraging youth involvement in environmental excellence – currently we offer a Youth Award at the Emerald Awards. We believe we can and should do more.
- To determine the critical and essential partnerships that can and need to be created to ensure youth program success and to prevent duplication of efforts.
- To create effective, dynamic youth programming that is of interest and value to youth while also meeting the vision, mission and values of the Alberta Emerald Foundation.
PROJECT REQUEST
We are seeking your financial support of the development stage for this new initiative including:
- development of a truly effective program together with a comprehensive budget for delivery
- identification of potential partnerships with preliminary discussions in place
- an enhanced Strategic Plan that incorporates sustainability planning for this Youth initiative.
We have received quotes in the range of $35,000 (GST & expenses included) for this work and indications that there are funders interested in supporting the program once it is fully developed.
BACKGROUND
Stakeholders – governments, businesses, organizations, educators, individuals – are all interested in involving youth in environmentally focused activities. AEF is experiencing an increased level of interest and requests for information regarding school related environment projects and initiatives as well as expressions of interest from others who would like to partner in working with youth.
Before AEF enters into one specific project or program area, some investigation needs to take place:
- Could AEF work with existing Science Fair structures to develop environment specific projects or programs: Science fairs have a long-time history in Canada; in Alberta they have been operated continuously for 45 years. Alberta offers 2 levels of Science Fair participation - school and regional fairs.
- What about the Science Alberta Foundation, Alberta Foundation for Environmental Education, Inside Education and others who support and promote environmental programming at every level and have established excellent channels of communication with the educational community and regional bodies?
- Is there a role for AEF within the formal education system, working with Alberta Education and Advanced Education and Technology?
- Are there gaps in programming for youth? What about older youth (18-25) – is that population being served? Can AEF be a factor in recognizing and sharing the environmental successes that other organizations are spearheading through their programs?
We believe AEF has a role to play in one or more of these areas. In particular, we suspect there is more work that we can engage in that is meaningful, advances the mission of the Emerald Foundation and adds value to the work of others.
AEF is a credible, independent source of environmental excellence examples with a database of over 1,900 Alberta stories spanning governments, corporations, academic institutions, small businesses, individuals, community groups, schools, Aboriginal communities and others. Many of the requests for information that we receive come from school groups and educators. We would like to help even more – the question is, how best can we do this and what will resonate with today’s youth.
With your support we can and will undertake meaningful, thoughtful, relevant youth environment and sustainability program(s).
JOIN US
Join us in creating truly effective Youth Program(s) through your seed funding support of Phase 1. For more information, please contact Ms. Emmy Stuebing, Executive Director at 780-413-9629 or by email.