We are a New Haven, CT based non-profit founded in 2000 dedicated to providing opportunities for young people to develop a positive sense of self, and a connection and commitment to others through programs that incorporate environmental exploration, leadership and community service. Here are our stories and adventures.
Cheryl King Fischer (Executive Director of NEGEF), Shakila, Mary Ann, Javaughn, Joanne with award
Road Trip! YAG members Shakila McKnight, Mary Ann Calo and Javaughn "JJ" Harris, packed up their things into Miss Joanne's car and the four of them set out for Boston on March 17, 2006. They were hosted by a personal friend of Joanne's when they arrived after dark outside of Boston.
Bright and early the next morning, the group of four headed out to the New England Grassroots Environment Fund conference, together with the Toxics Action Center, Environmental Action 2006. JJ and Shakila went to a workshop entitled, "Live Consciously, Buy Wisely and Join with Others to Make a Difference," while Joanne and Mary Ann attended another workshop about environmental action.
At 11:45am, the group convened to present for a workshop about "Up and Coming Activists: Young People Making a Difference." The YAG members discussed the CSAP (Community Service Action Project) process and some CSAP's that have been conducted by Solar Youth participants in the past. Did you know that Solar Youth participants have completed 105 CSAPs since 1999?
After another workshop session, the group joined the rest of the attendees for the day's wrap up. At the reception, NEGEF and the TAC presented awards to various groups for their work in the field of environmental activism. Joanne, JJ, Mary Ann and Shakila were surprised when Cheryl King Fischer (Executive Director of NEGEF) was talking about an organization that sounded an awful lot like Solar Youth. Yes, it's true! Solar Youth received an Outstanding Activism Award "for engaging youth as leaders and environmental stewards in their community."
"We won a Grammy," JJ joked. Everyone was very proud of the recognition Solar Youth received for all the hard work the staff, interns and youth do, all year round.
And the road trip? Ended with the four tired travelers winding their way down the I-84, then I-91, to arrive in New Haven, safe and sound.
About me
- I'm joanne
- From New Haven, CT
- We are an environmental education and youth development non-profit in New Haven, CT. We engage urban youth in their local environment using our unique program model: Kids Explore! (where youth learn about their local ecology and ecosystems) Kids Do! (where youth identify an environmental problem and utilize youth-led action to solve the issue) Kids Teach! (where youth educate others about what they have learned an accomplished). Our curriculum uses hands-on experiential lessons, games, songs and a dedicated staff to teach environmental concepts, build teamwork skills and empower youth. We run several programs, including our afterschool Steward Teams, in-school Hands-on Outdoor Learning Adventure, and our summer Citywide Steward camp. We also facilitate a Youth Advisory Group (YAG), where dedicated participants take leadership in the organization, including running their own programs and sitting on the Board of Directors. Our high school interns work in youth-adult partnership to run all our out of school programs, learning critical skills for future careers and personal growth. Join us as we share our many adventures and accomplishments with you.
- For more information about us, check out our website: SolarYouth.org
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