#NatureForAll Strategies
The seven #NatureForAll strategies offer solutions to a worldwide problem of disconnection from nature. They have been developed based on recommendations received from the 2014 IUCN World Parks Congress and the 2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress, and advice from #NatureForAll partners worldwide. They will continue to evolve over time. Not every strategy may be applicable in every situation, so our partners choose the one(s) that work best in their local context.
The Goal
My name is Olivia (15) and together with my brother Carter (16) we started our own non-profit back in 2009 in an effort to save endangered species and clean up our environment for at least One More Generation… and beyond. We realized early on that if youth are connected with our world on every level, and given an opportunity to express what they care about, amazing things can happen. We believe it is important to allow youth to experience the outdoors and to also understand how their everyday actions affect the entire world. Sharing this experience is vital to fostering empathy and a willingness to get involved at an early age and that is what we hope to do with our company.
The main goal of our organization is to show everyone regardless of age that their voice matters. We want to show the world that “Anybody can make a difference… if we can, you can too”. Over the years we learned that most people don’t care about the things they don’t know about. Our goal is to try and bridge the gap between a lack of knowledge to some of the world’s biggest problems and to inspire others to get involved and start being the solution.
Since starting OMG, we have created three main divisions within our organization. The first is our Animal Conservation Division which creates awareness campaigns that allow students and entire communities to learn about and get involved in being the solution to help save many of the worlds endangered species. Along the way we learned how environmental threats are also causing the demise of many species so we launched our Environmental Conservation Division which focuses on teaching communities how such issues as plastic pollution are becoming one of the largest environmental threats facing animals and humans alike. The third division is our Youth Empowerment Division which aims to help youth find their voice in their own communities.
What Has Contributed to One More Generation’s Success?
Strategy 4: Embrace Technology
Technology has afforded us the opportunity to reach audiences around the world with little to no exception. This opportunity showcases the power that one person can have on the world and allows them to share their passions and work with countless others. This in turn inspires others to get involved and fosters participation on a grand scale.
Strategy 6: Seek out Diverse Partnerships
Everyone wants to be involved or included, that is just human nature. This sense of inclusion fosters a willingness to roll up their sleeves and get involved in areas they may not have been comfortable even attempting on their own. We reach out to youth around the globe and ensure inclusion by everyone.
Strategy 7: Empower a New Generation of Leaders
Empowering the next generation of leaders is at the core of everything we do. When youth are given a voice, they learn early on that not only can they make a difference now, they also learn that it is their responsibility to start being the solution now. This fosters a sense of commitment that will last their entire life.
Insider Tips
· Our number one message to adults is “Listen to your kids.” Seriously, listen. All too often we allow ourselves to get caught up in our day to day life which often prevents us from actually hearing what our kids are telling us. I don’t know how often our kids had come to us with ides and plans on changing the world and we just didn’t hear them. Life throws a lot at each of us and sometimes that prevents us from hearing. I distinctly remember the day I heard Olivia and Carter tell me that they wanted to save endangered species, it was not the first time they expressed this passion but for some reason, on that day, I actually heard them… that was over eight years ago and they are still going strong
· Our number one message to today’s youth is “Tell every adult you know what you are passionate about.” Seriously, it doesn’t matter if you tell your parents, your teacher, a member of your church or a coach, just keep telling all of them over and over what you care about and eventually one of them will hear you and offer help. Who knows what you will be able to accomplish when you find the right person to help you out.
