Mentorship for Sustainability
Together for Nature is committed to increasing the participation, input, and impact of youth in our local sustainability efforts.
About.
Together for Nature and Equity and Sustainability Consulting offer a paid Mentorship for Sustainability Program open to high school and college students.
The program is focused on involving youth and young professionals in sustainability efforts and equipping them with skills and knowledge that will help them in their academic, community, and professional journeys, preparing them to participate in a green future and lead sustainability change. To us, sustainability works to advance environmental health, social equity and economic vitality to achieve thriving, diverse and resilient communities for this generation and future generations.
Program Structure.
Mentees will be paired up with a local sustainability leader that will mentor them in connecting to and leading sustainability change.
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The program provides students with mentoring and skill development through educational, scientific, activist, and networking opportunities.
We have mentors that are working on stream/wetland restoration, lobbying, environmental justice, diversifying sustainability, pollinator gardens, and other topics.
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At the end of the experience, mentees are welcome to join Together for Nature in a deeper capacity as an official member and continue meaningful work as a volunteer.
Program Timeline.
Spring
October - December: Outreach and Release
Applications due January 1st
Notification for applicants mid-January
Required forms due by orientation
Early February: Orientation
Required forms due by orientation
February - July: Monthly training and feedback sessions
Fall
May - July - August Outreach and Release
Applications due early July 1st
Notification for applicants mid-July
Required forms due by orientation
Early August: Orientation
August - December: Monthly training and feedback sessions
Impact.
We have partnered with more than 10 organizations in order to provide important educational and sustainability/environmental enrichment to more than 15 local students.
Youth for Sustainability.
You are invited to our monthly Youth for Sustainability Meetings hosted by our Mentorship for Sustainability program from 6:30 to 7:15 pm every fourth Monday of the month. They will start after our Mentorship program has their monthly check-ins. Email info@togetherfornatureil.com to sign up for the meetings!
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We will be inviting speakers and organizations from throughout the region and nation to discuss their work on sustainability, environmental justice, conservation, equity, and related topics. The sessions are open to any youth and there will be time after the presentations for youth to meet each other and discuss their sustainability interests and visions for our communities.
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Presentations will focus on any of the following topics and on teaching our participants about sustainability careers and changemaking:
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Environmental justice
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Sustainability
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Nature-based solutions
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Green infrastructure
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Clean water
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Green and equitable jobs
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And other related topics!
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If you are interested in presenting at these sessions, please email info@togetherfornatureil.com.
Projects.
Through our Mentorship for Sustainability program, high school and college students have been able to lead sustainability change in their communities while gaining important skills and knowledge. They have worked on projects that range from research to zero waste! Below, you can read profiles on their efforts and how they have benefited from Together for Nature programs.
2024 Fall Mentees.
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