Login with FacebookENVIRONMENTAL VOLUNTEERS, INC.
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I was a Volunteer & I like helping young children discover nature in their own neighborhood and have fun while doing it.
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Seeing and hearing young children connect with their environment and realize the importance of it is gratifying. It is fun to be that volunteer and to observe this. The EV reach over 10,000 students in the San Mateo and Santa Clara School Districts each year - with volunteer docents who help them discover things about the natural world around them. To help them appreciate and understand our world so that they will become better stewards of our environment. It is a great organization and I've been happy to be a member for over 12 years.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... how the science scores have improved in the schools the EV serves.
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... being able to get kids excited about science and realizing it can be fun.
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... wonderfully dedicated to education and the environment and devoted to the volunteers and the students. It is amazing what a small group of people can accomplish when they are motivated and appreciated.
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... they could help more California Schools improve their science education and finish restoring the Birge Clark EcoCenter building in Palo Alto which could serve as a showcase for how science and natural science education is important for our sustainability.
Ways to make it better!
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... fundraising and attracting more volunteers.
- One thing I'd also say is that... I have really enjoyed being a part of this organization and will continue to support it.
I was a Volunteer & I presented an EV kit on Birds of the Baylands to a second-grade class.
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This organization provides more high-quality services to more individuals for far fewer dollars than any nonprofit I know. Reaching out to elementary school students in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, our EV volunteers impart to youngsters an appreciation and love of nature, leading to a sense of responsibility for its stewardship, at the same time adhering to California science education standards. Through innovative classroom kits and field trips to ocean, bay, forest and neighborhood, EV is spreading the word for environmental protection.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... The wonder in children's eyes when they see nature up close.
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... Working with the children.
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... Dedicated, committed, energetic and enthusiastic about their mission.
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... Complete the Ecocenter in the Palo Alto Baylands which will serve as an environmental education and meeting center for the community in a beautiful natural setting.
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... I had more money to donate to the organzation.
- If I ran this organization, I would... Increase the donor base and the organization's visibility in the broader community.
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... Funding
I was a Board Member & I have served as a classroom and field trip docent, and as a board member. Teaching kids with materials that engage their curiosity is fun!
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The trained volunteer docents of the Environmental Volunteers have been delivering hands-on science education in the classroom and on field trips since 1972, reaching about 11,000 students a year. I have worked with a number of community organizations, and this one continues to impress me. The EV delivers a high-quality product for the kids, for the teachers, and for the volunteers.
Many children spend most of their non-school time in front of electronic devices or in organized activities, and they have little time to explore and discover the natural world on their own. The EV's programs let kids discover the natural world, and reveals to them the interdependencies of living and non-living things. These are important lessons for our future leaders!
Teachers come back year after year to sign up for EV services. Many volunteers stay with the organization for decades - several have been serving as docents for over 35 years! This loyalty among clients and "staff" testifies to the EV's solid organizational governance.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... Children get excited by the in-class activities, and make discoveries on field trips that leave a lasting impression.
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... Seeing effective environmental education in action, and seeing volunteers learn and share their knowledge with one another and with children.
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... Folks who are interested in the environment and who like children.
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... Expand to reach more children more often, so that environmental education would be part of their ongoing education every month of every year.
Ways to make it better!
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... Less-than-optimal financial resources to reach more children more often.
I was a Volunteer & I taught elementary school children about renewable energy in the newest subject area that Environmental Volunteers teaches: Energy and Natural Resources.
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As a volunteer and staff member of Environmental Volunteers, I have seen directly how this organization positively impacts our local children and our community. Environmental Volunteers is very effective in fulfilling their mission to promote understanding of, and responsibility for, the environment through hands-on science education.
What inspired me to join the EV was their vision, that all children will learn about and be inspired by the natural world so that they become responsible stewards of the Earth. The volunteers, some of whom have spent 30 years or more with the EV, make such a difference in the lives of our local kids; and, they help our teachers who are strapped for resources for science-based education.
Our children and community need these volunteers who are interested in innovative environmental science education that improves student learning.
The Great!
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... Recruit more volunteers and provide more support for the dedicated volunteers who could serve in more schools and more cities in the Bay Area. The EV could also finish the new EcoCenter at the Palo Alto Baylands, which would extend The EV reach to more children as well as adults.
Ways to make it better!
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... Decreased funding in this tough economic environment. The EV is so effective and uses its scare resources well, but it does need community and business financial support beyond the amazing volunteer support it gets.
I was a Board Member & I helped bring hands-on environmental education programs to 11,000 local school children last year.
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Environmental Volunteers, a registered 501-c-3 founded in 1972, raises funds for innovative hands-on environmental education programs in the classroom and on field trips. Topics range from "all about birds" to "energy and natural resources." This 37-year-old nonprofit trains volunteers to make a difference for children at a critical stage that can help instill a love of nature and environmental stewardship. Environmental Volunteers is renovating a beloved local landmark in a local nature preserve into a new headquarters called the EcoCenter. www.EVols.org
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... the enthusiastic reviews of children and their elementary school teachers.
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... getting to meet new board members who are business professionals and generous community leaders.
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... dedicated to making a difference on a local level.
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... expand the reach of its innovative programs to more children at more schools in the San Francisco Bay Area while also completing the rehabilitation of the former Sea Scout building into the new EcoCenter, a community resource for environmental education in the Palo Alto Baylands.
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... the economy had not had such a devastating impact on our community.