Palo Alto, CA
Acterra has given me the chance to learn and practice the kind of life that I want to pass on to my children, grandchildren, and friends. Acterra through its many sustainable, environmental programs that I have taken advantage of has taught me over the years how to live a simple but fulfilled lifestyle with a small footprint on the earth. I have been knee deep in San Francisquito Creek and the baylands pulling out junk and non-native plants with my kids and learning about numerous sustainability programs from Bay area environmental leaders through "Be The Change"(an environmental leadership education program). These programs are but a few that I have taken advantage of from Acterra to support my community and the earth. My most recent involvement has been with a program called "Green @ Home" that goes into local homes and conduct an energy audit to help residents reduce their carbon footprint and save money on their utility bills. Acterra, in my estimation, is the penultimate environmental program that truly "acts locally for global benefit".
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... Encouraging businesses and cities to be green and environmentally sustainable, including youth, families, seniors in volunteer efforts in their communities, educating future environmental community leaders, encouraging local food growth, consumption and preparation,
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... the recognition of my value as an individual who can be helpful to my community as a volunteer.
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... Friendly, dedicated, warm, fun filled, bright creative people.
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... provide a million homes with solar energy, create elementary and high school environmental education classes, pay its staff a comfortable, living wage
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... I had more input into the process of the organizational decisions.
- If I ran this organization, I would... I would have quarterly meetings with participants to get their input as to how programs are running and for creative suggestions.
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... Fund raising as always, promotional efforts, staying ahead of the curve environmentally,
- One thing I'd also say is that... Acterra has been a tremendous influence in my life and that of my family. Acterra is family!