Trees, Water & People

I have been associate with Trees, Water, People in one way or another for the last 6 years. Initially, I got to know TWP through a trip to Guatemala. They accompanied a group from my church to the community of La Bendicion. We were looking for an opportunity to form a "sister city" in Central America. TWP organized a trip so that we could connect with the community of La Bendicion as well as experience a bit of Guatemala in general. The trip itself was very well organized and consequently both informative and fun. Lucas Wolf, who led our trip, was very prepared and professional while also being patient, flexible, and approachable. He was well established with the community and helped us have in incredibly rich and memorable experience.

Aside from that, I have volunteered here in a variety of ways. Currently, I am filling in as an office manager until a more permanent person can be found. Everyone here at the office has been extremely welcoming and helpful. It has been a pleasure to be here.

Trees, Water, People is making a huge and positive difference in our world!

Cindy Sargent

Trees, Water & People is a wonderful organization! I had the opportunity to work with them in there efforts in Pine Ridge SD. They truly take the time to understand the needs of and issues facing the people they are helping. This is a step not many non profits do - or at least as effectively - as TWP. The staff at TWP also is something to rave about, they truly put all there effort into helping others and the environment they live in first.

Trees, Water, People is an incredible organization that is supporting and connecting people in their own backyard in addition to across the world. They truly care about individuals and sharing stories in unique ways, whether it be a mural in Fort Collins, CO where they are based, or working with local coffee farmers in Central America and exposing people around the world to their incredible products. This is definitely an organization to support!

Trees, Water, People is such a thoughtful organization with an incredibly sharp, compassionate, and visionary group of staff and board members at its helm. I worked with this organization on behalf of my visual artist client who created a custom mural to help tell the organization's story and mission in Fort Collins, CO. They were a dream partner in guiding the project, educating us on their mission, and connecting us with important voices in the communities they serve. I have been really impressed with TWP's authenticity and global perspective. So happy to have them in our Northern Colorado community!

The people behind this organization are some of the most kind and caring humans I have ever met, much less worked for. They intentionally get to know their volunteers and the recipients of their work. Even as someone who volunteers with them, where am I giving my time and energy to their causes, I feel like the one being taken care of and benefitting from the interaction. Seb, Daniela, Helen, and Diane all knew my name within minutes of meeting me, and this kind of attention to detail and personal care is evident in the work of this organization! I have struggled for years to find a local non-profit that embodies all of the aspects of community conservation that I hope to build my career/life around, and I am so thankful I have finally found them and gotten to work with them. Any day I get to go to TWP is a good one :) Finally, their presence on social media and in town is informative, and inspiring. They create content that I am able to share with friends and family and advocate for nature and indigenous populations in a way that is respectful yet powerfully demanding.

I'm always inspired by the authentic, holistic approach TWP takes to their work. Far too often we see nonprofits parachuting into communities and impressing their will upon them. TWP is a strong exception to this paternalistic model. Their staff is largely composed of people from or with authentic connections to the communities they're serving.

TWP is one of those rare organizations that not only understands the complexity of the issues they are trying to adress, but their interventions and programming reflect that complexity. They work at the intersection of social and environmental problems and rely on the expertise of the communities in which they work to guide them. TWP is the type of organization that the broader field of international development needs.

I am constantly impressed by the ways in which TWP not only contributes to real, meaningful, community-driven change on the ground internationally, but by the way they bring the community in Northern Colorado together to make a difference at home through events, tours, art, videos, and every means available!

Since their inception, TWP has had a strong presence in Fort Collins and the countries they loyally serve. The most admirable trait of TWP projects is the longevity and care taken by staff to cultivate relationships with local non-profits and community members. By nurturing local relationships, TWP has been able to grow and diversify projects in rural Central America. Over the years I have seen TWP evolve as an organization and become a type of business partner with local agencies and communities that believes in their stakeholders' potential, ideas, and abilities to propel their own change, protect their natural resources, and improve their community and family well-being. TWP inspires young and old to get involved and work towards making our global community a more verdant and healthy place to live They offer Travel with Purpose by taking people on tours of their projects, but also to places off the beaten path where we can experience life from diverse perspectives. Overall, TWP is an exceptional non-profit that will continue to have a positive impact locally and abroad long into the future!

Former TWP employee & lifelong supporter!

I really enjoyed my time volunteering with TWP. They were able to provide all the resources I needed in order to do my job effectively. The team is a dream to work with - funny, kind, smart and easy to be around. I'm looking forward to volunteering on other projects down the road.

I grew up in Ft. Collins and had always heard positive things about TWP and the work they do with communities in Central America. In Jr. High School I volunteered with them during my free time. I re-connected with them this past year because I was completing my M.S. in Forestry at CSU and was looking to engage in positive community-based work related to forestry. I interned for them and have nothing but positive things to say. I helped on a variety of projects and the staff was very accommodating and receptive to my participation. The people at TWP are kind, motivated, and truly committed to their mission!

I have been a donor to Trees Water & People for almost 20 years. I enjoy giving to Trees Water & People because I know my gift will really make a difference. I have been enthusiastic about planting trees through various Trees Water & People reforestation efforts. But I have also contributed to other projects and activities because they are so important and compelling. I value the work of Trees Water & People - and most of all, I trust them. - Stacey B., Fort Collins, CO

I am a student at Colorado State University and I worked with TWP last year to plan and run a service learning trip for CSU students to Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Right before our trip, the reservation experienced horrific flooding which, after a month long government shut down, caused serious damage to the infrastructure. Not only was TWP still able to lead our group, but watching their response was incredible. Even when nothing seemed to be going right, TWP never failed to put the Pine Ridge community first and taught our group incredibly valuable lessons on what collaboration looks like in action.

I have been supporting Trees, Water & People since 1999. As a contributor and a development professional, I continually have been impressed with how TWP has become more sophisticated in its advocacy of connecting sustainable land use, local communities and the need to develop local leaders and champions, starting with efficient wood stoves, tree nurseries, reforestation, and expanding to water catchment and conservation in dry areas. Trees, Water & People is close to local communities and partner organizations, developing long term relationships that open opportunities for substantive collaborations on the problems most important to the people and their communities. The organization has expanded to include a national program working with Native American communities. The organization also keeps its donors, the majority of whom are individuals, informed and engaged through newsletters, local events and study tours. I recently joined the Board of Directors, and can attest to the dedication, energy and integrity of the staff. As with all organizations, Trees, Water & People faces a continually changing array of challenges and opportunities for local communities development, and I am sure that TWP will continue its most excellent work.

Trees, Water and People spent a very long time preparing for the Santo Domingo Tribe tree planting week. They have formed very real relationships through the amazing communication efforts and warmth of their team, and i am lucky to have had the honor of doing work with them! They truly care about the disproportionately felt environmental stresses which indigenous communities have been struggling with in light of harmful ecologically changing trends, in this case, as a result of an immense wildfire. James Calabasas spoke in his native language the entire day, as this was his tribe- i admit i was in awe and even a bit mystified by his and the entire tribes' ability to connect so deeply to their roots while we were all together digging into the soil to invest in the sustenance of these new living roots. After the opening prayer, we worked hard in the hot sun under cautious and detailed instruction about proper protocols for the silvicultural needs of the species, Douglas Fir. I heard about the geographical extend to which the non-profit performs from the Executive Director, Sebastian Africano, and was very impressed to hear international collaborative support was not uncommon for them. My utmost respect and kind wishes are for their team, along with Valerie Small and Jose Chalit to always grow in opportunities to plant trees, to grow, and to thrive.

My name is Cam Reader and I work for the Colorado State Forest Service Nursery, located in Fort Collins, Colorado. I had the incredible opportunity through the Forest Service to not only grow the Douglas Firs needed for the restoration project, but travel with two of my coworkers to the restoration site on the Santo Domingo/Kewa Reservation in New Mexico to plant the seedlings. We got to camp in a beautiful campground, meet many members of the tribe and work alongside them for two days on a beautiful reservation. We were invited back to have dinner both nights in a member's Pueblo with all of their family. There were countless amounts of unforgettable memories made, and history learned throughout the weekend. Including watching the women make their homemade bread with an adobe oven! I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this project with Trees, Water and People and to have made such unforgettable connections with the wonderful people of the Santo Domingo Tribe; it showed me what it's like to be a part of something so much bigger than myself. I will never forget the experience and am looking forward to working with Trees, Water and People as much as I can and hopefully very soon.

Trees, Water & People is a top-notch organization! They go above and beyond to help many communities both in the US and Latin America. The members of the organization put their money where their mouth is and spend a lot of time out in the field helping communities. They are quick to take action and provide resources in areas that really need them.
TWP is also highly regarded in the local community. I've had the pleasure of volunteering at some of their events this summer and really enjoyed meeting the lovely and caring members of both their staff and the board. TWP is an organization that will receive my support for many years to come.

I volunteered with TWP to help with a few fundraising and storytelling videos. Love what they do and especially WHY and HOW they do it. Such a great group of committed people doing good in the world. Their approach is one that facilitates empowerment, accountability and sustainability for all their stakeholders. I highly recommend getting involved with them as a volunteer or donor.

Thanks TWP for all you do!

I am the Chairman of a faith-based charity that supports TWP with projects in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.
Last year I spent two weeks visiting these projects with Sebastian, Gemara and Jose.
Each was being completed on schedule and in full compliance with the commitments they had made.
Their compassion and competence is wonderful to see.

I became interested in TWP during my time as a masters student studying conservation at Colorado State University. I was lucky enough to intern with them for one semester. Although I was not with them for long, I was able to learn how effective they are in terms of their reach and impact nationally and internationally in terms of conservation and development at the community level. I think it is so cool that they have local partners in Central America whom they collaborate with to implement on the ground projects, ensuring projects fit with what local communities need. What a smart and innovative way to operate!

Passion clearly runs through the TWP staff. They are wonderful people with so much knowledge that they are willing to share. TWP does excellent work, and I'm proud to have worked with such an awesome organization.

I initially went on a tour with TWP to Pine Ridge Reservation in south Dakota as part of a service learning trip through CSU. My experience with them and their community partners was so inspiring that it lead me to joining their staff as an intern. Truly impressed everyday with the work that they are doing in indigenous communities in North and Central America. The type of organization that doesn't just give hand outs but truly helps communities foster a healthy relationship with our planet and simultaneously create economic and social development.

Every aspect of TWP’s approach is consistent with genuine community accompaniment. I have been impressed by TWP since 2005 when I was living in El Salvador and met up with friends who were volunteering with the organization. Since 2009, I have been privileged to have TWP staff visit my course on international development at Colorado State University to introduce students to their community-based work. Through these and other experiences with TWP I have developed tremendous trust in their commitment to those with whom they collaborate. - Suzanne Kent, PhD

Trees, Water & People's dedicated staff and partners have been doing important environmental conservation work for 20 years now and counting! I am honored to be a donor of this incredible organization. They walk the talk every day and I strongly encourage you to get involved with TWP.

Trees, Water & people are definitely making a difference in this world. I teach entrepreneurship courses and I’ve chosen the executive director of TWP to be a guest speaker in one of my classes recently.

Here is a quote from one of my students in my class:

“Through this class and other experiences, I’ve heard about a lot of non profit organizations, however, this was the first time I actually wanted to further learn about the organization. I think because he combined the profit aspect with the philanthropic aspect. So many organizations just focus on the philanthropic and I’ve found myself wondering how they are able to pull it all off. Which he made it clear, how they made the organization operate.”

I think this quote brings what is really interesting about TWP: the entrepreneurial mindset of the organization to make things happen. I think this young generation wants to see non-profits that strive not only in the work they do, but also financially – TWP do both with excellence!

Paulo Brito

They are deeply dedicated to their cause and mission. I like that. I also love their expert staff.

It did not take long for Trees, Water & People to become my favorite and most-admired nonprofit organization. Almost all nonprofits talk about commitment and transparency (everyone's new favorite buzzword), but TWP demonstrates both qualities in everything it does. Its focus is broad enough to reach a wide range of people, but narrow enough that anyone who contributes can see exactly how their donation was used, and maybe more importantly, why that decision was made. The staff is always available to answer questions, and always excited to show you what TWP is doing now, and what it plans for the future. TWP not only listens to its donors, it is outstanding in forming respectful friendships and alliances in the communities in which it works. It listens to the people it is trying to help, and does what they want and need. The work is driven by the people it benefits.

I recently traveled with some of the staff of TWP to Guatemala to view their projects there. I am very impressed with TWP for a number of reasons. First of all, they are listening to the people to understand what is needed as opposed to assuming a need. They partner with local organizations which provide credibility and efficiency to their efforts. And, maybe most importantly, they make long term commitments to each village where they have involvement. I am very proud to support them.
Dave Veldman

I had the amazing opportunity to be an intern this summer 2018 for Trees, Water & People. They are an incredible organization that truly is dedicated to empowering communities and serving others.

As an intern you get to work along side the wonderful professional staff who are invested in helping you learn and grow. I hold TWP in the highest respect and highly recommend interning or working with them.

When I came across the work that TWP does, I knew that I'd found the perfect intersection of my two passions: social justice and environmental sustainability. Through TWP, I was introduced to the concepts of "community based development" and "sustainable development". Currently, I am an intern and have had a great experience not only because of the wonderful mission/work but also because of the incredibly talented and dedicated staff members that strive to make the world a better place each and every day.

I originally found Trees, Water, and People because I wanted to intern for an organization that cared about sustainability and community based development and TWP was the perfect match! I worked as an intern for a year and I couldn't have been happier with my time there. The staff is unbelievably friendly, hardworking, and passionate. I learned so much and got to be a part of so many different projects. I was incredibly proud to be part of a team that cared so much about communities across the Americas and worked hard every day to make people and the planet healthier and more resilient. So much love for the people at TWP and the work they do.

I first heard about Trees, Water & People through my Women and Development class at Colorado State University. On that day, we were learning why indoor air pollution is called "the killer in the kitchen” and how it disproportionately affects women and children. The situation isn’t all despair though; as we learned, local nonprofit – Trees, Water & People – works with local community members to design clean cookstoves that greatly reduce indoor air pollution’s harmful effects on health and the environment.

1 ½ years later, I am very fortunate to intern for this amazing organization. The staff here are phenomenal; their passion for what they do shines through every single day. On top of their hard work and dedication to various communities in Central America and U.S. Tribal Lands, and to projects ranging from clean cookstoves, to reforestation, to renewable energy, and many more, they have taken the time to help me shape my internship in a way that best suits my needs. They ask me about my classes and future goals, and include me in social events. I am proud to work for an organization that cares so much about their partners, interns, volunteers, and the local community, and has inspired me to pursue a career in community-based conservation.

As an exchange student at CSU, I was looking for some work experience with an international organisation. Despite missing out on their internship program due to a lack of planning on my part, TWP were extremely helpful in finding a role for me that would be both enjoyable and suited to my skill set.

I found all of the staff their to be extremely likeable, but also really helpful in assisting me with my project. Sometimes as a volunteer you can feel like a spare part, this was certainly not the case at TWP where I was entrusted with a good amount of independent responsibility but also received as much assistance as I needed.

All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience with a small NGO making a significant impact in a number of fields.

Thanks!

Trees, Water & People provided me with a life-changing opportunity to connect with the Lakota community in Pine Ridge, South Dakota over my spring break at CSU. Thanks to National Director Eriq Acosta, I was able to work and learn alongside native community members at the Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center and the relationships that grew from that were effortless. I have learned so much from this experience and I will keep these lessons with me for the rest of my life. -Grace Ota

I was able to go on a trip to Pine Ridge, South Dakota with Trees Water People and CSU Alternative Spring Break. This trip was amazing! I learned a lot about how TWP and their community partners are using renewable energy to empower this community. It shows how a great nonprofit like Trees Water People is dissecting some of the wicked problems that people on reservations across the country live with, and what they are doing to empower communities to combat those problems.

Trees, Water & People is a non-profit organization which benefits the environment as well as empowers indigenous people nationally and internationally. TWP's community-based development model provides opportunity which allows individuals to improve their lives and helps spread knowledge of renewable energy sources. I was first drawn to this organization through their use of the word "reforestation". I knew then and there that these were people actively focused on solutions. I am thankful to be working with an organization that makes a real and positive impact to future generations and the environment.

I happened to stumble upon Trees, Water & People and the volunteer opportunities they had threw a non-profit website. I instantly knew this was a special organization and that I wanted to do whatever it was I could to help. Once I reached out and came for my first volunteer project, I knew I would be coming back. I am now currently an intern working on various projects to help promote TWP. The staff is wonderful and very helpful. Each one of them has taken the time to include me in things, inquire about my goals and offering true friendship. Being an intern here for the past 8 months has channeled my passion for being a true advocate for our environment and for indigenous communities across the globe.

I was the first Volunteer Communications Intern at Trees, Water & People. The people and work environment are welcoming and overall genuinely nice and he staff are really passionate about the mission & vision of the nonprofit. I can honestly say it was one of my favorite places to work at.

TWP connects people to the planet by creating programs wherein communities protect the planet while protecting their own long term well being. TWP is small but makes a large impact and creates a ripple effect of good. Interning with them was an amazing experience full of personal and professional growth.

We worked with TWP at Lakota Solar Enterprises on Pine Ridge reservation and with Henry Red Cloud. Eriq and Richard were awesome and made sure we had what we needed and enough work to do. They explained things and answered our questions. TWP is working hard to help low income areas help themselves, and to partner with outside volunteers to help as all. Thank you!!

On Thu, Jun 22, 2017 at 1:32 PM, Agnes Wagner wrote:
I had an amazing opportunity to volunteer at Trees, Water & People while I was on an extended visit to Colorado from Germany.
All the staff was incredibly supportive and helpful, and the work they are doing is truly amazing.

While I was there we were working on planting 33.000 trees on Pine Ridge Reservation and worked together with a Lakota family to complete a solar panels and a solar air heater installation. The solar air heating systems are manufactured at the Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center, which provides jobs for local people, and also trains people from other First Nation tribes to take the technology back to their own communities.

Besides that we were working in Central America helping families to create a healthier lives by building clean cookstoves. With the stoves the indoor air pollution goes significantly down as well as reduces the time and the amount of wood needed for cooking...

Overall I really enjoyed my time at TW&P

I have been a supporter of Trees, Water & People for a couple of years. I originally found them because I was looking for an organization that plants trees for carbon offsets. TWP does that and so much more! I had the wonderful opportunity to travel with TWP to Honduras in January and see on the ground the kind of work that they do. I was so impressed with how TWP works with local partners to help rural people while at the same time helping the environment. Our group participated in building two fuel efficient and clean burning wood cook stoves (they use just 10% of the wood of traditional stoves) and construction of wire and cement pilas for rainwater catchment. We also interacted with people in the communities, with the help of TWP's employee in Central America who acted as interpreter. I was so impressed with the organization, the people, and the work that they do. TWP makes their funding go a long way, making a big difference in people's lives with a little bit of money.

I had the wonderful opportunity to join with Trees Water, People on a trip to Honduras in January. Their knowledge of the community and their needs was so impressive. Two of the TWP personnel were so talented in Spanish and worked hard to translate every word. We learned about the need for fuel efficient justa stoves that let no smoke into the homes and are so much more healthy. We assisted in the construction of two of these stoves as well as building Pilas for water storage. We toured coffee farms and learned about the benefits of diversifying the forest. I was so impressed with how much they are doing! It was an amazing group of people!

I started as a development intern at Trees, Water & People shortly after I finished my undergraduate degree and I couldn't have asked for a better place to land. The staff here is truly incredible and all hold extensive knowledge in their field. However, what is even more impressive, is the genuine passion for what TWP does in Latin America and on US Tribal Lands. By working on TWP projects, I was able to grow my skill set and also see firsthand what projects in indigenous communities can really do for locals. I love that TWP works with communities and really listens to what locals would actually benefit from. This creates sustainable economic opportunities for years to come. I feel extremely blessed to now call TWP my workplace and work alongside these wonderful human beings.

TWP is an organization that has found an intersection where renewable energy, sustainable building technology, and food sovereignty can empower and improve impoverished communities. Their work explores vital new frontiers in the fight to eradicate poverty in places such as the Pine Ridge Reservation, and the employees are driven people who are passionate about the work they do.

I had the wonderful opportunity to intern with TWP this summer, and I feel that while doing so I gained a great wealth of knowledge and experience in the non-profit industry. It is amazing to work with people that care so much for the work that they do, and it has inspired me to do the same as I develop my future career upon graduation this spring. I have been very lucky to intern with TWP and learn from their very knowledgeable and caring staff. Top notch organization with a top notch cause!

Molly and everyone we have worked with at Trees, Water & People are personable, professional and passionate about making a difference. Their hard work has changed how communities across the globe look at energy, health and sustainability. As an organization, we are always eager to work with them and share stories, knowledge and insights. Keep up the great work!

I had the amazing opportunity to intern at TWP and I could not be more pleased. The staff was incredibly helpful and they really strive for helping their interns advance in their professional career. The experience I got while interning with TWP has helped me land jobs. I am very grateful to have been a part of that.

I had the pleasure of working with the dedicated staff, board members, interns, and volunteers of Trees, Water & People (TWP) for several years. This small but mighty Colorado-based nonprofit partners with local communities here in the US and throughout Latin America to accomplish great things! We cannot save the planet without helping the people - this is where TWP shines.

I am an intern at TWP currently. I have rarely felt so inspired by the work that I am involved in, and so supported and encouraged by the people I work with as I do here at TWP. I have learned so much about nonprofits in general and about TWP's amazing programs throughout both the U.S. and the world. I have also been given opportunities to explore many different aspects of what TWP does, even getting the chance to visit Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. This entire experience has helped me grow professionally and personally a ton already.

Great place doing wonderful things! So happy to have been a part of such a life-changing organization.

I have volunteered with Trees, Water, & People several times through their Tribal Program on the Pineridge Reservation in South Dakota. Every volunteer experience has been inspiring, grounding, and fulfilling. Trees, Water, & People is an organization that is addressing one of the longest contentious issues in America; Native America Oppression. It is doing so with "boots on the ground" practices, like planting trees, building gardens and homes, and donating food and supplies to Lakota locals.

I was a International Development intern at Trees, Water & People, and I cannot express how wonderful the TWP staff is, as well as the work that they do in the U.S. and abroad. TWP is uses a rare approach to sustainable development in that they work BOTH in the U.S. and abroad, and the emphasize the health and well-being of BOTH humans and the environment. Their holistic approach also targets their work in some of the most marginalized communities around the world to work WITH them lead better lives as opposed to traditional forms of development which can have a top-down approach. TWP is quite the opposite, and always works directly with local non-profits and community leaders who know their communities best, and what they need - they are always working from the bottom-up.

As an intern, I gained practical grant-writing skills, and I was able to apply the knowledge from my Master's program to assist in their data analysis efforts and even help them build new partners. The staff is flexible with each intern and allows them to make the best of their experience! I felt taken care of, valued, and I made 10 new friends in the process of getting to know the entire staff. Keep up the great work!!

I have volunteered with TWP for four years on various projects and am now a board member. The real strength of TWP lies in their persistent effort to empower local indigenous residents in American Indian and central American communities. TWP continues to re-evaluate its strategies and projects to fit with the times and with the aspirations of those in poverty.

Trees, Water, and People is the rare organization that acts not just to care for our environment, but equally for the ways that communities -- particularly indigenous communities -- interact with the natural environment. It combines a systems impact approach with a deep respect for individuals and families. It's for these reasons that I continue to be involved!

I found TWP through Colorado State Universities Center for Fair and Alternative Trade. I became interested in interning for TWP because of their social and environmental impact they have in various Central American countries. TWP does a fantastic job in making sure each country is receiving the appropriate help in accordance to their cultural needs. TWP has made huge impacts with their projects.

Trees, Water & People's mission is to improve people's lives by helping folks protect, conserve, and manage the natural resources upon which their long-term well-being depends. I think that this approach is the right one as they then can live with nature in a better way and get some real autonomy. The team of Trees, Water & people is just remarkable in efficiency and positivity! People should invest in them...

TWP does great, innovative development projects in some of the most underserved communities in the world. This is a great organization to give to that will maximize the impact of your donation, or to provide you with an incomparable volunteer experience.

People involved with TWP have explained to me what they do, and I'm especially impressed with the cookstove initiative. What a win-win!

This is my 3rd year working with TWP and I continue to be excited about the significant contributions the organization is able to make on tribal lands and in communities throughout Central America.
Some of the highlights in the past year include planting of 10,000 trees on the Pine Ridge Reservation, the work to build a home for a Lakota Family based on sustainable Compress-Earth-Block technology, and supporting Hopi recycling entrepreneur Tyler Tawahangva in the launch of his business, Cloud Nine Recycling. In addition, I’m particularly excited about the work to build the Nicaraguan Center for Forests, Energy & Climate, which will really get going in the next year.
I am privileged to have the opportunity to continue supporting these projects.

I am thrilled to say I am the new international development intern for TW&P! I am proud to be part of a team that cares for the people they are trying to help and are passionate about the environment as well. TW&P is invested in offering a hand up and not a hand out which I think makes this organization sustainable and incredibly productive in the projects it implements both nationally and internationally.

I love that TW&P collaborates with local partners to determine their goals and projects; by doing this they ensure the projects are not only sustainable but culturally appropriate and helpful to these communities, both for them and the environment. We need more organizations who have these priorities and goals to make sure the money being spent on development projects is being used the best way possible and making a real difference in the world.

I have just started my internship here at TWP and am so excited about what the organization stands for! The TWP approach focuses on engaging with communities in order to create solutions that fit for different cultures and societies. Their national and international development programs help to bring necessities to those who do not have access to them, such as solar air heaters in the Pine Ridge Reservation of South Dakota and clean cook stoves in Latin American countries. I am so jazzed to be working for such a giving non-profit!

Before I moved to Fort Collins, I saw TWP's website and new that I needed to be involved with them. Being an intern, it feels great to know that I can help Native Americans honor Mother Earth by living with more sustainable means, such as using and understanding solar power, wind power, organic gardening, reforesting, and using our natural resources as intended. TWP helps us all out!

When I heard about Trees Water People several years ago I knew this was an organization that I wanted to support. TWP not only plants trees but also has created stoves that need little wood and burn cleanly and efficiently. They are bringing simple and affordable solar to families with no electricity. This power changes their lives and does away with candles and non recyclable batteries. Now that I am a board member I am grateful to be more involved in bringing these huge changes to people around the world, which at the same time protect the environment for all.

TWP is an exceptional non-profit in that it works at the frontline of energy and the poor in improving lives through low cost applications such as fuel efficient cook stoves and solar air heaters. It does it through working with local organizations at the grassroots level. Ten years ago, I helped TWP set up a tribal lands project to build and install solar air heaters for low income housing. Today it is the largest solar air collector initiative in the country, impacted dozens of reservations and has built one of the only sustainability centers for training in Indian lands on the poorest reservation in the country, Pine Ridge. TWP results speak for themselves.

I love Trees, Water & People! My relationship with this awesome organization began back in 2012 when I took a road trip with some friends up to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. TWP partners with a Native-owned solar and renewable energy company there. My friends and I helped out in the organic garden called Solar Warrior Farm located at the Red Could Renewable Energy Center campus. This was my first experience being on a reservation, and I learned a lot about Native American culture and the hardships that many American Indians are faced with. This experience left me with a strong desire to continue volunteering with both TWP and the folks at Pine Ridge.

Since that first trip, I have been back to Pine Ridge several times to volunteer with TWP. My relationship with environmentalism and social justice is nurtured through the projects I take part in, and I always leave the reservation feeling more at peace than when I arrived, and with a renewed sense of purpose to keep taking action for change.

I also decided to do my internship here in TWP's Fort Collins office to finish out the requirements for my degree in Environmental Sociology this spring. I really enjoyed getting to learn more about the organization and it's programs, and getting to work more closely with the wonderful staff (so much so, that I decided to stick around and continue volunteering after graduation!). In a way, the volunteer work I get to do with TWP has added to my inspiration to pursue my education further, so I will be starting a master's program in Sustainability and Environmental Management next year.

TWP will always be one of my favorite organizations. I love the mission and purpose, and truly appreciate the hard work they put in to helping our environment!

Trees, Water, People has been providing tools and support to developing nations and native american communities stateside for many years. Because they operate in a well establish international network, they are able to make a huge impact to so many people's lives.

We have the luxury of seemingly unlimited resources in the community where we live. But in the communities where TWP operates, resources are scarce and therefore so very important. By focusing on social impact and sustainability, the results are self-perpetuating. Give a woman a fish, fish for a day. Teach a woman to fish, fish for a lifetime.

I am proud to be associated with such an extraordinary organization.

Trees, Water & People cultivates a creative, inspiring work atmosphere. I thoroughly enjoy my work as an intern. I'm challenged to think outside of the box every day.

One of the programs I'm most excited about is the new solar energy solutions: Luciernaga. TWP has been distributing solar lamps and chargers to people in rural communities in Central America who are lacking access to the main grid. The solar lamps and chargers are inexpensive, and proving to be a vital energy resource to those who need it most.

I've had a lot of different internships and the one with TWP has by far the most rewarding and has taught me the most in preparation for a career in sustainable development. They are very much a collaborative organization rather than to- down type of org, which I admire.

I think Trees, Water & People is great because it is hands-on progress. No one is trying to convince anyone of anything here....it's clear that clean water, healthy trees, and people living joyfully are all related. And that the sun is a huge free energy source. This is one group that is really making it happen. Progressive change should be this direct more often!

I had the privilege of working with Trees Water and People in a project on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. My coworkers and I have twice traveled to South Dakota to help furnish the Solar Earth Lodge. Trees Water and People is facilitating the production and training of renewable energy for native americans. The Lakota people are trained to build and install solar heaters greatly reducing heating bills. The native americans we worked with were truly working to improve their lives and to protect their planet in partnership with Trees Water and People. The is a grass roots organization that partners with people with great needs and great dignity

I first learned about Trees, Water & People thru Care2. This organization not only saves lives but eye sight and the future of children. TWP improves lives by supplying solar energy to individual homes. A simple step that should become the right of all individuals in the world. This means that the people no longer die of smoke inhalation or from fires. Parents can spend more time at home instead of looking for firewood or oil. They can save a little money to improve their lives. Children can study by actual lights instead of a candle or kerosene lamp giving them the world through education. In addition they work with and teach native Americans how to start renewable green business. Best of both worlds they help here and abroad.

Helping both Native Americans and central Americans to utilize solar energy and to live healthy lives is a superb cause that I heartily believe in.

The representatives from this organization are hardworking and passionate. TWP's noble cause to help both the environment and the needs of a community benefit us all around the globe. My volunteer experience with TWP was so much fun. Great mission, great people, and educational as well. I hope to participate again in the near future!!

Combatting soil erosion and limiting respriratory ailments can go a long way towards building a future for rural people.
In a way that makes sense to the people of Central America, TWP helps tackle these and other problems.

Trees, Water & People is truly an amazing, hardworking and inspiring organization. This group of dedicated and genuine individuals continuously strive to make positive impacts on people and the environment. As an intern for National Development I am having an extremely beneficial experience learning about the interworkings of a nonprofit and getting the opportunity to be a part of the incredible work TWP is doing nationally. The balance of a human based approach that coexists with the environment is a rare and beautiful thing. I will absolutely continue to stay involved with this organization and support thier endlessly positive impacts.

Imagine you could plant trees in Central America.
Imagine those trees improving the atmosphere while feeding and shading the family who lives under them.
Imagine a clean burning cookstove can save some of those trees for the future while providing clean air indoors for the family that uses it.
Imagine the children in that family have more time to go to school since they aren't collecting so much firewood.
Imagine that a solar light could allow them to read books after dark.
Imagine that they can charge up cellphones with solar power to connect to the rest of the world.
TWP and its partners is doing all that and more!
Imagine you could help.

Trees, Water, and People is.a unique organization. They are small enough To have personal contact with The projects they sponsor and large enough to make a real impact through careful planning and collaboration with local groups. I'm excited about the new garden initiative on t he Lakota Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. I have seen in person how these projects can raise self esteem AND conserve energy on the part of the people receiving help from TWP. I participated in an Ecotour to the reservation sponsored by TWP.

Trees, Water & People is an amazing and inspiring non-profit organization, which is why I am an intern for grant researching and writing. They help communities help themselves by teaching them how to continue the work that TWP has helped them begin. By teaching local community members how to improve their home environment (with cleaner burning stoves), how to save energy and utilize what Mother Nature offers (with solar heating), how to grow their own community gardens with healthier and heirloom produce (within a shelter to lengthen the growing season), how to grow and plant trees (to help recover after a natural disaster), and how to reduce their environmental impact footprints, among others, TWP promotes and passes on knowledge and skills to help create a healthier environment for everyone, as we are all connected. There is no better way for a community to help themselves than with using their own hands-on work and experience, and then to continue passing it on to future generations, or even other communities.

As a donor to TWP my experience is from a distance, but due to the reports via FB I feel connected to a wonderful organization that is making a difference in the world. It is my hope that my donations from afar will assist in keeping the great staff going forward with their outstanding work.

I have been included in the Trees, Water & People family for almost a year now as a National Program Intern. I cannot find the right words to describe the amount of gratitude and appreciation I feel for the excellent staff. They are people who truly care, truly want to make the difference, and who will truly go beyond all expectations to achieve positive change. I have witnessed so many community driven activities that help everyone involved to grow, learn, and open their eyes. I believe in the programs TWP has created and look forward to seeing them continue to succeed.

I have been involved with Trees, Water & People for several years now and have been very impressed with their mission, programs and how they administer them. We have focused on reforestation and tribal renewable energy but all their programs are excellent and would highly recommend this non-profit organization.

I have been involved with TWP for the last three years and have been extremely impressed with the many programs they are supporting. They have touched so many lives with their approach of sustainable energy, clean cooking, carbon offsets, etc. I have donated to these various programs for Christmas gifts, birthday gifts and "in memory of friends" I have lost. I will continue to look to Trees, Water and People to provide opportunities for me to help the peoples of our earth.

As a currently development intern at TWP, I am continuously impressed by the dedication and enthusiasm of the staff. It has a been an incredible experience to learn more about the non-profit sector and the necessary resources and hard work for executing high-impact projects. Trees, Water & People are endlessly dedicated to community driven projects that improve the quality of life for individuals. As a student of engineering, I have been very impressed by their ability to connect innovate technology with culturally appropriate solutions. I hope to continue to be involved with TWP and watch their ever growing impact.

Trees, Water, People is great in that it supports projects that have positive effects on so many different levels-- poverty, the environment, building communities. By implementing environmentally friendly energy sources into disadvantaged communities it helps the people in these communities AND is good for the environment at the same time. With projects both in the U.S. and abroad, Trees, Water, People lives up to it's slogan of "Helping People and the Planet."

As the International Development Intern during Fall 2011, I had wonderful experience with TWP. The staff, and everyone involved for that matter, is dedicated to fulfilling the mission and bettering the local and global communities we live in. I enjoyed the positive energy in the office and the welcoming atmosphere that created a thoughtful and forward thinking work environment.

I had such a pleasant experience this summer as an international development intern for TWP. The staff was exceedingly welcoming and full of passion for what they do. Each one of TWP's programs is so detailed and well-organized, even though I read up on the organization before the start of my internship, I found myself learning something new about it every day. The knowledge and experience I gained about the meeting point of humanitarian work, grant-writing, and environmental conservation is invaluable.

I've been a volunteer on and off for the last few years at TWP and have absolutely loved it! The staff, board and other volunteers are wonderful. Their approach to non-intrusively introducing sustainable, health-improving projects is thorough and deeply rooted in a belief to change communities through their own means and labor!

I have been a donor to Trees, Water and People since its founding in 1998 and a Board member for the past nine years. In 2002 I volunteered to spend a month in Honduras building improved cookstoves in very poor, rural parts of the country. It was amazing to me the impact these simple stoves, mostly constructed with local materials, made in peoples' lives - eliminating harmful smoke from kitchens, saving time and/or money collecting or buying firewood. Good for the environment too! I have also worked on cookstove programs in Guatemala and Mexico and last year travelled to Uganda where a new pilot project has been started. This is a great organization with a dedicated and professional staff making full use of the resources it has available.

I have been volunteering with Trees, Water & People for a year and a half and have loved every moment of my time with them. The work that this organization does to assist communities in protecting and restoring their natural resources has improved the quality of life for so many as well as the land that they live on. My work as a volunteer has evolved over the time I have been with them. Throughout this evolution the staff have always treated me with respect and appreciation, which has only driven me to want to continue my involvement. I am forever grateful for the experiences I have had with them and the ones still to come!

I have been involved with Trees, Water People since 1998. I was their outside accountant/auditor and, at that time, I knew them as an environmental organization, but not much more. Over time, as I got to know the principals and volunteers that make up the organization, I became more & more impressed at how such a small group of people can make such a large impact on the world. I am now a board member and the organization's treasurer. I have been on many boards in my career and I can truly say that I have never seen an orgaization that "Walks the Walk" like TWP. In many countries (Honduras, Guatemala, Haiti, etc.) as well as on the Indian Reservations in the United States, what TWP does is truly life-changing. When I first got involved in the organization I focused on the "Trees" in the organization's name but as I became more involved I realized it is clearly about the people. I am truly proud to be a small part of such a great organization.

Trees Water People is an extremely impressive NGO, my first experience with them and since then has been nothing but professional, inspiring and fun.

Our family believes that our natural world is sacred, a gift from our Creator. Many of us are involved in environmental work. I am a retired psychologist who volunteers on the Board of a local land trust in western Massachusetts. I admire and support the work of Trees, Water & People. They are in the forefront of our fight to create a more balanced relationship between humans and our natural world. Thank you! Robert

I am the National Director of Trees, Water & People....and I am humbled by so many friends and associates speaking up on behalf of our work. Thank you for this. You inspire me to be a better man and to try new approaches to difficult problems in hard places.

Their mission is to improve people’s lives by helping communities protect, conserve and manage the natural resources upon which their long-term well-being depends.

This mission is guided by two core beliefs:
• that natural resources are best protected when local people play an active role in their care and management; and
• preserving local trees, wetlands, and watersheds is essential for the ongoing social, economic, and environmental health of communities everywhere.

And this is exactly what they are doing! They care and it shows!

I am writing this review to help them win the $5,000 prize from GuideStar USA, Inc.

I have closely observed the operations of the organization as an outside auditor and am always humbled by the true dedication and hard work of the staff. The mission of the organizatioin is always in the forefront whether it is a local activity, activities on an Indian Reservation or work in Latin America. I have been able to watach the organization grow from it's humble beginning to a great organization that is really making a difference in the world and is being recognized for it's accomplishments.

There are many great things to say about Trees, Water & People. In addition to the important work they are doing to help improve the lives of people in developing countries, I think they are also excelling in the way that they communicate with the public, donors, and volunteers. Through their skilled marketing team, they are using social networking and website development to communicate events, specific people's stories of help and improvement, as well as keeping the community of TWP connected and committed to the organization. They are a great example of maximizing the affect a non-profit can have when using technological means to communicate and help connect to the community.

They are working to improve people's lives by helping communities to protect, conserve, and manage their natural resources.

I first became interested in this organisation because of the name which
included three of my main interests. Reading their literature and later meeting some of the people when they came to NYC, I was impressed with their straightforward, no frills devotion to carrying out their goals..their direct person to person , step by step approach, doing what they said they would, with humor and humility, bringing more and more people into their work. I appreciated their commitment to spreading their knowledge and having the people in the communities where they are working take over the work and train many more to join in.

The Volunteers and staff of Tree's, Water, People are true examples of what it means to be "community minded". They have worked along side me in some new future projects for another Non-Profit locally and truly have done so out of the kindness of their hearts! I can honestly say that in watching their work, the contributions to conservation and natural awareness education is one of the most selfless acts of concern I have seen in a very long time! I am very proud to have them in my world!!

Trees, Water & People is an outstanding environmental and developmental nonprofit that is truly satisfying to support. They are very community-minded in their down-to-earth relationships with local people and the organizations they serve. While they have an honest, unpretentious attitude about their mission, they are also extremely knowledgeable and experienced in the technical aspects of silviculture, watershed protection, and small-scale solar energy applications. Best of all, they had the foresight to focus on promoting the use of energy-efficient woodstoves to attack the cause of much deforestation in Central America. This has a wonderful side-benefit to the beneficiaries who adopt these stoves in homes and community buildings: clean indoor air and improved respiratory health.

When the earthquake struck in Haiti we needed an organization we could trust to deliver the necessary services to help the victims. TWP had people on the ground and access to fuel efficient stoves that not only helped those in need but conserved precious fuel for a country in peril. They are a wonderful organization and we are proud to support their efforts.

They are helping save the planet and the people. I have donated over the years to twp. This year I will be traveling to help install stoves.

I really appreciated an email I received from Trees, Water & People
10-15-10 titled Sebastian Speaks from Haiti. It was beautifully written and I felt connected to what was happening there.

Notes from the field: A Sobering Account of Haiti
Sebastian Africano, TWP's International Director, sends this personal account from Northwest Haiti, reminding us of the epic challenges faced by the Haitian people each and every day. Sebastian has been in the country since November 8th visiting TWP partners and assessing the current situation in this debastated county.
"crazy day - went to visit some AMURT project sites, and as we left were greeted with a dead body in the street three houses down from us first thing in the AM. Cholera is real and is spreading. We are being extra cautious to be sure, but there is no fear from our side, just respect. We saw another body in Okap - in the back of a pickup truck with family wailing at full bore in the street. It hits suddenly, and takes people quickly. Sure enough, after our site visits and a quick trip to a beach near here, we came across a procession of vehicles coming downhill from Source Chaude - probably 15 - 20 people jammed in a Izuzu Trooper, all screaming like they were being kidnapped. A procession of motorbikes and walkers followed. Nuts. SC is cool, pitch black and over-run by goats, pigs, clouds of mosquitos, and feisty Haitians. Remember that this is where Paul and Andrew came down with severe malaria - it's full on roulette. All water in the taps, etc...comes from a sulfurous steaming hot spring, but we filter it, chlorinate it and re-filter it in a Brita just to be sure. I'm sleeping in a woven hammock I bought in Honduras, behind one of AMURT's buildings, in a windier area, free of mosquitos. I woke up this morning at dawn to the sound of marching, and uncovered my face to find myself completely surrounded by a sea of goats. Got to watch the newborn kids chase each other around all morning - clumsy and clueless as to their eventual purpose. The country side is nice. Our people at AMURT are doing some strong strong work, and are definitely inspiring to be with. Tomorrow I'll follow them during an actual work day, and then head back to PAP on Tuesday morning, with a potential stop through the waterfall I mentioned yesterday (glorious). I'll meet with who I can on Tues and Wed, then leave for DC on Thursday morning..."

Then there was a link to learn how you can help bring clean cookstoves to the Haitian people, helping them to fight the spread of water borne diseases such as cholera.

It meant a lot to me to be able to read an email from someone who was actually there. And could describe the wonderful along with the awful.

I am thankful there is TWP. The work they do on the Lakota reservation in South Dakota makes me smile and want to give them a donation.

Trees water and people is a nationally recognized organization that provides excellent leadership on issues important to our natural and human ecology. Stu Conway is a great CEO.

Trees Water and People is an organization that touches the lives of people in many positive ways. What excites me about this organization is that they develop economically and environmentally motivated solutions for the people in the communities they serve. For example, by getting people in Guatemala and Nicaragua involved in the manufacturing and use of forest saving stoves, they have helped create jobs that encourage healthy and safe living environments and economies. With growth TWP will be able to help people in more and more communities, creating a noticeable difference in the lives of people around the globe.

I continue to support Trees Water and People and serve on the board because I have seen first-hand the work that they do in collaboration with its partners in Haiti, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Honduras . Several independent organizations have recognized TWP for their outstanding work with either cash awards, honors or both. These include the Ashden award from England, the Rio Tinto Environmental award and a UN environmental award. But aside from all the recognition and measurable success, the relationships that continue to grow, the empowerment of local communities that happens as the result of our collaboration with them, and the ensuing improvement to the lives of our partners has gained my undying respect and admiration.

Trees, Water & People does fantastic work in Colorado, on US Indian reservations and in Central America. I admire their work with stoves and solar applications that help the enviroment and families. They are caring people who also like to have fun raising money; their annual fundraiser is fun to attend.

In the developing world, which unfortunately includes American Indian Reservations as well as other third world nations, environmental issues have a great impact on the local economies, resources as and the health of the people. The efficient stoves, water supply programs and solar electrical systems provided and promoted by TWP go a long way towards helping inhabitants take care of themselves and their environment thus improving their quality of life. I believe my contributions aid this process.

TWP is a wonderful altruistic organization that is accomplishing very meaningful and practical success in their endeavors in Central America, with their sustainable stove and reforestation projects. I have affiliated with TWP for several years by including their Honduras partner, the Honduras Association for Development (AHDESA), in my annual study-trip itinerary in Honduras, each spring, for Oklahoma State University. I have seen the fruits of TWP's labor, funding, leadership, and human development support in Honduras, first-hand, working side-by-side with AHDESA promoters in rural communities. Stuart Conway and his staff are caring folks, and they have both their heads and hearts in all of their projects. They truly make a difference in empowering villagers in all of their project communities toward higher quality lives, in a more sustainable environment. I have encountered several NGOs in my international experience, and TWP is right at the top of my list as regards their ability to effectively channel their resources, funding, and expertise to result in consistent excellent results at the appropriate scale, to achieve positive results. They truly make a positive difference in the lives of so many people!

As a nonprofit professional, I look to TWP as a model for a thriving organization that keeps evolving viable programs and engaging more citizens. I've also joined their Eco-Tour and found it personally and professionally very rewarding.

I am so impressed with TWP ability to help so many people & the environment with their stove. What a resource & blessing.

Trees Water People has really made a difference in my personal life as well as others'. They really go the extra mile and come up with and implement amazing ideas! What they are doing for Haiti right now brings tears to my eyes! I wish there were more organizations out there like this one! Thank you TWP!

I first heard about Trees, Water, People when Stuart Conway came to our nature center to speak. I was impressed with him as a caring individual who took his simple idea and expanded it so that many people could be helped.
He continues to find new ways to help those in need with low overhead and his ability to recruit volunteers.
He publishes a nice newsletter and has some attractive items to sell.
I started giving to TWP the day I heard him and I have continued to donate ever since.

We're so impressed with what this organization is doing. They are addressing real environmental and societal problems. Their stove is very innovative.

I think Trees, Water & People is an excellent organization that is helping real people, as well as the environment. By working with communities, they are involved in grass roots efforts, and that's what makes mewant toI support them.

I am impressed with the clear focus & technical expertise of this organization.Their ability to energize a large vanguard of volunteers for a particular cause project is truly inspiring.

Trees Water People is much like it's name, concerned with the most essential values, our natural resources and people. I am consistently impressed and inspired by their work to protect and preserve natural resources and empower communities to thrive while doing the same. From solar heating to stove furnaces to tree planting, their approach to global problems has been innovative and effective. Their cost efficiency for running the organization and it's programs is outstanding and a true testament to their commitment to helping as many people as possible with the finances they have available. I only wish they had more visibility to gain greater support and have further reach in their work.

During my time as a volunteer with TWP I was able to learn firsthand about the dedication that the board members and employees have to their mission and their commitment to serve their constituents in responsible and effective ways. I really appreciate that their programs are community-led and positively impact the whole well-being of the people.

When the earth quake hit Haiti contacted them about channeling a donation to the people of Haiti. I contributed there. I have since followed their work and the quality of their products and am very impressed. They seem sincere and follow through with contacts, etc.

I have followed the work of TWP for close to 15 years, and have been continuously impressed by the quality of their work, their integrity and transparency as an organization and small group of people, their efficiency, and their vision--and vision and efficiency don't always go together! They are practical and intelligent implementers as well, and respect both the cultural and natural environment of the different communities in Central America where they operate primarily. I think their work is now being "copied" or replicated in several other countries on other continents with similar problems of poverty and environmental degradation, and I also believe that everywhere they work, the empowerment of women is an important priority and a critical piece of the overall solution to raise the standard of living of households and families as well as larger communities.

Bravo, TWP!

I began following and reading about what the group was involved with. As time progressed, more than once I read in the news or online that the founder had won another prestigious award for his humanitarian contributions and I grew fascinated with the organization’s mission. When I discovered they were making stoves to reduce deforestation it hit a chord for I had lived a number of years in a third world country where the production of charcoal for cooking had, even back then, contributed significantly to erosion. I was so pleased to see a group really making a difference for the poor of the world. These stoves are fantastic and they make the everyday chore of preparing the family meal easier.

Then the earthquake of Haiti transpired. I felt compelled to help and Trees, Water & People came to mind. I did an online search, found they were accepting donations and I just knew I was giving to a group that would make sure my donation made a difference.

I can’t always do a lot but I try to make sure when I do that I give to groups who I have confidence in and Trees, Water & People is one of the most trustworthy groups I have the pleasure to support.

I don't donate to many organizations, but if I do I make sure that my contribution will be put to good use. I have spent time getting to know TWP, and I know that the organization is totally committed to making a difference in peoples' lives and to making this world a more habitable and sane place. I endorse and support their efforts 100%.

Trees Water People is an amazing organization. I have had the pleasure of meeting many other staff members over the years and can't say enough good things about who they are and what they do. The services that they provide in the developing world are essential and hard to find in the international aid community, Especially their work with improved cook stoves.

I was so excited to find Trees, Water, and People! This organization gets right to the basics and helps groups and individuals all over North and Central America preserve their environments while improving their lives. Planting trees, building solar heaters, learning about clean air and water. Supporting this organization lets me expand on what any individual can do in these important areas. In 1975 I saw what deforestation was doing in the mountain areas of Kashmir and determined to do my part to improve that situation somewhere. Trees, Water, and People provided me with the perfect vehicle!

For many years, I supported Trees for the Future because I believed in replanting trees once they had been harvested. Then I learned about Trees, Water and People, which had the same goal, but had include two additional aspects - Water and People. I took one of their volunteer vacations to get a first hand knowledge of the operation. I came back more impressed that my contributions were going to the right organization. We helped build stoves that contribute to the people's health, and we planted trees and reviewed the efforts of TWP to bring expertise into the application of trees to the environment and how they educated people the water was dependent on the trees.

It is a pleasure to have been a volunteer in many different capacities for over 10 years for Trees, Water and People. I have assisted in local reforestation efforts and multiple fundraising activities. The organization's staff are truly caring individuals who work toward their mission of improving people's lives by protecting and appropriate utilization of our natural resources. Their Tribal Lands Renewable Energy Program helps their communities heat their homes and protect their lands thru sustainable, economically beneficial and economically friendly programs in North and South Dakota. TWP has assisted people in Central America and Haiti to healthier lives and more ecological use of their limited resources by building and providing more efficient stoves. And there are even more programs funded by TWP through efficient use of their non-profit funds. I'm proud to assist this organization and proud that they are based in my Fort Collins community!

It has been an honor to be involved with TWP for the past 11 years. Starting out as a volunteer and recently joining the Board of Directors, I have seen TWP grow as an organization. At the same time, it has been remarkable to watch as TWP's impact in both the United States and in Latin America expanded. TWP's impact has grown due to strong, insightful leadership from program directors that have been able to adapt to continuously evolving environmental and social issues. TWP was on the cutting-edge of the improved cookstove movement as pioneers of implementing the Rocket elbow technology. Likewise, TWP's innovative program on Native Lands in the western US has made them a leader in micro-enterprise development.

Our club has done a least a half dozen projects with TWP, involving reforestation and/or providing fuel-efficient stoves in several Central American countries. Some of our members, including myself, have also visited project, done some work, and seen for ourselves the enormously beneficial impact of TWP's work, in reducing deforestation and eliminating the respiratory and burn problems caused by cooking over open fires. I would give them the absolutely highest rating.

After hearing about Trees Water & People I knew this was an organization that I wanted to work with, and now that I have had the honor of working with the TWP team this experience has only exceeded my expectations. Everyone at TWP is passionate and dedicated to the work they do. I admire how they work as a team, always helping and supporting each other. The TWP staff is very welcoming and friendly, I looked forward to the days I was going to be able to spend time in the office with everyone; it is the most positive work environment I have ever been in. I feel extremely lucky for the opportunity I have been given to work with Trees Water & People, it has been truly inspiring!

My experience at Trees, Water & People has been beyond perfect. I worked with Lacey Gaecther on TWP's annual local fundraiser Renew the Rockies. From my first day I was welcomed with open arms by each and every member of the TWP family. TWP cares deeply about what they are doing and are very inspiring. If I could, I would never leave! The ONLY constructive feedback I have is the lack of local programs. It would be awesome if they became involved in more programs that help out here in Fort Collilns

TWP was one of three beneficiaries of a fundraiser that my husband and I hosted for Haiti relief. As the only organization based in Fort Collins, they took on all the administrative responsibilities for the event and acted as the financial host for three organizations. It was beacuse of their wonderful staff and great organizational capacity that the event was so successful. In addition, with in weeks of having funds raised they sent more stoves to Haiti. Truly a great team and effort!

I was a donor for several years before I joined the Board, and joined the Board because I believe in the difference TWP makes. What drew me first was the tree planting program in Central America, as well as the healthier cook stoves. As Treasurer and then as Personnel Committee chair, I have seen 1) how focused staff is on making a difference 2) the core mission of working with the local residents and 3)how efficient TWP is and how carefully donations are used. Donations were being collected for Haiti within a day after the earthquake and TWP staff have already been to Haiti to expand the fuel-efficient cook stove and tree planting programs there.

I am currently working for Trees, Water and People as the Tribal Development intern. I have mostly been working on finding foundations and writing grant proposals for a number of different projects in TWP's Tribal program. I have been intrigued by the work TWP since I moved to Fort Collins and learned of the organization several years ago. As I am completing my under-grad for Colorado State University I actively pursued TWP as my top choice company for an internship. I began my work here in January of 2010 and have had nothing but a positive experience. The dedicated staff of this organization is something to admire. Everyday they are working to improve the lives of impoverished people and their natural environment through real world projects, on the ground level. The positive ambition of TWP shines through their work and has resulted in their international recognition. I highly value the experience I've gained while working for TWP and would recommend them to anyone who wants to gain experience with an excellent nonprofit.

I worked for Trees, Water & People for 4 months as a public relations intern and I couldn't have asked for a better organization to gain non-profit experience from. Trees, Water & People is so committed and passionate to the work that they do locally, nationally and internationally and it was very rewarding to be apart of their team. I am very grateful that I was given the opportunity to represent TWP as an intern because I was able to practice public relations for a cause that I truly believe in.

I have been an International Development Intern for TWP for several months, and have primarily been working on grant proposals, helped with a fund-raising event, and worked on various other international development projects. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Trees, Water & People, both because of the work that I have been able to do and the people that I have worked with. The fuel-efficient stoves and reforestation projects that I have been writing grant proposals for are incredible life-changing projects for the Central Americans and Haitians that they benefit, and are also beneficial for the overall global health of our world through reducing deforestation and carbon emissions. I feel so lucky that I have been given the opportunity to work on projects that have such important, lasting benefits to individuals and the environment. The TWP staff is very welcoming, and though everyone works very hard and is dedicated to this beneficial cause, there is always a feeling of friendliness, lightheartedness, and humor in the office. Though I will not be able to continue my internship due to my graduate school schedule, I will definitely continue to keep in contact with TWP staff and volunteer whenever possible.

When I was a tribal intern I did a lot of research finding grants for Native American reservations on the Great Plains. It's extremely rewarding when I find potential grant money because it's such a good cause. Now I'm just volunteering and helping out with whatever the office needs help with at the time. Everyone that works here is easy and fun to work with. Plus, I'm learning a lot about how non-profits are run in general.

Trees, Water & People and I found each other about 8 years ago. I read a story in a magazine about their Central America fuel efficient cookstove work, thought it was one of the best appropriate technology ideas I had ever heard of, and became a supporter. At just about the same time, a mutual friend recommended me to the founders of the group, who were looking to expand their original Board of Directors. We met, we liked each other, I was invited to join the Board, and my involvement has grown ever since. Today, as Board President, I continue to be amazed at the effectiveness, efficiency, and importance of Trees, Water & People's work. From the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota to the forests of Honduras and the displaced persons camps of Haiti - we are on the ground making a difference both right now and into the future. We practice a model that includes enabling and partnering with local individuals and organizations to design and implement programs, to promote micro-enterprises for sustainable local economies, and to return the benefits of the projects as directly to the communities as possible. We believe we are on the cutting edge of the international movement of civil society to advance environmental, social, and economic justice via appropriate technology, resource stewardship, and local enterprise. Please join us!!

I began volunteering with Trees, Water & People in July of 2009. I started-out typing notes in Spanish for one of the office people and slowly progressed to entering data for t-shirts/trees and then thank you mailings, of course. The people were always friendly, and the office was always buzzing. I think it is neat that the group is in a medium to tight space and works so well together - a little colony of ants passionate about their work. Stuart, Richard, and Heather are the

During the course of my 9 months with TWP, I have grown to realize the incredible dedication of its staff members. TWP is committed to transparency, not only through its national and international programs, but through staff relations as well. This degree of honesty keeps TWP staff accountable to one another as well as the mission, allowing them to exercise creative problem solving facing any office or project difficulty. They are always so welcoming and appreciative of volunteers, and truly work to engage the community in all that they do. I have been lucky enough to serve as an intern/grantwriter, and so have become intimately acquainted with TWP's programs and partnerships. These programs employ a terrific balance of scientific knowledge and community empowerment to allow beneficiaries to take charge of their natural resources. This is hands down the most genuine and effective organization I have ever worked with.

I have been volunteering with TWP for about 7 months now and their are few organizations like it that can provide consistent, sustainable solutions to some of the greatest problems that plague not just our local community, but our global community. A great example of this was when the Haiti earthquake struck. TWP already had a relationship with a relief organization in Haiti named AMURT and they were able to quickly distribute much needed aid. But TWP's mission did not stop there. They also continue to provide their environmentally-friendly rocket stoves that will be of great use as the country of Haiti continues to rebuild. These stoves burn up to 70% cleaner than the open fire, substantially reduce deforestation, and provide a healthier environment for cooks and their families. What an amazing union of both a short-term and long-term solution for people in need!