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SEHT

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3 reviews

Review for Environmental Volunteers, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, USA

Rating: 5 stars  

Throughout my life, nature and science have inspired wonder, provided calm, offered entertainment, and healed my spirit. Nature can astonish, it can soothe, it can amuse, it can embrace us. I want every child to have the opportunity to learn what the natural world has to offer, to understand it, to feel comfortable exploring it, to ask questions and delight in seeking answers.

The Environmental Volunteers makes natural science discovery possible for thousands of children every year.

I have been a volunteer in various capacities at the EV for over 30 years. The EV consistently provides excellent learning opportunities to children, constantly improving teaching standards and materials. Teachers rely on the EV to provide intimate hands-on natural science discovery for their students, both in the classroom and outdoors in natural settings

As a teaching docent, I have had my own fun experiences of learning and discovery. Training classes were a delight; fellow docents constantly share their knowledge and questions; and one learns from the students! You see the world with fresh eyes when you are with children.
And as a bonus, I have found a community of wonderful people who are committed to the mission of the EV.

As a member of various committees of the organization, I know that the mission to “Promote understanding of and responsibility for the environment through hands on science education” permeates everything the EV does.

As a donor and recent board member, I know the EV to be managed with the highest integrity so that resources reach their intended function to deliver educational experiences to children.

This wonderful organization is entering its 50th anniversary year. Fifty years of service to children and the future of our environment. I am proud to be a part of it.

Role:  Volunteer
 

Review for Environmental Volunteers, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, USA

Rating: 5 stars  

I have served this organization for 20 years as a teaching docent and board member. It is the best-run non-profit I have worked with, both from the perspective of a volunteer and from the perspective of the quality of services it provides. Teachers come back year after year for EV services, and the EV has taken the lead in coordinating with other science education groups for maximum impact in the schools. EV docents share the marvels of science and nature with students - a much-needed service that kids love.

Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?

Definitely

How much of an impact do you think this organization has?

A lot

Will you tell others about this organization?

Definitely

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2012

Role:  Board Member
 

Review for Environmental Volunteers, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, USA

Rating: 5 stars  

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.

I've personally experienced 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.

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2009

Role:  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!.