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Vaga Lume Association is a Brazilian non-profit organization founded in 2001 grounded in the belief that investing in people is the best way to transform a reality. Its mission is to create opportunities for cultural exchange by reading, writing and orality, valuing the empowerment of people and rural communities of the Brazilian Legal Amazon region. Vaga Lume works in 160 rural communities (indigenous, riverside, roadside, rural settlement people or quilombolas - Brazilian with African descent) of 23 municipalities in the Brazilian Legal Amazon region, which encompasses nine federal states (Acre, Amapa, Amazonas, Maranhao, Mato Grosso, Para, Rondonia, Roraima and Tocantins), occupies 59% of the Brazilian territory and has 20 million people (12% of the Brazilian population). Despite the fact that education and culture are basic social rights, protected by the Brazilian Constitution and under human rights international treaties ratified by Brazil, its access and implementation in the Amazon region are very limited. It is one of the poverty zones in Brazil - with a GDP per capita 30% lower than the national value - where 42% of the population survives with less than US$ 5.00 a day. Due to the outstanding impact of Vaga Lume's work in the region, the organization is recognized by many international and national awards such as the Juscelino Kubitschek Award of Merit for Regional Development in Latin America and the Caribbean given by the Inter-American Development Bank (2009); the Millennium Development Goals Award, conferred by the United Nations and the Brazilian government (2005); the Vivaleitura Award, from the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Education (2008); and the Chico Mendes Environment Award, given by the Ministry of Environment (2006 and 2008). In 2011, Vaga Lume received its most important recognition: the 4th place at the Intercultural Innovation Award, conferred by United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the BMW Group. As an awardee, in 2012, Vaga Lume was welcomed to the World Intercultural Facility for Innovation (WIFI), a network formed by the UNAOC, the BMW Group and the ten 2011 winners. Through this network, the UNAOC and the BMW Group challenged all winners to replicate and scale up their actions to promote intercultural dialogue and offered training, consultancy and institutional support to assist organizations to accomplish such results.

The purpose of the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-NY is to monitor, educate, support and influence the implementation of the commitments and agreements adopted by the United Nations that pertain to sustainable development as defined by the UN Conference on Environment and Development, the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, the MDGs, the SDGs, Rio+20 and Post-2015 Agenda for the Sustainable Development Agenda. We seek to be knowledgeable about sustainable development issues under discussion or expected to be discussed by the United Nations for the High Level Political Forum. We focus attention on education at all levels and promote the programs of the United Nations on 17 Sustainable Development Goals for the success of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, working closely with relevant UN commissions and agencies such as the United Nations Environment Programme and the Centre for Human Settlements (UN-Habitat), UNDP, UNDESA, UN Women, UNFPA, UNDPI and UNODA. Through our programs we promote and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and the dissemination of information on sustainable development issues with meetings, webinars and events for the our NGO community and the general public to raise awareness toward action plans and agendas. We work with Ambassadors and Permanent Missions to the United Nations, UN Agencies, members of civil society, academia which includes women, youth, people with disabilities, indigenous leaders, with people of all ages and regions, including members of the private sector and sustainable development experts in energy, health, water, climate change, protecting our oceans and infrastructure to bring about partnerships and collaborations that fosters innovative solutions for sustainable development, social impact initiatives and gender equality so we - “Leave No One Behind.”

Renew Missouri was formed in 2006 to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy policy in Missouri. Our State lags far behind other states in terms of renewable generation (at less than 2%) and it is ranked 44th out of 50 in energy efficiency according to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE). To see why the ACEEE ranks Missouri 44th, click here. Renew Missouri’s mission is to transform Missouri into a leading state in both efficiency and renewable energy by the year 2016. In 2007, Renew Missouri advocated for true net metering and simple interconnection practices for small solar and wind systems. As a result, the Missouri legislature adopted the “Easy Connection Act,” allowing all Missourians to interconnect solar panels and small wind turbines to their utility grid free of charge and to receive full retail credit for any energy put back on the grid. In 2008, Renew Missouri helped Missouri become the 27th state to enact a Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) and only the 3rd state to pass an RES through the ballot initiative process. The RES requires Missouri’s largest utilities to get 15% of their energy from renewables by 2021, with 2% of that energy coming from solar. The RES also includes a $2 per watt solar rebate program, which has proven to be a huge success. To address Missouri’s ranking in energy efficiency, Renew Missouri is also advocating before the Missouri Public Service Commission (MPSC) for proven state efficiency policies that will create in-state jobs, lower electric bills, and reduce carbon emissions. Renew Missouri’s approach to advancing policy is to bring stakeholders for energy issues together to educate & facilitate productive dialogue. We educate legislators and other policy makers while also promoting renewables and energy efficiency to the public. We evaluate what energy policies Missouri could implement and guide stakeholders as they use the policies that are put in place. In September 2011, Renew Missouri reached out to the environmental non-profit Earth Island Institute, applying to become one of many organizations they sponsor. The fiscal sponsorship relationship that was formed gave Renew Missouri administrative support to better serve Missourians and to continue the pursuit of the clean, renewable energy they need. Then, in December 2016, Renew Missouri became our own independent 501(c)3 organization.

The Wisconsin Orchid Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation, cultivation, appreciation, improvement, and promotion of orchids and orchid growing. We are affiliated with the American Orchid Society and the Mid-America Orchid Congress. We have many members from the southeastern Wisconsin area. New members are always welcome!

To influence and embrace all-inclusive development initiatives by incorporating youths, men, women, people living with disabilities and people with special needs through education, sports, health, networking, and partnerships.

Sea Turtle Adventures' mission is to conserve local populations of sea turtles, educate the public about the marine environment, and provide nature-based programs and life skills training to adults with disabilities.

Our mission at the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Foundation (ABWF) is to “support stewardship of the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness and to foster appreciation of wild lands”. This reflects the spirit and legal mandates of the 1964 Wilderness Act that requires that “wilderness areas be administered for the use and enjoyment of the American people in such manner as will leave them unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as wilderness, and so as to provide for the protection of these areas, the preservation of their wilderness character, and for the gathering and dissemination of information regarding their use and enjoyment as wilderness….” The Wilderness Act defines “wilderness” as those lands that are “affected primarily by the forces of nature, with the imprint of man’s work substantially unnoticeable.”

BCF fosters cooperation and goodwill between Bhutan and Canada in several ways: Our main program is a teacher program, in which we work with the Ministry of Education in Bhutan to send qualified teachers to teach in public schools in some of the most rural parts of the country. Since January 2010, BCF has sent a total of 69 teachers to 39 different communities across Bhutan. These teachers have directly impacted the lives of over 10,800 Bhutanese students. We also offer scholarships for Bhutanese youth to complete secondary education in Canada. Finally, as one of the only North American organizations with a permanent presence in Bhutan, we serve as a cultural liaison for many visitors to the country.

The Scout House organization began in 1938 and developed into a championship competitive Corps in North American. It disbanded in 1967 and reformed in 1998. In 2012 the Scout House Cadet Drum & Bugle Corps formed with a 10 person drum line. It has now added a 20 person horn line and is executing a five year plan to reach a 90 person competitive Corps. Cadet ages range from 10 to 18 and up to 83 in the Scout House Band with younger members continually joining. (17 new band members in 2014). No member receives any compensation for their services. The Band is managed by an elected Board Of Directors under a Province of Ontario Corporation Charter. It is a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency 88877 4791 RR0001. Funds are derived solely from corporate and personal donations, performance fees and fundraising events. Financial challenges include instrument replacement, uniform replacement, transportation equipment and performance regalia.

The wisest policies are designed synergistically to solve multiple problems through a single effort, thus delivering the proverbial “two birds with one stone.” This strategy goes further by simultaneously saving our forests, protecting lives and property from catastrophic forest fires, and combatting Climate Change - all by providing thousands a pathway to higher education. The solution to catastrophic forest fires lies in decreasing the massive volume of dead wood that has accumulated on the forest floor because of our flawed fire policies of the past century. This will be rigorous labor-intensive work that requires a large workforce. And that provides us an opportunity to address one of our most vexing, long-term social and economic challenges: the exorbitant cost of higher education. It stunts economic opportunity for millions of young adults, too often dooming them to life of dependency on government social programs that cost taxpayers billions. Higher education is essential for economic opportunity and restoring American competitiveness in the world. Those without it are often doomed to a life of stunted opportunities, limited earning potential, and dependency on social services that cost taxpayers billions. We can enhance America’s human capital and competitiveness by providing scholarships in exchange for public service restoring our forests.

MISSION To eradicate extreme poverty in rural areas of southern India. To improve the living conditions of India's most disadvantaged groups, enhance their dignity and self-esteem, and help them achieve the necessary means to combat poverty. To ensure sustainable development with the active involvement and leadership of the communities. To reach as many poor people as possible and help organize them both individually and as community-based organizations, affording them strength, confidence, and the ability to lead their own development. To transform the semi-desert land through a holistic approach involving land, water, vegetation, and livestock development and to ensure the people live in harmony with natural resources. To sensitize men and women to the inherent discrimination and violence against women in both family and society, and to develop appropriate support systems and networks to fight such discrimination. To help people with disabilities gain equal rights and opportunities in every area of development, as well as access to all resources and services related to health, education, livelihood, and rehabilitation, helping them live a dignified life. To build a dynamic and creative organization that strives to participate in all development efforts and is spiritual in its motivation, based on knowledge and skills, shares the aspirations and struggles of the poor, and, though permanent in time, adapts to the changing times and needs. To raise public awareness about the living conditions of the rural and urban poor and to promote a more caring society. VISION For everyone from poor and oppressed communities to live with justice, dignity, and socioeconomic equality, and for all people to live in peace and harmony with one another. For people to live in harmony with nature, on land capable of sustaining its population. VALUES Permanence: We are a long-term project. Respect: We respect the people's culture and customs. Participation: We encourage the active participation and leadership of our stakeholders. Action: We have an action-based work philosophy. Accountability: We believe in efficient and accountable program and financial management. Humanism: We are strong believers in people and their capacity to help others. OUR PRINCIPLES RDT-Vicente Ferrer believes that people are the main actors in their development process and ensures their active involvement and leadership in the programs. The organization endorses a multi-sectoral approach with a view to enhancing people's overall progress. As a result, RDT addresses all major areas of development, including access to quality education, improved livelihoods, ecologyand the environment, equal opportunities for people with disabilities, women's development and empowerment, and access to healthcare. We organize, at a grassroots level, women, men, andpeople with disabilities into groups to enhance their strength, confidence, and ability to resolve their own issues and problems. An important RDT-Vicente Ferrer approach is the continuous sharing of knowledge, skills, and awareness about all aspects of life. Collaboration with the government and other NGOs to draw maximum benefits from development. To raise people's awareness and support their use of government schemes and resources. Though the organization has a special program forwomen's development, it believes that women's progress should be a factor in every area of work and life, including education, where emphasis is placed on young girls, and healthcare, for the overall well-being of women and girls. We believe in continuous training and orientation for staff members and people. We also have an HR department that regularly organizes internal and external training sessions for staff members of all levels and people on leadership, group building, problem solving, and gender-related matters, among others. To create an efficient human organization capable of acting regardless of where the need arises, even in emergencies. We believe that we must have a strong organization focused on community development, yet flexible and able to accommodate the changing needs of the people. RDT-Vicente Ferrer also stresses continuous dialogue with people and seeks to ensure its programs are useful and practical. An empathetic approach to helping individuals in severe distress due to chronic or acute illness, abandonment, or abuse of any kind.