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Fundacion Via Cocina is a community based project focused on improving the health and economic development of vulnerable women, youth and underprivileged in Medellin Colombia. With a personalized training and mentoring system sharing healthy food recipes, cooking techniques and applied financial planning and entrepreneurial small business fundamentals, we build a program for individuals and families based on their current reality, applying the training to objectives created with them, for them, in their own home. Additionally, we provide classes to individuals and groups who want to learn to cook healthy dishes with local ingredients for their families, transforming them into uncommon flavors that are low in fat, oil, salt and sugar-free. These activities look to decrease frequency and severity of non-communicable diseases in the communities, including obesity, diabetes and cholesterol.

Raw Earth Foundation mitigates environmental stress and protects wild life habitat through land conservation. We are an organization with the world in mind. At Raw Earth Foundation, we believe the best way to correct the environmental challenges we currently face is to simply let nature take over and do what it does best: provide, sustain, nourish and filter. As a society with limited energy solutions, all with their own environmental costs, we believe the solution is much simpler than restricting energy consumption. We believe it lies solely in protecting the natural systems perfectly designed to filter and process pollutants. Please join us in our mission to protect this sacred resource. Invest in the health of our planet. Invest in a free and clear world. Together we can make a difference.

Grand Canyon Wildlands Council, founded in 1996, is a group of scientists, outdoor enthusiasts, and ardent conservationists working toward creative, science-based solutions to the threats facing the natural systems and wildlife of the Grand Canyon ecoregion. The mission of Grand Canyon Wildlands is to create and apply a dynamic wildlands network that ensures the existence, health, and sustainability of all native species and natural ecosystems in the Grand Canyon and the lands that surround it. To this end, Grand Canyon Wildlands uses hands-on scientific research to inform the management of the region's wildands, wildlife and waters. For example, we are working to identify important habitats like springs and old growth forests that need protection. In addition to "saving the pieces," we are working to heal the region's ecological wounds by restoring native vegetation and returning species that have been extripated like the wolf and the river otter.

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 Children's Radio Foundation (CRF) uses radio training and broadcast to create opportunities for youth dialogue, participation, leadership, and active citizenship. Through giving youth the tools and skills to produce radio, young people are mobilized to engage in productive dialogue about the issues they face, and work together to improve their lives and communities. With 74 youth radio projects across six African countries, CRF works with radio stations and CBOs to create local platforms for discussion, information sharing, social engagement, and action. Our reporters take on issues that resonate with youth in their community, including but not limited to children's rights, sexual reproductive health and rights, power dynamics in teenage relationships, gender norms and stereotypes, HIV and AIDS-related issues, climate change, and the environment. Speaking in local languages and in a youth-friendly style, they interview community members, host debates, and bring out local perspectives. Their reporting projects, broadcasts, and outreach activities are geared to generate discussion about issues facing youth.

The National Organic Coalition (NOC) is a national alliance of organizations working to provide a "Washington voice" for farmers, ranchers, environmentalists, consumers and industry members involved in organic agriculture. NOC seeks to advance organic food and agriculture and ensure a united voice for organic integrity, which means strong, enforceable, and continuously improved standards to maximize the multiple health, environmental, and economic benefits that only organic agriculture affords. The coalition works to assure that policies are fair, equitable, and encourage diversity of participation and access. On behalf of organic farmers, food producers and retailers of all sizes, as well as consumer and environmental groups, NOC: Brings together diverse organic stakeholders to share information and create opportunities Offers government agencies and Congress innovative policy solutions to challenging issues; Engages the wider organic community to advocate on its own behalf; Shows up — our members testify at federal government hearings and agency meetings across the U.S. each time organic issues are discussed or organic integrity is threatened.

Since 1983 Children's Place has offered a wide range of flexible, accessible, FREE early learning & family support programs. Today we serve over 2000 families from 11 different locations in central west Toronto. Programs include: family drop-ins, child development activities focusing on & exploring senses & developing motor skills, occasional childcare, community outreach, family literacy, food & nutrition support, parent & caregiver support & education, peer contact & mutual support, play & recreation, health & safety promotion, information about & referrals to other resources, toy & book lending. Our staff and volunteers are able to communicate in different languages including English, Portuguese, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Somali, Hindi, Gujarati, Urdu & Italian. Participants include: young children 0 to 6, parents, expectant parents, very young parents, parents/caregivers/children with special needs, grandparents, nannies & home providers, newcomer & immigrant families.

Changing lives of diverse youth through challenging outdoor learning experiences. Every child, regardless of race or economic background should have the opportunity to experience the therapeutic benefits of time spent in nature. We provide meaningful nature-based education which promotes positive self-development, environmental responsibility and outdoor career pathways for urban youth. Venturing out to the vast and beautiful outdoors changes us and broadens our vision. Hiking, camping and backpacking cause us to rely on ourselves and our team and cultivates a self-sufficient empowering perspective. Many youths today never get the opportunity to experience these things. They don't know where to go, what to take, what to expect or how to deal with unrealistic fears of being outdoors. Since 1962 OBA has engaged more than 80,000 urban youth and families in the restorative effects of time spent in wild places and open spaces. OBA has transformed thousands of young lives by introducing a world beyond their urban neighborhoods. Through a series of one day hikes, weekend camping and extended backpacking expeditions youth are challenged physically, emotionally and mentally. OBA programs focus on imparting a strong sense of community, environmental education and outdoor career exposure and an unyielding dedication to land stewardship. OBA is proud to be a national leader in outdoor education. Its programs have been recognized by the U.S. Congress, the U. S. Secretary of the Interior adopted as models by outdoor agencies nationally and received such prestigious awards as the National Mosaic Award for organizations that facilitate meaningful environmental and conservation work programs for urban youth of color.

Our mission is to promote dignity, community, and self-sufficiency by working with marginalized populations in rural Honduras on a long-term basis, facilitating access to health care, education, and livable wages. Our comprehensive approach to grassroots community development promotes local traditions, encourages community leadership, and emphasizes collective ownership. Un Mundo seeks to improve the present and future socio-economic conditions and the quality of life of the families in rural Honduras who are living in extreme poverty by providing them with tools and resources to be self-sufficient and unified. Our work began from spontaneous relief actions after Hurricane Mitch devastated Honduras in 1998, and we grew to gain 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 2001. Initially, the organization was sustained by the generosity of international volunteers, but we have gradually evolved such that more and more of our project work is managed by local Honduran leaders. Within a few years, we expect that we will be able to realize our vision of seeing equitable, fruitful, life-giving projects in the Cangrejal River Valley being 100% run by the local communities.

With the goal of helping under-served communities in India, Nepal, and Tibet receive the vital services they need, Karuna-Shechen was founded in 2000 by Matthieu Ricard (www.matthieuricard.org), renown TED speaker, author, and humanitarian. We strive to reduce inequalities and work toward a fairer and more compassionate world. We trust that communities can be lifted out of poverty, that change is possible, and that the well-being of every individual, regardless of race, gender, class, or caste, is essential. We believe that building on local strengths and knowledge is the most efficient way to respond to the specific needs and aspirations of our beneficiaries. Rooted in the ideal of "compassion in action", we serve others with joy and determination by cultivating altruism in our hearts and actions. We provide vulnerable and disadvantaged populations access to health care, education and vocational training, clean water, solar electricity, and other sustainable solutions that offer options to find a livelihood and a better life. We work with a grassroots network of local partners, and give special attention to the education and empowerment of girls and women. Karuna-Shechen's name expresses its mission while paying homage to its roots: Karuna means "compassion" in Sanskrit, and Shechen is the name of a major monastery in Tibet.

Project1808 promotes sustainable community development in Kabala, Koinadugu District, Sierra Leone by aiding young students in their efforts to identify and address the root causes of poverty, public and environmental health challenges, and other community-identified concerns. Among our project's specific aims are the following: Fostering academic excellence and nurturing a resilient knowledge base through student mentoring, tutoring, internships, and teacher training programs. Stimulating curiosity, creativity, and innovation through student generated projects that enhance knowledge and encourage students to implement their ideas in ways that benefit their communities. Facilitating local and global partnerships for knowledge exchange, training for students, teachers and community members, student mentoring, and resources to sustain the community knowledge base Our Model Project1808 Model for sustainable development At the core of our sustainable community model is an investment in disadvantaged youth, schools, and their communities to form the building blocks as LEGOs of healthy communities in Sierra Leone and Africa. Through specific GLocal (Global and Local) partnerships, we practice the concept of thinking globally and acting locally, enhancing the exchange of knowledge, increasing the cultural competency, and expanding the worldview of all of our participants. Project1808 is committed to optimizing partnerships between educational institutions locally, within Africa and overseas, particularly with the involvement of other African countries. We want to bring back hope to youths (and whole communities) whose lives, homes, families, schools, infrastructure, institutions were destroyed by 11 years of war in Sierra Leone.

MISSIONThe Fruit Tree Planting Foundation is a nonprofit charity dedicated to planting edible, fruitful trees and plants to benefit the environment and all its inhabitants. Our primary mission is to plant and help others plant a collective total of 18 billion fruit trees across the world (approximately 3 for every person alive) and encourage their growth under organic standards.FTPF provides support, resources, and guidance for those interested in planting fruit trees and spearheads a variety of planting programs. These programs are aimed at enriching the environment, providing nutritious food sources for wild and rescued animals, and improving human health by bringing delicious, fresh, locally grown raw fruits and vegetables of the highest quality into the lives of all people.VISIONWe envision a place where one can have a summer picnic under the shade of a fruit tree, breathe the clean air it generates, and not have to bring anything other than an appetite for the healthy fruits growing overhead. A world where one can take a walk in the park during a lunch break, pick and eat a variety of delicious fruits, plant the seeds so others can eventually do the same and provide an alternative to buying environmentally-destructive, illness-causing, chemically-laden products.Simply put, our goal is to encourage and inspire the planting of 18 billion fruit trees around the world. 18 billion fruit trees can spring out of the soul of one human being — we believe in thinking big, and loving even more