Youth Venture

Hello everyone! My name is Marcela. I'm so excited to be joining such a passionate, active community of people that want to make a difference! =)

So what exactly am I doing, you may ask...

It all started in the summer before junior year. I was angry. The environment - nature, animals, plants, the majority of the world that is non-human - was being abused like never before. Technology which could save animals and save us - renewable energy, sustainable agriculture - was barely being used. Look into a school recycling bin and witness the chewed sandwiches, Styrofoam plates, candy wrappers, and other non-recyclables taking up 90%. Look at the lights and computers that are left on after school has ended and through the night.

Wasn't it time to say, "ENOUGH?"

So I thought about it. I thought hard about how I could change things. What I could do to make the biggest difference in the future of the environment. Something I could do NOW, in school.

'Hmm... why not start a club?'

And so Green Stuy was born.

With 30 people on our email list and about 10 active in events, we ran a recycling campaign, had a "School Waste Check-Up Day" where students sorted out recyclable waste from trash in our school bins, held a "green energy" vote as part of a nationwide initiative called "Focus the Nation," collected cartridges, sold organic candy to raise money for the rainforest, cleaned two parks, and screened "Everything's Cool."

But only a few people were coming to our events. Recycling was still not taking place. We still had a lot of work to do.

Then we learned of another environmental club, met with their leaders, and merged to form a group with the new name of STRIVE (Students Take Resolute Initiative to Vindicate the Environment). We attended a leadership training called SPROG last summer and got more organized. And we made new plans.

We want to run a campaign for green energy and waste reduction. Our goals are increased energy saving (turning off lights, etc.), improved recycling, and ultimately the NYCDOE signing on to a "Green School Plan" that would reward schools that save energy and cut down on waste. We may also campaign to get solar panels!

We want to culminate with an Earth Day Festival, which was our original Venture idea. We would raise awareness about the environment and our campaign through fun, educational activities and games, contests, local food, and guest speakers.

Besides being STRIVE co-president, I'm running varsity cross country, practicing as a Tae Kwon Do brown belt, and hoping to design a composter that can be easily used in schools. I have also been a Girl Scout for 12 years and earned a scholarship and Silver Award.

Thanks for visiting my page! =)

• I launched a venture in the last 12 months and could use help
• I have started a venture and want to share insights

Animals, Community Organizing, Environment, Healthy Lifestyles, International Issues, Poverty, Youth Empowerment