Events & views - February 2009

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February 2009 Newsletter for Friends of the E.V.

• Trying Times
• Become an EV
• EcoCenter Update
• Who's News: John Armstrong
• Wild Crush is Back!
• "Salty"

I don't need to tell anyone that we live in trying economic times. The harsh current realities and the future uncertainties combine to burden all of us. Nonprofit organizations face the very same challenges businesses and individuals are confronting.

How are we faring at the E.V.? On the program side we are doing exceptionally well - possibly better than ever (and we've been pretty good for a long time now). Economically we are facing challenges and working hard to adjust. Let's look at both of these.

Programs - This is an exceptionally exciting period of growth for our programs. Consider:
· This year we are delivering 390 classroom services and 150 fieldtrips. It was our goal to increase capacity by 40 additional classrooms and we are succeeding. As a result, 1000 additional students are receiving environmental education programs.
· We launched an innovative new delivery model that encourages schools to commit to multiple programs over multiple years so that students receive better, deeper science education. We expected to launch this program in 8 schools and 40 classrooms. The enthusiasm among teachers was so great that we actually launched in 18 schools and in 182 classrooms!
· We developed a new summer program for middle school children last summer and plan to expand it this summer.

Non-Profit Economics - In difficult times, we all struggle: businesses, individuals, nonprofits. There is no question that contributed support has declined. Foundations have less funds to offer because their portfolios have declined. Corporate philanthropy often tracks corporate stability. And individuals cut back on personal spending and giving. As an organization, our response must include a constant watchful eye on the bottom line and prudent cutbacks of our own, as needed. We are also working hard to keep you, friends of the E.V., well informed about our work.

Perspective - While times are not easy for so many, it's important to keep some measure of perspective. Our country's new president believes in environmental stewardship. As individuals we have so much to be thankful for that cannot be measured in monetary terms. And within the E.V., our volunteers continue their commitment to the 11,000+ students we serve. With your continued support we can continue to make all of this happen.

Request - I put forth this simple request for your consideration. If your situation allows for it, please keep us in mind as you plan your philanthropic giving. Every gift of support is critical to us -- especially now. Share our good works with your friends and suggest that they learn more about us. It would be selfish to not let them be inspired by the wide-eyed wonderment of children giggling as a banana slug wiggles across their hand.

Thank you for being a friend of the E.V.

Would you like to be a volunteer? Environmental Volunteers is always looking for energetic and enthusiastic volunteers (EVs). All year round we put on engaging and educational activities that broaden students' horizons by teaching them about the splendor and complexity of our shared environment.

We are holding training for new EVs in March. Click here to sign up to be a volunteer.

Have you been to the baylands lately? It's quite a sight: Our 65-ton 'boat building' is up on blocks. All the siding has been taken down so that the old lead paint can be safely removed. 50' piers have been drilled into the ground and a new cement foundation poured. Check out these construction photos to see how the project...and excitement...is building!
click here.

working to bring energy efficiency to low-income homeowners; and, helped start up a solar-related company. He has volunteered at Eastside College Preparatory School in East Palo Alto for 12 years, as a tutor in the reading program, and has led overnight camping trips for 6th and 8th graders. So, John is no stranger to volunteering!

Raised in the Bay Area, John graduated from West Point and served as an army officer in Germany for 3 years. During his tenure at HP, he and his wife Polly joined the Peace Corps and spent several years in Slovakia, where John was able to use his marketing skills. In keeping with his environmental interests, he has installed a solar system on his house and drives a hybrid when biking is impractical. An interesting side note is that Polly was a Sea Scout in our new building!

John has been a nature lover all his life, as evidenced by his many outdoor activities. He hikes 3 or 4 times a week in the foothills with his black labrador, Bear. He and Polly love backpacking and take several trips a year, as well as go to Yosemite twice a year to hike. They have biked extensively and hope, one day, to pedal across the U.S. John recently scaled Mt. Rainier and Half Dome and has enjoyed scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. The Armstrong's love of travel has allowed them to see much of the world and meet its peoples, from the outback of Australia and the Kenyan savannah to the rainforests of Costa Rica. With such a wonderfully diverse background, John's contributions to the E.V. will be many. We are most happy to welcome you, John, as part of the E.V. family.

The third E.V. Wild Crush will be held April 25, 2009 at the Quadrus Center in Menlo Park. This gala event will feature the newest E.V. subject, Energy and Natural Resources, an update about Educating For Depth, and information about the progress of our EcoCenter. A number of local wineries will pour their best wines, a wonderful dining experience with jazz music will be enjoyed, a lively auction will be conducted, and fun will be had by all! More information about how you can support Wild Crush or how to purchase tickets can be found at the E.V. website www.evols.org.