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The Piedmont Environmental Council works to safeguard the landscape, communities and heritage of Virginia's Piedmont by involving citizens in related public policy and land conservation. PEC's service area encompasses nine counties of the Piedmont. Our work integrates four mutually interdependent goals and programs:   *Better Define the Piedmont- PEC is creating a sense of place in our communities through engaging activities and the identification and support of our unique assets and history.  * Protect What Can Be Protected: Land Conservation & Watershed Protection - We are protecting threatened land and natural and cultural resources as efficiently as possible through an aggressive and multi-tiered land conservation program.  *Respond to the Forces of Change: Land Use and Transportation- We consistently promote good planning to reduce threats to our region, address issues of local importance, and surmount individual pressures on our historic landscape.  *Direct Growth to the Right Places - We are helping visualize a better future by presenting positive solutions to the problems caused by poorly planned development. These concrete principles recognize that growth is inevitable, but that we can effectively manage the population and economic growth coming to this region and create healthy communities to live, work and play.  PEC also provides direct assistance to those working on parallel missions in neighboring counties. PEC is a founding member and fiscal sponsor for the Coalition for Smarter Growth, an organization extending a parallel mission in Washington DC. PEC also serves as fiscal sponsor for the Shenandoah Valley Network. Additionally, PEC coordinates with many partners across the Commonwealth to address regional issues that affect the Piedmont directly.

Mission To encourage girls of any age of any background to consider and pursue math and science-related studies and careers by introducing them to the world of science in fun and exciting ways Objectives To increase the number of women in math and science occupations (science, math, engineering & technology = STEM) To create a network of girls so that they meet one another and form future friendships that will encourage them to reach their potential To create a link between girls and real scientists and mathematicians so they can explore dreams and possibilities for the future To provide an outlet for professionals, with particular emphasis on females in math, science and technology fields, to work together, meet one another and contribute to this worthy mission To booster self-confidence of girls and women, especially those who may not have positive influences or economic advantages Vision We envision a balanced world where girls from any nation, any background and of any age know they have the possibility and choice to enter the world of math, science and technology and to realise that their future is full of possibilities

To improve the quality of life of rural and tribal communities suffering from poverty, health hazards, illiteracy, lack of enforcement of laws of the nation with special reference to rights of women and children, environment degradation, lack of facilities for playing &sport activities and for the nurturing traditional culture of the target people.To strive for the empowerment of under served and underprivileged village communities with special emphasis on women through the organization of awareness creation, skill development, income generation, leadership development, community organization and capacity building programs; To allow participation of people's groups in all programs, projects and activities undertaken through the auspices of ARTI and in all stages from identification of needs and problems through to implementation, monitoring and evaluation; To avoid total dependency status of individuals and communities on outsiders through strengthening skill in the development processes;To strive for the empowerment of under served and underprivileged village communities with special emphasis on women through the organization of awareness creation, skill development, income generation, leadership development, community organization and capacity building programs;

The Paardeberg Sustainability Initiative (PSI) was conceived in 2001, in recognition of threats to the biodiversity and natural resources of the Paardeberg , a privately-owned mountain in the Western Cape, South Africa. A primary threat is economic pressure facing some 50 farmers and landowners of the mountaintop and surrounding areas.Additional and aggravating threats are global climate shifts, poverty, limited statehood. compromised capacity, education and implementation/enforcement of legislation. These challenges must be addressed to fulfill world guidelines (Agenda 21,SDG's, et) for sustainable development. PSI is currently a VAT- registered Non Profit company [NPC] and Public Benefit Organisation with Section 18A tax exempt status. It is aligned with several partners which share its vision and operate in the Paardeberg, and in this sense can be described as collaborative facilitator. Through fundraising for various integrated non-profitable projects, the PSI seeks to promote sustainability in the Paardeberg and in broader Southern African contexts. The PSI also encourages local profitable enterprises to contribute generously and tax-efficiently to a central fund that is managed by the Board of Directors of the PSI. These funds are either 'ring- fenced' for specific projects, or allocated to projects requiring support, through a process that seeks to fulfill both the agenda of the donor and the mandate of the PSI. The PSI houses both enterprises (SMME's) and projects. Projects depend on the PSI for funding, while the enterprises represent potential sources of funds/assets for the PSI. The PSI acts as an umbrella offering core functions of administration, marketing, HR management, accounting, etc to all projects and SMME's based on an economy of scale. It is thus an ideal incubator to develop new businesses while minimizing risk. The vision of the PSI is to create a successful model of sustainable development, promoted by profitable enterprises and non-profitable projects, co-operating in partnerships that oversee responsible management of natural resources and biodiversity , within an economic framework that obviates the plague of poverty and social decay while upholding the law and supportive of good governance. The PSI has housed several projects, including the Paardeberg Fire Project, Paardeberg Environmental Awareness and Response(ongoing), Paardeberg Alternative Energy Solutions, Paardeberg Botanical Surveys, PSI NatReM Project and the Paardeberg Erosion Project. It is also acting as an incubator of SMME's engaged in these and other projects. All finances are conducted through a central bank account, but independently managed and audited for each project/business separately, as per the PSI MOI. The PSI does not prejudice the independence of enterprises or projects falling within its ambit. However, its role in protecting biodiversity and natural resources influences the directives it generates. Participation of all interested and affected parties of any single project or enterprise is key to the application of these directives.

The Advocacy Project - A Voice for the Voiceless The Advocacy Project (AP) helps marginalized communities around the world take action against the root causes of their disempowerment in a way that benefits society as a whole and produces social change. To do this, we partner with community-based advocates who represent these communities and share their problems. Our support for partners is innovative and effective. First, we deploy Peace Fellows (experienced graduate students) to help partners tell their story, launch campaigns, and strengthen their organization: we have deployed 274 Peace Fellows since 2003, and in the process given our Fellows a unique experience. Second, we help partners to raise funds and manage their campaigns: we have raised over $2.5 million for partners, and are currently seeking funds through Global Giving for exciting projects in Nepal, Vietnam and Uganda. Third, we promote the work of partners internationally, using new methods of story-telling such as advocacy quilting: over 300 women have produced embroidered panels for our quilts, which have been shown throughout North America and Europe. AP is a 501(c)3 organization, based in Washington DC. Visit us at www.advocacynet.org

IDENTIFY AND ACQUIRE TITLE for future protection of forest open space in the San Bernardino Mountains. PRACTICE LAND STEWARDSHIP by temporarily managing land prior to being transferred to permanent conservation ownership. PUBLIC OUTREACH by educating landowners and the general public about the benefits of community based conservation planning through encouraging greater public support for the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust. DEVELOP AN EFFECTIVE ORGANIZATION that attracts dedicated and talented volunteers, builds community support and adheres to the Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices. GENERATE FUNDING from private and public sources.

Through our annual "Denver Digs Trees" program, we distribute and plant more than 1,000 public trees each spring. Many of these trees are planted in Denver's most underserved neighborhoods. Our volunteer "Community Forester" program trains citizens to act as stewards over Denver's urban forest. The Park People manages Denver's Gates Tennis Center -- one of the country's premier public tennis facilities. We also raise private funds for public park projects, including building renovation, landscape projects, and historic preservation of park structures.

The University's Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) is its social development arm responsible for promoting the Lasallian Social Development principles in the Community. COSCA, via its programs, engages the Lasallian community to actualize faith in action through service and solidarity with the poor. COSCA aims to develop awareness in the Community of the problems and issues that abound in the country. It encourages members of the University to examine their social responsibilities in the light of the Christian faith. To complement the limited financial resources of the University, COSCA raises funds for the programs it supports, most of which are aimed at those belonging to marginalized sectors of society.

Captains for Clean Water is a grassroots nonprofit organization advocating for the elimination of harmful, large-scale Lake Okeechobee discharges into the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie River Estuaries by restoring the natural flow of Lake Okeechobee water south into the Everglades and Florida Bay. Restoring the natural southern flow of Lake Okeechobee water is essential to the survival of our estuaries, the health of the Everglades, and the long-term viability of South Florida's largest drinking water source. The problem is known. The solution is known. The funding is available through Amendment 1. All that's missing is the political will to make it happen.

MissionSierra Watch protects the Sierra Nevada by turning development threats into conservation opportunities.ApproachOur own expertise includes campaign strategy, media relations, and grassroots organizing. We leverage these skills with direct access to the best experts in the fields of law, conservation, and land-use planning. And we follow through with integrity and discipline to ensure conservation success.OutcomesOur strategic leadership secures conservation blueprints for Sierra landscapes.ResultsSierra Watch has built an impressive track record stopping damaging development proposals, generating funds to acquire lands of high value, and redirecting development to more appropriate areas.

The Center for Neighborhood Technology was founded to develop and test new sustainable economic development strategies and act as resource for local organizations working to improve their neighborhoods. Over the years it has assumed a number of different roles: spearheading research, analysis, and mapping; convening, staffing, and managing consortia and partnerships; developing and demonstrating new economic development tools and strategies; organizing policy campaigns; and acting as a funding intermediary. All of these roles have addressed, in different ways , how to take better advantage of the urban environment and its many undervalued assets--transportation networks, social networks, density, and natural infrastructure--in ways that deliver tangible benefits to households and communities.

High Country Conservation Advocates was founded in 1977—as High Country Citizens’ Alliance—to protect Gunnison County, Colorado from a proposed molybdenum mine on Mt. Emmons. Known locally as “Red Lady,” Mt. Emmons rises directly above the Town of Crested Butte’s historic district. HCCA has successfully led campaigns to defeat two mining proposals and is currently challenging a third attempt. As an outgrowth of this work, we have become Gunnison County’s environmental leader, protecting public lands, water, and wildlife in an area that covers more than 3,500 square miles, which is larger than any National Park in the lower forty-eight. We are a grassroots organization that collaborates with local stakeholders and policymakers, applies sound science, educates, and upholds the environmental laws affecting our community. We recognize that environmental sustainability is the key to a healthy economy. We advocate for protection along the high alpine tundra of the Raggeds Wilderness and Collegiates, past the steep cliffs of the Black Canyon, from the North Fork of the Gunnison River’s rolling scrub oak hills and aspen groves, to the rushing waters of the Lake Fork. Our work ensures these iconic public lands and waters will be healthy for generations to come.