Our Mission

Empowering youth to envision and participate in creating ecologically sustainable communities.

Seeds of a Dream

“A truly human intimacy with the earth and with the entire natural world is needed. Our children should be properly introduced to the world in which they live.” (Thomas Berry, “Human Presence,” in The Dream of the Earth, 13)

The dream of youth ecology is rooted in magic. I spent over a decade working with youth in the mental health field. I personally sought ways to bring the healing power of nature into relationship with vulnerable youth. Having finished grad school in 2018, studying integral ecology at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, I became hungry to apply my knowledge and skills in a field that doesn’t really exist. I met a great group of folks in a year long permaculture class, who became my friends and co-founders. Then COVID crushed our dream of youth ecology before fruition.

Now, 6 years later, the seeds to this dreams have reached germination. The dream of youth ecology is ready to be born.

I believe there is no better time than now…

YES Guiding Values

  • Since having fun is a core experience, of childhood, fun is a central guiding value to YES. Fun is the exhilaration of new chutes reaching to the sky. Fun meets memory in fields of fancy. May childhood bloom with radiant smiles and laughter.

  • In order to hold steadfast during rapid times of change, the Earth community needs the forward thinking ability to prepare for the storm. Plant roots deep, know your land, care for each other. Strong relationships make for deep and steady roots.

  • YES is created with the intention of protecting future generations in the human and more-than human world alike. Acting in a way that protects life now, shows respect for future generations and honors our interconnection across space and time.

    May we act today with the thoughts of our children’s tomorrows.

  • Nature trends towards abundance when diverse relationships and roles are in balance. Our goal as an organization is to facilitate and display the abundance that nature generously provides.

  • Recognition of where we are and what we have been through is part of the path of moving forward.

  • Childhood and nature have an interesting connection, imbued with magical experiences. There is nothing more magical than the memories we carry as a child connecting with a landscape, an animal, a tree. These memories go beyond words to a place that lives forever. YES is dedicated to re-enchanting the world with you.

YES Board of Directors