You know that students hold the power to create change – they are counting on us.

You know that students hold the power to create change — they are an electrified force. At Friends, Katie Fleming, our Community Engagement Director, embraces that energy. Katie is in her essence, electric! She lights up the classroom talking with students. She illuminates student potential on field trips to Olympia, as a conductor between local legislators and students. You can see the spark in her eyes as she embraces the future with hope, cultivating the energy of our youth and guiding them to create environmental projects and outreach campaigns. Your donation is the live wire to connect the students who will impact and influence environmental policy based upon science and their passion.

We have all witnessed youth advocacy for endangered species, reducing plastic use, and climate action. In some way, these young people have had the benefit of mentors like Katie. Mentoring youth is a powerful and productive way to ensure stewardship — Friends is one of the only local nonprofits guiding direct action for local students.

You can support, transform and inspire students who will find solutions to critical environmental needs. There are two ways to give in the coming weeks:

GiveBIG – Donate here on May 4 and 5 (or you can give early now) to support our San Juan County-wide education and mentoring programs.

GiveOrcas –  Donate here on May 3-17 to target your support for Orcas Island students who will change the world.  (This link will go live on Monday, May 3.)

Thank you for helping us ensure that local students have the resources and mentoring they need to create a values-based, sustainable future!

Learn more about our youth mentorship program, get student testimonials, and see videos of us in action here.

We believe that our property is more valuable if we and our neighbors protect the shoreline. Orcas need salmon. Salmon need forage fish. Salmon and forage fish need the protection of eelgrass and kelp. Eelgrass and kelp need clean water. Shoreline protections are good for ecosystems and for the long-term economy of these lovely islands.

Val and Leslie Veirs

members, San Juan Island