youth mentorship

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. Click here to see the entire GiveOrcas Youth Mentorship Project Proposal.

Katie has a wealth of knowledge. Ever since she came into our class in 8th grade, she has been the go-to person. With Katie’s help I have traveled to Seattle to attend an environmental conference led by Al Gore, interviewed county council members running for office, and dove into a deep research project about the waste management system in the islands. – Linnea, Senior 2021, Orcas Island

click below to hear why mentoring matters

I’m interested in environmental science and maybe taking a policy perspective. It’s been something I’ve been interested in since the first time you took us to Olympia. I really loved walking the halls of the capital building and could see myself there working on environmental policy. Everything I’ve done with you and Friends really has had an impact on what I want to study!

– Ayla, Senior 2021, San Juan Island

Working with Friends of the San Juan’s has influenced me in so many ways. It’s shown me the direction I want to go and it’s showed me how to get there. I have met so many incredible people who have given me their time and the resources to do what I love. I am so grateful for all the meetings we’ve had over the years and what they have taught me.  – Raylee, Senior 2021, San Juan Island

Friends is one of the only local non profits guiding direct action for local students. See us in action.

Friends of the San Juans was vital for the San Juan Islands’ protection in 1979 and it is still vital today.

Mike and Susan Krieger

members, Orcas Island