Earth Island Institute: Support for Grassroots Visionaries
A few weeks ago I was wandering down the incense-scented aisles of a green conference and stumbled upon the Earth Island Institute booth. They are an awesome group that helps individuals who have big ideas for saving the environment, but no money or structure to get the ball rolling.
David R. Brower founded Earth Island Institute in 1982. Brower is a legendary environmentalist who also founded a few other organizations you may know: the Sierra Club Foundation, Friends of the Earth, and the League of Conservation Voters. You could say he knew a thing or two about what it takes to turn a good idea into a movement.
All organizations, including environmental activists, need administrative support. The challenge for an individual or small group is that basic admin tasks can be incredibly costly and time-consuming, taking resources away from saving the planet, or some other noble deed. That's where Earth Island Institute comes in.
Earth Island Institute makes it easier for "early stage" leaders get great ideas off the ground by providing the kind of stability and support you usually only get when you're part of a big, established organization. At the same time, activists keep the agility of a small, independent group or even one person.
As an umbrella organization, Earth Island Institute provides those basic admin services, like accounting, office management, and even space and equipment. They also offer advice, help managing grant funds, and figuring out tax issues.
They also have programs to grow and nurture leaders, like the New Leaders Initiative and the Brower Youth Awards, which trains, supports and celebrates emerging environmental leaders in North America.
Check out the site to learn more, especially the fun to read Earth Island Journal -- and most importantly, here's where to donate if you want to support the work they do!
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