Project_Description

Community P.O.W.E.R.
Public and Health Benifits
Social and Youth Investment in the community
Sankofa in Action Leadership Program

Community P.O.W.E.R.

The community has the P.O.W.E.R to be pro-active and involved in solving the immediate public health issues related to pollution and climate change. Together we will overcome the environmental issues we face and preserve the Earth for the next generation.

BeliE.V.E. In YOUR Natural Abilities…We Have the P.O.W.E.R to Change

People are the foundation

Opportunities allow us to present solutions and work with institutions and representatives that are concerned about our health and future.

Wahsington D.C.: Congress Woman Eleanor Holmes Norton

Workshops provide the information needed to make informed decisions

Experience that illustrates the benefits of going green and natural living

Resources empowers youth to provide solutions to the unique issues they face in their community

“We must become the change we want to see.””-- Mahatma Gandhi

My Place of Inner Peace Education: Economic and Public Health Benefits of going green for households.

The first pilot for “My Place of Inner Peace” is in the Greater Baltimore-Washington area. With your support we will break ground by September 2009. A donation and/ or time investment will provide the opportunity youth need to learn about green jobs. Together we will test the theories about the benefits of going green for households. The data for the project will be made available after the construction of the house.

The retrofitting process combines the efforts of universities, volunteers, experts, high schools and community members. Your donation will help high school students gain a hands-on learning experience about budgeting, team work, goals/objectives, and green jobs.

The teams focus on the following principles:

Indoor Air Quality
Edible Greenhouse Gardens
Water Quality
Weatherization
Energy Efficiency
Science
Music & Arts

My Place of Inner Peace will test the theories about the environmental and cost benefits of retrofitting residential properties. Consumers can use the examples from the house to make informed decisions about the options they have to “go green” based on their budget.

Our model can be utilized by communities to improve the psychological, emotional, mental and physical environment. “My Place of Inner Peace” is a house where youth and young adults come together and learn about one another’s culture and Mother Earth.

My Place of Inner Peace: Social and Youth Investment in the Community

Community Benefit and Responsibility Agreement (CBRA) is customized for each location. It provides the details about E.V.E’s agreement with the community we serve.

We embrace the heritage of the community and strive to add value to the communities we serve by providing
activities designed for youth hand resources for the community.

Activities for the youth:

* Character building		* Science laboratory
* Urban gardening		* Fundamentals of club promotion
* Community organizing		* Business of music
* History of music		* Fundraising
* Music laboratory with studio		* Money management
* Artistic Expression		* Musical instruments (drums, harps, etc.)
* History of musical instruments		* My Block
* Earth Adventures (Field trips)

Resources for the community:

* Workshops and forums        * Information on public health
* Community round table        * In house lap top computers
* Pool table                             * Wireless internet
* Family night with games       * Punching bag

E.V.E. would love to bring “My Place of Inner Peace” to a city near you…

Youth, constituents, educators, philanthropist, planners, social entrepreneurs, public officials, community leaders, and/or developers interested in establishing a “My Place of Inner Peace” house in underserved low-income communities in your area should contact us at change@theeve.org. Please include the city and state in the headline. We strongly suggest that everyone views the following links first

http://www.policylink.org/
http://www.greenforall.org/?gfa_splash=1

The links provide the framework E.V.E. uses when working with communities. Ra Un Nefer Amen, President Barack Obama, Angela Glover Blackwell and Van Jones have created teams, provided tools and developed information for communities to use for social and economic development.

“The power of imagination makes us infinite”—John Muir

Sankofa symbolizes taking the good from the past and bringing it to the present in order to make positive progress through the application of Knowledge.
Source: Akan language of Ghana

The Sankofa in Action Leadership Program is for young ladies and gentlemen ages 14-18. Our first hand observation and experience gives us the unique ability to meet youth where they are. Our secret is using love and challenging them to think through solutions. We come from the communities that we serve and have a vested interest in their success. The green industry provides an opportunity for youth to learn and to be engaged in activities that brings us closer to our goal of a GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE FUTURE!

Our Foundation For Change:

* Unconditional Love without judgment
* Honesty and Communication
* Community and Family
* Satisfaction, Tools, Opportunities, Resources and Mentors (S.T.O.R.M)
* Health & Wellness/Know Thyself
* Field trips domestically and abroad
* Hands-on environmental education about natural building, alternative energy and organic farming
* Sustainable economics/business in local, domestic and international markets
* Each one, teach one (youth presentations at schools, churches, senior centers, daycare centers, etc.)
* Emergency Preparedness
* Recognition of accomplishments and dedication

In addition to receiving community service hours, youth will learn about the connection they have with others and Mother Earth.After the successful completion of the program participants receive a certificate of completion and names will be posted on the V.I.P. list!

The best investment we can make today is into the leaders of tomorrow