In nature, we see the beauty of succession, where ecosystems evolve over time, each generation building upon the legacy of the last. As stewards of our environment, we too must invest in a sustainable future for the generations to come.
The SEMIS Coalition is dedicated to creating a sustainable and equitable future for our region and beyond. We believe in the power of education and community engagement to grow positive change. Through our programs, we empower students, educators, and communities to become environmental stewards, advocates for justice, and leaders in sustainability.
Since our founding over fifteen years ago, we’ve made huge strides towards our goal of helping schools and learning communities become places where youth can thrive and learn in nature. We co-create spaces where they can partner with adults to create a more environmentally sustainable world.
All things in nature change, grow and transition into new life.
In honor of this natural cadence, I want to announce that after thirteen years serving as the Director of the SEMIS Coalition, effective July 2024, I will be cycling out of the directorship and into a new role as Senior Advisor on Special Projects.
In celebration of the amazing impacts we’ve already had on the lives of young people and teachers, my transition out of the directorship and my faith in the organization’s vision for the past fifteen years and the fifteen years to come, I’ve made a commitment to be the first new supporter in the SEMIS Coalition Sustainers Stream at $100 a month.
Your support helps us:
-
Empower Tomorrow’s Leaders Today: We work with students and educators to develop environmental literacy and leadership skills, ensuring the next generation is equipped to tackle social-environmental challenges head-on right now and into the future. We do this through our Annual Learning Series and in-school programs with students, teachers, and community partners.
-
Create Sustainable Communities: We partner with local communities to design and create sustainable programs that center the well-being of local teachers and students. The programs are focused on water conservation, civic education,
STEM-literacy, and crafting spaces where people of all ages can play and learn outdoors.
-
Promote Equity and Inclusion: We are committed to ensuring that all members of our community, regardless of background, have access to the resources and opportunities needed to participate in environmental decision-making and stewardship.
Every person who flows into this stream with us will be MATCHED DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR FOR THE NEXT 6 MONTHS, to help us reach our goal of making Place-Based Education accessible for more young people and teachers in southeast Michigan. Your support makes a world of difference.
Thank you for being a vital part of our journey.
We’re grateful to be growing a vision of the future together, one where all beings thrive.
With gratitude and enthusiasm,
Ethan Lowenstein, PhD
Director, the SEMIS Coalition and Professor of Teacher Education
P.S. Please help us spread the word! We invite you to share our campaign with your friends, family, and social networks. The more people who join us, the closer we get to reaching our goal.
From now through November 28, our #GivingTuesday campaign is on! Respond as ‘Going’ to our Facebook event to see live updates.
Many of you have envisioned with us what the year 2038 may look like. Whether you can commit for one month, one year, or any duration you’re able to, every contribution counts. Together let’s create a legacy of positive change that endures for generations to come.
Thanks to the generosity of a group of passionate donors who have stepped up to meet me in this challenge, we have a $20,000 match funding pool to grow the dedicated members of our Sustainers Stream.
This Giving Tuesday (next Tuesday, November 28) we have a goal to raise at least $4,000 in new monthly pledges towards our Sustainers Stream. A $50 a month pledge becomes $300 on the Stream Tracker, and $100 a month shows up as $600.
Can you join us with a new monthly gift? All monthly pledges instantly DOUBLED for 6 months!