I am Lexi and I am turning 13 in 3 weeks! I painted this Earth with the tree coming out of the top to symbolize all the roots of life coming from Mother Earth. Each part of this is precious and necessary in order to sustain its very existence.
Lexi, Youth Artist
In a time of uncertainly for our future, it’s so refreshing to draw upon the voices of our youth. They are the future. This world that we are trying to protect for them has extra meaning this year with all that is going on around us and under the surface. I found this painting that our young artist, Lexi, created to be very symbolic as she displays it with the roots on top – uprooted – like our planet at this time. But the roots are still there and waiting to be planted again. Luckily, it’s in good hands with the visionaries I’m about to introduce you to who have been very busy protecting and nurturing our planet and all those – big and small – on land and water – who live here with us. Who share this space. Although it’s a scary time, we have also seen a lot of beauty and kindness with so many people reaching out and connecting, like the roots in this image. Let’s continue being respectful and mindful of each other. And as we spread the kindness amongst each other, we can lean on and shelter each other when necessary. As the saying goes, we’re all in this together.
I’m going to start off with a young lady who I have had the pleasure to work with for the last couple of years. Her name is SHALISE LEESFIELD and she is an ocean conservationist and environmental campaigner. You can check out her Instagram Feed here and see for yourself all the work she has done for our Mother Earth, on land and in water. Her story is long and impressive for her years and warrants your attention. Last year, she wrote our Earth Day Story and she was also featured in Kidzworld USA. Shalise is a very dedicated environmental leader and we look forward to continuing to follow her career and sharing her stories with you.
Earth Day is a day that we celebrate the amazing Earth that we live on, but it’s also a day but it’s also a great time to reflect upon what we can do for the planet as young people.
Shalise Leesfield, Environmental Campaigner
like-minded kids from around the world, including Shalise & Sammie!
Next, I would like to introduce you to JUSTIN SATHER. He is just nine years old and has recently reached out to me, and I’m so glad he did. His dedication to our environment has inspired so many people already and not only has he spearheaded many successful projects himself, he has also inspired other kids from around the world to start their own projects. I won’t give too much away yet as we will be featuring him and his amazing story very soon. In the meantime, you can check out his website at https://www.fortheloveoffrogs.com/. Justin has a wall of Change Maker Kids on his closet wall. His goal is to work with kids around the world to create a movement of change, and I believe he will. I look forward to featuring his full story very soon – in the meantime, here are a few words from him.
Frogs are my favourite animal. When I learned frogs are becoming extinct it made me sad. I know frogs are telling us that the planet needs our help. Pollution, pesticides, and people destroying rainforests, wetlands, and oceans is a big problem. I want to be brave and work with people all around the world to clean up the planet. Together we can change the world for the next generation.
Justin Sather, Age 9, Young Environmental Ambassador
Last but certainly not least, meet young humanitarian, SAMMIE VANCE. She has been blazing her own trails, making buddy benches out of recycled plastic caps for kids to find a place to sit together and form friendships. You can learn more about her at this link https://sammiesbuddybenchproject.com/ and we look forward to featuring her in her own story soon.
Everyone can make a difference and together we can make a big impact!
Sammie Vance, Young Humanitarian & Environmentalist
