Ethan Gardner - NPJTF

"The only way forward, if we are going to improve the quality of the environment, is to get everybody involved" -Richard Rogers

The Jewish Teen Foundation is a program of the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund that teaches teens about philanthropy, nonprofit research, and ways to get involved with specific issues people are facing around the world. This year, the North Peninsula board consists of 24 dedicated teens, including myself, who wish to make an environmental change locally, globally, and in Israel. I joined the NPJTF because I wish to make a difference in the world, and feel strongly about giving back to my community in an effective way. 

Our mission this year is to promote positive social change by protecting the environment and responding to the needs of people affected by environmental problems locally, globally, and in Israel. This year, natural disasters made the headlines on multiple accounts, and caused massive amounts of damage all over the world. Did you know:

• Hurricane Harvey caused $180 billion in damage. That’s more than any other natural disaster in U.S history affecting 13 million people from Texas through Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky.
• 2.2 billion tons of waste are dumped into the ocean every year
• In Sonoma County the recent wildfires destroyed 6,600 structures, including 5,130 homes, including 1,500 homes and more than 600 businesses and secondary buildings, including sheds and barns, in the Rincon Valley, Mark West and Larkfield-Wikiup area. according to Cal Fire

I care about this cause because I feel a strong moral obligation to give back to the community when I can. Additionally, in light of the recent natural disasters that affected many around the world, now is a better time than ever to make a difference and change someone's life who has been affected by these terrible events. The environment is something we all need to work to conserve, and I feel as though I can make a difference through the JTF program. Join me in making a difference, and we can work towards making the world a better place and helping those recovering from natural disasters. Every bit helps and would mean a lot. Thank you so much for your contribution.