GIVING STORIES
We are so grateful for our many donors to the organization who allow this mission to move forward. We asked some of these great advocates what drew them to the organization, and why they got involved with supporting our work teaching kids about taking action around sustainability…
Julie Desilva
Committees: Former Change is Simple Board Member
Change is Simple supporter since 2011
I met Patrick and Lauren when Change is Simple was just getting started. I was very involved in Beverly schools through PTO and was frustrated by the lack of awareness and engagement around climate and sustainability. Their message, knowledge, and excitement was palpable, and I wanted to be near that energy! I have supported Change is Simple ever since.
I have always known that children are the gateway to parents and grandparents. If you teach them, they understand; if they understand, they are curious; if they are curious, they ask questions and have conversations, and this sparks action! Making children ambassadors for the planet starting in kindergarten changes the narrative across generations and is one part of their mission that resonates with me the most. The mission for me is all about making the youngest among us the most informed, sparking those around them to think and do better!
I am not wealthy. I choose how I give with intention. Change is Simple benefits the city I have called home my whole life and the planet. In my lifetime I have watched education devolve. I think we need more of the type of bold, active, and life-changing education Change is Simple provides! it will always be an organization I support.
When it comes to what I would tell others about why they should consider supporting this organization, I believe: it's simple. If you fear for the future, for the planet, for your children and grandchildren, supporting this organization will give you hope! They shape young minds in marvelous ways every school day. And the recent impact study shows that what kids learn in school with Change is Simple sticks with them and impacts their circles of influence as adults. Your dollars in their hands change lives.
Alex Devereaux, Crosby Advisors
Committees: Finance Chair
Joined the Change is Simple Board in 2016
I live in Beverly and have 3 children who attend school here.
I was first introduced to Change is Simple during a function at my daughter’s elementary school. The importance of Change is Simple’s mission struck me immediately. I then attended a Change is Simple lesson and saw firsthand how the material was empowering the kids to make a difference within their own environment. The kids were so engaged during the lesson. I knew this was an organization that was making a positive difference in the world and I wanted to become more involved and support its work. These lesson give them tools for how to think, act and live more sustainably going forward. This is why I give.
Darren creating with the kids at Camp Paradise
Darren Blyth, Blyth Consulting
Committees: Corporate / Fundraising, Outreach
Joined the Change is Simple Board in 2017
I wanted to get involved with Change Is Simple to be part of something that is focused on providing education and insight into the impact that we have on our environment. The older I get, I grow more and more concerned at the increasing percentage of people that either have no understanding of the strain we put on our planet and it’s supporting ecosystems, and/or no desire to understand the ramifications it has for us all. Change is Simple has grabbed the bull by the horns and developed the means and methods to teach our children about our environmental footprint and the small changes we all need to make to create a sustainable and happier world for generations to come. This is why I give.
Hilary Davis, Monthly Donor
I attended Change is Simple’s annual fundraiser and heard a story about a child saying that Change is Simple gave her hope. This brought tears to my eyes and inspired me to give. There are many fabulous environmental orgs out there and I give to some that are more globally and systemically oriented. However, when I think about my own children and the overwhelmingly complex world they are inheriting, I think there is nothing more valuable to their development than a community and a mentoring presence that can give them hope and inspire them to work and fight for a world that is well worth loving, even as it may be irreparably wounded.
I have had to fundraise for my own nonprofit work in the past and know how important monthly donors are to being able to calculate an annual budget and know continuous support will be coming in.
If you care about developing in the next generation of leaders values of respect for and stewardship of our shared planetary home, your money is in good hands with Change is Simple. These are good people doing honest and self reflective work that matters.