Amira Odeh, a student at the University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras, observed peers buying disposable plastic water bottles due to inadequate campus fountains. Drawing from her personal

Amira Odeh, a student at the University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras, observed peers buying disposable plastic water bottles due to inadequate campus fountains. Drawing from her personal experience with water scarcity, she initiated a campaign to address this wasteful habit.

Her successful advocacy led to the installation of new drinking fountains in every building and educated students on the environmental impact of single-use bottles. Consequently, more students now utilize the free tap water available on campus.

Odeh considers the university's commitment to maintaining fountain conditions and its consideration of a ban on non-reusable bottles her most significant accomplishment. This marked the first student-instigated environmental change campaign on a Puerto Rican college campus.

In 2008, fifth-grader Cassandra Lin founded Turn Grease Into Fuel (TGIF) after learning used cooking oil could be converted into affordable, clean-burning biodiesel for home heating. TGIF partners

In 2008, fifth-grader Cassandra Lin founded Turn Grease Into Fuel (TGIF) after learning used cooking oil could be converted into affordable, clean-burning biodiesel for home heating. TGIF partners with local restaurants to collect kitchen grease, which is then recycled and distributed to charities assisting families with heating needs. This initiative has already helped offset over two million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions.

Lin and her team further championed environmental efforts by drafting Rhode Island's Used Cooking Oil Recycling Act in 2011. Passed into law in 2012, this legislation expanded TGIF's reach, establishing a robust network that effectively addresses community needs while significantly reducing waste and pollution.

Chloe Maxmin co-founded "Divest Harvard" in September 2012, aiming to move Harvard University's funds out of fossil fuel corporations. Her initiative built on research into Harvard's past

Chloe Maxmin co-founded "Divest Harvard" in September 2012, aiming to move Harvard University's funds out of fossil fuel corporations. Her initiative built on research into Harvard's past divestment campaigns against apartheid and Big Tobacco, galvanizing a broad student and community movement.

The campaign gained significant traction, highlighted by a campus-wide referendum where 72% of undergraduates supported fossil fuel divestment. This, combined with outreach to alumni and faculty, led to meetings with trustees and initiated a crucial dialogue about fossil fuels at the university. Maxmin's activism began at age 12, and in 2007, she founded "First Here, Then Everywhere," an online network connecting youth activists globally.

“Remembering our past to co-create our future.” The Rare Earth Foundation is hosting a gathering in Far North Queensland, Australia, on November 14, 2012, during a total solar eclipse. This

“Remembering our past to co-create our future.” The Rare Earth Foundation is hosting a gathering in Far North Queensland, Australia, on November 14, 2012, during a total solar eclipse. This event will bring together earth-based cultures and young leaders to share knowledge and develop tangible solutions for our planet's challenges.

We are seeking expressions of interest from supporters. If you know Elders or cultural groups who might like an invitation, please email rahm@ref.org.au. For more information, visit our website: globaleldergatherings.org.

Victor Davila, a New Yorker, was among the seven winners of the Earth Island Institute's 2011 Brower Youth Awards.

He teaches young people in his community about environmental and health

Victor Davila, a New Yorker, was among the seven winners of the Earth Island Institute's 2011 Brower Youth Awards.

He teaches young people in his community about environmental and health issues, uniquely using skateboarding as his educational platform.

Angela Bates and Karla Grant explored the initial years of the Indigenous boarding program at St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill.

They met the young men who were excelling, making the most

Angela Bates and Karla Grant explored the initial years of the Indigenous boarding program at St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill.

They met the young men who were excelling, making the most of the educational and personal growth opportunities provided by the program.

Barry Stevens and Nanci Wright co-founded El Puente - The Bridge in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. This program offers educational assistance, food, and microloans, primarily to indigenous

Barry Stevens and Nanci Wright co-founded El Puente - The Bridge in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. This program offers educational assistance, food, and microloans, primarily to indigenous communities.

El Puente's School Program supports children's educational expenses. The Food Program provides healthy meals and a gathering place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Their Microloan Program offers small loans, from $20 to $400, using proven methods that have combated poverty globally since 1987.

Your support is vital. Please consider donating to help their mission: Give a little or a lot.

Nick Jankel, a "Mind Maverick" and global expert on collaboration, leadership, and innovation, delivered a speech at The Global Summit II (November 8-10, 2010, San Francisco). He founded