|
www.childrenoftheearth.org |
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
Professional Profile: Jennifer Reinfeld - Children of the Earth United
With an eye toward the future and a heart determined to leave a better world behind, the founder of this non-profit organization describes her mission statement as one of education and awareness toward the goal of large-scale planetary healing. Jennifer Reinfeld began Children of the Earth United as a way to educate the general public on environmental issues and earth-honoring practices and to provide convenient opportunities for people to take positive action.
"The ‘children’ in Children of the Earth United, refers to every living creature on the planet, not just the people," Ms. Reinfeld noted. "Native Americans considered earth the ‘mother’ and all living things – plants, animals, people – the ‘children’. In this way of thinking, we are united with all things that are alive on the planet. It is our collective responsibility as people to protect that which cannot protect itself."
Toward this end, Ms. Reinfeld’s focus is on a free, comprehensive educational website due to be up and running by February 28th, 1999. This information center will enable people interested in improving the environment to find ways to take effective action. It will focus on encouraging children, both at home and in a school setting, to learn about regional and global environmental issues and activities. Topics covered will be indigenous cultures, wildlife, pet care, plants, careers and much more.
Children visiting this website will have an opportunity to publish and share earth related stories, articles, music and artwork and to plan and coordinate environmental projects with children from all over the world. The site will feature animation and be easy and fun for youngsters to access. Ultimately, the website will be catalogued to provide schools and families with information on available programs in their area. The website can be reached at www.childrenoftheearth.org.
Policy-making members of this not-for-profit organization include teachers, parents, school principals, journalists, website designers and world renowned nature educator/author Joseph Cornell. Founder Jennifer Reinfeld began her career in the business world as an information technology consultant. Over the years, she worked as a computer animation specialist, taught English in Japan, worked as an outdoor educator and received her masters degree in education.
Upon her return to Long Island, she noticed while teaching that urban and suburban children are removed from nature in their everyday life and lack the feeling of being connected to the environment. Children of the Earth United was born of the need to fill that void.
Anyone interested in contributing their time or making a donation is encouraged to contact Jennifer Reinfeld by phone or by e-mail. Computer equipment is specifically needed and would be greatly appreciated.
Article written by Ali Freedman, The North Shore News Group - February 11, 1999
