MISSION

To address barriers of engaging urban communities with nature, promote healthy environments by increasing social awareness, and prepare the future green leaders of the world for the environmental workforce.

VISION

MISSION

Through community partnerships and hands-on experiences, stakeholders of urban neighborhoods acquire the skills to self-sustain green communities and youth become well-qualified college applicants and internship candidates who address the inequities of environmental organizations and networks.

DRIVE

MISSION

DRIVE

Studies show that among 300+ environmental organizations in the US, less than 12% of executive-level positions are occupied by people of color and even less take advantage of our national and local parks due to a lack of access and perpetuated social barriers. Organic Connects is working to reframe this narrative.

Our JEDI Commitment

Organic Connects incorporates Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion into every aspect of the work that we do. We shape our programs and practices by fostering a supportive culture of community engagement from ranging perspectives that reflect the population we serve both internally and externally.

We strive to achieve Environmental Justice by reinforcing the importance of healthy communities, access to resources and nature, and by reframing the narrative that has contributed to the current social climate. The voices of our communities are deeply valued and have always and will continue to inform how we achieve the goals of this organization.

Letter from the Executive Director

Welcome to Organic Connects!

My name is Whitnye Long Jones. I am the Founder and Executive Director of Organic Connects, Inc. and I...love...nature! Many of us are well aware that there are a number of effective youth environmental programs that currently exist and some that could be improved upon. Nonetheless, we must ask ourselves, is environmentalism a trend that will soon dissipate when the next major movement comes along? If this is the case, what happens to those youth that find solace and direction from a life-changing outdoor experience whether it be recreational, educational, or service-related? Who will help them to continue down the road to exploring and finding their passion in the environmental field once they graduate from high school?

Well, this is exactly what Organic Connects aims to do. Having worked with over 500 youth in the last four years, we've noticed something that happens to our children 95% of the time regardless of race, age, gender, or socioeconomic background. They, too (along with myself), have an instinctual affinity for connecting to nature!

Nature is medicinal. Nature allows us to be ourselves. Nature reminds us that we are a small part of a larger ecosystem, although we have a great impact on how nature interacts with us. This is where accountability and respect come in. But how can we or our youth understand this symbiotic relationship without the proper channels for exposure and opportunity?

Organic Connects is filling this niche.

By providing avenues that lead to countless areas of expertise within the environmental and outdoor field, a young person in high school, college, or in the "field" will identify ways to simultaneously earn a living and fulfill their passion. Whether a student wants to study accounting, outdoor recreation, law, marketing, marine biology, government relations, environmental engineering, hospitality, architecture, or park maintenance... the possibilities are endless!

Please join us on this journey as we continue to expose our youth to these resources while they learn to heal from societal constructs, become community REIGN Makers, and take the lead as the future green leaders of the world. We look forward to working with you and connecting our youth to nature and positively productive futures.

See you outside!

Whitnye Long Jones

Founder & Executive Director