Dear Cool the Earth Community,
“I’m asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change; I’m asking you to believe in yours." President Barack Obama.
With the help of President Obama, and respected voices like Jim Lehrer and Maria Shriver, the “volunteer service movement” has been gaining momentum in the national dialogue this year. Even big television networks are getting in on the act, creating popular reality shows—from “NBC’s Parks and Recreation” to ABC’s “home makeover”--which highlight the benefits of giving back through volunteerism.
Now that October has been touted as the official “volunteer month,” this week first and second Ladies, Michelle Obama and Jill Biden have come out with a PSA calling for US citizens--one and all--to sign up and volunteer to give back at websites like USAservice.org and iparticipate.com.
I am continually inspired by the Cool the Earth volunteer coordinators--parents and teachers who spend a few hours every month giving back to their school community. And, I am proud that these volunteers across the nation are setting an example of volunteerism for their children and for their communities.
As we continue on our path towards stopping climate change and moving towards sustainability, it’s clear citizen involvement is essential.
Please help us spread the word about Cool the Earth and let your friends know that volunteering for Cool the Earth is a rewarding experience which will have your kids and their kids and their kid’s kids thanking them for years and years to come.
Sincerely,
CARLEEN CULLEN,
Founder and Executive Director
Cool the Earth
FEATURED SCHOOL COORDINATOR
Spotlight on Sun Valley Elementary Coordinator Jennifer Hatch
A spontaneous meeting in a playground landed Mom Jennifer Hatch in the surprise role of coordinator at Sun Valley Elementary School in San Rafael California. “I was looking for a way to contribute my time to my son’s public school,” says the former Retail Finance executive, “When I ran into Cool the Earth staffer Chloe Martin. “A few minutes later I was happily heading up the program.” As a mother of two active 8 and 5 year old boys, Hatch feels—“short of harnessing her sons tireless energy to stop global warming tomorrow”--Cool the Earth can have tremendous results. “The children’s enthusiasm always keep me energized,” says Hatch. She also thinks it’s essential for the coordinator to have the kids identify the program with a symbol. “I wear the polar bear hat for coupon collections and during lunch
patrol, and that has really kept a face associated with the ideas from the program.” Of course, some ideas go a long way. Last year during the launch when Mother Earth asks the kids if they remember what it’s like to have a fever, Hatch got an earful. “I got to hear many amazing accounts of different fevers,” remembers Hatch. “One was 125 degrees! Now that's definitely global warming!”
 TIP OF THE MONTHWhy not join the 1,400 people following us on Twitter @cooltheearth? By following us on Twitter you’ll connect to hundreds of individuals who are concerned about the environment just like you, and have access to the latest information on what people are doing around the world to combat climate change. While you’re at it, become a fan of Cool the Earth on facebook, and start a dialogue with another coordinator about a concern or issue that’s on your mind: Facebook | Cool the Eart#37AA01 www.facebook.com/search/ . You never know what might happen. You could even find yourself at the helm of your own grassroots organization.
We're thankful to our many partners and supporters who have enabled Cool the Earth to grow from just 25 schools last year to over 100 currently.
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