Greenheart Leaders Conference 2016
By Kelsey Holmes, Greenheart Club Program Assistant
It’s an exciting time for cultural exchange at Greenheart Club! Last week, staff volunteered in Chicago for World Fair Trade Day. Our very own Greenheart Shop was there, along with over thirty locally-owned ethical vendors, featuring products made by artists and artisans from around the world.
Ethical purchasing is an important part of cultivating cultural connection and doing your part as a global leader. We were so happy to see such a great turnout of conscious consumers!
Later in the week, we had the opportunity to host the Greenheart Leaders Conference in Chicago! Four of our High School Program Greenheart Club members joined us to recognize their service and commitment to global leadership in their host communities. Not only have these students logged over 75 hours with Greenheart Club, but they are excited to continue their spirit of volunteerism when they return to their home communities this summer! . Get to know these all-star Greenhearts here:
Diana Taranova, from Ukraine currently living in Saint Cloud, Florida: “My name is Diana Taranova. I am seventeen years old and a foreign exchange student from Ukraine to the United States of America. I am passionate about art and feminism. I love traveling and meeting new people as well as making a difference in their lives. I have volunteered at several places: with the Best buddies club at my school, the soup kitchen, my church’s nursery, and my favorite experience was at art school. I was invited to give drawing and painting lessons for elementary students. It was something new for me, but I agreed, even though I was a little scared. It was amazing. I was thrilled to see the kids trying their best in doing art. I still volunteer and I love this place and the students. I taught them many things but I learned a lot from them as well. Every time they remind me, how important it is to be open-minded and accept people with all the kindness I can give to them.”
What I learned from volunteering: “Take a chance. Never be afraid to try something new. This world is full of opportunities and your task is not to miss them. You can meet awesome and interesting people who may become your friends. It is important to always stay open-minded. By closing your mind you are limiting yourself.”
João Vitor Freitas Oliveira, from Brazil currently living in Refugio, Texas: “My name is João, and I am from Brazil. I am 16 years old and I am a junior in High School. This exchange program is being really good and one of the best parts was to help my community. I am living in Texas and my host family owns a Nonprofit Animal Rescue, and that is how I started volunteering. I always liked to help feeding the dogs and walking them, they really enjoy to play and to receive attention! It is amazing to help to change these dogs’ lives! Thank you Greenheart for this wonderful opportunity!”
What I learned from volunteering: “Volunteering is the best way to help our communities. Small organizations make a difference. Volunteering brings people together and enables you to motivate others.”
Imke Lindner, from Germany currently living in Spring Branch, Texas: “My name is Imke Lindner, and I’m from Germany. I’m 16 years old and I’m spending my exchange year in San Antonio, Texas. In Germany I’m a city girl, here I live on a ranch with my lovely host family, sheep, a lama and millions of cacti.
What I learned from volunteering: “I have learned many things from volunteering in the United States. Most importantly I learned that I am proud of the fact: I am a German. The way Americans accept all cultures has given me a greater appreciation for my own culture.”
Sumit Kashyap, from India currently living in Marysville, Washington: “I was born in a very small village Daranagar in Bijnore city of state Uttar Pradesh in India on 20th of May 1999. Being born in a poor family I did not have any privilege to study, but with the constant efforts and hard work of my elder brother and sister and of course of mine I got into a primary school and made my way to VidyaGyan Leadership Academy ( my current school in India) after being a topper of my entire district. In VidyaGyan, I am getting free world class education up to class 12. My selection in VidyaGyan was my first achievement which changed my life. As always had in my dreams to explore U.S. A now finally I am here and that’s one of my big achievements like an open door to another world. I am having really amazing time in the states with my new family and friends and my teachers at school. It’s totally a new experience which can never be forgotten. Like everyone I also had some expectations from the states and my host family which came true and I feel like my exchange year has been a success. I am going through a really nice time with the people around me. I have enriched myself with the new learnings, I will never be afraid to use them in my home community. As a volunteer I worked at Food bank, Noah-Animal Center, Red Curtain Theater for Arts, Homework Club, Church, Snohomish Car Show, Dream Dinner, food packing and I also worked with CCI. My best volunteering experience is the Food Bank where we give away food to people those who in need and the Noah Animal Center where I meet my animal friends and play with them. Helping at these two places gives me boundless pleasure. I actually feel that I am a part of this world and I am doing what I am sent here for. I am in the middle of the sea and a long way to go and hope I make it to the destination.”
What I learned from volunteering: “I learned the importance of responsibility and respect for resources, animals, and humanity. Interacting with Americans helped me to appreciate different cultures and learn from them.”
Students spent their time in Chicago getting to know our staff and sharing their volunteer experience. Each all-star presented on his/her own experience and highlighted the importance of Greenheart Club in their lives.
These students are living out the Greenheart mission in their everyday lives as global leaders. Stay tuned for video footage of interviews from their time in Chicago, coming soon to Greenheart Club! How do you exemplify global leadership in your community?