3 Questions with The World Wildlife Fund
The WWF is one of Global Game Changers May Superhero of the Month, Catherine Chung‘s chosen charities! In honor of Catherine, we spoke to the WWF team to learn more about their organization.
1. Tell us about your organization. What’s your mission?
Our mission is to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth. Overall, our vision is to build a future where people live in harmony with nature.
World Wildlife Fund is a global network that reaches across 100 countries, supported by 1.2 million members in the United States and nearly 5 million internationally.
By 2020, WWF will conserve many of the world’s most ecologically important regions by working in partnership with others to protect and restore not only species but their habitats, strengthen local communities’ ability to conserve the natural resources they depend on, transform markets and policies to reduce the impact of the production and consumption of commodities, ensure that the value of nature is reflected in decisions made by individuals, communities, governments and businesses, and mobilize hundreds of millions of people to support conservation.
2. How important are volunteers to your organization?
Conservation begins with each of us. Whether you choose to get involved by making environmentally-conscious consumer decisions and green choices in your daily life, taking action through WWF’s Conservation Action Network, or making a financial contribution, you can ensure a living planet for future generations. Unfortunately we are not able to use volunteers effectively in our Washington, D.C. office, however many of the most immediate opportunities to protect the environment are right in our own backyards. For information about our current campaigns, take action, stay updated on progress, and view the latest reports and videos, visit our Supporter Center page to check out lots more ways to proactively get involved.
World Wildlife Fund does offer a 3-6 month volunteer experience to committed and outstanding young people, aged 20-27, working in such countries as Madagascar, India, Paraguay, South Pacific and Bhutan. The goal of the program is to provide you with an insight into the world of conservation work in the field. WWF hopes that you will be inspired by what you see and do, and will carry this passion with you throughout your life. Between 2005, when the program was launched, and December 2010, WWF has hosted 102 volunteers representing 32 nationalities. For further information on our volunteer program with WWF International, please click here.
3. What’s your advice for young kids who want to get involved with WWF?
At our WWF-US office in Washington, D.C. we receive a large number of e-mails and phone calls every day from budding conservationists wanting to know how they can get involved. There are lots of ways you can help just by visiting our website at worldwildlife.org. From there you can send e-cards with photos of your favorite animal to your family and friends, or you can create a Panda Page.
What is a Panda Page you ask? A Panda Page is your own personal webpage to help WWF raise funds to protect endangered species and their habitats! You can create a Panda Page for your favorite animal or even to commemorate a birthday. Plan on having a lemonade stand this summer? You could create a Panda Page, post photos from your fun day and share with your family and friends! It’s a fun and easy way to make a big difference for our planet. Also check out our new WWF Together app! It’s an educational, interactive and fun way to learn more about endangered animals and how you can protect them.
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