Empowering Sustainable Communities: Supporting SEEDS’ Second Decade

January 22, 2020

At the heart of every thriving community are the connections we make—among those who share our lives, our love of the beautiful region we call home, and who share our commitment to working together in support of a sustainable future here. 

SEEDS (Sustainable Energy Education and Development Support) has spent its first decade focused on providing people the tools to empower personal change. By continuing to expand such opportunities, the potential for positive choices and actions will multiply.

Our small but effective non-profit organization has done valuable work over the past decade in support of energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable living in our communities. But we haven’t done it alone.

We deeply appreciate having shared these good efforts with many individuals and community businesses, working side by side to empower others with the knowledge and tools to create the potential for truly transformative outcomes. In this once-a-year outreach, we are asking for your financial support to help us to continue this important work.

SEEDS has come a long way since its founding in 2008—and it could not have happened without people like you. For the past decade, our organization has sown and nurtured numerous projects in support of a more sustainable future for all who live here—the people, the plants and animals with whom we share our lives, as well as the natural resources that support us.

As SEEDS entered its second decade in 2019, we launched a strategic planning process (http://seedsgroup.net/seeds-strategic-plan/) to sharpen the organization’s focus while exploring fresh projects to expand its outreach and to connect with new friends in the communities we serve. During this time, SEEDS maintained its established events while forging ahead with new initiatives to lay the groundwork for fresh growth.

Some 2019 SEEDS Highlights:

• The 8^th Annual Free Book Swap received well-deserved recognition with a 2019 Environmental Partnership Award from the NEPA Environmental Partners in celebration of working together to get big jobs done for the benefit of the environment and our communities.

• SEEDS partnered with the Wayne Conservation District to host a highly successful Bus Tour of 5 Wayne County Farms, educating the public about the importance of local agriculture to our region’s sustainability. SEEDS also established a new Sustainable Food Circle to promote local foods and farming.

• SEEDS actively promoted an initiative that came to fruition when the Wayne County Commissioners adopted the C-PACE program (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) in support of our regional business community and its clean energy options. We also educated key officials about the benefits of Community Solar Legislation in collaboration with the Pike Wayne Conservation Partnership.

• SEEDS supported our local waterways by assisting with the Lackawaxen River Cleanup hosted by Here and Now Brewing. Four dumpsters of trash were removed from our beautiful river.

• SEEDS awarded the fourth $1,000 annual scholarship in memory of Michael “Jake” Burkhardt to Phoebe Cykosky, a graduate of Wallenpaupack Area High School.

• In collaboration with the Chamber of the Northern Poconos, SEEDS selected The Car Wash on Rt 6, in Hawley, PA as the recipient of the 2019 Green Business Award honoring its green initiatives.

• SEEDS held its annual DIY solar workshop, a battery storage forum, promoted electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy at two public events, helped launch local EV charging stations, partnered in the second NEPA Green Fair, gave guided trail walks, organized local authors talks and more.

• SEEDS launched “SEEDS Reads,” a community outreach program promoting the joy of reading while educating people of all ages about the importance of care and stewardship of our natural resources. The program includes a book club focused on titles related to our mission as well as establishing Little Free Libraries in our local communities.

We hope all this inspires you to provide the financial support needed for continued growth.

Your gift is crucial to SEEDS. Our lean but mighty organization achieves its mission on a very conservative budget. With your donation, we can do even more to make a difference—here in OUR communities.

SEEDS raises more than half of its general operating budget with this one annual fundraising initiative. We don’t like to waste resources and burden you with lots of mail. Please help SEEDS to continue its history of efficient and effective action by making your donation today. Be assured that we’ll put your gift to good use toward creating the kind of future in which we can all thrive.

It’s not too late to lend your support! Please take a moment now to make an online donation by clicking on the DONATE TODAY button at top right on the SEEDS homepage at www.SeedsGroup.net . Or mail your check (made payable to “SEEDS”) to SEEDS, 1030 Main Street, Honesdale, PA 18431. Make a one-time donation or select a monthly sustaining amount. Thank you from all of us at SEEDS!!