Feeling the Promise of Spring on the Shortest Day of the Year

On this Winter Solstice 2022, the sun is low in the sky, but our hopes are high as we think about all we have to look forward to with the dawn of 2023. The solstice marks the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It is also traditionally a time of reflection on the passage of time and the cycles of life.

As each passing day brings more sunlight, CELF will be channeling our energies into local community connections, environmental justice and sustainability systems thinking. This next chapter for CELF is filled with optimism, and immense gratitude for the support of our donors and partners, the resilience of our staff, and the commitment of our educator community.

In 2023, thousands of young people will begin their journey toward becoming the future leaders of a more sustainable, vibrant planet for everyone. Educators supported by CELF, as well as our partners and sponsors, are ready to provide many of the resources teachers and students crave.

Bright Spots in December

Local Community

CELF Educator Adriana Castro shared information about CELF and local initiatives at a posada, an outdoor community resource fair hosted by our partner Port Houston. CELF and Port Houston are working together to bring Civic Science to Career and Technical (CTE) high schools located near the Houston Ship Channel.

Environmental Justice

At Saunders Trade and Technical High School in Yonkers, NY, CELF engaged 11th grade students with an introduction to Civic Science, as they prepare to launch student-driven, hands-on inquiries looking at how air quality is impacted by learning activities in their automotive, carpentry and HVAC classrooms.

Sustainable Practices

Students at W.L. Morse Elementary School in Tarrytown, NY, crafted holiday cards, gift bags and boxes from reused materials. This Eco-Club activity excited young students in the mindset of creating art while reducing waste and helping the environment.

Bring CELF programs to your school

Your generosity can help CELF provide teachers with resources, guidance, and experiential learning opportunities they can use to equip young people to meet our shared challenges with hope, creativity, and systems thinking.

Donate to CELF's End-of-Year Campaign Today

Updates from the CELF Team

Sustainability Bookshelf

Check out the new book Rethinking Education for Sustainable Development: Research, Policy and Practice. CELF Executive Director, Tara Stafford Ocansey wrote and co-wrote two chapters: "Action for A Sustainable Future: The Key Role of Civic Education" and "Building Capacity for Geospatial Data-Driven Education Planning." Her insights and leadership are tightly aligned with CELF's mission and work. Learn more about this project from an interview with the co-editors.

Holiday Wishes for CELF-care

However you celebrate this holiday season, we at CELF wish you good health, rest, and togetherness with loved ones. May you find everything you need to sustain and nurture your hopes and ambitions every day, short or long, cloudy or bright.

With gratitude from the CELF Team!

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