Organizational Overview... who we are and what we do.
“Families for the Rainforest” was founded in 1997 as an all-volunteer, 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization, dedicated to the preservation of the worlds tropical rainforest environments. Our primary function promotes awareness and appreciation of these unique habitats through the development and administration of classroom-friendly educational programs for children in grades K – 12, including youth organizations. We provide similar programs for young adults and the general public to a lesser extent. The ultimate goal for this organization is to establish a network of research and educational centers around the world that will allow host-country students and American students to participate in joint ventures throughout the tropical rainforest regions. By providing advanced educational and real life experiences that focus on good stewardship and collaboration with the environment and with other cultures, these students become explorers and pioneers in the real sense, much as Astronauts did during the 1960s. A program that provides students and teachers with opportunities they will not experience in the classroom through the traditional curriculum, yet prepares them for the bigger stakes that lie ahead in an ever-changing and ever-challenging world. Our vision holds steadfast in the belief that humanity will embrace a whole new relationship with the rainforest environment as current perceptions and actions are challenged for the good of all. Transformation will occur if we are ready to adopt new attitudes and face new challenges as opportunities. We must promote collaboration with other communities, and parallel organizations, the scientific community, state and world governments including the United Nations. These entities would be responsible and held accountable for legislation and agreements that protect these valuable and sustainable resources, for everyone and everything living. Success will be measured as world perceptions and intolerance cause the reversal of destructive trends and practices that deny millions of Indigenous forest people the right to remain in their homelands. No longer will these unique people be forced to live in shanty towns and urban ghettos were they loose their identity and their way of life. By contrast, Indigenous people are revered and respected for their profound knowledge of the forest environment, as they continue to reveal new discoveries that benefit all of humanity and the planet as a whole. What will be our legacy 25 to 50 years from now as a result of community action today?
“Families for the Rainforest” focuses on the cause… not simply the cure! What role will you play?... Are you up to the challenge?... Won’t you join us now?
