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Realizing the power of collective knowledge and strength in numbers, these 5 organizations are all made up of members from specialist communities that want to make a difference to the planet.
1. THE DIVERS SAVING THE WORLD'S OCEANSTHE LOWDOWN:
Project AWARE Foundation is a movement of scuba divers protecting the world's oceans. Spending more time under the sea than most, thousands of divers use their expertise to join forces in taking action to preserve what is dearest to them - marine life.
PROFESSIONAL TOUCH: The foundation realizes that divers see first hand the challenges and issues that face the oceans and therefore have the technical skills to implement positive change. Focusing mainly on the issues of Sharks in Peril and Marine Debris, divers around the world act in their own communities for maximum impact.
2. THE STARS MAKING BROADWAY GREENER
THE LOWDOWN: Made up of those in the ‘biz,’ the Broadway Green Alliance aims to educate motivate, and inspire the theater community to implement more environmentally-friendly practices throughout the industry.
PROFESSIONAL TOUCH: Whether it's promoting greener building and disposal of sets, encouraging the use of ecological lighting equipment or organizing costume donations, the alliance's team of theater professionals works to create a sustainable future for Broadway.
3. THE GRAPHIC DESIGNERS FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE
THE LOWDOWN: Design Can Change is a network of graphic designers using their influence and collective strength to combat climate change. All designers involved take a pledge to be committed to sustainable practices and work towards protecting the environment.
PROFESSIONAL TOUCH: The group works on the premise that designers have the ability to make a huge impact because they can influence the buying decisions of businesses and organizations through large advertising budgets. Design Can Change encourages designers to put their impressive knowledge to use and share information with others when tackling new campaigns in order to unite the community to spark change.
4. THE PROFESSIONAL VOLUNTEERS CREATING SOCIAL GOODTHE LOWDOWN:
ReAllocate harnesses the experience and intelligence of top notch professionals to confront humanitarian issues. Volunteers come from varied backgrounds including education, business, engineering, community organizing and design to create real world solutions.
PROFESSIONAL TOUCH: ReAllocate runs three programs that combine the expertise and goodwill of those in the know, which make for innovative and sustainable solutions to pressing problems. Project Platform is especially interesting because it provides an open-source tool for groups to post their projects and connect with individuals interested in being active.
5. THE ATHLETES PROTECTING WINTER
THE LOWDOWN: Nonprofit Protect Our Winters (POW) was set up by pro snowboarder Jeremy Jones to encourage the winter sports community to take an active stand in changing environmental policy and practices that affect climate change. Those who are passionate about making sure there is enough snow for their endeavors in years to come, work to challenge policy through various programs and initiatives.
PROFESSIONAL TOUCH: Through POW, professional athletes have a platform to engage with everyday citizens to empower them to be activists. They use their celebrity status to rally support for educational initiatives, advocacy and the support of community-based projects.
