The year 2009 will represent a significant milestone in the evolution of A Better World as we scale-up our programs and activities to create a rippling effect of global impact.  What do we see on the horizon for 2009?  Here are some of our projections:

•         Expanding our work to create youth social activist/change agents – In 2008 we started the YEAH (Youth Educating about Health) program and Insight Media Arts program to involve youth in creating change in their communities.  Now through YEAH young people are working as Youth Health Promoters to address obesity, diabetes, tobacco use and HIV/AIDS among their peers.  Through Insight they are producing videos, PSAs and documentaries to highlight issues of violence and other unhealthy behavior among youth.  In 2009 we will continue to build upon this model and inspire other adults to work in partnership with youth to empower them as change agents.

•         Mobilizing youth to address the growing environmental problems in our communities – Working in conjunction with Kids for Saving Earth, an environmental non-profit helping thousand of children do good earthworks www.kidsforsavingearth.org, A Better World is establishing Defender of the Planet Clubs at all its after-school sites, to educate, inspire, and empower children to protect the Earth's environment.  Materials will include guide books for environmental projects, posters, CDs and certificates.  A Better World will also provide seed funding to other organizations interested in setting up Defender of the Planet Clubs in their local communities.

•         Expanding our international work into South Africa – Building upon its work in Ghana, A Better World is working with local South African partners to develop sustainable development projects focused on water, health, economic development and environmental issues.

•         Growing the advocacy network – A Better World will continue to enlarge its network of change advocates as it promotes organic farming, eating more meatless meals, and other “take actions” that will heal the planet.  

In order to achieve these goals we are asking 2009 individuals to invest (its more than a donation) at least $25 to the work of A Better World in 2009.  You can make your donations online at http://www.change.org/creatingabetterworld/projects, or mail a check payable to A Better World at 5261 Delmar Boulevard, Suite 216, St. Louis, MO 63108.

In addition to your financial support we need your help in building our supporter network by encouraging your family, friends and co-workers to become a supporter of A Better World.  And most importantly we want you to keep taking actions around issues that are important to you.

The investment of your money, time and energy will yield the positive changes this world is in need of.