On April 21, 2014 AfriClassical posted:
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sign Historic MOU to Engage Urban Youth in Outdoor Recreation and STEM Education
April 24, 2014
Leading
African-American fraternity Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (Sigma) and the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) have joined forces to conserve America’s wildlife
in a new way. The two organizations signed an historic memorandum of understanding today in Washington, DC, establishing a partnership that will
provide new opportunities for urban youth to experience the natural world and
promote interest in conservation and the biological sciences.
The
initiative commemorates American scientist, botanist, and inventor, George
Washington Carver – a Sigma member who has inspired generations of youth to
pursue careers in science.
“Many Americans find it difficult to experience nature in an increasingly
urban America. This has profound implications for the health and well-being of our
citizens and the future of our nation,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Director Dan Ashe. “Sigma – with its rich history of community leadership and
deep connection to the legacy of Dr. Carver – is the ideal partner for the
Service as we work to create meaningful connections between young people and
the great outdoors.”
“The
over-arching goal of Sigma is to impact the total well-being of the citizens in
communities we serve,” shares Jonathan A. Mason, Sr., International President
of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. “We are excited for this amazing opportunity
to partner with the US Fish and Wildlife Service in engaging our youth through
education and physical activity. We’ve aligned our focus with President Barack
Obama’s ‘Am I My Brother’s Keeper?’ initiative as we take this opportunity to teach
our young men that food does not come from a box, but from the ground,” Mason
asserted.
The
multi-faceted partnership will engage Sigma members and its Sigma Beta Club
male mentoring youth groups to become environmental stewards. Goals include 1)
teaching and engaging youth in outdoor recreation on public lands to promote
health through physical activity; 2) promoting the pursuit of biological
sciences careers through stewardship and STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Math); 3) building national, regional and local conservation
partnerships; and 4) engaging Sigma as a voice on conservation issues.
Sigma Betas, Sigma’s youth auxiliary, will be engaged in hands-on activities with scientists to learn about wildlife,
science, and conservation by participating in real scientific studies and conservation efforts. Through “citizen science” activities, Sigma
Betas will learn how to follow in the footsteps of conservationist, botanist,
and inventor, George Washington Carver.
Carver is one of Sigma’s illustrious members, and is recognized for his
groundbreaking research on plant biology and early experiments to improve soil
conservation. Carver is also the only member
of a historically African-American fraternity to be featured on the face of a
U.S. coin (The 1951 half dollar).
Sigma Betas will also learn about
designing an active lifestyle, and the connection between outdoor recreation
and nature through Let’s Move Outside. The effort is part of the First Lady Michelle
Obama’s initiative, Let’s Move, designed
to get kids and families to get involved in physical activities on public
lands. Outdoor activity helps kids
maintain a healthy weight, boosts their immunity and bone health and lowers
stress.
About the US Fish and Wildlife Service
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife,
plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
For more information, visit www.fws.gov...
About
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was founded on January 9,
1914 at Howard University, Washington, DC. As the organization celebrates 100
years of service, it has grown to amass over 150,000 members serving in nearly
700 chapters globally. As an international association of college-educated men,
the organization’s programmatic areas include Bigger & Better Business,
Education, Social Action and the Sigma Beta Club, a male youth mentoring
program. The organization has corporate service partnerships with the March of
Dimes Foundation and St. Jude’s Children’s Research.
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