This month's newsletter by: Melissa Eckmann

Spotlight

Champions for Change Launches in Arizona!
Middle school teachers in Tucson, Nogales, and Southern Arizona are gearing up for the launch of GSA USA’s Champions for Change Program. We are thrilled to have the involvement of several school districts in our pilot education program, which will reach thousands of young students.

Champions for Change will provide an interactive program utilizing the inspiring stories of athletes, captivating images, and hands-on activities. The program strives to inspire students to become Champions for Change in their own communities. 

Our program is in need of an LCD projector to bring visuals to larger classrooms and student auditoriums in Tucson and Nogales. If you’re able to contribute, please contact Dina Delaney to make this tax deductible contribution.

GSA President Recounts Biosphere 2 Experience
GSA USA President Jane Poynter was featured in the September issue of Continental, the in-flight magazine for Continental Airlines. Jane was interviewed about her experience as a crewmember of Biosphere 2 nearly 20 years ago, when she spent two years inside the space age greenhouse. Their findings about managing a contained ecosystem continue to influence eco-friendly living and green building practices today. To learn more, read the complete article online.

Events

Kids Learn Life Skills at DEFY Camp
Team Captain Chris Valdez and the Youth Corps of America hosted a Drug Education for Youth (DEFY) Camp on August 11-14 at the Triangle Y Camp in Oracle, Arizona. Youth ranging from 9- to 13 years-old had the opportunity to experience orienteering to show the importance of knowing where you are going in life—both literally and metaphorically. Chris also gave the kids lessons in Kajukenbo, a martial art that Chris has practiced for decades.

This successful camp exposed youth participants to valuable life skills, community building principles, and life-enriching activities. The Youth Corps of America begins its year-long mentoring phase this month.

Scottsdale Cycling Festival Begins September 30
More than 2,000 cyclists from around the country are expected at this year’s Scottsdale Cycling Festival September 30 – October 3. The 4-day festival will include the Criterium at DC Ranch, the 7th Annual 70-mile Tour de Scottsdale, and several other events for both children and families. Funds will be raised to benefit the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the McDowell Mountain Preserve and its natural open spaces.

The festival will be flying the GSA USA ecoflag in recognition of their many "green" efforts. The DC Ranch Community Council has pledged to educate participants about stewardship, encourage alternative transportation, provide progressive recycling arrangements, and promote the use of reusable sports bottles.

The Scottsdale Cycling Festival has many volunteer opportunities prior to, during, and after the event. Visit the event website if you’d like to be involved in the festivities and part of the fun!

Tree Planting to Support Local Birdlife
The Local Trust, a GSA USA carbon credit program, is once again planting trees at the Atturbury-Lyman Bird and Animal Sanctuary in Tucson, Arizona on October 9. The Wash is a designated bird sanctuary because the vegetation there attracts a diverse array of bird species. However, the trees in the Wash have been in decline so The Local Trust is planting new native trees in partnership with the Tucson Audubon Society. The Mesquite and Palo Verde trees will be watered with water catchment systems that funnel rainwater to the trees. 

The Wash runs through low-income neighborhoods that use the park area for recreation and exercising. The area is public property owned by the City of Tucson, which will be responsible for taking care of the trees long term.

International 14 Pacific Rim Invitational in Hawaii
The International 14 Pacific Rim Invitational will be held at the Kaneohe Yacht Club in Hawaii on October 9-12. Hawaii Team Captain Andy Bates will represent GSA USA at the regatta, fly the ecoflag, and supply GSA USA information to participants and spectators.

The race will include ecoflags on each boat, a kids’ day, local junior youth sailing, and promote clean air and water initiatives.

Raise Money for Clean Air By Riding El Tour de Tucson
University Medical Center’s 28th Annual El Tour de Tucson presented by Diamond Ventures will be here before you know it. El Tour’s main ride on Saturday, November 20 is loads of fun with more than 9,000 participants from around the world. Event organizer Perimeter Bicycling of Arizona works diligently to host a sports event that takes consideration of the environment with their progressive recycling arrangements, youth involvement, and promotion of a sustainable economy.

Join the GSA USA team this year and raise money in support of clean air and a healthy environment. Rides are 40, 66, 79, and 109 miles in length. Download the application here.

Volunteers

Volunteer Opportunity for Website Editor
GSA USA has an ongoing volunteer opportunity for a website editor to update the homepage of the GSA USA website each month. This position is an excellent opportunity for someone with website editing and writing skills. The volunteer will be given information and photos to post on the website. Volunteer(s) may work virtually to accommodate their schedule, as long as they have access to a computer with MS Word and email. Approximate monthly commitment is 2-3 hours.  Contact our Volunteer Coordinator for more information.

Volunteer Birthday
Happy Birthday to GSA USA volunteer Xuemin Chi, who helps GSA with research, book marketing, and office assistance! Best wishes!

Eco-Tip

Experience Natural Beauty in Your Community
Sometimes you just need to stop and smell the roses…literally! Go out with your family and friends for a walk around town to enjoy the beauty nature has to offer in your neighborhood. Get some exercise, and also get creative! 

If you like taking pictures, bring along your camera to get beautiful photos of native plants and wildlife. Or instead of staying inside playing board games, bring the games outside. Play the ABC game with your kids and look for objects on your walk that start with each letter of the alphabet. Simple activities like this help bring family and friends together and have minimal environmental impact.

Resources

Water-Based Bottom Paint Is Less Harmful to the Ocean
Sailors and boat owners that respect and love the ocean often take extra steps to protect it. The problem of ocean pollution often seems insurmountable, but small actions can lead to big results.

For instance, when out at sea, don’t throw plastic bottles or other trash overboard. Bring reusable containers and washable towels, rather than their disposable counterparts. The old mantra of "reduce, recycle," still applies at sea.

Concord, California Team Captain Fuu Miyatani French recently told GSA USA about Aquagard water-based bottom paint, an enviro-friendly bottom paint that releases low levels of volatile organic compounds and heavy metals compared to other competing products. According to French, Aquagard lasted just as long as chemical oil-based paint he used in the past, which is more harmful to the environment. Also, the fumes are non-toxic, so you’re saving your lungs while saving the environment!

A no-cost way to raise money for non profits.
Go to www.goodsearch.com and enter Global Sports Alliance USA as your non-profit of choice. Every time you goodsearch instead of using other search engines to surf the web, money goes to GSA (or any other nonprofit you would like to help out). Please ask your friends to do the same. It adds up fast, and is a great way to help non-profits in this difficult economy.