Getting Involved

1. Complete the Proposal

   • Make a copy of the proposal for becoming a Bringing on Biodiversity ambassador and send the completed version to your mentor.

   • This document is short and easy to complete and does not require specific details of your plan for the campaign. The proposal will help you get on track and help you create a plan for your initiatives.

2. Review the Guidelines

   • Start by forming your Biodiversity Team as outlined in the Steps for Becoming a Biodiverse Community. Once you have formed your team, create an outline of your plan. This should include ideas for your native species action plan, special spaces events, and education initiatives as well as general deadlines for tasks. Specific details and dates are not necessary for this plan. Make sure to identify what your community is already doing and what you can do to further encourage biodiversity.

3. Determine Funding

Some campaign initiatives require funding, which you can acquire through fundraisers and making connections with sponsors.

Fundraisers

Small projects can be funded through community fundraisers. The possibilities are endless, but make sure that all fundraisers are environmentally friendly! Some possible fundraisers include;

• Bake sales.

• Electronic waste drives.

• Pay-to-Play environmentally focused games or activities.

Sponsors

Larger projects may require funding from sponsors. Sponsors are organizations and clubs that are willing to provide funds for your campaign. You may have sponsors on your Biodiversity Team already, but many other organizations may be willing to provide funding. Some examples of potential sponsors are;

• Environmental clubs and organizations.

• Local stores.

• Public organizations.

When contacting sponsors, you should include the following;

• An introduction of yourself and any other members leading the campaign, including name, location, any environmental groups you are a part of, etc.

• An introduction of the campaign, including who is running it (Ontario Nature’s Youth Council), what it is (goals, mission statement, etc.), why you are participating in it, and how it will benefit your community.

• What role the member would play in the campaign and how they would be an asset.

• Why the member should join your team, which could include the benefits to them, benefits to the community, etc.

To get you started, you can find a sample sponsorship letter at this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uSjrC5zXZFNjqWNAjL2dvIlTYLmaS2r3/view?usp=sharing

Once you have completed all the criteria, you can send a package containing all documents and resources related to the campaign to your Youth Council contact. This package will then be reviewed by the Ontario Nature Youth Council. Once your package has been reviewed we will recognize you as a Biodiverse Community!

Make sure you take lots of pictures of your campaign progress to be included in your final package and featured in Ontario Nature Youth Council’s media, including their Instagram account, blog posts, and website.