"Branches of Bravery"

“Branches of Bravery”, an inspirational non-profit organization, was influenced by the tragedy that took place at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018. Following within the footsteps of our founder, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, our mission is to continue her legacy of appreciating life, the environment, and the interaction between the two by beautifying our surroundings to bring light to communities even in the darkest of times. In doing so, our trees and branches will bring life to areas where life was lost, in order to honor our school as not a place of tragedy but as a place of new beginnings and change. One seed is the source of a flourishing garden, creating an abundance of roots of courage, blossoms of love, and branches of bravery. It is our goal to find a tree that embodies the inspiration, strength, and bravery that our organization encompasses. Our immediate mission is to plant seventeen trees in front of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in honor of the seventeen lives that were lost. In addition, funds will be allocated towards building a beautiful reflection garden in the community of Parkland. In the future, “Branches of Bravery” will donate trees across various communities in need to inspire them to branch out and stay rooted in times of tragedy. Furthermore, we hope to also provide specialized relief funds to communities across the world to foster the positive change they wish to see in the world-whether it is through educational programs, inspirational speakers, or material supplies to rebuild. The trees planted across different communities will establish a common ground to seek peace and comfort in nature’s protection. They will also represent unity as change does not stem from just one individual, but stems from a whole community coming together. The lives lost in the Stoneman Douglas tragedy will never be forgotten as the trees planted will continue to bring life and light to various communities; always providing support to those who may need something to lean on. We hope that these trees influence others to make the change they wish to see in their own community. “Branches of Bravery” aims to inspire all individuals to reflect upon the light that comes out of darkness. “They tried to bury us, they didn’t know we were seeds.”