We are students in Washington, DC and co-founders of EPIC-Animals (epic-animals.com), a youth initiative that connects young people living closest to endangered species with young people growing up near centers of political power, so we can learn from one another and take action to create real change. This year, we worked with the Mayor of Washington, DC to officially establish Endangered Species Day on May 15. This is now our next step. We are raising funds to bring a Māori student and an elder from Aotearoa (New Zealand) to Washington, DC to share their lived relationship with whales and the ocean. Māori knowledge teaches that whales are not resources, but living relatives, and that people have a responsibility to protect the ecosystems they depend on. While they are here, we will: • Bring them into DC schools to speak directly with students • Host a youth-led event for Endangered Species Day • Go together to Capitol Hill to advocate for stronger protections for endangered species Our model is simple: youth closest to ecosystems bring lived experience, and youth in political centers help create platforms and push for legislative change together. We believe that when these voices come together, it can shift how decisions are made. Funds will support: • Travel to Washington, DC • Lodging and meals • Event and program costs Any additional funds will go toward expanding youth participation and future exchanges. This is a youth-led effort, and we are working hard to make it happen. Learn more: www.epic-animals.com Thank you for supporting youth leadership and the protection of the living world. To access my sisters gift go to: Bandcamp