I first heard of the Center for Biological Diversity’s work a few years ago and have watched and supported their work when I could. A month or so ago I finished reading Ed Humes book Eco Barons. A brilliant account of just some of the Americans who are using their wealth to try and save our planet from ourselves. I learned so much from this book about who, what, why and where some of the greatest environmental philanthropists and non profit organizations are putting their money, resources and energy. I was so inspired by the history of the Center for Biological Diversity and it’s campaigns that I immediately got in touch with them and told them I wanted to help in any way I could through my work.
This is not about who’s got the biggest budget in their photo department. This is about wanting to really define who you want to work with and why. And going after them. In this case it was a non profit organization. We know that sometimes they have money and sometimes they don’t. It is up to you to define how flexible you can be. And there will be times when the money is there and guess what they want your work. What I think IS important is that a couple of times a year if you can, do something first and foremost because you can give back to society and help through the use of your work and talent. It might not mean a lot to you perhaps but it means a lot to them. And ‘Pro Bono’ for all us self employed types can be a tax write off IF you’re working with a legally defined non profit and they have agreed they are accepting the work as a charitable donation.
Here is the front page of the Center for Biological Diversity’s Quarterly Newsletter for this summer. They kindly requested use of this image and they got it. I got the satisfaction of helping a cause I care about. Simple.
The CBD’s Mission Statement
“At the Center for Biological Diversity, we believe that the welfare of human beings is deeply linked to nature — to the existence in our world of a vast diversity of wild animals and plants. Because diversity has intrinsic value, and because its loss impoverishes society, we work to secure a future for all species, great and small, hovering on the brink of extinction. We do so through science, law, and creative media, with a focus on protecting the lands, waters, and climate that species need to survive.
We want those who come after us to inherit a world where the wild is still alive.”
