Hello Friends,

This month, we at MEEA (our volunteer Board of Directors and 2 part-time staff) want to acknowledge the many challenges we are having within our Environmental Education Community.  We know that the current changes across the US are creating uncertainty, anxiety and confusion in terms of values, job security and funding.  We at MEEA want to assure you, our members, friends and the citizens we serve across Missouri, that we will continue with our Mission as our compass.

At this point, the greatest challenge we are having is related to funding that is provided by federal agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)–this year approximately 15-20% of our projected income comes from pending EPA subawards via partner organizations. These funds are earmarked for a variety of efforts, including:

• Capacity building for EE in rural Missouri communities

• Developing an online eeCourse focused on Regenerative Agriculture in the K-12 classroom, which would meet a critical workforce development need, especially in our rural communities.

• Guidelines for Excellence workshops and support from NAAEE to build more high-quality environmental literacy into Missouri’s educator professional development training. 

• Support for mentoring young citizens about the growing need for a trained workforce in Green Careers

This is important work that directly benefits Missourians and indirectly our environment! We echo the sentiments of Judy Braus, director of the North American Association for Environmental Education, (see below) and will continue on with our plans to provide the best possible environmental education services to all of you across the great state of Missouri. If you have the capacity, MEEA and our Organizational Members and Show-Me Green Schools Partners could certainly use words of support, a financial donation, or both. 

Take good care,

Jamin Bray & Lesli Moylan, MEEA Co-Directors

Here is a recent detailed letter and message of support sent out to all of the North American Affiliates (which includes Missouri) from Judy Braus, the Executive Director of the NAAEE:

February 3, 2025

“Dear Friends:

NAAEE, like so many other nonprofits, universities, and others, is working to interpret a range of executive orders and related memos regarding federal funding issued by the White House since the new administration took office on January 20. We are working with our attorneys and colleagues to better understand the guidance and what it means for our federal support. 

As many of you know, we have partnered with federal agencies during every presidential administration since 1971 to help advance our collective work to ensure that everyone has access to high-quality environmental education. We will continue this essential work and will know more in the coming days and weeks. 

We know that the uncertainty and possible budget cuts are impacting many in our community and beyond. We are hopeful that private contributions from foundations, corporations, and individual donors will help fill the gaps. We also deeply appreciate the dedication, expertise, and resilience of our federal partners during this period of transition. Your commitment to public service and maintaining critical government functions is invaluable. 

Our mission to build a stronger, healthier, and sustainable future for all through education remains more important than ever. We look forward to keeping you updated and creating opportunities for our community to connect and collaborate. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to this vital work.

Sincerely,

Judy”