I grew up in San Diego California where I came to love spending time outdoors. I studied marine biology, public policy, and education and have spent time wearing many hats including Peace Corps volunteer, environmental educator and high school biology teacher. I carry my love of nature with me throughout my life and am passionate about the future of our planet.

Demand a World Class Math and Science Education for American Students

American students are far behind the rest of the world in math and science. If funding for math and science programs is not provided, our country will be unable to solve critical problems and will suffer economically. Encourage the Obama administration to enable funding for math and science education.

Demand Government Reduce the Impact of Natural Gas Development on Wildlife in Wyoming

Natural gas development is causing pronghorn populations in Wyoming to decline by 50 percent, according to a new study. Loss of habitat due to infrastructure associated with petroleum extraction is causing pronghorn to lose their wintering grounds. Demand federal land managers implement changes to protect pronghorn populations.

End The Killing of Elephants In Zimbabwe

Two elephants were shot and killed by Zimbabwe wildlife authorities after elephants trampled a man resulting in his death. Loss of habitat due to human development causes the elephants to roam into villages looking for food. Government authorities must enforce protection of elephant populations and manage them without corruption to end their needless slaughter.

Save Chinese Porpoises From Extinction

According to a report from the World Wildlife Fund, 32 Yangtze porpoises have been found dead, leaving only 1,000 surviving in the river. China’s industrialization has led to a series of dams that have been planned with little regard for the Yangtze River and its inhabitants. Tell the Chinese government to stop environmental destruction in the Yangtze River and implement a plan to protect the Yangtze Porpoise before it is too late.

Don’t Let Women’s Healthcare Be Cut To Lower Student Loan Interest Rates

The House of Representatives advanced a bill which would prevent an increase in student loan interest rates by cutting funding to preventative health care programs for women. The issues of student loans and women’s healthcare have been needlessly pitted against each other to fuel a heated election year. Encourage both parties to work together to protect the rights of students and women.

Cease Destructive Illegal Fishing In Indonesia’s Komodo National Park

The Komodo National Park in Indonesia is home to a vibrant coral reef which is supposed to be protected from illegal fishing. In the last two years since Indonesia has taken sole control over enforcement in the park, illegal fishing in the form of bombs and poison has destroyed sections of reef with very little consequence. Tell Indonesia it must step up and effectively manage the park to conserve this beautiful ecosystem.

Support The Creation Of Wildlife Corridors In Florida

Wildlife in Florida is threatened by increasing development. The creation of a wildlife corridor will help animal populations to repopulate areas that were once out of reach. Support the creation of a wildlife corridor in Florida to conserve wildlife populations.

Ensure Water Resources In Africa Are Controlled Without Corruption

A new study shows that there are vast amounts of groundwater hidden beneath the surface of the African continent. Africa has been riddled with droughts and lack of clean drinking water, and would benefit greatly from this resource. The African Union must ensure that this groundwater is accessed without corruption or conflict and dispersed to all who need it.

Ask Cities To Separate Bicycle Funding From The Gas Tax

Cities across the nation are experiencing higher rates of cycling in place of driving. Unfortunately, most cities fund cycling infrastructure and programs with the gas tax. City policy makers must separate the gas tax from bike funding to encourage more cycling and less driving.

Ensure Taxpayer Dollars Are Spent Only lOn Education At For-Profit Universities

New legislation will ensure that the ubiquitous for-profit university will be held accountable for spending taxpayer money. For-profit universities have a history of using a large portion of their tax dollar revenue on deceptive recruiting practices to lure students into a sub par, overpriced education. Support legislation to support education and hold for-profit universities accountable for their grand promises.

Don’t Leave Native American Tribal Lands Without Digital Connections

Native Americans have been left out of the digital world with less than 10% of homes having broadband Internet service. The lack of connectivity has had detrimental consequences for jobs, healthcare, and education. We must support closing the digital divide and bring Native Americans the same digital connections as the rest of the country.

Protect Poultry Plant Workers From Faster Processing Lines

The government is proposing a rule that would increase the speed at which poultry processing workers would have to work. The increase in speed will no doubt result in an increase in injury (as injuries are already common) at processing plants. We must put worker safety before profits and not require an increase in speed on the processing line.

Prevent the Killing of Wild Donkeys in California

Wild burros are an important part of California’s cultural heritage. Although they are not native to the area, they should not be inhumanely rounded up, often dying in the process, as the government plans to do. Only humane management methods should be used to manage the Southern California wild burro.

Support Racial Discrimination Lawsuit Against ABC’s ‘The Bachelor’

ABC’s ‘The Bachelor’ has been slapped with a racial discrimination class action lawsuit by two African American men who were turned away from ‘The Bachelor’ auditions after being asked ‘why are you even here?’ Reality television should reflect reality in our society. Tell ABC to cast contestants who reflect an accurate portrayal of our culture.

Desperate School District In Minnesota Proposes Shortening School Week To Save Money

Federal budget cuts are hitting education hard. The Burnsville School District in Minnesota may adopt a four day week throughout part of the year to save money, at the expense of student learning. Tell Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to fully fund all school districts to maximize student success.

Stop Veteran Suicide And Provide Returning Soldiers With The Help And Support They Need

Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans are at an alarming risk of committing suicide upon returning home. More veterans have committed suicide than have died in the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns combined. It is time this tragedy is publicized and the Department of Veterans Affairs provides timely support to veterans.

Increase Funding For Scientific Research

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides funding for biomedical research that has resulted in life saving drugs. However, the NIH is at risk of losing funding which means it will not be able to support life saving research. We must make it clear to the government that top quality medical research needs to continue in this country and we must increase funding to the NIH.

All States Should Make Electronic Recycling Mandatory

Electronic waste is piling up in landfills nationwide and contaminating water with toxic chemicals. Colorado is the latest state to consider banning electronics in landfills and requiring they be recycled instead. Support Colorado and demand all states require the recycling of used electronic equipment.

Lawmakers: Take Notice Of America’s Younger Generations Who Are Driving Less And Demanding More Public Transportation

Younger generations of Americans are driving less and riding public transportation more according to a new report. Lawmakers however are not listening to the changing transportation preferences of Americans as they continue to support the building of new highways and neglect public transportation. Demand lawmakers listen to America’s needs when it comes to transportation.

Prevent The Funding Of An Armed Militia In Arizona

Arizona is close to approving a bill that would create a dangerous armed militia to guard the border with Mexico. Recently, two immigrants were attacked and killed by armed volunteers taking immigration enforcement into their own hands. Don’t let Arizona spend taxpayer dollars to arm a citizen militia that will result in more violence and death.

Protect A Culturally Important Mountain in Montana

Plans to mine copper and silver near a sacred tribal mountain in Montana could be environmentally destructive. Without the sacred Chicago Peak, the Salish and Kootenai tribes will lose a culturally significant place for prayer and meditation. We must list this peak on the National Register of Historic Places in order to protect it from the mining industry.

Maximize Solar Energy Potential In California

The Los Angeles City Council has authorized a program for renewable energy that would pay individual homeowners for the extra solar energy they generate and contribute to the grid. Ask Mayor Villaraigosa to approve this program, and encourage all California mayors to adopt similar programs in their cities.

Keep Illegal Prescription Drugs Out of California

Funding for California’s prescription drug monitoring system has been cut, leaving the program to rely on grant funding that may or may not come through. The program weeds out prescription drug abusers and keeps trafficking of illegal prescription drugs out of California. Demand Governor Brown reinstate funding for this program so California doesn’t become a hot bed for prescription drug trafficking.

Don’t Let The Beef Industry Rebrand Pink Slime

The manufacturers of pink slime are waiting for the public outcry to die down to rebrand the product and reintroduce it into ground beef. Consumers demanded transparency and used their power to get pink slime out of many restaurants, markets, and schools, and we must not let the beef industry forget that. Don’t let pink slime be rebranded and put back into ground beef.

Tell National Geographic Not To Glorify Bluefin Tuna Fishing

‘Wicked Tuna’, a new show from the National Geographic Channel, is glorifying the hunt for the prized bluefin tuna. However, bluefin tuna are on the brink of extinction from over fishing and should be protected, not hunted on TV, trivializing their plight. Demand the National Geographic Channel stop production of ‘Wicked Tuna’, a dangerous show for the bluefin tuna.