The Caring Movement has the Spotlight!

Thanks to a recent article from an interview with Unified Caring Association President Lane Michel, in the series “Big Ideas That Might Change The World In The Next Few Years” (published in Authority Magazine and on Thrive Global), the Caring Movement has the spotlight!  The Caring Movement is truly a work that needs to be allowed to “unfold,” with active participation from those people ready, willing and able to make a difference.  

“Unified Caring is one of those big ideas having a huge impact on many thousands of lives…People are invited join the UCA membership community that helps them impart self-care and in turn give care to others. Together, we work to address urgent unmet needs for greater caring. UCA has a special knack for caring for the innocent beings needing so much more from us all: children, the elderly and animals.”

Lane Michel, UCA President

You are Invited to Care!

In true UCA form, the invitation above is a reminder for us to really think about what the Caring Movement is all about.  It all comes down to asking

  • what is in your heart,
  • how you want to give back, and
  • how you can get outside of yourself to bring joy to others. 

At its core, the caring movement is about being actively engaged in building caring communities that truly make a difference.  In the long run, the UCA believes that we can be happier and healthier when we are connected to and serving others. Truly, becoming the humble custodian of such a movement gives grace to all of our lives.

Self-Care is Critical

At UCA we understand that caring for others and being of service also requires a level of self-awareness and care towards oneself.  That is why we are a community where members are encouraged to practice self-care in order to become a stronger player in the art of caring for others.  Members have a variety of self-care benefits they can choose from to begin a self-care journey.  A great example is the Self-Assessment Tools developed for UCA members. Members in crisis can get quick help through their free 24/7 certified counselors hotline. And when they find they are ready to get out and have some fun being of service, our Volunteer Network is an exciting and easy place to get their caring feet wet! 

More on the Caring Movement

To learn more about UCA’s Caring Movement, we invite you to now watch our YouTube videos.

From here to there, and everywhere in between, being a Custodian of the Caring Movement is just the beginning of a life-long journey of fulfillment.  Hope to see you there!

We invite you to discover inspiring and effective ways to care for yourself and to serve others.  Now more than ever, caring is what we all need most. Caring for our self.  Caring for others around us.  Life now demands caring, resilience and compassion like never before.  So, become a Custodian of the Caring Movement and help create the world we need right now, the world we want for our future generations.

UCA resources available to help include the Turbulent Times Resources Center, Virtual Volunteering, radio show, publications and online store offering members huge discounts and always free shipping.

Highlighting UCA’s Self-Assessment Benefit

It’s been an exciting year so far for Unified Caring Association (UCA) members.  Now that Spring is here, we are in full swing with major new benefits!  If you are checking your inbox, you may have gotten the news that UCA has partnered with the adventurous organization of “Dear God, Are We There Yet” to bring global virtual volunteer opportunities to our members.  Additionally, we rolled out the exciting new benefit of Pet Wellness and Insurance Plans through Wagmo!  You can read more about that in the article 3 Reasons Why Pet Wellness Plans are Important.

Yes, that’s right, UCA is here to support you in caring for others, including your furry friends!  But we don’t stop there.

We know how hard it can be to put forth your best effort to support the people, causes, and pets that make up your community of caring.  That’s why we specialize in helping you care for yourself too.  Have you ever heard the saying, “You can’t give from an empty cup”?  Well, there is merit to that statement, and we’ve got you covered. 

You may be wondering if you are “good” at self-care. And, that is a great place to start. Why not take your self-care assessment to kick off your journey of filling your cup?  The best part of the assessment is making 3 self-care goals and assigning an accountability partner!  

UCA self-assessment sample

One of UCA’s members shared,

“When I took the assessment, one of my goals surprised me.  Sure, eat well/get more exercise and meditate for 10 -15 minutes every day being on my list were pretty predictable.  But, it was my first goal which surprised me, and even more surprising that it was my first goal.  I wrote “Buy myself new clothes.”  I was honestly surprised at my honesty. It seemed so selfish and unapologetic. Then I thought about it more and read the secondary part to the goal (how I plan on fulfilling it). I recognized the sincerity coming from my inner voice. I said I would put aside money every week to save to be able to buy new clothes. I must really want this for myself!  And it was true. Usually when I bought new clothes it was for my kids — probably a common thing for parents. 

What I gained about this is self-care is about at least recognizing my personal wants and needs, and making a plan of how to fulfill them.  By doing that, it keeps me out of a place of feeling lack.  It helps me to plan for attainment and an abundant life.”

For UCA members that have already taken the self-assessment, we want to hear what you learned. Contact us here (write in the subject line “self-care assessment”) to share how taking this assessment may have surprised you and changed how you look at your self-care. Can’t wait to hear about it!

If you are not yet a member of Unified Caring Association, join us! There are so many benefits for memberships that start as low as $15 per month.

We invite you to discover inspiring and effective ways to care for yourself and to serve others.  Now more than ever, caring is what we all need most. Caring for our self.  Caring for others around us.  Life now demands caring, resilience and compassion like never before.  So, become a Custodian of the Caring Movement and help create the world we need right now, the world we want for our future generations.

UCA resources available to help include the Turbulent Times Resources Center, Virtual Volunteering, radio show, publications and online store offering members huge discounts and always free shipping.

Earth Month is April; Earth Day is April 22nd

Find a Tree Planting Event Near You

Unified Caring Association (UCA) has partnered with One Tree Planted to sponsor reforestation across the U.S. for a few years now.  We love when they get all giddy and super-charged for Earth Month and Earth Day!  This year is even more exciting.

On April 22nd, Earth Day, the world will get greener and healthier.  Volunteer events are being setup and booking fast.  One Tree Planted has events planned in 50 cities around the world. Safety first is part of their motto and are following all local Covid-19 safety guidelines.  It’s a great way to get out into nature. And a great opportunity to teach children about volunteering, about the environment, and giving back. 

An example of teaching all ages about trees is a very recent video, How Do Trees Grow?, released to support learning in Earth Month.

As the busy folks at One Tree Planted say, “one of the most important ways you can support the environment is by physically getting your hands in the dirt. It’s an opportunity to learn about your local tree species, climate, and biodiversity.” The events page is where you go to check it out and sign up.

Happy Earth Month!

We invite you to discover inspiring and effective ways to care for yourself and to serve others.  Now more than ever, caring is what we all need most. Caring for our self.  Caring for others around us.  Life now demands caring, resilience and compassion like never before.  So, become a Custodian of the Caring Movement and help create the world we need right now, the world we want for our future generations.

UCA resources available to help include the Turbulent Times Resources Center, Virtual Volunteering, radio show, publications and online store offering members huge discounts and always free shipping.

5 Tips for Seniors on Coping with COVID-Related Isolation

COVID-19 has forced many people to self-isolate to avoid infection. Seniors in particular have been advised to stay home because of the dangers they face as a result of the virus. Unfortunately, research shows that all that time home alone can harm physical and mental health, increasing the risk of issues like insomnia and anxiety. As the Unified Caring Association explains, feelings of worry are normal in such difficult times.

It’s important to ward off mental and physical health issues that may arise from isolation. This guide provides actionable and affordable tips for seniors on feeling their best while sheltering in place.

5 tips for seniors coping with isolation

Create a Cozy Space at Home

If you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the house, you might as well be comfortable. Your house is your sanctuary. Insider has tips on creating a cozy space on a budget. Ideas include making a nook for reading or relaxation, embracing the power of aromatherapy with scented candles, and allowing more natural light in. The sun is a natural source of vitamin D, which also brings other benefits. As MSN reports, vitamin D can help boost your mood and combat depression.

Look for Senior-Friendly Workouts to Stay Physically Fit

The CDC recommends that older adults stay physically active to avoid health problems that come with age. There are many senior-friendly workouts you can do at home. Women’s Health has a list of tutorials you can follow for free via YouTube. If you want to get some workout gear to supplement your exercises, such as a yoga mat or exercise bands, you can order it easily online without leaving the home. To save money, the Unified Caring Association recommends looking for discounts online.

Embrace a Healthy Diet With Easy Home-Cooking Recipes

A healthy balanced diet helps older adults get the nutrients they need to maintain optimal physical and mental function. This becomes more challenging with age, as metabolism slows down and people experience decreased appetite. As a result, they have to get sufficient vitamins and minerals while consuming smaller portions. Healthy eating can also be a problem if you find cooking tiring. One solution is batch cooking. Prepare food that you can freeze and reheat. Delish has a list of more than 30 recipes that are ideal for batch cooking.

Use Technology to Maintain Social Connectivity Digitally

If you are able to see family or friends safely in person, make the most of your time together. If you can’t see your loved ones — for example, because they live far away — there are still ways you can connect. You can try eating a meal together via video chat, for example. Alternatively, watch a movie together using apps like Watch2gether and MyCircleTV. Too complicated for you? A simple video chat with your smartphone or tablet will do the trick, too. If you need to upgrade your technology, look online for deals on the latest gadgets.

Pick Up a New Hobby to Stay Busy and Mentally Fit

Technology can also help keep you occupied at home, helping you avoid boredom. Use your tech tools to pick up a new hobby. Develop Good Habits offers a list of options for seniors, like learning an instrument. This is the kind of thing you can do online, thanks to free YouTube tutorials. Plus, learning something new will keep you mentally sharp.

With these 5 tips for coping with COVID-related isolation, you can stay happy at home as you continue to self-isolate because of COVID-19. You will also feel better emotionally as a result.

By Karen Weeks, contributing author

We invite you to discover inspiring and effective ways to care for yourself and to serve others.  Now more than ever, caring is what we all need most. Caring for our self.  Caring for others around us.  Life now demands caring, resilience and compassion like never before.  So, become a Custodian of the Caring Movement and help create the world we need right now, the world we want for our future generations.

UCA resources available to help include the Turbulent Times Resources Center,  radio show, publications and online store offering members huge discounts and always free shipping.

The Youth Who Need Our Caring

Rock-a-bye baby, where did you grow?

How young were you when learned that the world was so cold?

How old were you when you learned what it meant to be stoned?

That your momma couldn’t love you more than she loved the fast life?

When DCS stormed in and took you from her in the middle of the night?

Rock-a-bye baby, how did you feel?

How many promises did caregivers break before your faith in them wasn’t real?

How many times were you alone in the world and in your head?

Did you know it wasn’t your fault and you deserved more when you went to bed?

Rock-a-bye baby, how many foster homes did you see?

Did any one of them make you feel loved and or fill your heart with glee?

Did you wonder why no one adopted you when you aged out?

Was there one person that cared for you through it all, without a doubt?

Rock-a-bye baby, did you know?

Did anyone tell you your story’s not unique in the way it unfolds?

That there’s 20,000 just like you that get to answer these questions when they turn 18 too?

The Sad Truth

The number 20,000 the above poem refers to is the 20,000 children who “age out” of the foster care system in the United States each year. There are roughly 400,000 minors in foster care in the United States.

These children at 2 times as likely to suffer from PSTD as US war veterans. The worst part is there aren’t enough foster homes to help each of them through their rough times. These children grow up to face a plethora of negative statistics that include 20% of them becoming homeless upon aging out, 70% of women becoming pregnant by age 21, and 60% of the males becoming involved with the legal system.

These numbers may seem gloomy. The good news is one caring and loving adult is often all these children need to beat the odds. The number 1 way to help is to become a foster parent, however, that is unrealistic for many of us.

Foster Youth Need Your Care

Making a Difference with Less Commitment

There are ways to show up for a child without taking them on full time. Below is a list of ways one caring adult can be a force for change in the lives of a youth who truly needs it.

  1. Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA): CASAs are volunteers who are mentors and confidants for foster youth. CASAs play a vital role because they serve as the voice of the foster child in court and advocate for their wants and needs.
  2. Become a mentor: A quick search for “mentor a foster youth” will reveal all the programs in our areas that allow us to mentor and support foster children.
  3. Become a Respite Foster Care volunteer: Respite volunteers will watch foster children while their foster parents are out. This is sort of like baby sitting and add to the loving adults that a child sees.
  4. Donate supplies and gifts to group homes: Foster youth in group homes often go forgotten. A quick call to a local group home could make a child know someone cares for them.

Remember, to change a life and even the future of our society, all we must do is care. Caring is like throwing a stone in a lake; it causes a ripple effect.

by Mona Nyree Stephens, contributing author

We invite you to discover inspiring and effective ways to care for yourself and to serve others.  Now more than ever, caring is what we all need most. Caring for our self.  Caring for others around us.  Life now demands caring, resilience and compassion like never before.  So, become a Custodian of the Caring Movement and help create the world we need right now, the world we want for our future generations.

UCA resources available to help include the Turbulent Times Resources Center,  radio show, publications and online store offering members huge discounts and always free shipping.

Sticks and Stones Bullying

Sticks and stones may break his bones but words will never let him rest

They eat him up then churn his guts, like vermin they infest

He can’t see why they make him cry, he wonders if he’ll ever know

He is a prisoner at school and home, there is just no safe place for him to go

Each day he’s the pray for kids to slay and his father is just the same

Even all alone in his room his thoughts repeat this negative game

He questions if life is just a strife as he repeats the same day again

He feels so small and hates it all when will he find a friend?

All alone he’ll never know, at 13 his life he chose to end

Sticks and stones may break our bones but words can end a life

We don’t know what others feel so to everyone we must be nice

By Mona Nyree Stephens

Let the deeper message of the poem Sticks and Stones Bullying sink in as National Bullying Prevention Month has come to an end.

While the scenario depicts an extreme outcome of bullying the internal pain it causes remains the same.  We never know the hidden struggles of another. When people become victims of bullying in childhood or in adult relationships those words often become their internal voice. It perpetuates a cycle of pain and low self-worth. We must think about how our words and actions affect one another.

Over 20% of all children in the United States have experienced some form of bullying and over 30% of adults (in their adult lives) have experienced it as well. What’s worse is 40% of them believe it will be ongoing. On the extreme end, it can lead to the loss of a life. Children who are bullied are 2.6 times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers and 2.2 times as likely to have suicidal ideation. On the less extreme but more common end it leads to stress, loss of confidence, and anxiety. 70% of adults who are bullied experience depression and in 19% of them it leads to a mental breakdown.

With the effects of bullying so detrimental to one’s well-being, no matter the age, it’s important we all ponder how we can be a friendly face to all those around us.

We invite you to discover inspiring and effective ways to care for yourself and to serve others.  Now more than ever, caring is what we all need most. Caring for our self.  Caring for others around us.  Life now demands caring, resilience and compassion like never before.  So, become a Custodian of the Caring Movement and help create the world we need right now, the world we want for our future generations.

UCA resources available to help include the Turbulent Times Resources Center,  radio show, publications and online store offering members huge discounts and always free shipping.

The Trick is Treating Yourself

As Autumn descends and the leaves fall, our own physical and mental states begin to go through seasonal changes, too.  If you’re not careful, a true witch’s brew of toil and trouble await. So pay close attention to how shorter days, lowering temperatures, and rain impacts our mood.  The Fall can also contribute to a wide range of illnesses.  These include insomnia, irritability, headaches, and digestive issues.

All the more reason to make sure we are spending at least as much time on self-comfort, as we are on self-care.  That’s because adapting to Autumn can lead to fatigue of the body.  In fact, Autumn can affect our overall balance more than we imagine.

The Twilight Zone

As bewitching as an early twilight may seem, look again! Fewer daylight hours makes us more subject to mild states of anxiety and melancholy. In this spooky season of skeletons, the influence of the sun can also be seen on a physical level.  That’s because UV rays stimulate the production of vitamin D, which is useful to bones.  Sunlight also stimulates the production of serotonin, helps muscle relaxation and balances our biological rhythms. Less light darkens our mood.

That’s why, even when the days become shorter, it is important to treat yourself to more soothing time spent outdoors.  Try to work in a leisurely walk, hike, or bike ride during the week.  Think of it as a way of “stocking up” on light.  The sun’s bag of goodies allow the body to produce melanin during the night.  Melanin improves the quality of sleep and acts directly on your body’s hormonal balance.

“Weather” or Not

Changes in temperature and light also affect the immune system, almost playing tricks on it. Long before COVID, you probably remember in past Falls, how common it was to show symptoms of colds and flu, (“seasonal illnesses”).  The last thing we need is prolonged fatigue, with a side helping of apathy.  You can combat them both with equal measures of self-comfort and self-care. Think of them as aiding in the response that our body gives to outside stresses when the weather requires us to put in extra effort to adapt.

Choose warm bubble baths, pedicures, and massages over curling up on the couch with Halloween candy binging old TV shows.  All that sugar can throw your self-comfort into a tizzy.  As grandma used to say: Enjoy some candy, but don’t let it go to “waist!” If caring for yourself turns into distracting or numbing or avoiding, it’s time to pause. Always check in with yourself — what are you really craving in those moments?

Ask “whether” you really need it. And “whether” you need self-comfort or self-care in that moment.  When you need comfort — you’re craving warmth, pleasure, a break.  Pamper yourself by following your body’s yearning for “feeling good.”  When you need care — you’re craving self-respect, connection, alignment.

Fall Into Healthy Habits

Treat yourself with kindness and honor your strengths and values.  Follow your heart’s yearning for “doing good.”  Write in your journal.  Have a soulful chat with your best friend. Declare your gratitude.  Gaze at the stars on a crystal clear night.

Let’s not forget that Autumn is a season in which nature offers the great beauty of her golden crown.  Spectacular colors and healthy foods of exceptional quality abound.  Mushrooms – including truffles – pumpkin, grapes, sweet figs and more are in season. Enjoy these guilt-free treats.

do you need self-comfort or self-care?

Care for Your Mind – While Comforting Your Body

With the transition to Autumn, our body makes very clear demands on us.  But don’t overlook the signals that the mind is sending us, too. Well-being is achieved when body and mind are both healthy and in balance.  The best approach to the change of season involves taking self-care and self-comfort of the entire body and soul.

If You’ve Got It – Haunt It

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is real.  It can cause fatigue, poor concentration, nausea, irritability and decreased desire.  Any one of which can disrupt our ability to get out and enjoy life. Recognizing moods and emotions can be more difficult with masks on, but it’s necessary to stay in touch with yourself.  Make an effort to evaluate your general well-being, so you can activate and remedy the discomforts you feel. Don’t forget to look in on your friends and neighbors, too.  They may be feeling lost. It’s always easier to get out of a maze together, through teamwork.

The peak of Fall doesn’t have to be scary.  Just treat it with respect while treating yourself to the self-care AND self-comfort you need.  And don’t forget to carve out some time for fun along the way!

by Mark Smith, contributing author

We are all working our way through a changed world as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. We may no longer be quarantined or under stay-at-home orders, but everyone is stretched to adapt like never before.  All of us are in this together. Now more than ever, caring is what we need most. Caring for our self. Caring for others around us in our communities. Life now demands caring, resilience and compassion like never before. This is a great opportunity to create the world we want for our future generations. We invite you to join us in creating a caring movement!

Would you like to read more about UCA caring resources and products? We have other blogs on Unified Caring Association and our products, caring in our communities, and caring the UCA way!

Simple Tips for Seniors to Spend Less… And Live More

If you’re a senior who has to get by on a tight budget, you know how stressful it can be to worry about money. The problem is that worrying about money can take over our lives, distracting us from what really matters. And if there’s one universal truth about worry, it’s that it never accomplished anything. So why not trade in your worry for action? Start with some simple tips to spend less.

These tips will help you take steps toward stretching your dollar further. The best part is that you don’t even have to make sacrifices. In fact, these simple changes will help you get more out of life and ditching all that worry about money will be like icing on the cake.

Reduce Your Housing Costs

For many seniors, worrying about money goes beyond day-to-day expenses. There’s also the bigger concern about becoming a burden to loved ones, and most often, it’s the big expenses and debt that create this burden. As worrisome as this is, there are actually some easy ways you can reduce spending on these big expenses.

Fixed expenses, like your housing costs, are ones you can’t avoid entirely, but they may not be quite as fixed as you think. For example, making your home more energy efficient is a simple way to lower utility bills. And if you have a mortgage on your home, you can save even more money by refinancing. Refinancing allows you to replace the mortgage you have with one that gives you better terms. There are some costs involved, and refinancing does reduce the equity in your home, but the benefit is that you can lower your monthly payments or even access the equity you have in the form of cash, which can be used for other major expenses you have.

Always Look for Discounts

Reducing your fixed expenses has a dramatic impact on your financial situation, but it’s just as important to find ways to reduce smaller expenses too. These small savings add up, and as a senior, you have one big advantage going for you: senior discounts! The great thing about this strategy is that it doesn’t involve missing out on anything. Instead, all you really have to do is make the most of the discounts and savings that are available to you.

The Balance has rounded up a list of chain restaurants that offer senior discounts, but if you don’t want to be limited to chains, they also recommend checking with any city’s tourism website for local deals. As long as you’re willing to search, you can truly find discounts for just about anything, including shopping and travel. What this ultimately means is that you can stay budget-conscious without having to give up the activities that help you stay connected, or the self-care essentials that keep you well.

Avoid Scams and Money Traps

Of course, being budget-conscious also means protecting your hard-earned savings from scammers. The fact that scammers target seniors is an unfortunate reality that we all have to be aware of, but it’s easy to protect your money with some smart strategies. For example, Consumer Reports recommends protecting your savings by opting out of mail solicitations and using a call screening service for your phone, along with setting up safeguard measures at your bank.

Along with preventing outright scams, it’s also good to be aware of ways that legitimate businesses get consumers to overspend. One example from AARP is how big box stores will use marketing strategies and even configure their store layout as a way to get you to buy more. While this isn’t the same as being scammed, it’s just as important to be aware of these tactics so you can avoid falling prey to them.

3 simple tips for seniors to spend less

Money isn’t everything, but just like the air we breathe, we need it to live. That’s probably why so many people worry about money. The good news is that financial worries can become a thing of the past. With these money-saving tips, you’ll be spending less and living more, which is a goal we can all get behind!

By Karen Weeks, contributing author

We are all working our way through a changed world as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. We may no longer be quarantined or under stay-at-home orders, but everyone is stretched to adapt like never before.  All of us are in this together. Now more than ever, caring is what we need most. Caring for our self. Caring for others around us in our communities. Life now demands caring, resilience and compassion like never before. This is a great opportunity to create the world we want for our future generations. We invite you to join us in creating a caring movement!

Would you like to read more about UCA caring resources and products? We have other blogs on Unified Caring Association and our products, caring in our communities, and caring the UCA way!

Local Communities are Vital for Tree Planting Success

The ecosystem benefits of reforestation get talked about a lot—and with good reason! Healthy trees support entire ecosystems—and planting them helps nature to regenerate lost landscapes, increase biodiversity, and offset carbon emissions. But if done thoughtfully, reforestation can also have profound socioeconomic impacts by improving food security, protecting livelihoods, and helping to heal communities. In fact, local communities are vital for tree planting success.

UCA sponsors One Tree Planted who maintains a 80% success rate goal for tree planting in reforestation projects. With UCA’s care for communities being a priority, we asked them to share why local communities are an important part of that success rate.

local communities are vital for tree planting success

Involving local communities in reforestation efforts is essential to the success of any project with One Tree Planted, but with our agroforestry initiatives, it takes center stage.

When asked what trees they want to see planted, locals usually request species that will help them support their families and get food on the table. By focusing on the intersection between natural restoration and community needs, we also decrease the risk of subsistence-driven deforestation in surrounding regions. In impoverished areas, deforestation is often driven by the need for income or fuel. By working with local communities as active partners that help to shape projects, we increase the likelihood that the trees we plant will reach their full potential.

Agroforestry is agriculture that incorporates the cultivation and conservation of trees, and it’s gaining attention as a productive, feasible practice that enriches soil and strengthens local environments rather than depleting and degrading them. When compared to conventional farming practices, which lead to diminishing returns, agroforestry shines by providing a more sustainable and net-positive solution. And it has real, on-the-ground benefits for smallholder subsistence farmers and their communities by improving their food and income security.

Project Highlight: Reforestation in Rwanda

In Rwanda, where 70% of the population farms, One Tree Planted recently worked with a woman-led farming coop to plant approximately 25,000 trees on over 380 acres, most of which were Grevillea Robusta, a species preferred by agroforestry farmers because it grows relatively quickly and doesn’t require a lot of water to thrive. We also planted tree tomato, lemon, and avocado trees, which will provide cash crops for farmers and directly benefit 180 households.

While agroforestry and food security were the primary objectives, these reforestation efforts will also help to reduce soil erosion, landslides and severe floods downstream, benefit environmental restoration, store carbon, and ensure that more families thrive. A separate but related project here will also help educate communities about the importance of biodiversity, so they can work to reduce the threats to Gishwati-Mukura National Park and re-integrate indigenous species into their agro-systems.

Planting Trees After Forest Fires

As you probably know, wildfires are burning at unprecedented rates around the globe. In Australia, where a devastating 21% of temperate broadleaf and mixed forests were burned in late 2019 and early 2020, we’re working to plant 1 million trees over the next 5 years. The process will begin with establishing and supplying nurseries, and will rely on close monitoring of fire damaged ecosystems to assess when they’ll be ready for planting. The project will help rebuild habitats for those that have been most affected by the fires, including koalas and the glossy black cockatoo.

In British Columbia, a historic rank six wildfire consumed 230,000 hectares of land, devastating iconic forests and displacing the wildlife and indigenous communities that rely on them. We worked with the First Nations people to reforest the area with carefully selected species including Lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, Hybrid spruce, Western larch, Ponderosa pine, Trembling aspen, and Black cottonwood. In addition to reforesting, we teamed up with Canada’s Forest Carbon Initiative to support carbon modeling to determine how much carbon is sequestered as the forest continues to grow and recover. 

Furthermore in California, we partner with conservation districts, The US Forest Service, and local watershed organizations to reforest after forest fires – including after the devastating Camp Fire of 2018 which severely damaged the town of Paradise. When such disasters occur, reforestation is conducted very thoughtfully so that that right species of trees are planted in appropriate locations to reduce the risk of future fire spread while helping nature recover.

How One Tree Planted Plants Trees Around the World

Reforestation can restore damaged ecosystems, stabilize soil, support the water cycle, protect biodiversity, and slowly recover the vital ecosystem services that we all depend on. So how do we do it in so many different countries around the world? Through a network of carefully vetted and knowledgeable on-the-ground partners. Once we’ve connected with a partner, we carefully vet them to make sure they will be able to deliver on their goals. Then, we work with them to develop a plan and get the logistics into place. Meanwhile, we’re spreading the word about these amazing projects and securing the donations necessary to support these efforts. Once the funding is there, the planting site is prepared, supplies are procured, and seeds are collected and grow into strong seedlings. Then, when it is the rainy season and environmental conditions are ready, the trees are planted! After planting is done, the trees are carefully maintained and monitored by our partners until they can survive on their own.

While the size of projects vary, it takes dozens of people on average to execute any single reforestation effort to make it a success. Between the donors who help with funding, internal staff to help with planning and coordinating global projects, and local partners to get the trees in the ground, and the local communities that are vital to tree planting success, we recognize that every person who contributes plays an important role.

By Diana Chaplin, contributing author and member of One Tree Planted

So Now You Want a FISH?!

As some of us continue to endure the ‘same old – same old’ of quarantine, it is natural for our minds to meander in directions that never had an arrow before. If we’re bored, lonely or feeling useless, we may entertain the thought of having a pet.  Dogs and cats are out – no room/no time – but what about a fish!?  YES… Now you want a FISH!

Now you want a fish?!

We love our pets!  Over 65% of Americans have pets.  The most common pets are cats, then dogs and many other variety of species ranging from birds to horses; and everything in between. No matter the species, we humans tend to humanize our pets — we see them as having similar characteristics to us.  We respond and relate to their personalities – whether they’re sweet and cuddly, or unpredictable little rascals.  When they verbalize, we talk back to them.  When we talk to them, we assume they understand every word.

Across the board, we relate to pets as members of our family.   Which brings up a curious question for those who have fish as their pet of choice.  Because a fish does not vocalize or have the ability to cuddle, how does one relate to a fish???

Fish are the ideal pet for those who are away from home during the day. You don’t have to worry about fish disturbing the neighbors or barking at the UPS driver.  Best of all you don’t have to feel guilty that you left them alone all day, or worry that they will eat your shoes out of boredom. 

Fish are gentle pets.  They glide around their underwater lair, tails swaying to and fro, creating a soothing, hypnotic effect.  If you’ve ever watched fish swim in a tank for a while, you will notice how you just seem to be drawn into their gentle rhythm. Because they provide a consistent presence of calm, fish owners very often view a fish tank as one would view a TV screen., but with very different results.

What do we know of fish?  Do they just swim around all day, aimlessly avoiding that skeleton that pops up from the treasure chest?   

Fish are smart!  They remember which end of the tank their feeding occurs.  When you tap on the tank, not only can fish hear you, they can see you as well – in color!  Yes, call your fish by name when you’re at the tank, and they’ll learn to respond.  Fish have individual personalities.  The more you relate to them, the more they will relate to you.

Fish are social and like the company of other fish.  So 2 or more other fish is recommended so your fish doesn’t get too bored.  And if you’re lucky, they’ll go nose-to-nose with you when you put your face up to the tank.

So if you’ve been craving a pet, but have allergies, limited budget, limited time or fussy neighbors, consider some fish.  Pick out a decent size tank (remember – most fish come from an ocean or lake); pop in some lovely rocks and fauna and whatever else catches your fancy.  Give them lovable names and encourage them to be their cute little selves.      

We are all being called to do extraordinary things for the collective caring of our families, communities and the world in response to the unique coronavirus pandemic. Whether home bound or providing critical services, everyone is stretched to adapt like never before.  All of us are in this together. Now more than ever, caring is what we need most. Caring for our self. Caring for others around us. Life is going to require new routines, resilience and compassion. We invite you to join us in creating a caring movement to respond to local needs.

Would you like to read more about UCA caring resources and products? We have other blogs on Unified Caring Association and our products, caring in our communities, and caring the UCA way!

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