As the holidays approach, memories of past seasons often come to mind. Remember flipping through the big Sears Roebuck Wish Book or JCPenney catalog—or more modern versions—as a kid and making a wish list of what you’d like Santa to bring?
Back then, out lists included toys, games, bikes—maybe even stereo equipment (that’s really dated!) or the latest video games. Times and tastes change. While we still enjoy games and entertainment, our wish list is different especially when we put it in terms of what we wish to see in our businesses and the wood products industry as a whole.
As we start thinking of future generations and the legacy we hope to leave, today’s wish list might look something like this:
• More highly skilled people entering the forest products industry
• More young people entering the forest industry workforce
• Greater understanding throughout the general public that sustainable working forests are smart, healthy, and absolutely necessary
• Thriving forestry or wood products business
• Healthier planet and cleaner air
While Santa may not be putting these things in his sleigh for us, that doesn’t mean this wish list is out of reach. We can have a hand in fulfilling these wishes through the actions we take and the mission we pursue.
What can we do—as individuals, companies, or organizations—to turn these wishes into reality? Participation and education are two of our most powerful tools.
PARTICIPATION
• Stay informed about what others are doing. What programs are they establishing to engage students and young people to help them develop an interest in the industry? NAFF enjoys sharing success stories with the hope that they will inspire additional activities. Success breeds success!
• Engage in the community. Combat the lack of understanding within the general public with an open house or tour.
• Volunteer within the community for career days, school visits, or other activities that help build a connection with schools and students.
• Help to close the skills gap with internships, adult education, and training to introduce new workers to the amazing potential in the forest products industry.
• Talk to those around you. Start conversations and be the difference you hope to see in the world—someone with a heart for the industry and the willingness to share your knowledge and enthusiasm.
EDUCATION
Support existing programs and the activities of NAFF and others to reach future generations with factual information that sparks their interest and speaks to their heart. Some specific opportunities for donations and sponsorship include:
• Truth About Trees kits for grades K-5 – Your donation could cover the cost of kits that are provided to classroom teachers at no cost. Each kit can serve more than one classroom and be used for more than one school year—so the reach of each kit is tree-mendous!
• Sponsor production of new kit components – For a donation of $10,000, your logo and website can appear on the rulers, pencils, USB drive or plantable pencils in 1,000 Truth About Trees kits.
• Junior High Gamified App – We’re working on developing a first-of-its-kind app to add another layer to the education about trees that young people receive. Combining practical learning and career information with the irresistibility of a game. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Get your brand in front of twelve million future consumers and employees!
WISHES GRANTED
When you support these educational programs, you’re helping to extend their reach to touch the lives of more children and families, increasing their awareness of industry opportunities. Furthermore, as a sponsor, you have the added benefit of name recognition and positive PR and community outreach.
Building a thriving wood products industry workforce brings benefit to us all. Sustainably managed working forests remain forests—not concrete deserts—that continue to serve the health of the planet.
Knowledge and understanding of the industry helps attract new, and young, workers into a wide range of careers that offer potential for growth, with or without advanced education.
The results of this wish list may not fit into that stocking hanging over the fireplace, but they will bring new growth and energy to our industry.
To make your donation, visit NorthAmericanForestFoundation.org or reach out to Allison DeFord at adeford@northamericanforestfoundation.org to discuss sponsorship opportunities and make wishes come true.
