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Springing into Action, Program News & Upcoming Events

Blueprint youth and staff sitting on a ledge smiling for a photograph.

As we continue to lean into the power of community, The Blueprint Foundation is honoring the new season the only way we know how to—by springing into action.

 

While action takes many forms, to us it means sharing our knowledge and leading by example. Whether that means rallying students together to support partner events or providing mentors with the resources they need to be strong role models, we empower the next generation of Black leaders to tend to themselves, the environment, and their communities. One action can make a world of difference.

 

🌱 Blueprint News 🌱

 
A student and mentor wearing Blueprint reflective vests with shovels during a FOT planting event.

From trail maintenance and tree planting to mindfulness and restoration activities, Grounding Waters has had a busy start to the spring season. Fortunately, we've been able to enjoy the beautiful weather and admire new growth after a day's worth of hard work.

A student pictured with a Verde beanie, black sweater, and khakis posing with a peace sign.

Cohort 3 of Connecting Canopies is coming to a close as 11 participants move on with their internship hosts. Our workforce team is busy conducting interviews for Cohort 4, beginning at the end of April.

A group of CAP students in a park huddled around instructors leading a lesson.

It's almost that time of year; CAP Summer Camp is near! We'll be seeking youth through early college-aged students to join our air quality monitoring program. Keep up with us on online to know when recruitment officially starts!

 

📣 Meet Our New Staff 📣

 

We are proud to announce the W.I.S.E Team has expanded! Please join us in welcoming our new Program Coordinator, Voni Young, and Program Assistant, Davineekaht White Elk.

Pictured, Voni, wearing an orange turtle neck and black bomber jacket with glasses.

Born in Portland, raised in Atlanta, and back in the PNW—Voni is a mother of two who has always been about building connections, opening doors, and making sure people feel seen, heard, and ready to chase big opportunities.

Pictured, Davineekaht, in a brown crewneck sweater, dangling earrings with a smile.

Born and raised in Portland, OR, Davineekaht enjoys hiking outdoors and tending to land. They’re pursuing a BS at PSU with a double major in Native American Nation Studies and Environmental Science, along with a certificate in ITEK and Cultural Knowledge.

 

 

💫 Student Highlight 💫

 
Pictured, Treazure in a long puffer jacket and maroon sweatshirt and pants, holding three terrarium jars.

Blueprint would like to give a special shout out to Grounding Waters student, Treazure!

 

In the new year, Treazure has been more engaged and consistent in joining us for our weekly Saturday. 


When posed the question, What is your favorite thing about Blueprint? She expressed how Blueprint helped nurture her passion for tending to the environment and caring for animals. We’re excited to see her continue to grow and how it translates to her passions outside of Blueprint.

 

🌿 Upcoming Back 5 Events 🌿

 

We are a proud partner of The Back 5 Project at Leach Botanical Garden. The Back 5 is an outdoor community classroom and laboratory designed to provide educational and community science opportunities for all. Want to get involved?

Volunteers posing for a photo, text reads: Land Tending at Leach Back 5 April 9, 2025, 9am-12pm with the JCWC logo.

Join Johnson Creek Watershed Council in the Back 5 on April 9th from 9am-12pm for a morning of land tending and appreciation. This work helps to increase PNW ecosystem diversity in an expanding habitat area.

Pictured two people with baseball gaps looking down at plants (off-screen).

Document what plants exist in the Back 5 with Leach Botanical Garden on April 25th & September 12th from 10am-12pm. Participants will learn about our native and non-native plant communities, gain some plant ID skills/practice, and practice reciprocity by helping fall planning efforts.

 

🔆 Partner Spotlight & Other Opportunities 🔆

 

The work we’re able to accomplish at The Blueprint Foundation is made possible through collaboration and passion. We’d like to give a special thanks to:

Friends of Tryon Creek has been a long-standing partner of The Blueprint Foundation. Thank you for always creating space for youth and mentors to feel safe and learn from FOTC staff like, Nanda Ramos, and Wisdom of the Elders, Elder Karrie Young.

Elder Karrie Young pictured wearing a red jacket, blue beanie, and a flute.
 
A group of Blueprint students and FOT crew posing for a picture

Friends of Trees is a proud collaborator with Blueprint, and now is your chance to join them! FOT is hiring a Neighborhood Trees Program Manager! This is a full-time position with an annual salary of $72,000—applications close on April 13th, 2025.

 

Contact Us:

communications@theblueprintfoundation.org

(503) 389-0877

Tax ID: 47-2091648

2020 Lloyd Center, Portland, OR, 97232

Sent by The Blueprint Foundation

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