Highlights of GAYA's Work

Awards and Notables

"Courage of Conscience Award," presented in the United Nations, from the Boston Peace Abbey. It was the first time this award has been given to youth. Past recipients include Mother Teresa, Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr.

"Peace Maker of the Year Award," presented to GAYA by the Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center.

"E-chievement Award" presented to Isa Roske co-founder of YLA by E-town Radio

Earth Rally, and Aerial Photo shoot featuring Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Hanne Strong and John Quiggley

Children's Torch of Hope Tour

GAYA's Earth Guardian's performance group traveled across America during the summer and fall of 1995 and participated in over 40 high profile events in 29 states, carrying the "Children's Torch of Hope". This torch, which represented a collective prayer for peace, was carried around the world during the first Earth Run in 1986, and was held by dignitaries, children, tribal people, heads of state, and the Pope. In 1990, His Holiness the Dalai Lama dedicated the torch to the well being of all children.

Earth Guardians Performance Group

Earth Guardians, the voice of GAYA have performed original songs, rap, dance and facilitated workshops at high profile events, schools, community events, and fund raisers through out the Hawaiian Islands, the mainland, US and Mexico. Through these message driven performances and workshops, they brought the message of love and hope, educating and inspiring other youth and adults to take positive action on creating a better world for themselves and their communities.

During this tour, the Earth Guardians carried the Torch of Hope from city to city, honoring the children of the world in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the United Nations. At the United Nations they presented the torch and documents which were written by youth from around the world that focused on human rights and environmental issues. With these documents great strides are still being made in creating a Young General Assembly in the United Nations and other programs where youth will have a voice.

Community Resource Center-Alternative High School

The GAYA, Earth Guardian Community Resource Center was an accredited alternative high school for youth from ages 11-17 years old. The curriculum incorporated academics through experiential learning methods, leadership and conflict resolution skills, community service projects, performing and visual arts, and environmental education. The intention of this program was to help students to become leaders in their own lives by nurturing their individual unique creative potential, and empowering them to take positive action in the world.

National and International Leadership Training Conferences

Throughout the past 13 years youth from GAYA have represented the United States, along with other youth leaders from around the world in high profile conferences and events such as:

• The World Summit of Children, San Francisco, CA
• Inauguration Guardians of the Future Event, Mexico City
• Spectrum of Light, Washington, DC
• UN Habitat II Summit, Wisdom Keepers Council, Istanbul, Turkey
• State of the World Forum, San Francisco, CA
• Y.E.S.(Youth for Environmental Sanity) World Leadership Camp
• International Youth Peace Journey
• Hummingbird International Leadership Camp
• Sustainable Resource Conference

Community Service Projects, Rallies and Presentions

• Earth Day Events
• Yotocanhi cross cultural programs
• International leadership spring and summer camps
• Intercultural dance performances
• Park, beach and roadside clean-ups
• Public hearings on environmental issues
• Letter writing to government officials regarding key issues
• Started recycling programs
• Cleaning up and restoration of natural habits at state reserves
• Fundraising events to support other local non-profit organizations
• Extensive tree planting programs