The first time I met Christina Delfico, she was cultivating a small garden behind the Roosevelt Island Youth Center. Kids were leaning about nature through plants, and I was on assignment from the local newspaper. It was a long time ago, ten years at least, but her group – iDig2Learn has grown with the times.
Now, she’s getting a special honor – In the Partner Spotlight with CitizensNYC.
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
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| iDig2LearnAmid the towering skyscrapers of NYC lies an oasis of green activism: iDig2Learn. This grassroots organization, spearheaded by the dedicated leadership of Christina Delfico, is more than just a nature education program; it’s a vibrant community hub fostering connection, environmental awareness, and sustainable practices. |
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| Founded in 2012, iDig2Learn has blossomed into a force for good, transforming Roosevelt Island and beyond. Their impact is multifaceted: Connecting with Nature: They bridge the gap between urban residents and the natural world, offering hands-on experiences like community gardens, tree walks, and food waste reduction workshops. Building Community: By fostering shared experiences and collaborative projects, iDig2Learn fosters a strong sense of community, bringing neighbors together to care for their environment. Promoting Sustainability: Their “smart waste reduction” initiatives educate residents on composting, recycling, and responsible consumption, empowering them to make eco-conscious choices. Christina Delfico, the organization’s founder, is the driving force behind its success. Leveraging her expertise in producing award-winning children’s educational television, she recognized the need to disconnect kids from screens and reconnect them with the wonders of nature. Her passion and dedication have inspired countless volunteers, donors, and community members to join the cause. |
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| A CitizensNYC award in 2013 was among the organization’s first grants, and over the past decade, we have continued to partner and support their vision – including by making nine micro-grants, fostering relationships with peer leaders through events with our network, and connecting them with additional partners and volunteers. These resources have enabled iDig2Learn to expand their free programs, implement a wider range of activities such as innovative waste reduction projects, and nurture a sense of environmental stewardship within the community. To get involved, you can visit their website and learn more about attending an event, volunteering your time, or providing support. Together, we can nurture a greener, more connected future for our city. |
Interested in Getting Your Own Grant?
 Apply by March 1 for our 2024 Grants! Community Leaders GrantsGrants of up to $3,000 to community building projects carried out by resident-led groups to improve neighborhood life, strengthen local leadership, and scale community partnerships.Learn More and Apply Here! Neighborhood Business GrantsGrants of up to $5,000 for small businesses who are “doing well by doing good” in their neighborhood. These awards can provide funding to support the wide range of initiatives your business undertakes to positively impact your community, especially those that are custom-tailored to meet the local needs you see. Learn More and Apply Here! Applications for both grant programs are open now and due on Friday, March 1, 2024. We will make final decisions and distribute grants in summer 2024. |
As the Dust Settles
When Questions About an “Emergency” Rise from Paper to Air
The way the wind cuts across the river this time of year. The way older buildings hold heat but never quite hold air. I told myself that was why my chest felt tight again on certain mornings. Age, perhaps.
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