Building a sustainable future is one of the most crucial issues that our generation is facing today. For the Marple Civic Youth (MCY), who have already been making a difference in our community for the past few years, sustainability is more than just a buzzword. With the recent addition of its sustainability committee, MCY is supporting ecological, human and economic health and vitality. It’s also a way for these teens to grow in friendship and leadership.
MCY is the only youth organization in Delaware County run entirely by teens (Demetra D’Ambrosia and Giuseppina Karasavas serve as the group’s parent advisors). Rachel D’Ambrosio, MCY’s Vice President, recently formed the organization’s sustainability committee with a number of goals in mind: to change attitudes, change philosophy, take action and learn and understand what sustainability is. “It’s more than just recycling and planting trees,” said Rachel. “It’s about caring for the environment, community, space, peace and how it’s all connected. The committee is a great way to bring people together to make an impact on a personal, local and global level.”
Rachel, now a sophomore at Marple Newtown High School (MNHS), was an eighth grader in 2021 when her older sister Marissa founded the MCY organization. Back then, the teens were learning how to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and were looking for ways to connect with other people their age. They were also looking for ways to make a difference in our community. With their motto: Teens Taking Action, they have been providing fun and inclusive ways to get teens together. From volunteering at local school events and food banks to organizing proms and dances, the teens have made it their mission to make a difference here in Marple Newtown. Now with more than 40 members, the club continues to provide programs that support the Marple community and beyond.
Through its sustainability committee of 14 members, Rachel said that MCY teens will model and teach younger students so they can improve their skills and knowledge. “Sustainability goals are so important for future generations,” said Rachel. “Our goals will provide a framework for sustainable development that will shape the future job market. Digital literacy, environmental awareness and social responsibility will be in demand in the future.” Noah Abraham, a junior at MNHS and a member of the committee said that sustainability is important to him because it’s one of the best ways to contribute to making our communities and earth as a whole a better place to live and learn, while also preserving it so future generations can experience it as well. “People should care because of course, it makes our community healthier and cleaner, but it’s also a great way to save money and help with the environment,” he said.
In February, Rachel and other committee members met with Marple Township Manager Larry Gentile to discuss a partnership. The MCY and the township plan to work on future projects together, including a children’s remembrance rose garden. To honor each child that has passed away in the Marple Newtown community, MCY will donate a rose bush. The committee will also design features to be included such as a rain chain to water it and volunteer to maintain the garden.
Through the Arbor Day foundation, the committee also plans to have trees planted around the world in remembrance of any member of the Marple Newtown community. This donation of memorial trees will help the forests in need around the world whether it’s from drought, wildfires, deforestation or other natural disasters. “Planting memorial trees is a meaningful tribute that creates a living legacy,” explained advisor Demetra D’Ambrosio. “It’s also relevant towards our MCY Sustainability Committee goals for the future by helping our world have cleaner air, helping with global warming and helping repair the planet. And, it’s very cost-effective as the trees only cost $25.”
Some of the other projects that the committee has planned include educating themselves about environmental conservation, taking action in their own homes and planning field trips and working with Kids Against Hunger to plant and maintain a vegetable garden. “It is important that we all join together and practice sustainability, even with small changes, to make a difference and preserve the planet we have and restore it back to its original beautiful and flourishing glory,” said fellow member Liya Giby. The MCY is also collaborating with the Marple Public Library for an Earth Day-themed Kid Craft event. “Together with Marple Civic Youth we will inspire creativity and environmental awareness in our littlest patrons by crafting unique sculptures from recycled materials—essentially, recycling the recycling,” said Vela Burke, Teen Programming Assistant for the Marple Public Library.
The committee’s kick-off event will be later this month in honor of Earth Day. On April 27, MCY will have a team at the Multiple Sclerosis Walk held at Ridley Creek State Park. “One of our goals for the committee is to take more nature walks and take breaks from phones and other devices,” Rachel said. “Being out in nature is a priority and not only does it align with our sustainability goals, but we are also raising money for a good cause.” MCY invites anyone in the community to join the team to walk together at Ridley Creek. Information about the walk can be found on the MCY Instagram page.
MCY also welcomes anyone in 6-12th grades who live in the Marple Newtown community to join their organization. All teens in the community are welcome to attend or volunteer at all of their upcoming events. For more information about MCY, reach out through their social media accounts on Instagram (@marplecivicyouth) and Facebook.