UNITY Now Accepting Applications for Earth Ambassador Program

March 3, 2017— Mesa, Arizona— The United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY) has opened the application process for the 2017 class of its Earth Ambassadors Leadership Program. The environmental stewardship program, which was started in the 1990’s, was re-established in 2015 with the support of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.

The distinctive program will offer up to 25 Native youth, who have demonstrated leadership potential, show an interest in protecting the environment, and have been active in community service projects, an opportunity to increase their knowledge of environmental issues affecting Native America, learn to serve as an ambassador to increase awareness of the issues affecting the environmental quality on Native lands, and promote the efforts to address environmental concerns within the nation’s Native communities. Topics will focus on, but not limited to, recycling, conservation, regeneration, and restoration. In addition, the ambassadors will be provided special opportunities, coordinated through UNITY, to take their message to tribal and government agency representatives, and lawmakers.

The selected youth will attend the 2017 National UNITY Conference from July 6 thru July 10 in Denver, Colorado, where they will be officially announced as the 2017 class and begin their leadership training.

The application deadline for the program is March 31, 2017. For details on the selection, eligibility and nomination process, visit the UNITY website at http://www.unityinc.org.

About UNITY, Inc.

United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY) is a national network organization promoting personal development, citizenship, and leadership among Native Youth. UNITY's mission is to foster the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of American Indian and Alaska Native Youth and to help build a strong, unified, and self-reliant Native America through greater youth involvement. UNITY's network currently includes 165 affiliated youth councils in 36 states. Youth Councils are sponsored by Tribes, Alaska Native villages, high schools, colleges, urban centers, and others.

MDA requests proposals for Good Food Access Program grants

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is requesting proposals for grants to increase access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate foods in underserved and low- and moderate income communities. Roughly $150,000 is available for Equipment and Physical Improvement Grants through the Good Food Access Program (GFAP).

Grants must stimulate sales of affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate foods – including fruits and vegetables – by assisting grocery stores and small food retailers in making physical improvements or purchasing equipment.