At the peak of the global Covid-19 crisis, amidst the confusion and fear, a powerful truth emerged. Individual actions, no matter how small, can create a formidable collective strength. “Stay at Home, Save Lives” became more than just a slogan; it became a testament to our shared resilience and unity. From this crucible of global challenge, YESAction (Youth for Environmentally Sustainable Action) arose, embodying the spirit of awareness, advocacy, and action.
At YESAction, we are unwavering in our promise to build a more sustainable future through intention, integrity, and action. Each chapter, partnership, and initiative reflects our deep-rooted dedication to environmental responsibility.
This is more than a mission — it's a promise to our communities, our planet, and future generations. With collective resolve, we strive to create lasting, meaningful impact.
Meet the dedicated individuals driving our mission forward
Alfred is the Founder and Executive Director of YESAction China. His commitment to environmental sustainability stems from hands-on experiences with nature and communities, including wetland research and community service projects. A long-time hiking enthusiast, he has developed a deep appreciation for the value of natural ecosystems.
Elaine is the China Regional Head of YESAction's Ningbo Xiaoshi IB Chapter. Her commitment to ecological protection and environmental justice grew from her childhood in nature and was strengthened through urban green initiatives and climate advocacy. By leading campus environmental clubs and nature education programs, she has seen the real change youth action can bring. She also supports nature education for rural children and promotes sustainable community living. At YESAction, she empowers young environmental advocates, helps develop creative local sustainability projects, and works with her team toward a more inclusive and resilient ecological future.
Emily is passionate about solving environmental issues through cross-sector collaboration. Her interest in this field began with her studies in environmental policy and explorations in simulated international projects. In her free time, she is a rock climbing enthusiast. The focus and resilience gained from this sport also inspire her to balance academics with her commitment to public service. She consistently follows issues of educational equity and gender equality, believing in the power of every individual action. At YESAction, she is dedicated to working with the team to build broader collaborative networks, connect diverse resources, and support fellow youth in turning their environmental ideals into tangible action.
Sophia is driven by a genuine passion for ecological education and youth empowerment. This passion stems from her belief in the inherent power of every young person to create change. She enjoys designing engaging educational activities and exploring how imagery and storytelling can communicate the importance of protecting our planet. In her own time, she focuses on fostering connections between children and the natural world, sharing her understanding and love for the environment through outdoor engagement. At YESAction, her core work is to inspire and support the growth of every team member, helping to translate knowledge and ideas into concrete, meaningful actions as they work together to build a more vibrant future.
This period was characterized by in-depth research, campaign conversations, and the establishment of our base structures. Forming our inaugural initiative, we began an awareness drive encouraging sustainable living practices. By 2021, YESAction had its first 10 chapters nationwide.
During the foundational year, as the world grappled with the pandemic, a profound realization took root. Choosing the collective efforts in China to combat the crisis, the birth of YESAction was marked in September 2021, and our first chapter was officially established.
Our efforts gained significant traction, resulting in the expansion of our chapter network to over 18. With an aim to address diverse global issues, initiatives like "YESClimate," "YESOcean," and "YESWaste" were launched and implemented.
Our journey took an upward trajectory, with our network stretching to over 70 chapters globally. New initiatives including YESCooking, which promotes sustainable kitchens via culinary practices, were introduced. With a continuous wave of innovation, we remain committed to creating and launching even more impactful initiatives.
We established YESAction China, a significant initiative bringing our program closer to local communities. The China chapter is dedicated to advancing youth engagement, sustainable innovation, and cross-cultural collaboration, collectively realizing YESAction's global vision.
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