VISION STATEMENT

S.A.V.E. is a catalyst for individual and community action for sustainability.

S.A.V.E. was established in August, 1990 by a group of concerned citizens who wanted to make a difference and promote a love and appreciation for our natural world. It is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. S.A.V.E. was recognized for its work by the National Environmental Awards Council, the Ohio House of Representatives, and the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development.

Lourdes Campus Location
St. Agnes Hall (SAH) Room 166

S.A.V.E. ACTIONS

• Sponsors bi-monthly public lectures.
• Provides scholarships to underserved youth for Science Camps.
• Provides Special Environmental Awards at Northwest District Science Day.
• Presents Environmental Awards at the annual Awards Night.
  • Eco-Educator (Elementary & Secondary)
  • Eco-Service
  • Eco-Friend of the Environment
  • Eco-School (Elementary & Secondary)
  • Eco-Community
• Publishes a quarterly newsletter.
• Presents at local conferences.
• Recycles used printer copier cartridges and cell phones.
• Collaborates with the Environmental Wellness Committee of the Sylvania Franciscan Village; the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Committee of the Sisters of St. Francis; Lourdes University and other outreach programs.

WE BELIEVE

• That all life is connected and when one segment or area is well, then that wellness affects all other forms of life;
• That we are spiritual beings whose existence is enhanced by beauty;
• That preservation of planet Earth is in our many hands, and that we are the caretakers of the gift of creation;
• That even though the pollution of our planet has spawned numerous environmental problems, it is not too late for individuals and groups to seek and apply the needed remedies;
• That when people with shared values set an agenda of action, link energies and plan strategies, disasters can be avoided, the beauty of nature can be preserved, and people can learn how to appreciate the beauty of planet Earth;
• That in order to preserve our planet Earth for future generations, educational programs must be provided to people of all ages so that the efforts to preserve the planet are successful.

• • Each year, S.A.V.E. awards two $500 scholarships to high seniors from Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan to assist with their college/university tuition, books, fees and or any other aspect of their education for their freshman year. For more information, visit www.sciencealliancesave.org/scholarships.html

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THE SYLVANIA FRANCISCAN VILLAGE STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES

We, the members of the Sylvania Franciscan Village, believe that the creation of our vast and wonderful universe is God’s gift to us, and God’s first act of self-revelation. Respect and care for creation is our gift back to God.

In the 13th century, St. Francis praised God through creation. He saw the sun, moon, stars, water, air, all natural resources, all creatures and fellow humans as the reflection of God’s goodness. Consistent with St. Francis’ vision, we in the 21st century recognize that humans are interconnected with nature, not separate from it. We also acknowledge the capacity of each person and every society either to diminish creation or to conserve and sustain it.

Since their founding in 1916, the Sisters of St. Francis have consciously focused on peace and harmony. The Sisters have a long record of caretaking, concern, and reverence for humans and Mother Earth. Because of this, we live and work in places of beauty that speak to the hearts and minds of all.

The history and legacy of the women founders compel us to continue the commitment and awareness of our relationship with the Earth. The Sylvania Franciscan Village is a community of brothers and sisters interconnected with all of creation. We have a spiritual responsibility to integrate our values of community, stewardship, reverence and service into our planning, decisions, and actions to ensure the preservation of all creation for future generations. Care for creation thus is our spiritual responsibility and requires an ongoing journey of ecological literacy and reverence.

As a community committed to service in education, healthcare, human services and social justice we are compelled to uphold our common values. We will be continuously aware of how our activity impacts the entirety of creation. Just as St. Francis saw his life as a balance between acting in the 13th century world and fully embracing prayer and contemplation, we will acknowledge the challenges of 21st century human activity and productivity with responsibility to preserve God’s gift of creation for future generations.

We acknowledge and believe:

• We have the responsibility to take leadership in the care of God’s creation
• We are called by our faith traditions to live simply and consciously in harmony with creation
• Every small action by an individual makes a difference over time
• Without reverence and respect, human activity can negatively impact the preservation of God’s creation for future generations
• It is our duty as educators, caregivers, and people of faith to transmit and act upon these values and beliefs
• The Sylvania Franciscan Village will thus reverence the diversity of creation. We will embrace and engage in our spiritual and moral responsibility to balance being in the world and being in kinship with all species.