Day #8: Nature Connections 
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About this Act
Welcome to day #8 of the 2023 Billion Acts Earth Day Countdown! You can visit the main campaign page here! Let us know how you joined today's call-to-action by clicking on "Make an Impact" on the right side of the screen. We also welcome you to add your own Earth month events and calls-to-action to the campaign page as well. We're on a mission to reach 1,000 acts by April 22nd! You can also follow along with our campaign on our Facebook group. We will be reaching out each day with messages from our incredible Nobel Peace Laureates and youth-leaders working to build a healthier environment for us all.  Nobel Peace Laureate Rigoberta Menchú Tum has worked tirelessly over several decades to secure basic rights for the Mayan people, as well as protection of their land and cultures. During Guatemala's civil war, her family was active in nonviolent demonstrations to protect the Mayan people from military oppression. During this time, Rigoberta also drew international attention with her book "I, Rigoberta" which detailed the horrors occurring in Guatemala and led to her recognition as a world leader for indigenous rights. Her initiatives on behalf of indigenous communities and women peacebuilders continue to this day. Today, Rigoberta remains a voice for countless causes such as indigenous rights and environmental protection. The inspiration that she shares often holds a common theme - the respect for land and life. Her speeches are embedded with advice on how to gain strength and inspiration from one’s environment - whether that be natural landscapes, local community members, or simple everyday gifts. Rigoberta herself spends much time beside the mountains and waterways of her Mayan homelands. She tells youth of the importance of giving gratitude for the Earth. Rigoberta’s simple advice to spent time in natural spaces holds immeasurable benefits for those who listen. Among the many researched benefits, exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation. Time spent in natural spaces also shows a correlation with attitudes and behaviors around environmental responsibility.
Education:
Action: Let us know how you are taking action today! Let us know under "Share and Earn Peace Points".
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Change only takes place through action, not through meditation and prayer alone.
The Dalai Lama