This fundraiser is fiscally sponsored by the AfroLatino Forum, which allows us to accept donations through Givebutter. While their name appears for administrative purposes, 100% of all funds raised go directly to Globetrotting Dominicana LLC.

Help Fund the Next Generation of Climate Leaders 🌍

Growing up in New York City, I dreamed of exploring the world, but financial barriers made travel and professional development feel out of reach. Everything changed when I gained access to environmental networks and international learning opportunities through higher education. Those experiences transformed my confidence, career path, and sense of possibility.

Now, I’m paying it forward.

🌱 About Roots and Routes

Roots and Routes is a youth sustainable travel and leadership program for students with limited access to travel and career networks.

Many urban youth have never traveled internationally or experienced nature beyond their city.
Our program provides authentic community-based learning and environmental leadership experiences not typically available through traditional programs.
Traditional learning abroad programs are often financially out of reach. Roots and Routes focuses on sustainability, expanding access, and local leadership.

🌿 What Students Do

Through immersive travel in the Dominican Republic, youth:

Learn climate science, environmental stewardship, and practical sustainability careers
Engage with local community leaders, government officials, businesses, and organizations
Participate in tours, workshops, discussions, and service-learning projects
Gain skills to lead climate and sustainability initiatives in their home communities

🌍 Impact Beyond the Trip
Roots and Routes is designed to create lasting impact long after travel ends. The program equips students with practical skills and career exposure in sustainability and leadership frameworks through immersive travel and hands-on learning. After returning to the United States, participants share their experiences through school presentations, conferences, and community events and are connected to internships or entry-level green jobs, where they apply their knowledge to real-world environmental challenges in their home communities.

🌱 What Your Donation Supports

Our goal is to raise $25,000 to fund our first cohort of youth climate leaders.

💚 Your support removes financial barriers and makes this life-changing experience possible for youth who deserve access to the world. Donate today to help young people not just see the world but change it.

Donation Impact:

$50 – Supports local tour guides and workshops with community leaders
$100 – Helps fund sustainable transportation and program logistics
$250 – Contributes to lodging and meals for one participant in the Dominican Republic
$500 – Supports airfare for one student
$750 – Covers marketing, promotions, and educational materials
$1,000+ – Sponsor a youth participant program cost

Every contribution, large or small, brings us closer to a future where more students can lead in climate and environmental sustainability.

Givebutter includes an optional tip during checkout to help support their platform. This is not required. You are welcome to uncheck the box or choose a $0 tip, either way, we are grateful for your support, and your donation will go to our mission.

👩🏽‍💼 Organizer Bio

Founder & Program Director | Globetrotting Dominicana LLC

Milka Rodriguez is a native New Yorker and Dominican American with a background in environmental policy and law. She has traveled to 30 countries and participated in prestigious environmental, leadership, and travel programs that have shaped her career and worldview.

Globetrotting Dominicana was born from her lived experience and deep commitment to expanding access to climate leadership opportunities. She created this program to ensure that students from public schools, working-class communities and/or who have limited access to global learning opportunities have access to global learning, environmental education, and leadership opportunities that are often out of reach. Her mission is to connect youth to international communities, and empower the next generation of climate, health, and infrastructure leaders to lead with confidence and purpose.

FAQ

Why does this campaign list the AfroLatino Forum?

This fundraiser is fiscally sponsored by the AfroLatino Forum, which is why their name appears on Givebutter.

Where does my donation go?

100% of all funds raised go directly to Globetrotting Dominicana LLC. Funds are restricted and used only for our work.

Who controls how the money is used?

All funding decisions are made by Globetrotting Dominicana LLC. The AfroLatino Forum provides administrative oversight only.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

If applicable, donations are tax-deductible and you will receive a receipt.

Roots and Routes: Youth Leadership & Travel Program

Empowering youth with limited opportunities through international travel, hands-on environmental learning, and leadership experiences in the Dominican Republic.