Our Work and our Superpower
NSNP fulfills its mission by integrating the three pillars of youth development, land stewardship, and cultural preservation. Through our youth and garden programs, we strive to inspire young people to become leaders in their communities by encouraging the skills they need to make a positive change in the world.
Our Three Pillars
Success for NSNP involves seeing young people become active and engaged in their communities. They take on leadership roles, advocate for environmental action, celebrate diverse cultures and traditions, and support other young people. Even more, NSNP seeks to remain a cultural hub that people can return to. By combining these pillars, NSNP inspires young people to become positive leaders committed to building a better world for all.
1
Youth Leadership Development
Youth development initiatives help young people develop their leadership, teamwork, and communication skills, which are essential for becoming positive leaders.
2
Stewardship of Community Land
Land stewardship focuses on the importance of community-built efforts, care, and long-term commitment, which is crucial for preserving the environment for future generations.
3
Preserving Culture and History
Cultural preservation helps people appreciate their foundations, learn about cultural traditions, and celebrate them. We firmly believe that celebrating Puerto Rican cultural heritage is essential to our work.
Our Superpower: a network of gardens
NSNP's gardens are a superpower because they connect us to the land and its stories. Our gardens ground us to a sense of purpose and history, allowing us to bridge the importance of preserving cultural heritage and land stewardship from the past into the future.
The gardens offer a sense of belonging, allowing us to creatively invent and innovate from a place of understanding and respect. The lessons learned from the land are immeasurable, teaching us the interconnectedness of all things and providing knowledge that can be applied to all aspects of life.
Each garden represents a unique aspect of Puerto Rican history. From the West African huts in Villa Africana Colobó to the replica “casita” in Las Parcelas, our gardens provide a beautiful and meaningful space for community members to gather, learn, and grow.
