Water Is Life
A River Runs Through It!
Freshwater flows from the Tri-cities, Waukegan, Zion and North Chicago, into Lake Michigan. The Tri-cities border the Lake. Lake Michigan is part of the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes hold 20% of the World's Freshwater. This water is considered "Blue Gold." Learn more. Apply to our Urban River program today!
It isn't just about conservation--it's about empowerment.
A River Runs Through It! An Urban River Stewardship Program
This program focuses on the Lake Michigan Watershed which includes Waukegan, Zion and North Chicago.
A River Runs Through It! Starts Soon! APPLY NOW!
Freshwater- How healthy are our rivers?
Your support and contribution to our New Urban River Stewardship program will enable us to meet our program goals and fund our mission to educate and train 3 cohorts of paid participants and volunteers to protect and nurture our precious Lake County Urban Freshwater Ecosystems so they and we can flourish. #BlueEconomy
About Us
We Believe
Frontline Communities
We Believe
Earth belongs to all of us, therefore, we
all have a responsibility to take care of it.
The environment is where you live, work, play, pray, attend school, shop and receive healthcare.
Communities are All Connected.
~Everything is Connected.~
Frontline communities have knowledge, insight, creativity and strength that are essential to our pla
Earth belongs to all of us, therefore, we
all have a responsibility to take care of it.
The environment is where you live, work, play, pray, attend school, shop and receive healthcare.
Communities are All Connected.
~Everything is Connected.~
Frontline communities have knowledge, insight, creativity and strength that are essential to our planet's sustainability. Their contributions to society are imperative.
Key Components for Safe, Healthy, Prosperous and Sustainable Communities for
Present and Future Generations are:
Inclusion, Equity, Diversity, Education,
Collective Planning and Action
Mission
Frontline Communities
We Believe
Empower Frontline Communities
Empoderar a las comunidades de primera línea
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Encourage communities to become more cohesive and inclusive to better address complex issues challenging their environment from
climate change impacts to crime
Educate individuals about environmental impacts on personal and community health
P
Empower Frontline Communities
Empoderar a las comunidades de primera línea
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Encourage communities to become more cohesive and inclusive to better address complex issues challenging their environment from
climate change impacts to crime
Educate individuals about environmental impacts on personal and community health
Provide Blue & Green Job and Clean Energy workforce training to improve economic opportunities and help break the cycle of poverty, increase health in the community and decrease incarceration and recidivism rates
Promote a community-first approach to innovation and entrepreneurship
Engage Shared Future Community Circles to increase trust, unity and healthy relationships
Frontline Communities
Frontline Communities
Frontline Communities
Marginalized, underserved communities are most often the first to be affected and harmed by environmental events and other major problems.
Frontline communities are left out of discussions and decision-making processes and actions regarding their environments, including the plans and preparations for the impact of
climate change and cri
Marginalized, underserved communities are most often the first to be affected and harmed by environmental events and other major problems.
Frontline communities are left out of discussions and decision-making processes and actions regarding their environments, including the plans and preparations for the impact of
climate change and crises.
These communities face extreme challenges like low income, high crime, poor education and healthcare. Several individuals have
barriers to employment.
Yet, these communities are filled with hardworking individuals and caring families that want to live and raise their children in safe, clean, thriving neighborhoods.
They deserve the opportunity to meaningfully and equally participate in dialogue, decision-making, preparations and actions regarding the future of the planet, their homes and communities.
Our Vision:
Healthy, Equitable, Safe, Diverse, Thriving, Climate Resilient & Sustainable Communities
Across Lake County, IL
Nuestra Visión:
Comunidades saludables, equitativas, seguras, diversas, prósperas, resilientes al clima y sostenibles en todo el condado
de Lake County, IL
Ways to Help
Fund office staffing, seminars and work spaces
Funding for office space, staffing and work materials.
Who We Are
Our Story
One World Shared Future was founded with a simple idea: to provide frontline families and communities with the environmental knowledge they need to plan, prepare, adapt and protect their health, homes and community environment from the impacts of climate change. The earth's changing climate will affect us all. We know new innovations, jobs and products will be developed to address the increasing intensity of climate change on the weather, air quality, water resources and aquatic life, pollution and waste, land use and soil health, agricultural production and food supply, human and animal health, biodiversity and ecosystems. We believe that although climate change is not a good situation, it is an opportunity for new job training and entrepreneurship. It is also an opportunity for community members to become cohesive and inclusive recognizing that we all have unique talents and abilities that can be useful in disaster situations and emergencies. Working together, the weight of it all becomes lighter and more manageable.
Our shared knowledge and effort is the best way to become healthy, safe, thriving, climate resilient and sustainable communities. With this understanding, we know that it is important for collaboration, planning and action to take place at the community level, so One World Shared Future Community Labs was developed to encourage relationship and community building, foster community-based knowledge and innovation, prepare for the increase in health-related issues arising from temperature change, to strive for employment opportunities and economic empowerment.
Nuestra Historia
One World Shared Future se fundó con una idea sencilla: proporcionar a las familias y comunidades de primera línea los conocimientos medioambientales que necesitan para planificar, prepararse, adaptarse y proteger su salud, sus hogares y el entorno de su comunidad frente a los efectos del cambio climático. El cambio climático de la Tierra nos afectará a todos.
Sabemos que se desarrollarán nuevas innovaciones, empleos y productos para abordar la creciente intensidad del cambio climático en el tiempo, la calidad del aire, los recursos hídricos y la vida acuática, la contaminación y los desechos, el uso de la tierra y la salud del suelo, la producción agrícola y el suministro de alimentos, los derechos humanos y salud animal, biodiversidad y ecosistemas. Creemos que si bien el cambio climático no es una buena situación, es una oportunidad para la formación laboral y el emprendimiento. También es una oportunidad para que los miembros de la comunidad se cohesionen y se vuelvan inclusivos, reconociendo que todos tenemos talentos y habilidades únicos que pueden ser útiles en situaciones de desastre y emergencias. Trabajando juntos, el peso de todo se vuelve más ligero y manejable.
Nuestro conocimiento y esfuerzo compartidos son la mejor manera de convertirnos en comunidades sanas, seguras, resistentes al cambio climático y sostenibles. Con este entendimiento, sabemos que es importante que la colaboración, la planificación y la acción se lleven a cabo a nivel comunitario, por lo que One World Shared Future Community Labs se desarrolló para fomentar las relaciones y la construcción de la comunidad, fomentar el conocimiento y la innovación basados en la comunidad, prepararse para el aumento de los problemas relacionados con la salud derivados del cambio de temperatura, luchar por las oportunidades de empleo y el empoderamiento económico.
Our Dedication
We are committed to promoting resilience, sustainability and environmental responsibility . We believe that everyone has a role to play in protecting the planet and their community environment. We value integrity, innovation, and collaboration, and are dedicated to inclusiveness and community empowerment.
We offer a variety of services including environmental education, consulting, community building and job training. Our team of experts is dedicated to working with communities and offering guidance to find the best solutions for the community to help minimize environmental impacts and harm.
Nuestra Dedicación
Nos comprometemos a fomentar la resiliencia, la sostenibilidad y la responsabilidad medioambiental. Creemos que todo el mundo tiene un papel que desempeñar en la protección del planeta y del entorno de su comunidad. Valoramos la integridad, la innovación y la colaboración, y estamos comprometidos con la inclusión y
la comunidad.
Ofrecemos una variedad de servicios que incluyen educación ambiental, consultoría medioambiental: construcción de comunidades y formación laboral. Nuestro equipo de expertos se dedica a trabajar con las comunidades y ofrecerías orientación para encontrar las mejores soluciones que ayuden a minimizer los impactos y daños medioambientales.
Guiding Principles for a Better Tomorrow
Inclusivity and Equity ~ Inclusividad y Equidad
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that ensures equitable access to opportunities.
Environmental Stewardship ~ Cuidado del Medio Ambiente
We believe in fostering environmental education, disaster preparedness and sustainable practices to address climate change and promote a healthy, resilient community.
Shared Future Community Circles ~ Círculos Comunitarios de Futuro Compartido
We value self-reflection and restorative justice principles and utilize community circles to repair and strengthen relationships, reduce conflicts, and contribute to a more cohesive and safer community.
Empowerment and Economic Increase ~Empoderamiento y Aumento Económico
We are dedicated to breaking the poverty cycle, by providing education, economic empowerment initiatives and fostering pathways to increased access and employment opportunities. We are preparing a Blue Workforce for the new Blue Economy!
Community Resilience ~ Resiliencia Comunitaria
We strive to enhance community well-being and resilience through collective planning and action, disaster preparedness, safety training and proactive measures to lessen the environmental impact on health issues.
Collaboration and Partnerships ~ Colaboración y Asociaciones
We recognize the importance of collaboration and partnerships with community members, organizations, and stakeholders to collectively achieve our mission and vision.
Imagine the Future
For the Children ~ Para los Niños
For the Children ~ Para los Niños
Our children deserve to live
in safe, clean, vibrant communities.
Clean Water ~ Agua Limpia
For the Children ~ Para los Niños
Clean drinking water is essential!
Water is a necessity for life, health, food production, AI and world peace. Water scarcity is causing major problems. Our Blue workforce training is preparation to meet the needs of the community and
the blue economy.
New Sources of Energy ~ Nuevas Fuentes de Energía
New technologies are decreasing our energy usage. They are being developed rapidly and new clean energy job opportunities are increasing.
Climate Change Related Problems ~ Problemas Relacionados Con el Cambio Climático
The increase and intensity of forest fires, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes have impacted communities from coast to coast. All hands and minds are needed to address the negative impact humans have made on this earth.
Waste and Innovation ~ Residuos e Innovación
Recycling needs to be addressed in a different way. Most recycled plastics end up in a landfill and recycled electronics often are sent to poor countries. This is not sustainable. Our public health is in danger. Innovation is required now.
Blue/Green and Clean Energy Jobs ~ Empleos de Energía Verde y Limpia
We need equitable solutions to reach a more hopeful future. We all have value and talents. Blue, green and clean energy jobs offer opportunities for those who have been left out of the workforce.
These jobs are expected to grow another 9%.
More About Us
One World Shared Future Community Labs
"Where environmental learning and economic empowerment takes place
in the community and relationships are nurtured"
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Focused on community-building, environmental education and
clean energy job and safety training. We work to empower and help
strengthen family and community ties in:
Zion, Waukegan, North Chicago,
Round Lake and Gurnee communities of Lake County, IL
If you are interested in learning how to empower your community,
please contact us below for more information.
Environmental and Job Training Program with an Environmental Specialist Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate
Focuses on: Environmental Literacy -Water - Waste - Transportation
Energy - Building - Food - Health - Agriculture
Safety and Disaster Preparedness Training
Community Organizing & Leadership - Financial Literacy
Entrepreneurship - Teamwork and Conflict Resolution
Those with barriers to employment welcome to apply.
If you are interested in this program, contact us below for more information.
One World Shared Future Institute
The Institute works to build bridges between communities and networks.
We are focused on community-based and -engaged research, innovation, and development to help frontline communities become more inclusive, cohesive, environmentally and economically sustainable.
We provide team building, conflict resolution, and collective action
strategies and assistance. Contact us for speaking engagements.
If you are interested in learning about becoming a partner or sponsor,
please contact us below.
2025 New Events! ~ English & Spanish Language
A River Runs Through It! An Urban River Stewardship Program
Accepting Applications Now!
Next Program Starts - June 3, 2025
Limited Cohort Participant Spaces -Apply Now!
A Stipend-based 5-week program.
Waukegan Reimagine Our Community
Stay Tuned...We'll Be Back Soon!
Transformative 5-week journey
We Need Your Support!
With your support, we can fulfill our mission to:
- Create communities that are better prepared for climate change impacts, risks and disasters;
- Provide environmental education for environmentally responsible, safe and healthy communities;
- Improve the economic opportunities of those living in frontline communities with blue, green and clean energy job training;
- Develop inclusive, diverse, accessible, equitable, resilient and sustainable communities.
~One World Shared Future Community Labs~
is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Thank You for Your Tax Deductible Donation!!!
CEO/Executive Director
Dr. Muriel E. Adams
Dr. Muriel Adams, an environmental advocate, founded One World Shared Future Institute and Community Labs to help communities that have a high degree of incarceration and recidivism become more cohesive and safer. She has a PhD in Sustainability which focuses on the environment, social justice/equity and the economy.
Dr. Adams has worked with community groups that included: concerned community members, formerly incarcerated individuals, family members of formerly incarcerated individuals, formerly in foster care or having to live with relatives other than parents, community businesses, schools and other organizations. She is also a restorative justice facilitator.
One World Shared Future (OWSF) is designed to prepare individuals to use critical thinking and creativity; work collaboratively to solve social and environmental problems; inspire and empower individuals and help communities to build on their collective knowledge to create safer, stronger, more sustainable communities for present and future generations. The processes used by OWSF are based on restorative justice practices (ex. talking circles) to help repair family relationships, build community connections and reduce recidivism. OWSF is comprised of two separate legal entities,
the Institute and the Community Labs.
A major component of the One World Shared Future Community Labs
(a 501(c)(3) nonprofit) program will focus on environmental and STEM-based jobs and career paths. A cohort of 12-15 participants per community will be selected to participate in their communities 6 to 16-week programs.
For more information or to discuss becoming a sponsor or partner of the program, One World Shared Future Community Labs, please email muriel@oneworldsharedfuture.org or call 773-245-0520.
Together We Are Powerful! ~ Time Is Of The Essence
More Ways to Help
Unrestricted Funding
Donate Tools, Equipment, Materials and Supplies
Donate Tools, Equipment, Materials and Supplies
Funds used to support the work, staffing, development, growth, goals, objectives and mission, etc. of One World Shared Future Community Labs.
Donate Tools, Equipment, Materials and Supplies
Donate Tools, Equipment, Materials and Supplies
Donate Tools, Equipment, Materials and Supplies
Donation of new and gently used items welcome (ie. microscopes, binoculars, waterproof items (gloves, boots, waders), water and soil testing lab materials and equipment, office equipment, laptops, tablets and other technology.