Wildlife Rangers: Protecting our Natural Future
Photo: Author
At Enharmonic Encounters, we’re all about building bridges to purposeful impact. Since our founding in 2022, we’ve carried out this mission in part through an intentional identity around charitable giving. As a Certified B Corporation, each year we direct the equivalent of 5% of our annual revenue to charitable partners, a commitment we’ve historically honored through our business membership at 1% for the Planet. Remaining active in this network, including the B1 Network (uniting companies who are both Certified B Corporations and 1% for the Planet business members), we continue cultivating community with environmental partners working to ensure the future of our living planet.
At the closing keynote of last year’s 1% for the Planet Global Summit in San Diego, California, I shed a few tears as Sean Willmore, Founder and Director of Thin Green Line Foundation, a 1% for the Planet environmental partner, led the entire room to stand in a moment of silence for the 150 park rangers killed each year protecting nature and wildlife all over the world. We knew instantly at Enharmonic Encounters that we wanted to support Thin Green Line.
In the weeks following Global Summit, I learned that Sean was organizing a speaking tour across the United States in 2025, as part of the organization’s efforts to expand its reach beyond its home in Australia. Having personally witnessed the moving nature of Sean’s keynote on what wildlife rangers face in their daily lives and how Thin Green Line supports them, I suggested on impulse that he consider a stop in Austin. I didn’t think much of it beyond that moment, but Sean did. The next thing I knew, I was in full planning mode with Jen Seely, Thin Green Line’s Head of Development for the United States.
Impactful Serendipity
Securing the support of Patagonia, instrumental in the founding of 1% for the Planet, as a key planning partner, we organized a wonderful presentation and social hour at Patagonia Austin on March 6—right on the heels of Austin’s annual SXSW festival! It’s not happenstance that we were able to convene and deliver a message in favor of people and planet in this specific moment, one full of anxiety and uncertainty around social and environmental initiatives at scale. We continue to stand strong on what we believe and how we know business must be done.
As was the case at Global Summit, Sean’s message resonated with those who came out to our event, and they did not leave the same. Understanding the power of our collective action, we raised over $2,500 that evening in support of Thin Green Line’s current projects with wildlife rangers! And, beyond monetary donations, we were able to leverage SXSW’s spotlight on Austin to attract discussions on new strategic partnerships that will also contribute to Thin Green Line’s mission and expansion.
What we realized in planning this event together is that we unknowingly created a replicable template for future partnership efforts. For us at Enharmonic Encounters, we understand that part of our role in building bridges to purposeful impact is to partner with different values-aligned stakeholder groups over the long term to ensure our planet and future generations thrive. “It’s great to have a good partner like Jeffrey at Enharmonic Encounters,” both Sean and Jen note in their reflection of the event. “His kindness, thoughtfulness, and assistance with promoting Thin Green Line has been deeply appreciated and helpful. We're so happy to have met through 1% for the Planet!"
Take a Stand on Giving
When we protect wildlife rangers, we protect nature and the future of our living planet. It’s that simple. In reiterating Dr. Jane Goodall’s message, we invite you to join us in standing with wildlife rangers on the frontline of conservation by giving to Thin Green Line today (Born Free USA accepts tax-deductible donations on behalf of Thin Green Line in the United States).
If you align with giving for the planet and want to take things a step further, consider becoming a 1% for the Planet business member! As committed and active members ourselves, we’re proud to help like-minded businesses join the 1% for the Planet network. When you come in through our referral, you’ll receive priority access to their membership team—getting you the guidance and resources you need to start making an impact, faster.
Ready to take the next step? Fill out the referral form and don’t forget to list Enharmonic Encounters as your source!
