Take a Sabbatical to Help America’s National Parks
Introduction
Ilyssa Kyu, a former design agency employee, experienced burnout and took a monthlong sabbatical at Yosemite National Park. The experience inspired her to create Amble, a startup that connects creative professionals with nonprofit organizations supporting national parks.
Amble: A Creative Sabbatical Program
Amble offers monthlong programs that allow creative professionals to take a break from their regular jobs and contribute their skills to park conservancies. Participants work with nonprofits on projects such as website design, content strategy, and branding.
Benefits of Sabbaticals
Sabbaticals provide several benefits, including:
- Personal rejuvenation and perspective shift
- Improved job performance and increased confidence
- Opportunities for professional development and personal growth
- Stress testing of organizational charts
Amble’s Programs
Amble has run two successful programs at Yosemite and the Sierra Foothills and is planning a third at Glacier National Park. Participants spend the first week assessing the needs of the nonprofits and the remaining time working on projects.
Nonprofits Benefit from Creative Expertise
Nonprofit organizations often lack the resources to hire professional designers and content strategists. Amble provides them with access to these skills, enabling them to enhance their outreach and branding efforts.
Case Study: Sierra Foothill Conservancy
Bridget Fithian, executive director of the Sierra Foothill Conservancy, initially underestimated the value of professional design. However, after working with Amble, she was impressed with the quality of the work and the insights provided by the creative professionals.
Sabbaticals in Academia and Beyond
Traditionally, sabbaticals were granted to university professors for research and writing. However, career breaks are becoming more common in other industries as well. Companies offer extended leaves to employees to promote rest, rejuvenation, and job satisfaction.
Amble: A Unique Sabbatical Opportunity
Amble provides professionals with a unique opportunity to take a sabbatical while giving back to their community. It offers a chance to recharge, pursue personal projects, and make a positive impact on national parks.
Case Study: Sarah Dzida
Sarah Dzida, a user experience and content strategist, participated in Amble’s program at the Mariposa County Arts Council. She helped the organization improve its user outreach and reignited her professional passion.
Conclusion
Amble is a transformative program that enables creative professionals to take a break from their regular jobs, contribute their skills to national parks, and experience personal and professional growth. It provides a valuable service to both the participants and the nonprofits they support, helping to preserve and enhance America’s natural treasures.