Almost 20 years ago, the Environmental Volunteers received a special annuity from the Robert Brownlee Foundation, establishing The Robert Brownlee Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service. This award recognizes outstanding volunteer service to the EV that impacts the youth in our community directly or strongly facilitates the organization’s ability to impact the youth in our community.

Here are the special award recipients from 2024:

Joyce Friedrichs

It’s our great honor to recognize an extraordinary individual who has been a cornerstone of our organization for many years. We were frankly more than a little shocked to realize that we had somehow not yet recognized this person already, and we’re thrilled to be able to correct that oversight.

We’re referring, of course, to Joyce Friedrichs. She is not only a LONG-time volunteer, but has also served as a former board member, a key member of our curriculum committee, and a vital contributor to countless events and fundraisers. Her commitment to our work goes far beyond a single role or project; she has truly been a guiding force for our team and our community since the beginning.

Her support for staff and her collaborative spirit have been invaluable over the years. She has played a pivotal role in many major initiatives (more than we can possibly count), but especially her long standing contributions to WUTN and her instrumental role in the planning and execution of our 50th-anniversary celebration. As part of the 50th-anniversary committee, she not only helped organize an unforgettable event but also conducted interviews with longtime volunteers to document and honor our rich history. More recently, she has been supportive of Sprout Up joining the EV programs and has been instrumental in working with the curriculum committee to update and strengthen the Sprout Up lessons. She was also heavily involved in the capital campaign for the restoration of, and our relocation to, our beautiful EcoCenter in the Palo Alto Baylands.

What sets her apart is her drive, her vision, and her relentless willingness to help. She doesn’t just ask, “What’s needed?”—she asks, “How can I help right now?” Whether rolling up her sleeves for immediate tasks or planning for the future, her dedication ensures our success not just today but five, ten, and even twenty years from now.

She is a true go-getter, a passionate advocate, and an irreplaceable part of our EV family. It is with deep gratitude and admiration that we [finally] present this award to someone who embodies the very heart of our organization.