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By Elizabeth Alvarez / Guest contributor
What do the Ojai Raptor Center, multicultural diversity, a reading challenge directed toward readers ages 9 to 14, and a national conservation effort have in common?
The common thread is the vision of author John Griffith, who recently partnered with the Ojai Raptor Center to get the book “Totem Magic: Going Mad” into the hands – and hearts – of young people.
“My mission is to reach out to and inspire young people, especially young people from diverse multicultural backgrounds, to learn about and take part in the care of our planet,” says Griffith. “I have worked with the California Conservation Corps and I meet and lead groups of great young people, but I have noticed a disconnect between the environment and the experience of these young people, many of whom are from cities, and many from varied backgrounds. So, I asked myself, how can I fill this gap?
“I want to start the conservation dialogue earlier with young people – with all young people, but particularly with our multi-ethnic population. I want to empower them to take on a small project of their own. I decided to start the Totem Magic Community, and wrote the first book in a series, ‘Totem Magic: Going Mad.'”
The themes in the book are familiar to young people, especially middle-school students, today: coming of age, changes in their bodies, and practical issues of danger, including changes in our environment, and bullying.
“I am fortunate that I work with like-minded nonprofits nationwide, and we partner in getting the book to the young people,” Griffith says.
Kim Stroud, executive director of the Ojai Raptor Center, holds a copy of "Totem Magic: Going Mad," which will be provided free to young readers. Courtesy photo.
But what does this have to do with vultures? One of the main characters in the series is closely tied to the character of the Turkey Vulture. So, the Totem Magic Community approached Kim Stroud, executive director of the Ojai Raptor Center, to offer free books to young readers.
Local philanthropist and real estate professional Ann McKillican provided the vital and generous support of buying the books as a gift to young readers.
“The book is a fantasy that touches on challenges that kids go through during their middle-school years,” Griffith says. “The totem animal idea came to me, so I created Vulchy. And the totem animal element is now an integral part of the story series.”
The main character of “Totem Magic,” Enrique – whose nickname is Vulchy – has the turkey vulture as his totem animal.
In case you do not know, the defense system of the Turkey Vulture is, well, to put this bluntly, to vomit on its aggressors.
You guessed it: The character Vulchy also uses this means of defense, to the great delight of many middle-school readers (as well young-at-heart readers who love to be grossed out). One thing is sure: Vulchy is a purely original character!
Madeleine enjoys her gift copy of "Totem Magic: Going Mad." Courtesy photo.
“Vulchy’s best friend, Connie, is his rock. Connie is cool and impressive. She is strong and black, and she doesn’t back down to anyone, including people, witches and monsters. Her strength throughout the journey helps Enrique to notice his own [strength] in spite of his fear … And who doesn’t like to root for an underdog? I cheered for Enrique and Connie to win against the evil witch doctor who kidnaps Connie’s father, the leader of Green Force. Furthermore, I rooted for Enrique to discover the strength and courage within himself to fight against bullies, [both bullies] in school and in the secretive Magic User community.” (From the review “Finding Strength as an Environmental Hero,” from the blog HikingAlong.)
All profits from the sale of “Totem Magic: Going Mad” are donated to conservation-minded nonprofits, including the Ojai Raptor Center.
You can support this fun and creative win-win-win effort to get kids reading, expand environmental awareness, and contribute to the Ojai Raptor Center by buying, reading and sharing the book.
The Mission of the Totem Magic Community:
- Support mutual partnerships, financially and through community awareness;
- Create a voice for the voiceless animals of the planet;
- Inspire action and volunteerism, specifically in younger, multicultural populations;
- Foster partnership between like-minded organizations;
- Awaken power and awareness of the connection between all people and animals of the planet specifically in younger, multicultural populations;
- Be a force of creative and positive change for the ultimate good of all communities and the planet.
Visit OjaiRaptorCenter.org to learn more about raptors and the mission of the Ojai Raptor Center. And visit TotemMagic.com learn more about the Totem Magic Community, to download your free printout of “What’s in My Hood” and to learn about “13 Ways to Inspire Positive Change.”