explore.
learn.
achieve.
“Big problems can make you feel small. I felt that deeply when I started paying attention to climate change conversations at the age of 11.
But there was one thing that made me not feel so small—Knowledge. And one way that as a child I could take action, was to share that knowledge.”
Quinn Gagos, President & Founder
Founded in 2008 by two 11 year olds, Earthians Care still gives a platform to youth.
In 2008, Quinn and Megan were outside, dreaming up imaginary scenarios and playing pretend. It was a normal day for the two 11 year olds who both felt a deep connection to nature. Then, it started to rain. Unprepared for the wet weather, they took shelter inside. They needed to come up with something new to fill their day as the rain had no sign of lightening. Having just spent time with their favorite third friend, Earth, an idea was hatched.
OUR HISTORY
The Inspiration: 2006-2008
Climate Change media coverage increased in 2006 to higher volume than had been seen since 1988. Coverage continued to increase through 2007. The media Quinn remembers used extreme language, scare-tactics, and improbable lifestyle changes—especially for a child. Climate Change, then most commonly referred to as Global Warming, was highlighted in images consisting of devastating reds and ashen black. She felt fear, frustration, sadness, but also a responsibility.
Then in 2008, with a best friend Megan, by her side, dial-up internet, and desktop AOL, Quinn was ready to try and make a difference. At the center of it, a desire to inspire change based off curiosity.
The Beginning: 2008
First email newsletters are sent out to friends, family, and teachers under the name The Save the Earth Committee. The team consisted of Quinn Gagos, Megan Rivera, and Spencer G (age 8).
October 29, 2009
Launch of sections.
Quinn’s mock up.
October 2011Final Logo
Completed January 2012October 17, 2008
September 22, 2008
November 24, 2008
New Name, Same Goal: 2009
In January 2009, it was discovered that there was another organization named Save the Earth. Megan then came up with a new name: Earth Heroes. The team was excited about the new name and felt that it expanded the scope of what the organization could share.
Each member took on a superhero name: Quinn became Energy Girl, Megan became Recycling Woman, and Spencer became Mr. Green.
These superhero names came to represent newsletter sections that are still in use and have been expanded!
During this period, citing sources became more important to the organization.
February 21, 2009
Sources start being included.
January 18, 2009
Announcement of new name.In 2011, Quinn and Mitch, her father and continual trusty advisor, started the process of registering Earthians Care with the United States Commissioner of Trademarks. This required a logo and a website. Quinn mocked up a logo on Microsoft Paint and then with the help of Mitch and ViViD iMAGE created the logo that is still used today. They consciously wanted to include a non-western centric orientation of the globe and a spectrum of multiple skin tones.
By April 2012, the first Earthians Care website was launched.
On May 29, 2012, Earthians Care was officially registered with the United States Patent & Trademark Office.
Evolving & Expanding: 2010-2012
In February 2010, it came to attention that the name Earth Heroes was already in use. So began the brainstorming for yet another new name, one that was unique and encapsulated all that the organization stands for. On February 23, 2010, the organization officially moved forward with the name Earthians Care—Earthian, inspired by the sci-fi word ‘martian’ to refer to anyone that inhabits earth, and Care for obvious reasons.
Keeping the Spark Alive: 2012-2015
Now with a website and a name that wasn’t going to change, Earthians Care did their best to keep pushing forward. Quinn and Megan had started high school. They called on friends to contribute to the newsletter and expanded the sections. The work that was done was exciting; however, consistently producing robust, thoroughly researched newsletters proved to be a challenge. A publication would go live here and there, then there would be extended periods without anything. Quinn and Megan continually revisited Earthians Care and attempted to make it run smoothly.
Is This the End: November 2015
In November of 2015, during their first semester of college, the last newsletter was published. Earthians Care had already been dormant for awhile, but Quinn contacted Megan for one more attempt to bring it back to life. After publishing the newsletter, it was clear that they did not individually have the capacity nor did the organization have the support necessary to balance operating Earthians Care while attending college.
Deadline Marks a Turning Point: 2020
Although there were no defined intentions of jumping back in to Earthians Care, Quinn never fully let it go. It sat on a dusty shelf in the back of her mind as a project that maybe one day she would return to. Then, Mitch receives notice that the trademark registration was expiring. A ticking clock started for Quinn to determine if she would let the Earthians Care name and logo go and with it the entire organization, or if it was time to dive back in.
Quinn decided to give Earthians Care another try. Her first call was to Megan who, as always, was just as enthusiastic. Really though, it all depended on if there was enough volunteer interest succeed.
Earthians Care Relaunch: April - May 2020
In April 2020, the real magic happened. Quinn and Megan reached youth volunteers that wanted to join and believed in the Earthians Care mission. The new team got to work, and in just one month Earthians Care officially relaunched with the publication of the May 2020 Newsletter on May 1, 2020 at 10:00am PST.