As a boy growing up, I learned the great benefits of having access to nature. Whether it be a jaunt into the woods and cow pasture near my home or the unbridled joy of a sunset at the family cottage on Georgian Bay, these experiences would define me.
I have never held public office outside of schooling and volunteer/religious organisations. I have worked in public campaigns both as paid staff and volunteer. At differing times in the past, I have supported the Nature Conservancy, Greenpeace and local efforts for reclamation and restoration.
My focus in adult life has been to prioritize my family, advocate for renewable and affordable energy and support sustainable technologies. I have been self-taught on many differing interests, but I have almost always identified as one who would rather commune with nature than dominate it. My professional endeavours include insurance adjustor for AAA of Michigan and an educator certified in economics and social studies. I have taught from pre-K through to college and remain in education to this day. One of my proudest moments was teaching at MIAT and inspiring students to learn more about environmental impacts of the industrialised society in which we live.
In many of my roles I have been an advocate for conservation, recycling, green energy and more. As I have become a father and grandfather, the importance of the natural realm has grown even more as a motivator for me. I want future generations to be able to know and experience our natural world, not just learn about it through books. The tv ad in the ‘70’s with the native American looking at the trash and pollution and shedding a tear at the loss has stuck with me and is a more important a concept now was it was then.
N Jefferey Sparling, BA, MSA, Green Party Member
2022 Green Party of Michigan Candidate for Michigan 14th State House District
“The mind is like a balloon, once stretched it cannot return to its original size.” A. Einstein
