ABOUT US

OUR STORY

Second Tree is a community-led, volunteer-run, grassroots NGO working with refugees in Northern Greece. Second Tree takes its name from the following proverb:

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago,

the second best time is now.”

Our belief is that it is never too late to take action and work towards making a positive difference in the world.

Our founders were volunteers who – moved by the arrival of people on European shores in 2016 – met in Katsikas Refugee Camp and decided to leave their old lives and build an organisation that first and foremost treats refugees like the people they are. Their vision resonated with many others. Since 2017, the team has had more than 120 people from all over the world who have donated their time and skills to stand in solidarity with refugees.

Our Mission

To change the way refugees are perceived by modeling an approach to community engagement that strengthens agency and enables each individual to reach their true potential.

Our Vision

We aim to improve the lives of refugees by creating a society where they are seen as unique human beings first and foremost – with their own history, skills, interests and needs – and not just as bearers of a ‘refugee’ identity.

TEAM on the ground

Second Tree was founded by volunteers, and volunteers remain the backbone of our organisation.

Meet our long-term TEAM

"Living an examined life is facing one insult after another. You will be made aware of your mistakes constantly. You need to have a sense of humour to get through this." - Sam Harris

ABI RUSSELL

Chief of Staff from Hertfordshire, UK

"When it gets down to having to use violence, then you are playing the system’s game. The establishment will irritate you – pull your beard, flick your face – to make you fight. Because once they’ve got you violent, then they know how to handle you. The only thing they don’t know how to handle is non-violence and humor." ― John Lennon

CAROLINA QUARANTA

Finances and Governance Manager from Milan, Italy

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” – Nelson Mandela

Ciara Macken

Community Engagement and Accountability Manager from Los Angeles, California

“If we do act, in however small a way, we don’t have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory.” – Howard Zinn