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About Us

Project Imo

Mission, Vision, Core Values and
Why Imo (“ee-moh”): Empowering and Amplifying Voices

About Us Silhouetted Hikers At Sunset join team imo meet the team

Mission

Our mission is to empower and inspire the next generation while engaging communities through immersive experiential and adventure education initiatives.

In providing transformative experiences, we aim to foster leadership skills, ignite a passion for environmental conservation, and promote positive change, while ensuring equitable access for all. Learn more about Imo here!

Vision

Our vision is to be at the forefront in youth-led experiential education, recognized for cultivating empowered changemakers and fostering a deep connection between people, communities, and the environment. We see a world where every individual, regardless of background, is equipped to drive meaningful change and contribute to a sustainable future.

About Imo's Core Values

Empowerment

Equity

Connection

Inspiration

Stewardship

Innovation

Why Imo?

How a Macaque Transformed Culture: A Tale of Youthful Innovation

In 1948, three Japanese scientists embarked on a long-term study of wild Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) on Koshima Island. Their strategy involved leaving food, including sweet potatoes, on sandy beaches to observe the monkeys’ behavior. Among these macaques was an 18-month-old named Imo, who unwittingly sparked a remarkable change.

In September 1953, Imo did something extraordinary. Instead of wiping the sand off her sweet potato with her hand, she washed it in a river. Her innovative approach to problem-solving caught the attention of the scientists.

Imo’s intelligence was not confined to her. She taught her siblings and even her parents to wash their food. This behavior transfer from offspring to parents was an unusual occurrence in nature. Imo’s creativity didn’t stop there – she began dipping her washed potatoes into the ocean before eating them, revealing a preference for the taste of salty potatoes.

The impact of Imo’s actions went beyond her immediate family. Gradually, the entire troop adopted the potato-washing behavior. By 1962, an overwhelming majority of monkeys over two years old on Koshima Island were washing their food.

Imo had fundamentally transformed their community.

Why Imo Young Macaque Monkey
Why Imo Young Macaque Monkey

At Project Imo, we firmly believe in the power of youth to acquire and share knowledge, not only among peers but also with the adults in their community. With this knowledge and intentional collaboration, communities can collectively strive to bring about meaningful change.

Be a part of our community and embrace the spirit of Imo – become an agent of change in your world.

Hirata, S., Watanabe, K., & Kawai, M. (2001). “Sweet-potato washing” revisited. In T. Matsuzawa (Ed.), Primate origins of human cognition and behavior (pp. 487-508). New York, NY, US: Springer-Verlag Publishing.

Our Structure

501c3

Project Imo is a registered 501c3 charitable, educational organization.  As such, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of nonprofit governance and operations, ensuring that monies are used in accordance with federal and state laws. 

Governance

Project Imo, Inc. is governed by a Board of Directors. Our Board currently includes 5 corporate officers installed in accordance with our Corporate Bylaws. 
 
Our staffing is currently in growth patterns, a portion are part time while many are fully volunteer based. The plan is to have a full time staffing model over the next five years while still working side-by-side with dedicated volunteers from our community. We love our team and excited to help you learn more about Imo.

Board of Directors

Shawn Moriarty

President

LEAH ROSSETTIE

Vice President

DENNIS PERLOT

Treasurer

Xavier Fowler

Member

Gordon LeVasseur

Member

Meet the Entire Team

About the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is the legal authority for Project Imo, Inc. . As a member of the Board, a Director acts in a position of trust for the community, and is responsible for the effective governance of the organization.  Board Members must be knowledgeable about and uphold Project Imo’s bylaws and conflict of interest statements.  

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our Board of Directors and volunteer their time to support the Project Imo mission. We need people who can contribute connections, a passion for social networking, and collaborative teamwork to enhance our services. Our goal is to expand programming, reach more communities, and achieve our strategic plan. We particularly encourage a diverse range of board members to join us and share their valuable skills. 

  • Accounting and finance,
  • Experience in human resources and people operations
  • Experience in academic assessments in peace and conflict resolution
  • Marketing experience and social media relations
  • Engaged people who are community leaders.

Governance Documents

Project Imo Bylaws
Policy on Conflicts of Interest

Announcements and Media Releases

Holiday crafts feature image for support youth creativity with our holiday donation drive for the spark

Fuel The Spark: Holiday Donations for Youth Maker Space Programs

Help us fund our 2025 Maker Events for youth by donating today. Your contribution will go directly towards offering creative maker space opportunities, where youth, volunteers, and staff collaborate on meaningful projects. To thank you, donations over specific amounts will be acknowledged with a handmade holiday item, created in our Spark Space. These thank-you gifts are a small way to share the holiday spirit and highlight the creativity that your support makes possible!”

Base Camp Fall Updates

We are excited about Base Camp Fall Updates with our upcoming open hours and events. Biggest update is we are moving to our new location at 1010 Main Street, Willimantic, CT.

More Imo News

Form a Connection

Sign up for periodic emails from Project Imo, filled with upcoming projects and events, tips on environmental education, STEAM curriculum, conservation news, and exciting developments, delivered directly to your inbox
Help us make a difference in the community
DONATE

MAKING CONNECTIONS STARTS WITH ONE CONVERSATION

FORM SUBMITTED

You Will Hear from Us Soon!

We appreciate your interest! 
 Keep a look out for an email in your inbox. 
(make sure to check your spam too just in case)

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REGISTRATION FORM SUBMITTED

You Will Hear from Us Soon!

We appreciate your interest in an experience with Project Imo! Keep a look out for an email in your inbox.

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Thank you

For Completing the MLK PArticipant Feedback Form

We appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us!

Have a wonderful rest of your school year, and remember, your voice matters!

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Terms and Conditions

Release and Acknowledgement of Risk - DOWNLOAD

As a condition to my participation in the Project Imo Program, I agree that Project Imo, Inc., their agents, trustees, officers, volunteers, participants, employees, and all other persons or entities acting in any capacity on their behalf shall not be liable for any injury, mental distress, damage, loss, expense, delay, or inconvenience suffered by me and arising out of my participation in the Project Imo program, except to the extent such injury, mental distress, damage, loss, expense, delay or inconvenience is caused solely by the willful misconduct of Project Imo. Furthermore, I hereby agree to release and discharge PI, on behalf of myself, my children, my parents, my heirs, assigns, personal representative, and estate as follows: 

  1. I acknowledge that the Project Imo programs entail various optional outdoor adventure based recreational activities such as, but not limited to: canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, backpacking, caving, ropes courses, mountain biking, hiking, and snow skiing/boarding. These activities entail known and unanticipated risks which could result in physical or emotional injury, paralysis, death, or damage to myself, to property, or to third parties. I understand that such risk simply cannot be eliminated without jeopardizing the essential qualities of the activity. If I do decide to participate in such optional activities, such decision is mine alone and I assume all risks associated with such optional activity, and Project Imo shall not have any liability for any injury, death, loss, damage, expense, delay or inconvenience suffered by me arising out of such participation, except to the extent such injury, damage, loss, expense, delay or inconvenience is caused solely by willful misconduct of Project Imo.

     

    The risks of the programs include, but are not limited to: slips and falls while walking in rugged, hazardous terrain; severe weather and environmental conditions; hypothermia; accidental drowning; sprains, strains, joint dislocations, and broken bones; falling from high places; the negligence of other participants; and exposure to potentially harmful wildlife, insects, and plant life. 

     

    All activities are supervised throughout the program. Instruction will be provided regarding the safe use of all equipment and activities. Participants are advised to point out hazardous situations to the facilitators. 

     

    “I hereby take full responsibility for these risks and understand that other risks may also exist. I take full responsibility for those risks.” 

 

  1. “I understand that my negligence may result in injury to another person or equipment. I take full responsibility and hold harmless Project Imo from any claims, demands, or causes of action which are associated with my negligence.”

 

  1. “I expressly agree and promise to accept and assume all of the risks existing in this activity. My participation in this activity is purely voluntary, and I elect to participate in spite of the risks.”

 

  1. “I hereby voluntarily release, forever discharge, and agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Project Imo from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action, which are in any way connected with my participation in this activity or my use of PI’s equipment or facilities.”

 

  1. Should Project Imo or anyone acting on their behalf be required to incur attorney’s fees and cost to enforce this agreement, I agree to indemnify and hold them harmless for all such fees and costs.

 

  1. I have read and fully understand the trip description and registration form, medical contact form, and any other materials provided by Project Imo regarding the trip. I have had the opportunity to ask any questions that I may have about the trip and related activities and the responsibilities and risk involved. All of my questions have been fully answered.

 

  1. I certify that I have adequate insurance to cover any injury or damage I may cause or suffer while participating, or else I agree to bear the cost of such injury or damage myself. I further certify that I have no medical or physical conditions, which could interfere with my safety in this activity, or else I am willing to assume, and bear the cost of, all risks that may be created, directly or indirectly, by such condition.

 

  1. In the event that I file a lawsuit against Project Imo, I agree to do so solely in the State of Connecticut, and I further agree that the substantive law of that state shall apply in that action without regard to the conflict of law rules of that state


I AM ALSO AWARE THAT MANY RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES CAN BE HAZARDOUS. I AM VOLUNTARILY PARTICIPATING IN SUCH ACTIVITIES, WITH KNOWLEDGE OF THE DANGERS INVOLVED. I AGREE TO ACCEPT ALL RISKS OF INJURY OR LOSS OF ANY KIND ASSOCIATED WITH OR RESULTING FROM SUCH ACTIVITY. 

I, for myself, legal representatives, heirs and assigns, hereby release, waive and discharge Project Imo, its officers, employees, directors, shareholders and its parent and affiliated companies (“Releasees”), from all liability to me, legal representatives, heirs and assigns, for any and all loss or damage, and any claims or damages resulting therefrom, on account of injury to my person or property, even injury resulting in my death, while I am participating in said activity and/or being transported to or from said event, unless such loss is caused solely by the willful misconduct of a Releasee. 

Medical Disclosure:  I neither know of nor have any reason to believe that I have any medical condition and certify that I am not taking any prescription or non-prescription drugs that could either result in injury to me or others if I participate in any activity during the Project Imo program, become excited, agitated or anxious, assist in rescue situations, provide emergency care, receive emergency care or other first aid (i.e., due to an infectious disease, diabetes or other condition) or otherwise adversely affect my ability to participate in this event.  

I acknowledge that if anyone is hurt or property is damaged during my participation in this activity, I may be found by a court of law to have waived my right to maintain a lawsuit against Project Imo on the basis of any claim from which I have released them herein. 

I hereby grant to Project Imo all rights necessary to enable Project Imo to use, reproduce, assign, and/or distribute, in all forms and in any media, my image and/or photograph or video, and any such other items related to my use of the Project Imo programs and events for promotion and/or education purposes. I have had sufficient opportunity to read this entire document. I have read and understood it, and I agree to be bound by its terms. 

In consideration of (Print minor’s name) (“Minor”) being permitted by Project Imo to participate in its activities and to use its equipment and facilities, I further agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Project Imo from any and all claims which are brought by, or on behalf of Minor, and which are in any way connected with such use or participation by Minor. 

Guidelines for Hiking Programs - DOWNLOAD

Thank you for choosing Project Imo programs! We’re excited to take a journey with you. There are a few things that you need to prepare for in advance of your day with us.

CLOTHING

  • We will be outside. This means you need to dress appropriately. We will proceed in variable weather conditions so please check the forecast the day(s) of the program. Rain cover is required if there is any chance of inclement weather.
  • Dress in layers that will prepare you for different kinds of weather specific to our region depending on the time of year
  • Sturdy, close-toed shoes-trail sneakers or boots; with socks are REQUIRED
  • Long pants are strongly suggested to protect from tick-borne illness.
  • Long-sleeved t-shirt or shirt are strongly suggested
  • Winter hat or something similar if appropriate for time of year
  • Winter gloves or something similar to keep your hands warm if appropriate for time of year


SUPPLIES

TO BE TURNED IN TO YOUR PROJECT IMO TEAM CONTACT PERSON THE WEEK PRIOR TO YOUR PROGRAM:

  • Signed (1) “Guidelines” (this form), (2) “Waiver and Acknowledgement Agreement”, and (3) “Health and Medical Background-Emergency Contact Information” forms

REQUIRED ON THE DAY OF THE PROGRAM:

  • Positive Identification if adult, Insurance Card or information (in case of emergency)
  • Water bottle (with your name on it) and any food or snacks are outlined in your program contract
  • A backpack, bug spray, sunscreen, light source (flashlight, headlamp)


PARTICIPATION

  • Project Imo hiking programs are an adventure. Come prepared with an attitude and an appetite for the exciting, the new, the ambiguous, and the profound. Leave your troubles behind, open your mind, and get ready for a great experience.
  • Group hiking is a cooperative experience. Pace and trail etiquette are discussed at the onset of the program. If the Project Imo facilitators need to adapt the pace to ensure everyone is included and can safely participate, everyone on the program must follow directions for safety.
  • We use the model “Challenge of Choice.” You are not required to do anything if you feel it poses unreasonable physical or psychological stress to you; you will be challenged to go beyond your comfort zone and to take new risks.
  • Because of safety risks inherent in an adventure program, you must follow the directions of the facilitators.


TRAIL READINESS & ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY

  • All participants in Project Imo, Inc. sponsored hikes must be able to complete the following requirements WITHOUT ASSISTANCE or WITH ASSISTANCE FROM A TRAINED, 1-on-1 AID,
  • Effectively warn other participants or staff of personal distress, injury, illness, or need for assistance,
  • Effectively warn others of impending adverse conditions such as tree branches, tripping hazards, falling rocks, steep elevation, animals and insects, rapid water, and other environmental hazards.
  • Communicate effectively up to a distance of 50 feet to alert program participants of hazards or distress.
  • Understand and follow basic instructions, such as urgent directions to move, stop, or other actions.
  • Travel during inclement weather.
  • Communicate nonverbally, potentially at night and in low-light conditions, through use of systems such as hand signals, rope tugs, body movement, etc.
  • Perform necessary self-care in remote or outdoor environment, including maintaining hydration and nutrition, dressing appropriately for the weather, maintaining personal hygiene and toileting, managing personal medical conditions, and utilizing safety gear.
  • Must be able to traverse uneven, rocky, or sometimes unstable terrain both up and downhill.
  • Travel without stopping at pace for up to half an hour if conditions become dangerous.
  • With a backpack or similar item, carry personal and/or group gear if necessary and under adverse for a period of time equivalent to half the scheduled outing.
  • Sustain for a potential two-hour extension of the planned activity in case of emergency.


TRAIL FIRST AID

  • Each facilitator carries a First Aid kit and supplies; let us know if you need anything.


Trail Specific Information

TRAIL ETTIQUITTE

  • Pace- Project Imo trip leaders will work to ensure that the person in the lead of the trail line does not carry a pace where they spend time waiting for the group to catch up, and the person at the end of the line never gets a rest. We will hike as a group.
  • Leave No Trace- all Project Imo programs follow Leave No Trace principals. Our staff will cover the basics of these critical practices before we hit the trail.
  • Project Imo hiking participants must be able to work together in a cooperative manner to ensure safe and successful exploration of our greenspaces. This may include problem solving and flexibility to adapt to changing natural environments


INSECT-BORNE ILLNESS

Mosquitos and ticks are vector species for infectious bloodborne diseases. Both can transmit potentially serious viruses through bites. There are two main ways to reduce the risk of infectious bites. Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas. . Many species of mosquitos live in forests, marshes, and tall grasses. All species of mosquitos like water.

  • PROTECTION – We recommend placing a barrier between exposed skin and potential bites. This can include a combination of bug repellent sprays and clothing. Long pants and sleeves when travelling in tall grasses and underbrush are recommended, as are close-toed shoes and socks. The Centers for Disease Control recommend bug sprays containing EPA-registered insect repellents and treating clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin. (but do not use directly on skin). Insect-barrier nets that cover your head are recommended when mosquitos are prevalent.

  • BEHAVIORS – Walk to the center of trails if at all possible. If your travels take you through brush or tall grass, conduct a tick-check. Check your clothing for ticks, shower after you return home, and on extended time outdoors, check your body for ticks. Conduct a full body check including under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, back of the knees, between the legs, and around the waist. Avoid standing water to reduce interactions with mosquitos.


I acknowledge that I have read these guidelines, and agree to abide by them while participating at in Project Imo programming:

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & MEDIA RELEASE

Media Release: Project Imo, Inc. periodically uses electronic and traditional media for publicity, educational, or advertising purposes. By indicating my stance and providing my signature on this form, I acknowledge receipt of this document and deny or give permission to Project Imo, Inc. and its agents to use such reproductions of my person in any and all forms of media for educational, publicity, or advertising purposes in perpetuity without further consideration from me.

I hereby waive any right to inspect or approve the finished photographs or printed or electronic matter that may be used in conjunction with them now or in the future, whether that use is known to me or unknown, and I waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising from or related to the use of the photograph.

I understand that I will need to notify Project Imo, Inc. if any changes to my situation occur that will impact this media release permission.

Health and Medical Background Screening - DOWNLOAD

As part of the registration process for participation in our expedition program, participants are required to complete a health and medical screening form. This form collects basic demographic information and asks about any health problems, limiting physical disabilities or handicaps, allergies, reactions to medication, medical limitations, current medications and reasons, and medical insurance information. Participants acknowledge that this form is a mandatory part of the registration process and must be completed and submitted prior to the commencement of the expedition. The form will be made available for download upon completion of the registration process and will also be included in the confirmation email sent to participants.

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