Overview
“Do not look the other way; do not hesitate. Recognize that the world is hungry for action, not words.
Act with courage and vision.” – Nelson Mandela
Imagine dropping a tiny pebble into a still pond. What happens? The one pebbles starts a series of ripples that get bigger and bigger, expanding outwards, until they reach the entire pond. You are that pebble. You can have that kind of massive impact simply by standing up, speaking out, and living a life aligned with your values.
You’ve learned through Turning Green Classroom how every action has both positive and negative impacts, whether we desire or not. Think about your own life since you were sparked to eco-action. How have you changed? Who have you inspired? What impact have you achieved? And what have you learned about your inner power as a changemaker?
With dedication, intention and passion for people and planet, YOU, one person, fuel specific and widespread change. Now, it’s time to take all you have learned and develop a climate action project for relevant, real world, actionable impact.
What is a climate action project?
A climate action project is a well-thought-out plan to make tangible, relevant, positive change in your school or community with a focus on the environment.
You have been preparing for this all throughout TGC! Think of the activities where you created a project proposal or investigated practices in your life, school and communities. This time, the goal is to use your brilliant mind to think outside of the box and create a campaign you can actually get started!
THINK
With all of the important issues facing our planet, all of the amazing things you have learned, and all of your incredible skills and talents, it can be difficult to pick just one thing to focus on. Sometimes choosing what action to take prohibits us from taking any action, but we must begin!
To help organize thoughts, think about some of the major themes that Turning Green Classroom focuses on: Food, Waste, Organic, Biodiversity, Wellness, Justice, Energy.
ACTIVITY
Which TGC topics caught your attention the most? Which did you feel the most passion about? What can you see yourself spending time and energy working towards?
Pick three themes that most resonate.
- Write a short reflection about why each was impactful to you. What did you learn about this theme that made you angry, hopeful, motivated or inspired? What about it connects with you?
Find or make a visual depiction of the themes. You could take a photo of something you see, draw a picture of something you imagine, or find a photo online that shows each theme’s personal and global importance.
Don’t forget to post about the challenge and your learnings/doings on social media and tag us on Facebook @TurningGreen, on Twitter @TurningGreenOrg, and on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg and use #TGClassroom.
THINK
Which theme was the easiest to write about in the Green activity, allowing words and ideas to flow from your fingers and mind?
ACTIVITY
With that theme in mind, think about how you can apply this passion to your own community. Imagine a potential project idea that you would be interested in bringing to life locally. Think about the spaces you have access to, communities that you are a part of, and skills you have or want to develop.
Write down answers to these questions:
- What is the issue in your community that you want to address?
- How do you want to address it?
- What do you hope to achieve with this project?
Don’t forget to post about the challenge and your learnings/doings on social media and tag us on Facebook @TurningGreen, on Twitter @TurningGreenOrg, and on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg and use #TGClassroom.
THINK
If you think you can accomplish something, you can! If you think you are a changemaker, you are! If you lead with mindfulness, intention and purpose, your actions will be far-reaching and powerful. We see you as a climate changemaker, and want you to see yourself as one too!
ACTIVITY
Make a realistic outline of your project. Answer these questions:
- Timeline: What timeline will my project follow? Can I do it while I’m in school or should I wait for summer break? Will the seasonal weather impact my project?
- Cost: How much will my project cost? Will the cost be all upfront or spread out over a long period? After the project is implemented, will it require money to maintain?
- Logistics: Can I do this project on my own or do I need help? Do I have what I need to do this project or do I need tools? Do I have adequate time to do this project?
- Measuring Outcomes: How will I know if my project is a success?
- Impact: What will the impact of my project be in the short term? What about after a few months or years?
As you make this list, talk to other students, staff, faculty, administration and local leaders to hear ideas and opinions. Incorporate wisdom and advice into your planning!
Don’t forget to post about the challenge and your learnings/doings on social media and tag us on Facebook @TurningGreen, on Twitter @TurningGreenOrg, and on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg and use #TGClassroom.