Overview
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi, Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist, political ethicist and nonviolence resistance leader
Welcome to Turning Green Classroom, where we will become informed, inspired and mobilized to effect positive change across our lives, schools and communities worldwide. Each of the 25 themed activities are accompanied by an educational overview and library of resources, to be absorbed and explored on your own time!
To begin this journey, let’s think about our WHY.
Why are you here? What caught your attention? Piqued your interest? Sparked something within? Perhaps it has to do with a story you heard about climate change, a favorite outdoor spot or a passion for animals, maybe related to the food on your plate, the bottle you fill with water or the light switch you turn on and off daily, even the clothes in your closet, products in your cupboard or trash truck driving down the street. Understanding the nuances of climate change, environmental science, sustainability and public health may seem overwhelming, but there is so much we CAN do — because everything is interconnected. And we are a big part of that. All you have to do is open your mind, commit to take the first step, and dare to choose action over apathy. And that starts right here in the Turning Green Classroom.
We believe in the power of one and the capacity of YOUth to make tangible, lasting, positive change. TGC is here to demonstrate that our individual decisions have a major impact. Throughout this month, you will learn how to live your life in a way that positively impacts people and planet, alongside many movements, organizations, companies and platforms that are living proof of this very philosophy. Together, we can work toward creating the healthy, sustainable, just future we want for ourselves, the people we love, our one planet and collective future.
THINK
TGC is about transformation — and transformation is a process. In order to transform, it is important to first understand who you are right now at this moment. That way, you can look back after engaging with Turning Green Classroom to see the difference, the growth, the change that you have experienced personally.
ACTIVITY
How do you view your power to effect change? Think back on the past year. Have you changed your behaviors or the way you use your voice and take action for the planet ?
- Write one thing that you have learned over the past year
- Write one way you have changed over the past year
- Write one thing that you are proud to have accomplished over the past year
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
We never truly know what the future holds — for ourselves, for the environment, for our communities or for humanity. If we learned anything from 2020, it’s that the world can change in the blink of an eye, each moment changing what we thought we knew the day before. If youhad the superpowers to control the future, how would you want it to look?
ACTIVITY
Watch this video from Prince EA called “Dear Future Generations, I’m Sorry.” Take a moment to reflect on how this timeless video made you feel.
- Get creative with a collage!
- Digital Option:
- Find at least one photo that you think captures the world we live in today. Find another photo that captures the world you envision creating for the future. You can use your own photos or ones you find online (cited correctly, of course!).
- Use Photoblend or another overlay application to blend the images to create a contrasting image that tells a story about the present and hopes for the future.
- Feel free to add an inspiring caption or quote that represents the image you made.
- Print Option:
- Gather old magazines, newspapers, posters or printed images you can cut up.
- Look for some that represent our world as it currently stands and the world you desire. Don’t be afraid to get creative and take things out of context. Cut out the images that speak to you.
- Rearrange the clippings and paste them onto a new surface (paper, cardboard, a cereal box, etc.). Try to build one cohesive image with contrasts that tell a story!
- Feel free to cut out and include words and phrases that connect to the photos.
- Digital Option:
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
We believe one is a powerful number. Why? Because every movement starts with one. With someone. Even though the state of our planet may feel overwhelming and you might not know where to begin, we know that one person has the power to impact big, bold change. Using your voice is a powerful act.
ACTIVITY
Make something creative that highlights WHY you are participating in Turning Green Classroom. Why does this matter to you?
It could be a one minute video, written prose, dance, song, poem, drawing, sculpture, painting, t-shirt design, or something else entirely — the format is up to you. Think about the types of things that go viral on social media or those which appeal to you. Have fun! Express yourself! Craft an engaging piece!
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.