Tools for Taking Action

So, you’re ready for taking action, but need a little help? Check these links out. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, email us at education@cpawscalgary.org.

Tools for Taking Action Action Ideas Tips Youth Action Website Teacher’s Guide

Action Ideas

Looking for a little inspiration? Check out our Action Menu for ideas on different kinds of action projects. Download the pdf Action Menu

Visit our Awesome Action Web page to find out what other students have done.

Take David Suzuki’s Nature Challenge 4 Kids (NC4K):
http://www.davidsuzuki.org/kids

Calculate your class’s Ecofootprint, and find ways to reduce your impact on the environment. Visit www.myfootprint.org for an on-line calculator.

Consider doing a project that supports CPAWS’ programs.  Check out our on-going campaigns by clicking on the green campaign buttons on the left side of the screen.
Click here to link to organizations that offer animal adoptions.

Find a creative way to raise money to “adopt” an endangered species. Click here to view links to organizations that offer animal adoptions.

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Tips for Successful Projects

A group of high school students in the Florida Lee County Schools program developed these guidelines for achieving successful action projects.

Take only positive actions: Be for something you propose, rather than against something someone else proposes.

Listen to all viewpoints: Empathize and treat every person you encounter as you wish to be treated, with respect and consideration

Do your homework: Research your problem or issue and become an “expert” about all sides of the issue. Be sure to research who supports and who is against your position.

Avoid stereotyping: It is easy to lump individuals into a category or group. This limits possibilities and shuts down communication.

Avoid the blame game: Don’t blame your lack of success on something or someone else. Accept responsibility and move on.

Recycle: If at first you don’t succeed – rethink and start again. Be persistent: Don’t give up! Environmental problems are some of the most complex. Break your project into smaller pieces with mini-goals along the way. Think big, but act in small achievable steps and you will attain your goal if you persist.

Celebrate: Nothing motivates people more than a party, so be sure to celebrate the mini-successes every step of the way, and especially when you finish.

Adapted from: Hammond, William (1997) “Educating for Action: A Framework for Thinking about the Place of Action in Environmental Education.” Green Teacher Winter 1996-97. pp6-14.

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Visit the Youth Action Website

Ch-ch-check it out! Meet other action-oriented youth, apply for an internship, or find other action ideas at this wicked website.
http://www.green-street.ca/youth_action_center/English/index.htm

Teacher’s Guide to Community Environmental Action

We’ve created this resource to help teachers mentor their students through successful action projects. There are ideas, links, support and more.
Download the PDF here.

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