Possible Local Coordinator Greenheart Projects

Created on 10/18/2012

What is an LC Greenheart Project?

An LC Greenheart Project is a project you design for your students to get involved in volunteering for the environment or a social cause. You can receive funding for LC projects and can earn up to two LC points for successful completion of a project.

Where do you begin?

Start by submitting a proposal to the Greenheart Coordinator in the Chicago office and you can also apply to receive up to $500 of funding for the project. The proposal and evaluation forms can be found in your online resources in the database.

What are the benefits?

For each completed Greenheart project LCs can earn up to two points. This is also a great way to get to know your students while serving your community.

What will you find in this guide?

This guide contains numerous ideas for projects that you can lead with your students ranging from environmental causes to community building. It is important for you to remember that the Greenheart Club is always here to support you and your project and we are more than happy to work with you to tailor these ideas to your community and group of students. Feel free to e-mail us at greenheart@cci-exchange.org with any questions.

Created on 10/18/2012

Possible LC Greenheart Projects

These are projects that can qualify for conference points!

Conservation and Clean-Up

One of the easiest projects you can do is to volunteer with a conservation organization in your area. What natural resources or parks exist near you? Lakes? Rivers? Forests? Even public parks and gardens often have Friends of the parks or Friends of the River conservation groups that organize workdays when volunteers can come out and do conservation work or litter removal. With the organizations help, you can set up a workday for your students. Ideally, this will include an education component about why preservation is important along with the volunteer activity. If any of your students are particularly excited about the project, work with them to set up a regular volunteer schedule. They can earn huge points in the Greenheart Contest for this, and possibly win an all-expenses-paid trip to Chicago! Make sure they submit a separate project proposal to make sure the project qualifies.

Created on 10/18/2012

Possible LC Greenheart Projects

These are projects that can qualify for conference points!

From Farm to Table

Make a connection with a local, noncorporate organic farm. Try these websites as resources: http://www.localharvest.org/ http://www.wwoof.org/ http://www.wwoofusa.org/ http://farmersmarket.com/ (A great way to find contacts at local organic farms is to go to your local farmers market, and ask the farmers there.) Action: Visit the farm with your students. If possible, do some volunteer work. Education: Arrange for the farmers to explain to your students why it is important to use organic techniques, and to give some history about how U.S. agricultural policy effects the environment. Talk about how buying local food is important to health, the environment, the economy, etc. Extra: If the farm sells food, buy some, and cook a local, organic meal from scratch with your students. Share recipes. (This could also be a potluck.) Or, get ingredients and make your own chemical free soap and cleaning products.

Created on 10/18/2012

Possible LC Greenheart Projects

These are projects that can qualify for conference points!

School Partnerships

Find out if one of your schools has an environmental club or a teacher whose curriculum relates to Greenheart. Set up a meeting with the students who run the group or the teacher. Find out what kind of events or projects they do, and figure out how you can take an active role in the project, or do a parallel project. Simply having your students participate will not count! a) Carbon Footprint Perform an in-depth energy audit of your schools campus using the Climate Change Emission Calculator Kit (http://www.epa.gov/ climatechange/wycd/ school.html). Detailed information about your schools energy use, waste, and land management is used to calculate greenhouse gas emissions. For cute videos on carbon, go to http://www.npr.org/ news/specials/climate/video/ For ideas on energy audits, visit the U.S. Department of Energys Web site at http:// www.eere.energy.gov/ ) b) Community Gardening Plant native species of plants and flowers at a school. Or, start a
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plot in a school, community, or church garden, and donate the food to a local food pantry. c) Compost Set up a composting worm bin making sure there is a teacher involved to maintain it. An awesome way to partner with a school CCI will help fund the materials! http://www.cityfarmer.org/ wormcomp61.html http://compost.css.cornell.edu/ worms/basics.html http:// www.redwormcomposting.com/

Possible LC Greenheart Projects

These are projects that can qualify for conference points!

Alternative Fuel Advocacy

Education: Have students research which fuel sources are used to generate electricity for their community. Why are these fuels used (cost, convenience, natural resource availability)? Are alternative fuels available? Consider looking for local organizations that advocate for alternative fuel sources in your community. Visit the organizations or have a representative speak to your students. Action: Have each student write a letter to local or national politicians, encouraging them to provide funding for research and promotion of fuels that will reduce contributions to climate change. Make sure they include reasoning in their letter, explaining how their fuel choice will reduce climate change.

Created on 10/18/2012

Possible LC Greenheart Projects

These are projects that can qualify for conference points!

Interview a climate witness

A great way to connect your students with older folks in your community is to collect oral histories from older relatives or community members. Ask them to explain how climate (temperatures, rainfall, long-term weather patterns) has changed during their lifetime. You can ask them to set up their own interview, or arrange a group meeting with folks from your church or community. Or, contact your local nursing home and take a group of students to visit the residents. Each of them can visit a different person and do a climate witness interview. You can then document climate change in your community by combining these oral histories in a book to share with other community members. To see photos and interviews from folks around the world participating in a similar project, go to http://www.panda.org/ climatewitness.

Visit Facingthefuture.org for more information.

Created on 10/18/2012

Possible LC Greenheart Projects

These are projects that can qualify for conference points!

Recycling Drive

STEP 1: Pick your recycled items What will you collect? See our resource list below to find out how organizations are creatively recycling batteries, tennis shoes, cell phones, and printer cartridges, and find out if you can raise money through them. Is it possible to use these recycling services where you are living? STEP 2: Connect with others Start asking around for help! Since you can use this project as a fundraiser, you might try connecting with a club or group that could use the money for their activities or programs. STEP 3: Get organized

STEP 3 (Continued):

Where will you put the collection point? Get permission from the school official or business owner where the drive will take place. Can you have more than one collection spot? Get the word out. Announce the drive at as many places as possible, and let everyone know if the drive will double as a fundraiser. Try setting a goal for the number of items you want to collect.

Figure out how and when you will ship the items to the recycling organizations. Some will pay for postage, but others will not.

STEP 4: Enjoy the drive! Check your collection points regularly to make sure the bins arent overflowing. Take pictures to document the project. And be gracious and thank everyone who participates. Dont forget to clean up after the drive ends!

Created on 10/18/2012

Possible LC Greenheart Projects

These are projects that can qualify for conference points!

Recycling Resources

Non-profits, schools and community groups can raise money through cell phone recycling. Over $5,000,000 has been earned by thousands of participating schools and organizations. Check with the organizations below for specific information about shipping and fundraising logistics. Cell Phones and Printer Cartridges: _ http://www.fundingfactory.com/ programs/recycling _ http://www.recyclefirst.com/ _ http://www.grcrecycling.com/ programs/cell-phone-collections/ index.cfm http://www.recycleplace.com/ Batteries: _ http://www.batteryrecycling.com/ Other Useful Links: National Recycling Coalition- http:// www.nrc-recycle.org/ America Recycles Day http:// americarecyclesday.org/ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/ index.htm

Visit http://www.favecrafts.com/ Green-Crafting/11-Earth-DayProjects/ct/1# for ideas on crafts from recycled materials like the photo of a plastic bottle birdhouse above.

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Possible LC Greenheart Projects

These are projects that can qualify for conference points! Will growing branches be bumped by trucks or buses? Is there sufficient space for the growing trunk and the spreading roots? Are there any underground utilities? Is the site likely to remain for the trees lifespan or is there likely to be development, expansion or street widening that will necessitate tree removal? STEP 2: Pick your trees What will you plant? In deciding what trees to plant, you should consider varieties that not only look nice in your community but, more importantly, are local or native to your region. Introducing a different type of tree can have adverse effects on the local ecology. Take some time to research which trees are native to your region. Local libraries, nature centers, and forest preserves are great resources for information. You can also consult the Arbor Day website and search local tree varieties by entering your zip code: http://www.arborday.org/ shopping/trees/trees.cfm? trackingid=52 STEP 3: Spread the word and recruit assistance Have your CCI students be involved throughout the planning process. Assigning different tasks can be engaging for the students and help alleviate the overall workload. As with other projects, you may consider teaming up with other environmental clubs or community groups. If you become a member of the Arbor Day Foundation you can receive 10 free trees (membership fee is $10). Trees are also available to purchase on their website: http://www.arborday.org/

Tree Planting

Planting trees can be a very satisfying project because you see the physical results almost immediately. In addition to providing shade and beautifying our communities, trees also have a positive impact on the environment. Trees help reduce the Greenhouse Effect by absorbing carbon dioxide. Carbon is replaced with oxygen in the air. Trees can also help prevent soil erosion and water pollution as well as filter polluting elements in the air we breathe (including nitrogen oxides and ozone). STEP 1: Identify a site Where will you plant the trees? Finding a good location for your new trees will be essential for a successful project. Are there vacant lots in your neighborhood? Is there community property in need of reforestation? Whether you choose public or private land, it is important to receive the proper permission before you plant any trees. In some cases, permits will be necessary. Dont let this stop you! The Arbor Day Foundation suggests considering the following questions when picking a tree planting site:
Created on 10/18/2012

Possible LC Greenheart Projects

These are projects that can qualify for conference points!

Contact the U.S. Forest Service

Visit http://www.fs.fed.us/ volunteer/volunteercoordinators.shtml and get in touch with the volunteer coordinator for your region to find out about local forest preservation service projects.

Created on 10/18/2012

Possible LC Greenheart Projects

These are projects that can qualify for conference points!

Local environmental concerns

Farmland erosion? Forest fires? Polluted watersheds? Find a local environmental group to teach your student about local concerns, and then do a volunteer project with them. Houston, TX: http:// www.cleanhouston.org/ Minnesota: http:// www.mnaction.org/ Illinois: http://www.dot.il.gov/ aah/default.html New York: http:// nyc.snowmageddoncleanup.com/

DID YOU KNOW?

40% of Americas rivers and 46% of Americas lakes are too polluted for fishing, swimming, or aquatic life. Every year, one American produces over 3,285 pounds of hazardous waste. Over 80% of items in landfills can be recycled, but theyre not.

http://www.dosomething.org/ tipsandtools/11-facts-about-pollution

Created on 10/18/2012

Possible LC Greenheart Projects

These are projects that can qualify for conference points! Visit one of the following websites for ideas on where you can donate:

Food Pantry

Feeding America: http:// feedingamerica.org/ Ample Harvest: http:// www.ampleharvest.org/findpantry.php

Host a food drive at your local high school, church or food pantry! A project like this would be easy to include a large group of volunteers. Consider starting with a theme based on the time of year and do not be afraid to collect canned goods during the off season. There are numerous food drives that occur around the holidays, but a late winter/spring drive would help replenish the resources that have certainly been used in November and December. Education: When gathering volunteers who will participate in the food drive, educate them on where the donations will be going and who benefits from these gifts. Then, when the volunteers are collecting donations, they will be able to share that information with the donors. Action: Find a venue to host the food drive (such as a high school or church) where community members can drop off donations. Plan ahead for a large vehicle to be available to transport donations and make sure you have a destination, too.

Created on 10/18/2012

Possible LC Greenheart Projects

These are projects that can qualify for conference points!

Animal Shelter

Host an event at a local animal shelter. The volunteers can help out at the shelter while they learn how to properly care for a pet. They can help with walking the dogs, cleaning up around the shelter and any other minimal work the shelter may need assistance with. Education: Ask a worker at the shelter to talk to the volunteers about statistics of the animals in their facility. They will gain a greater appreciation for animals and the positive influences they can have on a family. Action: Create an event where volunteers can help out around the shelter and dedicate time to have them take time to draw flyers to raise animal awareness. There can even be a part of the day where exchange students give short, informal presentations about endangered animals in their home countries. The Humane Society: http:// www.humanesociety.org/ ASPCA: http://www.aspca.org/AboutUs

More ideas on how to volunteer at a shelter:

Dog walking Cat care Borrow a dog Headstart Special events Photography Pet descriptions

*Visit http://bloomington.in.gov/ sections/viewSection.php? section_id=304 for complete descriptions.

Created on 10/18/2012

Possible LC Greenheart Projects

These are projects that can qualify for conference points!

Working with the elderly community

Connect with a local senior citizens day care, nursing home or assisted living center. This is a great way for the volunteers to learn empathy and respect for older citizens of the community. Education: Have a small group discussion with the volunteers before the project and encourage the exchange students to talk about how the elderly are treated in their home countries. Share ideas on stereotypes and ask the volunteers what they can do to combat any negative stereotypes and actions toward the elderly. Action: Organize an afternoon to be spent with the elderly and have the volunteers play games together, work on a craft as a group, or share photos. For more personalized small groups, pair two volunteers with one or two senior citizens. These smaller groups will create environments that encourage more open conversation and dialogue between the group members. National Council on Aging: http:// www.ncoa.org/national-institute-ofsenior-centers/

Created on 10/18/2012

Possible LC Greenheart Projects

These are projects that can qualify for conference points!

Disabilities

Work with a local group that cares for community members with disabilities (physical or mental) and connect them with volunteers. This is a way for the disabled to feel welcomed to the group and allows them to make new friends. Education: Divide the group of those with special needs and the volunteers in to smaller groups (about 3-5 total, depending on the size of the whole group), and have each group brainstorm ideas on characteristics that they all have in common. They could also share something that makes each person unique. The small groups will then report back to the whole group with interesting traits that unite them and also what makes each person unique and special. Action: The volunteers can spend the rest of the afternoon visiting at the community center and playing games, outdoor activities, crafts and creating friendships! Special Olympics: http:// www.specialolympics.org/

Special Olympics Testimonials: Win or lose, were going to have fun! Casey Smutylo, Athlete The connection to Special Olympics Ontario has given (my daughter) an opportunity to shine. Weve seen her confidence and ability grow and she has no fear now. Mary Lisi, Parent of Special Olympics Athlete
http://www.specialolympicsontario.com/default.asp? contentID=48

Created on 10/18/2012

Possible LC Greenheart Projects

These are projects that can qualify for conference points!

Libraries

Visit your local library and work with a librarian to plan a project that can connect the exchange students with the local community members. Try coming up with a theme that pertains to the season, a holiday such as Columbus Day or Martin Luther King Day, or a broad theme of international education/cultures. Education: The volunteers can educate the community members on the various topics pertaining to the overall theme and teach about the importance of literacy. Action: The volunteers can work in pairs to plan details on what/how they are going to educate other community members and after their presentations, be available to read with children. The New York Public Library has great examples of individual volunteer work for students: http:// www.nypl.org/help/about-nypl/ volunteer-nypl Visit the Brooklyn Public Library for more ideas: http:// www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/ support/volunteer/create-your-ownassignment

Created on 10/18/2012

Possible LC Greenheart Projects

These are projects that can qualify for conference points!

National Organizations

Corporation for National & Community Service: http:// www.nationalservice.gov/about/ role_impact/state_profiles.asp Americas Natural and Cultural Resources Volunteer Portal: http://www.volunteer.gov/gov/ The American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/ The Environmental Protection Agency: http://yosemite.epa.gov/ water/volmon.nsf/Home?openform National Volunteer Week: http:// www.pointsoflight.org/signatureevents/national-volunteer-week The National Honor Society and the National Junior Honor Society: http://www.nhs.us/IdeaSharing.aspx UNICEF: http://www.unicef.org/index.php Boys and Girls Clubs of America: http://www.bgca.org/Pages/index.aspx The Salvation Army: http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/ www_usn_2.nsf The Rotary Club: http://www.rotary.org/en/Pages/ ridefault.aspx
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Visit one of the websites listed on this page for inspiration on volunteer projects and opportunities that you can bring to your community!