PARTNERS
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
— Nelson Mandela, anti-apartheid revolutionary, statesman and philanthropist
Schools are where we live, learn, and develop the intellectual foundation for the rest of our lives. At Turning Green, we believe school campuses and communities are one of the best starting points for change. All of us have the potential to bring more sustainability, equity, and justice into our school environments. Chances are, other students and teachers are already interested — and waiting for someone to reach out and make things happen. That person could be YOU! Sparking change on a massive scale begins by starting with one campus, then branching out to nearby schools and beyond. Step by step, together with classmates, leaders and partners, we can build the capacity necessary for real, lasting, positive impact.
The COVID-19 pandemic completely shifted schools and education, requiring everyone to adapt to a new reality of online learning with countless challenges, as well as opportunities. Suddenly, your classroom was at your fingertips, connecting with teachers, mentors and peers happened by logging onto a call, and virtual mobilization proved not only possible, but uniquely powerful. As we slowly move toward a world with increased gatherings in person, new uses of technology have opened doors for young climate activists around the world.
Student-led movements have always been powerful catalysts for societal change. Motivated young people have limitless potential and immense capability! From school strikes for climate to divesting from fossil fuels to standing for racial justice in higher education, March for Our Lives to movements to ban glyphosate on campuses, students just like you are rising up locally and globally in support of a safe, healthy, just planet. Your work on one campus can lead to growth, even national and international momentum. Every movement begins with taking the first step. Youth leaders have been and remain vital in fighting for social justice. The civil rights movement, especially in the 1960s and onwards, relied heavily on young activists. The Greensboro Lunch Counter sit-in, a historically crucial moment, was led by students. Even if your actions feel individual or small, know that a better future begins with you.
In the face of COVID-19, schools adapted, pivoted, transformed rapidly, decisively and massively. Now ask yourself: what other changes might make your school a better, more just and sustainable place? Push those issues! Schools, like any institution, change because of people power, because of our voices, demands, coalitions and collaborative action. This can take many forms, including the work of organizations like our partner AASHE, empowering faculty, administrators, staff and students to advance sustainability throughout higher education and equip leaders to solve sustainability challenges. Our partner Captain Planet Foundation provides students, educators and schools with project-based curriculum like Project Hero around local species and ecosystems, as well as onsite learning laboratories through Project Learning Garden, and much more to engage and empower K-12 problem-solvers for the planet. Our partner RW Garcia ensures students have access to snacks that are healthier and irresistible on campuses and beyond that contribute to the health of people and planet.
And change can be enacted through direct academic channels. Programs, majors and departments dedicated to environmental studies, sustainability across disciplines, and social justice are becoming more common. New areas of education are rising to rightful prominence, and schools are responding to meet the interests and priorities of the next generation.
Before you begin today’s challenge, please join the 2021 PGC Facebook group. You’ll need to use it in the next few days!
For the past year and a half, school has looked different; classrooms became video meetings and we were immersed in a virtual reality. Now, you may be slowly moving back to in-person academic settings, though the role of technology and digital platforms continue to shape our lives, connections, and both formal and informal education.
Tell us about what “learning” has meant to you in the past year and a half.
Craft a response in 100 to 200 words.
Now, share ONE insight about how your understanding of education has changed since the start of the pandemic. Post words, a graphic or image on Instagram. Tag @TurningGreenOrg and #PGC2021, as well as any school accounts to ensure young voices are heard!
Upload a PDF Document with your response, including a screenshot of your social media post. Include your name (or team name), username, and school.
Submission Guidelines
It’s time to reverse the roles. Give your school a report card!
Look back at the PGC challenges you have completed and consider these themes in the context of your campus. How is your school performing? In what areas does it excel? Where is there room for improvement?
Pick five PGC themes and give your school a grade, along with specific comments and recommendations for ways to improve what exists, as well as introduce new programs, classes, clubs or campus initiatives.
Post a visual depiction of this report card on Instagram. Tag your school (any and all relevant accounts!), @TurningGreenOrg and #PGC2021.
Upload a PDF Document with your response, including a screenshot of your social media post. Include your name (or team name), username, and school.
Submission Guidelines
Schools across the United States and around the world are responding to student interest in majors and minors related to the environment, climate, food systems, environmental justice, and more by offering classes, seminar series, programs and opportunities dedicated to the subjects. Let’s look into what’s out there!
Find 3 to 5 colleges or universities with strong sustainability-focused majors or minors.
Using this research as inspiration, how would you adapt these programs to make your dream class — one that you would love to take next semester? Write a detailed overview with as many specifics as possible.
Share your guide on social media, making sure to tag your school administration. Let’s drum up excitement around relevant, sustainability-related education we want to see in schools! Tag @TurningGreenOrg and #PGC2021, as always.
Upload a PDF Document with responses to the questions, as well as a course outline (minimum 300 words). Include your name (or team name), username, and school.
Submission Guidelines
Up to 10 Greener and 10 Greenest outstanding submissions will be selected as winners.
Each Greener Winner will receive:
Each Greenest Winner will receive:
