Let Earth Day and these Kiwanis family projects inspire your club.
By Julie Saetre and Erin Chandler
With Earth Day coming on April 22, it’s a great time for your club to discuss service projects that celebrate and support our environment at any time of year. A recent blog post shared Kiwanis service projects that help make the world a better and more sustainable place for everyone. Here are a few more projects that show what it means to be green!
Green steps across Europe
This year, the Kiwanis Europe Region has launched Green Steps for a Bright Future. Across Europe, Kiwanis clubs are developing and supporting local projects that educate children about environmental responsibility; promote sustainable actions through hands-on activities; engage families, schools and communities in eco-friendly initiatives; and inspire young leaders to build a greener future. Clubs are undertaking projects such as planting trees, preserving pollinators, organizing eco-workshops, cleaning local parks and more. (JS)
Green studies in Michigan
At Haslett High School in Michigan, U.S., an overgrown courtyard got a new lease on life as an outdoor classroom — thanks to the school’s Key Club and a Youth Opportunities Fund grant from the Kiwanis Children’s Fund. Working with Haslett High School’s Sustainability Club and National Honors Society, the Key Club members leveled the area, filled in a pond and cultivated a native plant and pollinator garden. (Haslett Middle School’s Builders Club and Conservation Club also helped.) The club members even installed seating so teachers and students can use the courtyard to hold classes, study and socialize. Grant funds helped purchase grass seed, mulch, picnic table kits and plants. (EC)
Green warriors in the Philippines
The Kiwanis Club of Stunning Davao, Philippines, partners with the Department of Education to host its Nature Warriors program. Club members connect with schools in isolated areas that are in critical need of environmental protection. The visiting Kiwanians distribute bags containing school supplies, dental kits and books on nature to the students; install waste segregation stations; and teach kids how to protect the environment by properly disposing of garbage. The program also includes regular coastal cleanups. Each child who benefits from the Nature Warriors program brings home what they have learned — spreading the word about responsible environmental stewardship throughout the community. (EC)
Green sustainably in Jamaica
Kiwanians and Key Club members in Jamaica came together in March to install native plant and tree species at the 100-acre Rand Nature Centre in Freeport, Bahamas. Joanne Nolles, lieutenant governor of the Sunshine Division in the Eastern Canada and the Caribbean District, told a local television station that the group’s goal was to promote environmental sustainability. “We love Mother Nature, and we know without her, we don’t survive,” she said. Braniah Hall, president of the Jack Haywood Senior High School Key Club, said their student leaders are passionate about protecting the environment: “I feel like it’s important to give back when you can. And seeing some of my younger Key Club members coming out in support is really inspiring.” (JS)