Greenpeace

During the school year, we have our "Fun Friday" afternoons.  We open the many letters we receive from school groups, tape up our favorite pictures, and send back brochures, book marks, and personalized letters.  We truly enjoy reading about the many ways classes make a difference in their schools and their creative fundraising initiatives.  During one staff meeting, we even broadcast a homemade video which a school group showed in their community as a fundraiser!

Now that the school year is starting up again, here are some ideas if you or your classmates want to get involved but aren't quite sure how:

As an academic project, one group tackled global warming as a four part project including a written report, a photo report, a display board, and an action point.  For their action point, they chose to raffle off three themed baskets with gift cards.  The raffle tickets were sold at their class exhibition and then donated.

Student led environmental groups have set-up donation tables with materials we've provided covering deforestation, oceans, and toxics.  A high school group chose toxic electronics, which includes video games(!), as their fundraising topic because of its relevance to their everyday lives.

One determined club made hand-sewn canvas totes to promote reusable bags and sold their totes during the school's Earth Day festivities.  They donated the proceeds raised from selling their totes to classmates, staff, and community members.

Classes have organized weekend walk-a-thons, yard sales, and recycling drives in their communities to raise awareness and fully understand how they can go green in their own lives. 

If your school doesn't have an Environmental Club, you should start one with the help of a teacher and classmates!  Clubs are a great way to tell your fellow students about the importance of recycling, using reusable bags and water bottles, and turning off lights and electronics when leaving the classroom.  As your club grows, you can get involved in or organize school-wide volunteer opportunities, pressure your administration to make environmentally wise purchases for the classroom, and your classmates to be responsible!

We love to hear what projects you and your friends take on at school and at home!  Send us your drawings, photos, and information requests to the below DC address and we'll try our best to get a package out to you!

In Supporter Care we are the people behind the scenes in DC working to make sure your membership is accurate, your questions are being answered, and you feel connected to the organization! If you have ever e-mailed or called us and wondered "Who is this Zach?" or "Who is Kacey?" (or Stacey, I'll answer to that too), this blog is for you! We want you all to get to know us and your fellow members!

I joined Supporter Care in November 2008 filling the void left by Sebastian, whom now writes the inspiring Quarterly Newsletter. Fresh out of college, I had no idea the world I was in for! During my first few weeks I was offered the opportunity to partake in a small protest at the Japanese Embassy. Having never protested before, I jumped at the chance to don an orange jumpsuit in support of the Tokyo Two. There I was on Embassy Row in a bright orange jumpsuit handcuffed to a co-worker posting Twitter updates while Allison spoke with an Embassy representative. I had joined a movement, a group of dedicated individuals committed to the mission of Greenpeace. My fellow chain gang co-workers are just some of the people I have come to know over the months, to watch in action, and to see first hand their collaboration lead to successful and monumental victories.

As a member of the Supporter Care team, I sense first hand the impact our campaigns and actions have on our donors. Whether shouts of victory or questions of puzzlement, one of the joys of Supporter Care is hearing that you believe in our work, the work YOU make possible.

I can always be reached at info(at)wdc.greenpeace.com or by phone at (800) 326 0959 (well, between 9:30AM and 5PM EST.. I do need some time to myself!), or by snail mail.