Hope For The Future

The world needs our help. NEVER has this been more evident than in recent years as people around the globe struggle with issues like obesity, food security, and the impact of climate change.
Terms like 'eco-friendly' and 'carbon-footprint', unfamiliar terms just a few years ago are now part of our everyday vocabulary.
Everyday we see the impact of our actions on the planet. We are faced with some of the biggest challenges in the history of the human race and we need to work fast.

Last week I was grateful to receive a personal invite to an exhibition with a general theme around Sharing The Planet. There were 6 groups showcasing their hard work. Each group presenting had a special focus.
1. COMMUNICATION- A variety of media, ie: how art is used in media, print, digital broadcast etc.
2. ARTS & CULTURE- The influence art has on society, cultural perspectives, art & myth etc.
3. URBAN PLANNING- How communities are planned according to different needs of the people/community
4. ENVIRONMENT- How we share and care for our planet
5. DISCOVERY & EXPLORATION- Learning is a part of human nature
6. CONSUMERISM- Our purchasing decisions have an impact on our world.

Now what may surprise you is who was actually presenting and showcasing these topics!

COMMUNICATION was addressed by a kindergarten class. The students had to decide what they would like to express, what materials they would need and what technique they would use to express their idea.
ARTS & CULTURE was tackled by the grade 1 class. They explored stories, inquiring about authors, artists, and character development. The creations that I saw were the results of a 2 week process involving brainstorming, planning, researching, editing and construction.
URBAN PLANNING was  presented by the grade 2 class.  The grade 2's addressed the 7 most important needs of a urban planner- HEALTH, WELLNESS, RECREATION, RELIGION, RESIDENTIAL, TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION.
ENVIRONMENT was shared by the grade 3's. Here the students explored how plants play a role in the balance of the environment. The students were asked to design an urban garden keeping in mind that a balance between animal, insect and plant species should be promoted.
DISCOVERY & EXPLORATION was enjoyed with the grade 4's! Each student embarked on their own adventure. They were asked to explore something new to them and document their adventure in a photo essay.
CONSUMERISM- was the hallmark of the exhibition and was put together by the grade 5's. Here the audience was taught our purchasing choices have a direct impact on our planet. Everything from Supporting Canadian Jobs, The Media, Advertisements etc were addressed in a black and white presentation.

At the end of the exhibition the audience was asked to take part in a 10% Shift Challenge. According to an article in YES MAGAZINE, for every $100 spent in a 'chain' store, $13 remained in the community compared to $45 if spent at a local business. In many communities their is an action toward the "10% SHIFT"
So the challenge was put forward........with the addition of  this thought......IMAGINE THE DIFFERENCE YOU CAN MAKE.

I was honored to attend this exhibition!  The hope for the future has begun. As adults and/or parents we have an influence on shaping and nurturing the future. Its refreshing to know that the youngsters of today are actively creating the change they want to see.