Use your voice to create positive change in the world! Here are some ideas for how to plan an event about an issue that is important to you:
- Brainstorm: First, make sure to ask your school principal for permission to hold a campaign or event. Then, begin by organizing a brainstorming session with friends, teachers, or administrators to decide on which issue you want to focus on (for example, HIV&AIDS, child labor, hunger, or water) or choose an event in recognition of an international awareness day. Write down all of your ideas and discuss all possible options. Be creative and have fun!
- Plan: Write a list of everything that needs to be done to organize a successful campaign or event. Check all possible dates to ensure there are no scheduling conflicts. Try to think of activities that are fun, engaging, interesting, interactive, and not too complicated to organize. Assign everyone a specific task with deadlines for completion.
- Promote: You will need to motivate your entire school to get involved with your event. Why not create flyers, show a video, or hold a poster contest?
- Organize: Make sure that everyone involved in your event is carrying out a designated task. Contact the Global Concerns Project to see how we can help you organize the event.
- Event Day/Week: It is important to document the success of your event! Keep records of everything you do and take many photos! You could write an article for your school newspaper or contact local newspapers to tell them about your activities and events.
- Contact Us: We want to hear about your event! Click here to tell us about an event you organized.
Ideas for Action
Need inspiration? The list below includes some examples of ways that students across the United States have raised awareness of international issues in their schools and communities. Can you think of any additional ways to create change in your school?
- Become informed--research an issue you care about
- Talk to your friends and family about global issues
- Start your own school organization/awareness club
- Organize awareness raising events at a local library or other community space
- Draw a mural/artwork in a public space
- Participate in community service opportunities in your community
- Make banners/posters to hang in your school or public place
- Organize a school assembly
- Write a letter to a politician
- Invite a guest speaker to visit your classroom
- Write an article for your school newspaper
- Write a letter to the editor for the local or national newspaper
- Create and distribute a brochure
- Write facts on strips of paper and attach them to your school lunch trays
- Read public service announcements during advisory/homeroom
- Participate in school government and leadership opportunities
- Decorate a school bulletin board
- Organize a fundraiser at your school, such as a bake sale or car wash
- Organize school events, such as jeopardy-type format informative games
- Create an original theatre or performance piece
- Write and record a song or original music
- Create an informational video or slideshow
- Create a page/link for your school website
*Make sure you get permission from your teacher or school authorities before you organize any school activities.