Tapestry of Faith: Sing to the Power: A Social Justice Program for Children Grades 4-5

Taking It Home: The Power of Action

Have a bias toward action—let's see something happen now. You can break that big plan into small steps and take the first step right away. — Indira Gandhi

IN TODAY'S SESSION... the children heard about Bill McKibben the organization he founded, 350.org, to fight climate change. We learned about how Unitarian Universalists have been involved in combating climate change, and we built a solar oven to try cooking without using fossil fuels. Finally, we brainstormed ways each of us could take action in our homes and communities to fight global warming.

EXPLORE THE TOPIC TOGETHER. What choices do members of your family, or your family as a whole, make to fight climate change? Examples might be putting on a sweater when it gets cold rather than turning on the heat, walking or biking to work or school, eating less meat or no meat, or buying reused or recycled items. How do you feel about the choices you are already making? Are there additional things that you are willing to do as a family to cool our planet?

FAMILY GAME. One fun way to explore the power of wind, a renewable energy resource which doesn't contribute to climate change, is to have wind-powered penny races. Assemble some pennies, some drinking straws, paper and/or light cardboard, scissors, tape, string, and any other household items you wish to use. Invite each member of the family to design a way move a penny across a table, using only their breath to move the penny. When everyone has completed their construction, see who can get their penny across the table the fastest.

FAMILY ADVENTURE. You can go on an adventure in your own home by doing an audit of your carbon footprint online. Go to the website Zero Footprint to calculate the carbon dioxide your family generates, compare your family with others, and suggest changes to your lifestyle that would be healthier for the planet. Work together on weatherizing projects such as installing weather stripping around doors, which can make a real difference in your energy usage.