1. FIGURE OUT WHAT ISSUE NEEDS ATTENTION IN YOUR COMMUNITY
• Identify social and environmental issues and opportunities that light you up.
• Read the local newspaper.
• Focus on current events, political news, and the community spotlight sections to identify the issues and the people involved.
• Attend community meetings (from neighborhood potlucks to city council meetings).
• Reach out to folks who have been involved since the beginning. Ask them to mentor you—intergenerational relationships provide killer resources.
2. BUILD YOUR CREW
A crew can be as small as you and your siblings or as big as your entire school district. Get your family and friends on board. Engage existing groups who share your focus. Team up. Collaborate.
3. GET SOCIAL
Connect with other Earth Guardians and spread the message with the world on social media. Use these hashtags online: #EarthGuardians, #GenerationRYSE, #ProtectOurFuture
• Build a Facebook page for your crew, and on Twitter, Instagram and whatever your Social Media choices are.
• Post pics of your crew and your projects, and share news and ways to engage on our page.
4. HOST YOUR FIRST MEETING
Start with one goal (e.g., turn our school into a zero-waste facility).
• What will completing that goal look like?
• Map out an action plan.
• What steps can you take to reach your goal?
• Look for ways that incorporate the skills and passions of your crew.
• Empower your crew members to take initiative in areas that inspire them.
Remember: Leaders create leaders. Set a meeting schedule and stick to it.
5. MOBILIZE YOUR COMMUNITY
Organize your first community event. We’ve seen crews hold press conferences and marches to get publicity and membership. We’ve also seen crews hop right into community actions like tree-planting parties, litter pickup events, and net-zero days. Don’t let our framework limit you. We’ve seen crews tackle big, innovative, long-term projects.
