(Beautifully written and great project… happy to promote and keep us updated with more diaries – promoted by pfiore8)
From Truth & Progress
Dear Teachers and parents,
I just read the most upsetting story about 2/3 of polar bears being gone in 40 years this morning, and was so upset, that I’m even more motivated to get this project off the ground–or on the ground, as the case may be. So far, I think I’ve spoken to every teacher and principal within my reach, so I really appreciate you allowing me to expand my reach to the blogosphere.
Unlike most kids my age, it seems that I was born with a deep appreciation for our environment. My mom’s been trying to clean up a coal and oil burning power plant about a mile from my house since I was a toddler. Then she went back to school to learn more about energy and environmental policy, pretty much bringing the whole family along, so without realizing it, I have learned a few things too. But something has happened recently that put me in motion.
Global warming is looking so much worse than anyone had imagined. Kids are learning this at school and they’re scared and upset. They try to conserve, but they can’t vote and nobody really listens to them. And worse, they’re about to inherit this mess.
Here’s what I had in mind.
First, I need you to visit my project’s website Blanket the Globe. (please don’t miss the slide show of artwork on the second page) Well, this is what i did over the summer. This fall, there are a few schools, classes and even a whole school system all planning on participating. I have no idea how I’m going to attach all of the squares if I’m as successful as I hope to be but I promise that I’ll get it done somehow. If you have a school, a troop, a social group, or just some kids yourself, please think about bringing this project to them. If you’re a kid, please add your voice.
Something beyond square making that really needs your help is to help me figure out what the heck I’m going to do with the finished blanket. And when will it ever be done? Right now, I’ve had it on display at an arts festival, several schools and soon, a farmer’s market. But I’ve thought about bringing it to Washington or even the United Nations. The blanket is only just beginning to reach its potential but already it’s too big for my back yard. The bigger it gets, the harder it will be to ignore but who needs to hear it? Do you have any ideas?
Thanks for your help,
Lynxgirl
(I have to work this morning but will be back after 1:00)
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posted also at dKos
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comments? 😛
This project is da bomb. The kids are having a blast and the best thing about it, in my humble opinion, is that they feel they’re part of something bigger.
moved by this… and how can we help is my reaction…
i wish buhdy were here… this is the kind of project that blogs like T&P and docuDharma should find ways to promote…
what i’d suggest to buhdy is this:
for starter’s maybe we can have a section under blog roll for kids projects, like this one… so it’s separated out from the rest… and then think about it more… because this is great!
Lynxgirl… thank you so much for your advocacy on behalf of the planet!
so we can recommend your diary there and hopefully, it will make the rec list there so people get the opportunity to learn about your project…
Some thoughts about the physical blanket:
It will surely be too large as a single piece for transport and display, so why not create interlocking blankets that when assembled, create the singular Earth Blanket?
You might look to the AIDS quilt project for assistance in the design and care of the fabric, (and for the display assemblage) as this will be a critical element to the sustainability of the art and the project.
You might also consider contacting the Smithsonian/Cooper-Hewitt Museum of Design for archival assistance and possible presentation and presentation. Local museums may also be helpful so that protected display space is created.
This is a wonderful way to bring the environment home – I hope that lots of the squares are made with native materials from the earth – the pigments, the grasses, the fibers, the seeds, the shells – all of our lovely blue marble’s gifts should be on prominent display!
Lynxgirl – you are our future, and it looks very, very promising! Thanks!
thick adult exterior yet. My eyes are all watery. This is something that my 18 yr old daughter does talk about, what has been done to the earth that we are leaving her with. She is far from delighted. This is a very cool project and reminds me a bit of the AIDS memorial quilt.
displays of the blanket/blankets is a wonderful idea..but as the project grows, you may even consider auctions, to benefit the cause, of course.
my daughter can watch horror movies unaffected, but was so terrified by ‘the day after tomorrow’ (superstorm scenario) that it caught me off guard. not even jake gillenhal made her feel better ;). but doing her own, however small, part to be part of the solution does help her feel at least proactive, if not hopeful.
and was also depressed, so I went out and posted more environmental good news to try to balance this tragedy out. Trying to keep the good vibes up. We cannot get so depressed that we become frozen in inaction.
I linked to your site on my humble blog http://www.environmentalprogress.blogspot.com