CELEBRATING GREEN SCHOOLS! C OMMUNITY C OLLABORATION & E DUCATION Melissa Arthur Education Programs & Outreach Director

F ESTIVALS & S PECIAL E VENTS FOR G REEN S CHOOLS Green school festivals are educational, interactive, and fun events that will increase awareness and appreciation of local natural resources & issues while celebrating your school’s green projects!

Green school festivals typically include structured learning stations and exhibits where students and/or community members actively engage in hands-on activities and investigations

G REEN S CHOOL E VENTS MAY ALSO INCLUDE Service-oriented activities Stream clean-up Storm drain stenciling Tree Planting Arts & Entertainment Live music Theatre Games & Contests Magic Shows Refreshments Locally bottled water Free Food

P OSSIBLE G REEN S CHOOL F ESTIVAL T HEMES : Recycling Energy Conservation Water Conservation Air Pollution Water Pollution Endangered Species Agriculture Earth Day Nature Art Trees Soil Conservation Renewable Energy Urban Water issues School Gardens Fishing Events Culture & Environment Birds & Butterflies Rain Barrels

A NY N ATURAL R ESOURCE T OPIC C AN B E FUN, HANDS-ON, MINDS-ON & ENGAGING!

S ERVE Y OUR C OMMUNITY

O R G ET K IDS A CTIVE & O UTSIDE !

W HY F ESTIVALS ? Take a break from the doom & gloom to CELEBRATE your school’s part of the SOLUTION! Event formats can be adapted to address those issues most important in your local community Activities can be adapted to meet state standards, enhance your curriculum, and build 21 st Century Skills Structured opportunity for businesses, agencies, community organizations, and local government to interface with schools for a “real world” approach to learning & career opportunities Build community support for your school’s green projects

S OUNDS L IKE F UN ! B UT H OW ? 7 K EY S TEPS FOR A S UCCESSFUL E VENT

S TEP 1: R ESEARCH & C ONVENE Y OUR P LANNING T EAM Research similar events to get a realistic picture of what kind of skills, resources, or expertise you’ll need Work with key decision-makers to determine what support the school can provide, and what support you will need to recruit Invite potential team & be clear about expectations Define a common mission & objectives for your event Develop an action plan & time line…then DELEGATE!

P OTENTIAL P ARTNERS ? Many organizations want to work with local schools! - Rural Water Districts - City Governments - County Governments - State Government - Federal Agencies - Conservation Districts - Business & Industry - Agricultural Organizations - Community Organizations - Local Artists - Colleges & Universities - County Extension - Parks & Nature Centers - Local Museums & Zoos - Non-Profit Organizations - Boards of Public Utilities - Conservation Organizations (PF)

S TEP 2: B UILD Y OUR B UDGET Determine size and scope of your event List probable expenses for your event List all available funds from your school, PTA, grants, etc. Adjust the size and scope of the event to fit your budget OR Fund raise to adjust your budget to fit the size and scope!

S TEP 3: F UND R AISE FOR A S USTAINABLE E VENT Diversify your funding resources Grants Sponsorships or Donations In-kind Contributions Help potential funders help you Create a sponsorship packet that illustrates your event Be clear and creative with the “ask” Find at least 4-5 ways to acknowledge each sponsor

S TEP 4: A CTIVITY & P ROGRAM D EVELOPMENT Hands-on, active learning is best! FUN is important! Know your audience: gear programs toward specific group Adapt activities to setting and time available Match activities with abilities & interests of your presenters Make sure all activities fit your goals & objectives for the event Be prepared, and be ready with Plan B…..and C!

S TEP 5: V OLUNTEERS, E XHIBITORS & P RESENTERS Compile job descriptions for each volunteer role Use your planning team, ask them to recommend volunteers Be clear about your expectations, provide detailed instructions Hold a presenter training or meeting if needed Provide coffee, water, snacks, breaks, and appreciation!!! Be available to support & guide both before and during the event

S TEP 6: P ROMOTION & P UBLIC R ELATIONS Create a marketing plan/strategy for your event, keeping in mind your school’s policies about visitors on site Use your school’s website, facebook page, or other online resources to get the word out! Make a list of local news editors in your area, including formats, policies and deadlines Send out news releases to meet deadlines Develop a press packet (don’t forget to recognize sponsors!) Assign a media relations volunteer to answer questions

S TEP 7: E VALUATE FOR A S USTAINABLE E VENT Develop your event’s mission and intended outcomes Brainstorm ways these outcomes can be measured during and after the event Develop evaluation processes for participants and volunteers Keep evaluation forms simple, and build in time or motivation to get them turned in Thank participants and volunteers for their feedback, and act on constructive suggestions

KACEE IS H ERE TO H ELP ! Resource CD includes planning guides for festivals, sample activities, checklists and more! KACEE can help identify local partners and develop an action plan, just give Melissa a call! Project WET, WILD, LEP and PLT Workshops can provide hundreds of hands-on activities & ideas Green schools grants can help fund festivals & events