At Cottonwood Institute, we believe in fostering the next generation of changemakers, which is why action projects are a crucial component to our CAP (Community Adventure Program) classes. These projects are hands-on initiatives where students identify an environmental issue they care about and work together to lead meaningful activities with local impact. CAP fosters leadership, connection, and a sense of agency, equipping students with the skills, confidence, and experience to make change in their communities. This spooky season, we want to share some simple ways for you to take action in your local community!
#1. Keep Kids Fed This Halloween
Did you know that 50% of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in Colorado are children? Without SNAP benefits this November, many kids will have less access to food. If you are passing out treats this Halloween, consider adding shelf-stable foods to your trick or treat bucket. Possible snacks include: granola bars/cereal/protein bars, ramen packets, pretzels, packaged pastries, microwavable mac and cheese, crackers, fruits like apples or cuties, and oatmeal packets.
#2. Leave Your Leaves This Fall
As autumn winds and cold temperatures roll in, it may be tempting to rake in all the leaves that pile up in your yard, however these leaves serve a wonderful purpose for our pollinators such as native bees and butterflies. Many beneficial critters that eat weeds and pests like to overwinter under leaves, so being lazy and leaving your leaves alone greatly benefits your backyard ecosystem. Alternatively, if you have a garden, you can rake and repurpose your leaves as mulch on your garden beds, or collect leaves in large open bins to break down into nutrient rich fertilizer to use in the spring.
#3. Plant Milkweed
Fall is the perfect time to plant milkweed seeds to support monarch butterflies in our local ecosystems the following summer. Milkweed provides essential habitat and food, especially for monarch butterflies (as it is the only plant their caterpillars can eat) as well as other pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. Milkweed seeds have a higher chance of growing successfully if sowed in the fall, because the cold winter temperatures break the seed’s dormancy and increase its ability to germinate. Plant these seeds directly in the ground where there is plenty of sunlight. Wait and watch for butterflies next summer!
#4. Go for a “Trashy” Walk
The next time you go for a cozy leaf peeping fall stroll, consider taking gloves and a trash bag with you in case you come across any litter lining the streets. Even a 10 minute trash stroll makes a significant impact for you, your neighbors, birds, bunnies, and more. For a bigger impact, invite a friend or two to join you on the walk, and of course treat yourself to a well deserved pumpkin spiced latte for the walk back.
#5. Distribute Fall Community Care Kits
Now that the weather is getting colder, it’s a great time to make and distribute community care kits for our unhoused neighbors. Coordinate with your friends, classmates, or co-workers to gather the following materials to make community care kits: water, snacks, bus passes, hygiene products, and first aid supplies, to name a few. For the cold weather, include handwarmers, ponchos, gloves, beanies, and emergency blankets. It may be more manageable for each person involved to bring one or two items in bulk, depending on how many people are mobilized to participate. Put items into gallon ziplock bags or thrifted tote bags for participants to take and have on hand or in their car to distribute as needed.
Looking for more ideas to make change? Check out some action projects that our CAP classes and Changemaker program participants have taken on over the years.
If you’re also passionate about helping students take action to make change in their communities, please consider making a donation or becoming a monthly donor! You’ll help invest in our students, programs, and long-term sustainability and success!
