We aim to help you excite engagement, build membership and participation, and facilitate unique, informative, well-attended events that educate youth and adults alike. Use the campaign as a platform to raise awareness, attract media attention, and spread the word about any and all aspects of environmental sustainability and social responsibility. We look forward to working with you and offering support every step of the way, from initial planning to holding events to launching advocacy actions.
Ready to begin? Here are eleven simple steps to start a TTG chapter:
The Toolkit provides ideas and next steps for meetings, events and advocacy projects that your chapter members can develop. We look forward to working with you and offering support every step of the way. Inspired teens are the change makers in their world.
1. Get Educated: The Green U section of our website contains a plethora of resources, materials, websites, articles, books, and videos we recommend. Educating yourself and others is at the root of all we do!
2. Learn the Basis: Study and read about the work and programs of TTG. Infuse your own insight and perspectives into that which we do.
3. Set up School Presentations: Once you feel confident with a solid understanding of TTG platforms, messaging, and values, start giving presentations! Reach out to relevant clubs, departments, professors, community groups to meet with fellow students. Environmental Science departments, eco clubs, and sustainability councils are among the most receptive. Invite friends and peers to join you in spearheading this effort from the beginning!
4. Develop a Database: Gather signatures from students and community members at every presentation you give or meeting you attend. This will be your master list for outreach, advocacy campaigns, digital platforms, events, etc. Find others who are as excited, passionate, and inquisitive as you; work with them to launch the chapter in your area.
5. Plan your First Meeting: Hold an informational session at school or nearby, inviting students from throughout the area. Send emails and do outreach via social media, student organizations, friends, and eco businesses.
6. Introduce Eco Lifestyle: At the first meeting, ask everyone to fill out a survey of what products they consume in daily life, from food to personal care to cleaning to school supplies. The Skin Deep Report at CosmeticDatabase.com is a fascinating place to see health impacts of products used daily.
7. Assess Products at Home and on Campus: Use a TTG Case Study Template to determine potential toxins in home and at schools and which products are most important to replace with greener alternatives. At the next meeting, members should be prepared to share findings and begin to look into safer and healthier options.
8. Brainstorm Chapter Objectives: Investigate and assess products, practices, and guidelines. What areas of focus spark the interest of members? Go with that! Choose projects or initiatives based upon what people are passionate about and will thus, work hard to affect change.
9. Plan Actions, Projects and Events:
- Panel discussions, green spas (check out this complete guide), public rallies, RE fashion shows, film screening, speakers series… the opportunities are endless.
- Table in high-trafficked areas to raise awareness about issues, promotes actions, and rally support behind this work!
- Reach out to local eco businesses or non-profit organizations to join forces and support efforts.
- Investigate local legislation. Lead advocacy projects to fight for your right to health! Support ballot measures and bills that are related to TTG platforms.
- Do case study analysis and work with teachers and school administrators to Make The Switch from conventional to conscious products on campus (think cleaning, landscape, food, etc.)
- Demand that local retailers and campus stores sell conscious products; work with them to introduce and bring in greener alternatives that YOU want to see!
- Lead workshops or field trips to organic farms and other sustainable businesses
- Continue to give campus and classroom presentations to educate and mobilize peers
- Hold regular meetings among active members to keep up momentum, work, and progress
10. Promote Your Chapter, Initiatives, and Events: Send out email and listserv blasts, create social media buzz, publicize on campus, write media advisories and press releases (we can help!) to send to local media outlets… do whatever you can to promote your message, expand reach, and get others involved in the movement!
