Stand Together

On Saturday, October 24th, 2009, people around the globe will be coming together to spread awareness about the climate crisis as part of 350.org’s International Day of Climate Action. Plenty of events are already scheduled to take place but if there is nothing organized in your area, why not plan an event in your neighbourhood? It’s a great reason to spend time with friends and neighbours to support a great cause and it couldn’t be simpler. We’ve got your action plan to help you plan an event that is not only fun but also takes part in a global project to protect the planet.

Come together, right now

While most people have heard about climate change, they may not know how easy it is to participate in showing their support for stopping it. The International Day of Climate Action aims to show that people are coming together to support research that the world’s atmosphere must be protected from exceeding a carbon level above 350 parts per million. Since the world’s carbon levels have already reached 390ppm, there’s an urgency to make world leaders address the issue. People are encouraged to use the 350.org website to submit their images and media from getting together on that day of action so that the events form a “powerful visual petition linking together the entire planet” (350.org). The organization then delivers this collective message to the media and world leaders, clearly showing there’s a global demand for environmental change.

Getting ready

Once you know that your neighbourhood is on board for the event, you must look after a few logistics. Decide which streets you want to close off and let the appropriate officials know. Then take a visit to your local branch of government to obtain the proper event permits and inquire about local noise regulations. There may be laws concerning the volume of noise so area residents aren’t disturbed. If there is a specific time you must shut down the party, you may want to get started in the late afternoon so that things don’t carry too late into the evening. If possible, invite the local media to get some coverage of your party in the paper! Also, don’t forget to register your action and ensure that the photo you submit has the number 350 displayed somewhere visible.

Get cracking

Start by creating an invitation and hanging up some posters in your neighbourhood (downloadable from 350.org website that can be edited with your party’s information). If there’s time, you can go door-to-door to deliver invites personally. Make sure everyone feels welcome, from dogs to kids to new residents. If enough neighbours are interested, encourage them to host other activities of a similar theme like a mini yard sale or coordinating a potluck/bake sale with offerings that use locally grown, organic ingredients. Proceeds can be donated to an environmental charity. If using ceramic plates and real cutlery isn’t an option, opt for biodegradable paper plates which are now more readily available from places like Shoppers Drug Mart. Aim to make the event kid-friendly by setting up a storybook reading corner (try one of these titles) or a craft table full of activities that will get them thinking about nature.

Things to do

You can spread awareness of climate change issues while still keeping the tone fun and lively. Live entertainment will be a great way of getting more people out. Rent a projector that plays DVDs and kick off the day with a screening of a Canadian eco-documentary. Consider contacting local environmental organizations to see if someone could come to your neighbourhood and give a talk about issues and solutions to climate change.

Ask everyone to bring some folding chairs and blankets to place in a circle to create a makeshift outdoor stage area! Query neighbours if they play an instrument or have a band, or if they have a special talent they would like to share and host a talent show or music jam as a way of closing off the evening.

Cooperation will ensure everything is cleaned up and the street is restored for normal use in a timely fashion. By morning, the area should look as though the block party never happened, but the memories of the day’s fun should bring the neighbourhood together.

Still have questions? Turn to 350.org’s FAQ section for more info.