Green Schools Initiative and the Green Schools National Network are launching the 2nd Annual Nature’s Voices Student Story Contest to amplify the stories of young people creating a sustainable future. We invite students grades 6-12 to submit 500-1,000 word essays about how their green schools and environmental education experiences have inspired them, changed their thinking, or transformed their lives. The grand prize includes a cash prize, a paid trip to attend the Green Schools National Conference and Student Summit in March 2015, and the opportunity to share your story as a keynote speaker at the conference. Other prizes include cash prizes and REI gift certificates. The top stories will be published on ourwww.naturesvoices.org website sharing youth stories their inspirational environmental education experiences. Deadline to submit your story is January 16, 2015. Teachers – we have Standards-based lesson plans that align with Common Core standards to help you teach your students how to write stories for social impact about their environmental education and green schools experiences. Learn more here: http://www.naturesvoices.org/gsnn-stories-contest/
Last year’s winner, Rosalyn Lemmo, shared her story at the GSNN Conference in Sacramento and got a standing ovation from 800 people! “Thank you so much to the Nature’s Voices Project for the opportunity to make my voice heard! I have learned that if I ever want to see change that I need to initiate it and make my voice heard – that I can actually become an advocate for my generation’s future and not simply sit idly by while the environment is destroyed.” — Rosalyn, 11th grader at Bay School, San Francisco
View Contest flyer for full details
About the Nature’s Voices Project: The Nature’s Voices Project aim to raise awareness and support among educators, funders, and policy makers about the multitude of benefits that outdoor education programs offer – health, academic achievement, social justice, hands-on science, green jobs training, and real-world relevance – by broadcasting the stories of youth whose lives and learning have been transformed through environmental education programs. For more information about the Project please contact us: naturesvoices@gmail.com
