Several NYC Outward Bound schools are participating in this year’s Better World Day on May 7, a national day of community service organized by EL Education. Follow along on social media by searching the hashtag #BetterWorldDay.
Brooklyn Collaborative
Better World Day at Brooklyn Collaborative is connected to the ongoing Black Lives Matter (BLM) Expedition. Each grade-level Crew Team is creating a service project around one of the 13 BLM Guiding Principles. These projects include PSAs, read-a-thons (e.g. reading books to young children), phone-a-thons (e.g. reaching out to seniors), a photographic exhibition, letter writing and fundraising campaigns, and partnerships with organizations to raise awareness and build community.
Kurt Hahn
All grades levels at Kurt Hahn will be engaging in small virtual service projects as a part of a 4-6 week Crew Project-Based Learning unit. Included in this is the creation and unveiling of a community mural outside of the school that depicts themes of equality, inclusivity and safety in the community. Nonprofit partners genEquality and Counseling in Schools, along with lead artist Danielle Mastrion, worked closely with a team of Kurt Hahn students to design and create this piece of public art, which represents the Brooklyn portion of a five-borough Inclusive Safety Mural Series.
Launch
As in years past, Launch students are volunteering together at The Campaign Against Hunger to help end hunger in their Brooklyn community. Students from Launch’s POD programs and outdoor clubs, along with Launch families, are volunteering in person. Watch a video about Launch’s longtime involvement with The Campaign Against Hunger.
Leaders
The Leaders community is hosting a social distancing picnic to highlight the importance of COVID-19 safety measures but also create a space where the community can come together for a fun spring celebration. The picnic will feature several bright and colorful handmade signs made by students welcoming their classmates, along with games and snacks!
MAELS
Students at MAELS are researching and responding to the needs of a particularly vulnerable population in Staten Island — nursing home residents and those who care for them. Each Crew is studying the impact COVID-19 has had on nursing homes and working to understand the needs of patients and staff at the Carmel Richmond Nursing Home in their community by asking questions like: What are the obstacles they face in receiving and providing the best care? What are the challenges toward safety during this pandemic?
Students are creating care packages for patients and staff based on these needs along with a book of letters written to patients and staff with uplifting quotes about the world they want to create. As part of a longer term project, they are also writing directly to a patient at the home to learn about their favorite music or art, and coordinating volunteers (musicians, vocalists or artists) to provide entertainment virtually.
MELS
Tenth grade students at MELS are working to rejuvenate the school’s community garden after a year of being left unattended. They are growing and donating food to local community kitchens that have emerged across NYC during the pandemic to support individuals and family who are suffering from food insecurity.
WHEELS
WHEELS students are creating community campaigns about the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19. To help ensure that the Washington Heights community understands the vaccine and its benefits, students are inviting guest doctors, nurses and epidemiologists to speak. They are also creating and handing out encouraging buttons, stickers and informative brochures at local businesses in both English and Spanish.