What GWE Does
Learn
Students Study Climate and More
The GWE after-school curriculum is as diverse as its student body. Climate science and general science form the backbone of the mentorship material, supplemented by mathematics, geography, history, civics, public speaking and performance skills, and sustainability training. The students bring their own concerns to the material, and learn how to advocate for themselves and design solutions. They write and deliver three kinds of speeches: elevator speeches, city council speeches, and legislature speeches. They also sing and dance, performing their own songs about global warming and sustainable resources.
Dream
We Dream About What we Can Change
Each group of GWEers decides which Big and Small Goals they would like to achieve in the school year, or beyond — goals that will help their school, homes, and city function more sustainably. From time to time during the school year, the groups will come together for field trips, such a visiting the Santa Fe Community College’s Sustainable Technologies Center (BioFuel Program), participating in City Council Meetings, and attending New Mexico Legislative Assemblies. With further expansion we will be training students from the Santa Fe High School Institute for Sustainability and from the Santa Fe Community College to be GWE mentors.
Do
Students Take Local Action to Create a More Sustainable Future
With their Big and Small Goals established, each group takes action to implement them. At Acequia Madre Elementary, the Big Goal was to solarize the school – a very big goal indeed. With some grown-up guidance, these kids were able to raise funds, get a generous donation from Positive Energy Solar, build community support and meet their goal.
It is experiences like these that build confidence in our young leaders that they can make a difference right now. They don’t have to wait until they are adults, and they don’t want to. Establishing their commitment to sustainability, having success getting adults to listen and making changes they are proud of is an essential part of the GWE experience.
Inspire
We Inspire Others to Do the Same
The GWEers are coming to realize that the world they are growing into is filled with profound challenges that demand creative solutions. Already they are finding that grownups are listening to them, and encouraging them to become engaged citizens in their communities. What better gift can a mentor give a child than the gift of education and the belief in the power of her or his own voice?
Painting Signs for Science March
Mentor Bobbe Beshold works with kids to create sign for Science March.
Kids at Science March
GWE Kids at Science March with Santa Fe Mayor Javier Gonzales
Meeting With City of Santa Fe Recycling Division
GWE representatives meeting with the City of Santa Fe Recycling Division leadership to discuss more ways to recycle
GWE Kids Prepare for Testimony
GWE Kids awaiting their turn to testify at Children’s Trust lawsuit hearing
Kids at NM State Legislature
GWE Kids ready for speaking at NM State Legislature
Speaking at the Round House
Our kids speaking at the NM State Legislature (Round House) on the environment
Solar Oven Experiment
Mount Mahogany Elementary GWE makes solar ovens for experiment
GWE Tree Planting
Lowell Elementary GWE students planting trees in Albuquerque
TALK TO US
THE GLOBAL WARMING EXPRESS...
... is a By Kids / For Kids Think Tank Program for kids ages 8-12. The program is designed to be mentored by grownups, but powered by kids, who decide what Small Goals and Big Goals they want to accomplish.
The Global Warming Express is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, based in New Mexico..
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