Humans and Nature Flourishing Together
What does nature teach us about giving and generosity?
This unit includes three lessons that educate, motivate, and call youth to action. Youth explore how we as individuals can act in ways that honor the earth. The lessons help educate the participants on the importance of mutual flourishing between humans and nature as we work toward a pathway to sustainability for all. This motivation and education culminate in a call to action to commit to individual actions that seek justice for all of creation.
“This is our work, to discover what we can give. Isn't this the purpose of education, to learn the nature of your own gifts and how to use them for good in the world?”
― Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
Through analyzing a Ted Talk by Robin Wall Kimmerer, participants develop their understanding of what it means to respond with gratitude to the gifts from the Earth. Participants expand their awareness of the interdependent relationship between humans and nature. Kimmerer motivates and inspires us to be grateful recipients of Earth's gifts.
What does it mean to live philanthropically with our “treasure”? In what ways do we impact nature through purchasing decisions? Participants will develop their understanding of philanthropy and corporate social responsibility. Through researching the ways companies engage in corporate social responsibility, participants explore the impact of individuals making purchasing choices based on environmental sustainability and ethics.
Using the inspiration of Amanda Gorman’s poem “Earthrise,” participants consider what it means to act in ways that honor the Earth. Individuals identify and publicly commit to take action that works to help humans and nature flourish together.