Making a Difference that Matters

(Governor Patrick with students)

When I started this internship back in June, one of the first things I found impressive about Change is Simple was the recognition it has received within only a few years. Not only has Governor Patrick personally attended one of the programs and given his support, but Change is Simple has also been recently honored with a major grant from the Cummings Foundation.

I was curious to personally observe what made Change is Simple so successful. The concept of teaching environmental and sustainability lessons in schools using hands-on activities seemed like an awesome mission, with a lot of potential for positive impacts on the community. But I couldn’t help from wondering how much practical difference these lessons were making. Did the students really understand the information we presented? And would they actually change and take action as a result?

At the end of each Change is Simple program there is a short question and answer time in which we review and check their comprehension of the main lessons, and then allow the students to ask us questions in return. Some students take advantage of this time and enjoy asking creative specific questions. They obviously took a particular interest in the program, and were inspired enough to want to learn more. I was blown away by how much these students already knew and did that was environmentally conscientious, and I am excited to think about the potential impacts their awareness could have in the future.
Many students in the younger grades like to share personal stories during this time. One kindergartner told us that when her family was at the beach she stopped her mom from throwing out a plastic water bottle, telling her to recycle it instead. A few showed off their reusable water bottles and sandwich containers, and talked about changes they had made based on lessons from the previous programs we have taught them.

It is clear to me that not only are students understanding and remembering the lessons they have learned, they also have been willing to make changes because of them. Change is Simple has been successful and growing these last few years because it accomplishes what it sets out to do: instilling environmental and social responsibility through education, and inspiring individuals toward action.

Change is Simple is making a meaningful difference, one student at a time.