The modern world faces a variety of seemingly insurmountable problems. Environmental, financial and social issues can seem impossible to overcome for ordinary individuals that want to be part of bringing about a positive change. 31 Ways to Change the World (Walker Books, 2010) is a project of the We Are What We Do social movement. The sequel to Change the World for Ten Bucks, it offers children encouragement to believe that they can make a difference in their world if they want to.
31 Ways to Change the World
"Small actions x Lots of People = Big Change"
These words form the first line of the back cover blurb for 31 Ways to Change the World and it perfectly sums up the philosophy of the book. In a manner that is particularly appealing and encouraging for children, this book reminds readers that real change comes from people working together and from everybody being willing to make small changes.
The issues the book tackles aren’t all doom and gloom issues either, which can often seem either overwhelming or too distant. In addition to small acts to influence positive environmental and social change, there are more personal and entertaining suggestions, such as teach your granny to text, make someone smile and read with a pal.
The format is fun and entertaining, with colourful, scrapbook style pages and practical suggestions for each action. Kids are encouraged to make a map of their local area, cook a meal from scratch, get outside and play and take their parents for a walk. On a more serious level, there are tips on reducing carbon footprints by using less power and water and embracing the ‘renew, reuse, recycle’ philosophy.
Encouraging Children to Develop a Social Conscience
In addition to fun activities and practical actions to create a more positive home, school and neighbourhood environment, 31 Ways to Change the World also helps children to develop a social conscience by encouraging them to look more closely at the world around them and think about the ways they can bring about positive changes.
Actions such as stand up for something, ask “why?” and look closer remind children that they can get involved with the world around them. They are allowed to ask questions about what is happening around them and it is important for them to think about the consequences of their actions.
The format of 31 Ways to Change the World and the active nature of the activities it suggests encourages children to get involved and make a difference, even if only in their own family or classroom to help encourage others, make a stand against schoolyard bullying, or simply connect in a meaningful way with those around them.
We Are What We Do Organisation
Beginning as a project of the UK charity Community Links, We Are What We Do is now creating a global movement of doing and changing; doing small actions and changing big problems.
The interactive We Are What We Do website offers a range of ways for children to get involved and make a difference. One of their current campaigns involves encouraging different generations to spend more time together. To facilitate this, they have created HistoryPin, a place where people can share old photos and the stories behind them.
Visit the site to find even more small actions that can make a big difference.
Helping Children to Understand That They Can Make a Difference
In 31 Ways to Change the World, the We Are What We Do organisation has teamed with 4,386 children to produce a positive, encouraging and empowering book for readers to help them to understand that they can have an impact on their world.
A wonderful home or classroom resource, this book and the We Are What We Do website encourage children to find ways they can be a positive influence in their home, school and community as well as thinking about big picture issues like taking care of the environment. Ideal for children aged 8+ years.
Review copy details:
31 Ways to Change the World (ISBN: 978-1-4063-2780-9, 79 pages)
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