ChangeOlogy: Perspectives from the Front Line
Overall, the program was a huge success and an extremely worthwhile endeavor. The culminating Zero-Waste Exchange Party brought the entire school community together and raised awareness regarding the positive impact we can have as individuals, and the exponential power we have as a collective whole. The students formed lasting relationships with organizations in the community by honing their leadership and advocacy skills when seeking donations and support. Eco-Cycle graciously donated compostable supplies for the party and joined us to answer questions about the importance of composting. We received a warm welcome from vendors at the local farmer’s market as well as many local options for our healthy snack program. Students no longer need instruction on what is recyclable, compostable and trash as they monitor and correct each other by utilizing the posters donated by Eco-Cycle posted in the kitchen. Students now also recognize the heavy paper trail caused by photocopies and handouts; they are much more aware of the value of paper and have made great progress in minimizing waste and lost copies! 
Hindsight always offers an opportunity to recognize what we could have improved. I strongly encourage you to delegate tasks and responsibilities to avoid overwhelm and time management issues. Check in with team leaders frequently and help plan out tasks between weekly meetings, remembering you are there to help facilitate, not complete tasks for the students. Yes, tasks may get overlooked, but there will be plenty of teachable moments as a result. Involve the entire school community: students, teachers, staff, administration, parents and businesses. As one student put it, “The more people involved, the greater the impact!”
Right: Ms. Milliken helps one of the ChangeOlogy student groupmembers call local businesses to collect donations for the school's zero-waste exchange party