PROJECT OBJECTIVES

||||||Today there are many environmentally sound schools being planned or under construction. While we welcome all such efforts, the majority of existing schools are left out - either lacking funds or expertise. Save a Snowman works with existing schools to help raise funds for greening improvements. With minimal time and resource commitment from schools, this initiative generates funds year round through our unique "Adopt a Snowman" program. As a non-profit organization, all donations are tax deductible, with proceeds allocated toward meeting each school's unique improvement needs.

THE PROJECT

||||||Students will participate in an art contest called "What can a kid do?" - judged by the Save a Snowman staff. The winners will be grouped into teams. Each team will be assigned a snowman from our orphanage as well as a "greening task" to study. After a period of supervised research, (usually 2 to 3 weeks), each team will draft a list of greening ideas they wish to see implemented for their school.

||||||Instead of selling candy bars, T-shirts, or other manufactured goods, each team will raise greening funds through snowman adoptions. For example, if "Team Blue" is assigned "Bilou" the snowman, all proceeds from the Bilou adoptions they bring in will be donated in their name.

||||||Once the greening projects have been decided, the students will also be able to watch and/or assist professionals in the greening improvements - as safety allows of course. The project winners will also serve as greening leaders for the rest of the students, who will be encouraged to volunteer their effort as well.

HOW IT WORKS

· Assessing the schools needs:

Save a Snowman representatives will meet with the principal of the school to assess what improvements the school is seeking. Once the student teams have been determined, a list of greening improvements and preliminary budget requirements will be drafted.

· Holding the contest:

The "What can a kid do" art contest invites students to express themselves artistically in showing ways they feel people can make a positive impact on the environment. Projects may be painted, drawn, sculpted, written as an essay, poem, or music - however the students wish to express themselves.

· Choosing the team and raising funds:

Two students from each grade will be chosen as winners of the art contest. They will receive a certificate and a box of fundraising cards with the picture of their snowman and a link to our secure fundraising website. Parents are encouraged to be involved in helping the students utilize their family network, churches, youth sports leagues, etc. in finding donors.

All fundraising will be done through Firstgiving.com - a secure non-profit fundraising website. Assisted by their teachers and parents, students may publicize their efforts through e-mail, blogs, social networking sites, and even create personalized Firstgiving webpages for raising school greening funds. Using the vast reach and power of the internet, fundraising opportunities are virtually limitless.

Each winner will have their artwork posted on our main website and all donations generated from their snowman's adoption will be allocated in the student's name. Along with collecting donations through the website, we will also solicit corporate sponsorship and matching employer donation programs.

 

ACHIEVING THE GOAL

||||||A fundraising meter on the school's fundraising page will track progress. Along the way toward reaching the goal, donations will be disbursed to the school so greening projects can begin as soon as possible.

||||||We feel this project provides a fun, innovative way for students to learn about the environment and the value of teamwork. Beyond permanent improvements to their school, the process will engage students in finding and implementing positive environmental change, and teach them that a greener, better future is in their own hands.

Interested in greening your school? Contact us at - let.it.snow @ saveasnowman.org