The role of a changemaker is to achieve positive change through taking action. Changemakers are intentional about identifying a problem and are willing to work toward a solution through creative action.

At Greenspring, students of all ages are invited to contribute to their community. These efforts are student-led and student-driven, with gentle support and guidance provided as needed.

Toddlers

Toddlers begin by caring for what is most familiar: plants and animals, their classroom and outdoor environment, and their classmates.

Children’s House

Children’s House students extend their service to include the school community and campus. For example, they assist with campus-wide composting and participate in Grounds Days.

Lower Elementary

Elementary students begin Going Out trips, during which they leave campus to engage with the larger community. For example, students may visit elders in a retirement community or grow grasses for replanting in the Chesapeake Bay. Students often initiate their own service projects, such as this winter coat and food drive and helping at the Maryland Book Bank.

Upper Elementary

Students continue planning Going Out and service projects that take them into the larger community. For example, students recently organized a fundraiser to support the victims of the California wildfires. They also visited Art with a Heart in Baltimore to learn more about their programs that serve those in need. Many participate in the Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) program, which culmitates in a multi-day event at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.

Adolescents

Adolescents research issues of social justice and become advocates for causes they are passionate about. They practice persuasive public speaking during Igniting Voice presentations each trimester. Adolescents also work as a group to run small businesses (or “microeconomies’). These microeconomies not only provide a way for students to generate funds for their projects and trips, but serve as an integrated curriculum that provides opportunities for real-world, experiential learning and for serving the community.

You can encourage and empower your child to be a changemaker! Here are some tips:

Spark Curiosity and Conversation:

• Talk about your family’s values.
• Discuss current events and local issues appropriate for their age, asking open-ended questions to encourage critical thinking.
• Share stories of inspiring changemakers like Malala Yousafzai or Greta Thunberg.
• Watch documentaries or read age-appropriate books about social justice topics.

Identify Areas of Passion:

• Encourage your child to explore their interests and identify causes they care about and that connect to your family’s values, whether it’s animal welfare, environmental protection, or helping the homeless.
• Let them choose a focus area where they feel most motivated to make a difference.

Take Action Together:

• Volunteer at local organizations aligned with their interests, allowing them to directly contribute to a cause.
• Start small projects at home, like a recycling drive, a food donation collection, or a community clean-up.
• Participate in letter-writing campaigns or online petitions to advocate for change.

Empower Their Voice:

• Encourage them to express their opinions and ideas openly, even if they seem small.
• Teach them how to respectfully communicate their concerns to authorities or decision-makers.
• Practice public speaking skills by giving presentations at school or community events.

Foster Creativity and Innovation:

• Brainstorm creative solutions to problems they identify in their community.
• Encourage them to design posters, create art projects, or write songs related to their cause.
• Support their efforts to develop unique initiatives to address a problem.

Celebrate Achievements:

• Recognize and acknowledge their contributions, no matter how small.
• Share their accomplishments with family and friends to build pride and motivation.

Resources for Families

Doing Good Together – Baltimore chapter
https://www.doinggoodtogether.org/family-volunteering-baltimore

ChangemakerCommunities.org
https://www.changemakercommunities.org/resources-for-parents-guardians