JOIN US!

If your family is looking for service-learning projects to care for the environment, animals, and the human community, you've come to the right place. A progam of Resources for Health, our group is part of the global network of Roots & Shoots groups affiliated with the Jane Goodall Institute. We have ongoing prjects including a garden project at the Scottsdale Community Garden, Junior Park Stewards projects at the Phoenix North Mountain Preserve, the Crayons Project, the Lost Ladybug Project, and a Crafting for Community Project. Thanks to youth leader Sammy J., Roots & Shoots members can now keep track of their contributions on a Passport and apply for the President's Volunteer Service Award. We've also got a new channel of communication called a "ning." It's a social networking tool, and the Resources for Health ning is private to protect our members, so if you would like to join, please contact us. Ask about our monthly field trips, too!

BEAR HUGS

In June, Resources for Health Roots & Shoots youth leader Jacob started a project called Bear Hugs. His goal: to raise enough funds to make and donate 100 asthma friendly teddy bears from Build A Bear along with 1,000 origami cranes to the Phoenix Children's Hospital . A $400 mini-grant from the Roots & Shoots Four Corners regional office got him started. Next he raised funds while teaching people how to make origami cranes at the Downtown Phoenix Public Market and at the Thomas D. Mangelsen Images of Nature Gallery. Jacob's homeschool group had a multi-family yard sale to raise over $800 for the Bear Hugs project! Other grants Jacob applied for and received to make Bear Hugs a reality were the Plum Grant from http://www.dosomething.org/ and a Disney Minnie Grant from Youth Service America. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America provided a gift of an additional 100 asthma friendly bears to the Phoenix Children's Hospital as well as 25 bear to the National Children's Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Whenever Jacob found an opportunity to enhance Bear Hugs, he seized it. When he learned about the Pay It Forward Foundation, he created a Pay It Forward Bear Story and applied for the grant. He received funding to pay for printing of the stories to attach to each of the teddy bears volunteers made. Volunteers wrote their names into the stories, adding a personal touch to the gift and promoting the idea of paying forward good deeds to others. Sixty youth volunteers helped fold origami cranes and to stuff 200 bears at Build A Bear on two dates in October, resulting in a grand total of 325 asthma friendly teddy bears and 1,000 origami cranes to cheer up hospitalized children. And Jacob says he's going to do it all again next year!

2007-2008 ONGOING PROJECT

POLLUTION SOLUTIONS
2008 Environmental Excellence Award Winner

What began as a simple Earth Day activity in 2005 has blossomed into a sustainable award-winning project. Our public outreach continues at expos, festivals, farmers’ markets, and library and afterschool programs. At these events we describe the lifecycle of paper and plastic bags in "A Story About Shopping Bags," leading listeners to the conclusion to "choose to reuse!" We provide 100% cotton reusable shopping bags for the young and young at heart to decorate and make their own.

We also play the "Lunch Box Game," where children choose from a variety of options to assemble a waste-free lunch. Often these activities lead to discussion about other earth friendly projects, like gardening and composting. There are so many simple pollution solutions right at our fingertips!

Looking for us? Please visit the Pollution Solutions blog to check out our list of upcoming events at the Downtown Phoenix Farmers' Market and during children's summer programming at the Phoenix Public Libaries.

Also on the Pollution Solutions blog:

* Make your bag design permanent

* Links and resources

* More photos

Anyone can make a difference, without radical lifestyle change, without a huge investment, just by carrying your own reusable shopping bag!

YOU CAN HELP US RID ARIZONA OF DISPOSABLE SHOPPING BAGS IN 3 WAYS:
* PURCHASE REUSABLE COTTON SHOPPING BAGS FOR $3 EACH
* HOST A PRESENTATION AT YOUR SCHOOL OR YOUTH GROUP
* BECOME A 2008 POLLUTION SOLUTIONS BAG SPONSOR
EMAIL US TO LEARN HOW!

2007-2008 ONGOING PROJECT

R&S GARDEN AT SUPERSTITION FARM

Part of Superstition Farm’s larger Desert Open Space project, the R&S organic “keyhole” garden provides families an opportunity to learn about planting, maintaining, and harvesting a garden. A portion of our harvest will be donated to a local soup kitchen or shelter.

In August 2007, we dug a nine inch trench around the perimeter of the garden and began laying cement block to help keep burrowing bunnies out of our garden.

On September, we raised the dirt paths leading to the keyholes, edged them with rock, and began planting! This first planting included tomatoes and peppers in the salsa keyhole, carrots, scarlet runner beans, and onions.

By the end of September, we could already see some results of our hard work! Runner beans had sprouted (pictured right) along with some onions and carrots. We celebrated Roots & Shoots International Day of Peace by parading Shanti, our giant peace dove puppet, around the garden. Roots & Shoots groups all over the world flew their giant peace doves at the same time.

At Friday on the Farm , we had a booth near the garden where we showed visitors a picture story, "See How Our Garden Grows," showing how a patch of dirt was transformed into an organic keyhole vegetable garden. Next to us, Four Directions Permaculture and the Phoenix Permaculture Guild provided resources such as planting guides, composting tips, and rainwater harvesting information.

By November, the tomatoes and I'itoi onions were doing well, and the carrots were growing, but the lettuces had provided a feast for the local rabbits. We still needed to install our gates!

In December we met to construct a toddler play area adjacent to the garden where little ones can be contained and entertained safely while older siblings do more of the hands on service-learning.
By Spring 2008, the garden was thriving. Families continue to meet to plant, care for, and harvest the garden.

We welcome families and children from outside our group to join us in this adventure! Email for more info.

UNDER THE BRIDGE

In cooperation with Breaking Up Walls and a number of other non-profit and for-profit organizations, we gathered donations from August through December and assembled care packages for homeless teens and tweens who live under a bridge in a barrio in South Phoenix. The care packages were assembled within pillowcases artfully decorated by our children. In addition to toiletries, snacks, clothes, and comfort items, the care packages included sleeping mats sewn from donated jeans. A few very talented moms and a grandma in our group sewed some and the children decorated them with paint handprints. From gift cards donated from local stores, a bake sale fundraiser at AZ on the Rocks (where Scottsdale's Mayor Manross stopped by), and generous donations in honor of Liam's second birthday, we raised almost $500 - enough to complete 25 care packages! On December 4th, our group went on a "Scavenger Hunt Shopping Spree" to buy the items for the care packages. What a surprise it was for the cashier to ring up three overflowing carts worth over $400 dollars! Luckily, we had 13 R&S youth members to help pack up the purchases in IKEA reusable blue bags from an IKEA grant. Over several days we helped assemble the care package items we and others had collected. In all, Breaking Up Walls assembled 329 pillowcase care packages for homeless youth - what an accomplishment! We look forward to collaborating with Breaking Up Walls on future projects to care for the homeless. To see more photos of the Under the Bridge project, click here.)

PINATAS, PUZZLES, AND PERFUME…IT'S ALL ABOUT ENRICHMENT!

At Southwest Wildlife Rehabilitation, we learned about the importance of enrichment toys for rescued wildlife. Youth leader Sammi describes: “We made a bear piñata for the bear with honey, peanut butter and jam. We also sprayed squares of carpet with perfume for the bobcats to smell. It was so much fun for everyone and we learned a lot about the animals.” Check out the website for more information about wildlife classes and activities.

GLOBAL WARMING PRESENTATION

Lydia Reznik, a local Roots & Shoots group leader and science and biology teacher, gave us a presentation about Global Warming at the New Vision Center for Spiritual Growth. Ms. Reznik is a volunteer with The Climate Project trained by former Vice President Al Gore. Her customized global warming slide presentation included information specific to Arizona and the Southwest as well as more basic science (taking out politics) for students. There were also numerous informative slides on how everyone can take a step to help curb CO2 emissions. After the presentation kids got to decorate their own reusable bags to take home.

GUERILLA GARDENING

Ruby, our garden mentor at Superstition Farm, graciously invited us to her home to learn about her permaculture gardening projects and to make “seedballs.” At its most basic, the purpose of a seedball is to plant seeds out while protecting them from birds and bugs. By incorporating many varieties of seeds, it is also a method to re-vegetate the land. Using the seedball method, you take a risk that not everything will grow, but trust that something will. There may be several varieties of seeds in any particular seedball, but whatever plant is best suited to the location where the seedball ends up is the plant that will grow. Through careful observation, one can then learn about what plants are best matched with what conditions. Seedballs also can be a method of “guerilla gardening” where they are thrown into empty city lots. That sounded like fun to all of us, but for now our seedballs will be used at our own homes and our garden at Superstition Farm.

Ruby’s seedball recipe:
1 measure of seeds (we used 200 different varieties)

1 to 3 measures compost or potting soil

5 to 7 measures of clay

Use the same measuring container for all the ingredients. It doesn’t matter what that measure is. Add enough water while mixing gently for the ingredients to stick together but not (much) to clean dry fingertips. Add a little more clay or water as needed. If you've made pie crust or workable cookie dough it's kind of like that. Pinch off a small blob, usually pea sized, and roll into a ball. Continue until the mix is used up. Set the seedballs in a dry shady place to dry. Once dry (couple days depending) they can be held for about one month. If they get older plant them anyway. Some seeds are really tough. Set each seedball uncovered in a small depression and either wait for rain or irrigation or soak with a hose (gently). Sprinkle daily for a few days then every other then every two days until your watering at the rate appropriate for the place and season. Some mulch between the seedballs may lessen water use.

Thank you, Ruby!!!

10TH ANNUAL GREEN BUILDING EXPO

This year, our second time hosting a table at the annual Green Building Expo in Scottsdale, we were accompanied by members of Liberty Wildlife Roots & Shoots. This outstanding event is as much about living green as it is about building green. At our table, we shared information about Roots & Shoots and offered activities for children including an EcoQuiz Scavenger Hunt, the Lunch Box Game, seed planting in biodegradable paper pots, face painting, building with Magic Nuudles, and solar baked cookies. This year’s expo included a first annual solar cookoff, and our own youth leader Sammi took second place for her dish of stuffed mushrooms and couscous. Way to go, Sammi!

GET PICKIN' THOSE MESQUITE BEANS!

We met for some summer fun and met at a splash park surrounded by mesquite trees. It was already a little late in the season, but we gathered some mesquite beans from the trees for the annual mesquite bean milling hosted by the Phoenix Permaculture Guild in November at the Ahwatukee Farmers’ Market. It also was a perfect day for us to solar bake some nachos for a snack. Check out the SPORT model solar cooker here. If you decide to order one, be sure to use our ID # 2371 for a portion of the proceeds to benefit our group!

FUN AT THE PHOENIX ZOO

On this day we met at the Phoenix Zoo to enjoy the animals and the outdoor play spaces. Colette Eckard from Breaking Up Walls met us there to talk about the issue of homelessness and the needs of homeless youth. "Under the Bridge" will be an ongoing project for our R&S group through December. We’ll be gathering items for care packages for homeless youth who live under a bridge in downtown Phoenix. The care packages will be assembled in December inside pillowcases that we will decorate as well.

PHOENIX HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY TOUR

This tour of the Herp Society was a repeat of our 2/8/07 event for folks who weren’t able to make it the first time. We saw alligators, crocodiles, monitor lizards, bearded dragons, tortoises, turtles, gila monsters, and snakes, all of which had been rescued from Arizona residents who were not caring for them properly. We fed the tortoises and learned why it is important not to take exotic animals as pets and not to touch any reptiles in the wild. It was great fun and very interesting to see so many different kinds of reptiles in one place!

CELEBRATE ARBOR DAY ON THE FARM!

On this day, we got a first look at the plot that will become our R&S garden, located within the larger Desert Open Space project at Superstition Farm. Amid festivities including a farmers’ market, garden workshops, hay rides, petting zoo, and a children’s theater performance, we hosted a booth to tell people about our project and to raise money for the garden by selling Jamba Juice. Some of our kids volunteered to help plant other parts of the Desert Open Space project. We look forward to more planting in the fall!

YOUTH IN SERVICE FOR PEACE ON EARTH DAYS

At two separate events celebrating both Earth Day and Global Youth Service Days, we hosted “Pollution Solution” tables to give away reusable cotton shopping bags that kids could decorate. Whenever someone approached our table, we asked them to take an easy “quiz” that goes like this: When the cashier at the store asks you “paper or plastic?” what is the most environmentally friendly answer? Few people select the choice not offered: “Neither! Use a reusable bag.” Our displays include a comparison of plastic versus paper disposable bags, photos of what happens to plastic bags after use, and a map of the world identifying the many countries around the world that have taken action to reduce plastic bag consumption through bans, taxes, and other public program. Our project was made possible by a State Farm Good Neighbor Service Learning Grant through Youth Service America.

2006-2007 - ONGOING PROJECTS

Reusable Bags: A Simple Pollution Solution

Inspired by the success of our canvas bag decorating activity during Earth Day 2005, founding member Sammi was inspired to apply for a State Farm Good Neighbor Service Learning Grant through Youth Service America in order to extend the idea into a sustainable project for the group. Not only was she awarded the grant, but the project also was selected for the regional project showcase at the National Service Learning Conference in Albuquerque in March 2007. Sammi and other group members created displays for a public awareness and education campaign about reusable versus disposable shopping bags. For starters, we distributed 250 reusable bags during Youth In Service for Peace on Earth Days events in April 2007, and will continue to distribute bags and educate people at farmers’ markets, libraries, parks, events, and more. The project has already received widespread publicity in Weekly Reader Magazine (April 20th issue), the East Valley Tribune, the Jewish News of Greater Phoenix, the East Valley Radio Network (4-18-07 podcast) and local ABC news.

Recycling at Crown Court Apartments, Scottsdale, AZ
One Roots & Shoots family started a recycling program for junk mail at their apartment complex. Since January 2005, they have been collecting approximately 150 pounds of junk mail per week to deliver to city recycling locations. That’s nearly 8,000 pounds of paper a year! They also speak with neighbors and post information for the community about city recycling locations and ways people can reduce their junk mail. In 2007, the family realized just how much influence their project has had, when members of the apartment maintenance staff joined the recycling effort by collecting phone books that had been delivered to unoccupied apartments.

BIRTHDAY RE-VEGETATION CELEBRATION

Founding group member Mikal decided to celebrate his eight birthday with a re-vegetation project at Papago Park. Mikal is so enthusiastic about re-vegetation projects, that he asked for a pickax for his birthday present, which came in very handy for this project! City of Phoenix Park rangers instructed Mikal and about 25 group members in the removal of invasive buffelgrass. Because competition for water can weaken and kill desert plants, buffelgrass crowds out these plants and also can fuel frequent and devastating fires in what has been otherwise a generally fireproof desert. It was hard work in hot temperatures, but when we were done, there were bags full of these invasive weeds, and native cacti in their places that the group planted. In Mikal’s words: “I picked the re-vegetation project for my birthday because I like to plant and dig. I’ve been to re-vegetation projects before at Papago Park, Lost Dog Wash Trail, and Pinnacle Peak Park, and I hope that I can do it again on my next birthday.” We wrapped up the celebration with pizza provided by Streets of New York and cake.

HENA 2007 CONFERENCE

At an annual statewide home education conference held at Arizona State University, we requested extra recycling bins from the university and created signs that read “Please recycle cans and plastic bottles!” The children placed these signs strategically around the building, especially near all the regular trash cans in each classroom we were occupying. At the end of each day, they collected abandoned water bottles, emptied the water out, and recycled them. Some ASU students who were volunteering for the conference really liked the recycling signs and suggested that we leave them up past the end of the conference as a reminder to the college students! Our group, along with two other Arizona homeschool R&S groups, also provided information about Roots & Shoots at an informational table.

SNAKES, HIKING, AND TRAIL CLEANUP AT PHOENIX NORTH MOUNTAIN PRESERVE

After a ranger presentation about sharing the trail with snakes of the Sonoran Desert, we hiked along a trail and cleaned up all the trash we could find. A fun activity for all ages at the Phoenix North Mountain Preserve!

PHOENIX HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY TOUR

At our visit to the Phoenix Herpetological Society we saw alligators, crocodiles, monitor lizards, bearded dragons, tortoises, turtles, gila monsters, and snakes, all of which had been rescued from Arizona residents who were not caring for them properly. We fed the tortoises and learned why it is important not to take exotic animals as pets and not to touch any reptiles in the wild. It was great fun and very interesting to see so many different kinds of reptiles in one place! Each family donated $3 per person plus one or more items from the organizations wish list. A journalist and a photographer from a local newspaper went on the tour with us.

CITRUS PICKING FOR UNITED FOOD BANK

We picked lemons, grapefruits, and oranges from the trees of a local resident. The fruit was donated to the United Food Bank to feed the hungry. Even our youngest members were able to help by picking up fruit from the ground and carrying it to the donation bin! United Food Bank reported back to us that our group picked 318 pounds of fresh citrus fruit to help those in need. They estimate the number of meals we created was 245.

FAIR TRADE AT THE FARMERS' MARKET

For this project, we sold Fair Trade items from WHEAT’s Hand to Hand project at a local farmers’ market. We educated customers about Fair Trade and its benefits to the artisans and the environment. Items we sold included toys, puzzles, jewelry, and decorative pillows. Each item had its own story, but the pillows were especially unique, as the stories of the women, refugees from Afghanistan, who crafted them were written on one side of the pillows. A press release we wrote about the event was picked up by a local newspaper, and one family who came to purchase Fair Trade items did so because they were eager to learn more about Roots & Shoots as well.

SENIOR HOLIDAY CARE PACKAGES

Group members purchased items for holiday care packages for six senior citizens living alone. One family brought them to the Via Linda Senior Center, where the packages were distributed.

HOLIDAY SPONSORSHIPS FOR SAVE THE FAMILY

Ten year old Sammi, who planned a baby shower in September for a family receiving housing services from Save the Family, decided to sponsor the same family again for Thanksgiving and Christmas. She collected items from group members to fulfill the family’s wish list and also shopped for some items using her own money that she earns as a “parent’s helper.” Her favorite part was making home-baked pies and greeting cards for the family. Sammi is now planning to organize a spring garage sale and bake sale to raise money for the family and the organization.

HIKE AT LOST DOG WASH TRAIL

Today we visited our revegetation project from November at the Lost Dog Wash Trailhead. Everyone was pleased to see that the cacti we planted were still standing! We hiked along the trail for a mile or so, before the children became engrossed in the many beautiful quartz rocks on the ground. When we returned to the trailhead, the sun was just setting.

JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP GARDEN

Although President Franklin Roosevelt declared Pearl Harbor Day a day that “will live in infamy,” we celebrated the common wish for peace of children in the US and Japan with a tour of the Japanese Friendship Garden. Before the tour, we read a report of this day in history, as well as a heartwarming news story entitled, “Japanese attackers, U.S. survivors of Pearl Harbor attack reconcile in Hawaii”. The Garden is the product and shared cultural vision of the Sister Cities of Phoenix and Himeji, Japan. It’s name - Ro Ho En - is a combination of three Japanese words. Ro means Heron, a bird symbol of Himeji City. Ho is the Japanese word for the city of Phoenix bird. En means garden. Himeji became a Phoenix sister city in November 1976 and is one of nine sister cities around the globe. Phoenix and Himeji participate in business, governmental, cultural and educational exchanges that promote international goodwill and understanding. Our guides told us the garden has a “seek and reveal” design so that at each point of the garden you discover something new because of your new perspective. This applies to both sights and sounds (of the several waterfalls). The children’s favorite part was looking at the Koi fish that gathered when we were on a bridge. We also shared the 1,000 origami cranes, photos and letters from the R&S group in Kanagawa, Japan, where we sent 1,000 cranes for R&S International Day of Peace in September (see 9/14/06).

RE-VEGETATION AT PAPAGO PARK

REI sponsored this event as part of an ongoing revegetation project at Papago Park in Phoenix. It was a cold morning, but we warmed up quickly digging holes for bushes, trees, and cacti, and planting them in the ground with a mixture of soil and manure, then fetching buckets of water for them. The park rangers were awesome to work with, and REI fed us lunch and gave us volunteer shirts. Seven year old Mikal said before the event: “What I really like about revegetation projects is not only that we get to help the environment, but it’s DANGEROUS. We get to use tools, like picks, and work with cactus.”

FAIR TRADE PRESENTATION BY WHEAT

This day we had a presentation about Fair Trade by WHEAT, the World Hunger Advocacy, Education, and Training organization. We learned who makes Fair Trade items and how it helps them to be a part of fair trade with some hands on activities. We split into groups, and each learned about a Fair Trade item, then presented back to everyone else by showing on a world map where the item was made, of what materials it was made, and how the craftspeople benefited from Fair Trade. We played with Fair Trade toys and made art work in the style of Fair Trade artwork. Finally, we had the opportunity to shop. Children and parents together generously spent $254 on Fair Trade items. Every $1500 that WHEAT collects can support a family of four for a full year.

"EAT MY YARD!"

We learned about permaculture from Farmer Greg while sampling organic fruits, veggies, and herbs from his yard, otherwise known as the Urban Farm. YUM! Greg showed us his new outdoor kitchen and plans for an outdoor shower, both designed to facilitate the flow of gray water into the gardens. Animals are a vital part of growing food at the Urban Farm also. Earthworms create rich compost while reducing the amount of waste that would otherwise go to the landfill. Chickens provide eggs as well as fertilizer for the gardens. Our group ordered three fruit trees to plant in January at Save the Family, Child Crisis Center, and Paz de Cristo.

RE-VEGETATION AT LOST DOG WASH TRAILHEAD

Together with the Jumping Chollas Roots & Shoots group from Fountain Hills, we planted cacti around the newly completed trailhead at Lost Dog Wash Trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. It was fun to appreciate how much our children and our group have grown since we last did a re-vegetation project in the Preserve on 3/18/05!

MESQUITE COOKIES, ANYONE?

Together with the Phoenix Permaculture Guild, the Phoenix Slow Food Group, and the Urban Farm, we hosted a nonprofit educational table at the Ahwatukee Farmers’ Market during the annual mesquite bean milling. People had the opportunity to bring mesquite beans collected during the summer months to be ground into flour by volunteers from the Phoenix Permaculture Guild. Our group baked mesquite cookies in a solar cooker and gave them away while speaking with shoppers about Roots & Shoots and about solar cooking. We gave out the recipes on quarter sized sheets of paper that included the http://www.rootsandshoots.org/ website. A newspaper article the day before this event helped publicize our presence there.

WALK TO BENEFIT JUVENILE DIABETES RESEARCH FOUNDATION

A RFH Roots & Shoots family team, "Preston Prescription for a Cure," joined an estimated 23,400 walkers with 500 dogs at this event that raised nearly 1.9 million dollars for diabetes research. Along the three mile walk, we passed a crowd including new reporters gathered around a man carrying a small monkey in a diaper and on a leash. Our children expressed concern that it was wrong for this creature to have been taken from the wild, opening a discussion among our parents and children about primates in captivity.

REEVIS MOUNTAIN SCHOOL FIELD TRIP

Six families traveled to Roosevelt, Arizona, to visit the Reevis Mountain School. We enjoyed fresh fruits and nuts right off the trees in an orchard of some 70 fruit and nut trees, petted turkeys, helped collect eggs, and learned about organic gardening and solar power in this sanctuary from the hectic pace of the modern world. We gathered herbs and sampled cattails. Our families shared a delicious dinner of farm grown greens, freshly baked bread, and other delicacies, along with herbal teas made from the herbs grown there. After dinner we made arts and crafts with Indian Clay gathered from nearby. The trip was a wonderful opportunity for children and parents alike “to reconnect with nature, earth and spirit.”

BEARS FROM KIDS WHO CARE

After six year old Alex’s brother was hospitalized earlier in the year, he decided he wanted to do a project to help the children at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Together, he and his mother thought of a wonderfully fun project to help. Our group had a tour of the Stuffington Bear Factory in Phoenix, where each child helped make a special bear to donate to the children at the hospital. Our tour of the factory taught us not only how the stuffed animals are made, but how the Teddy Bear got its name from President Theodore Roosevelt. What a fun way to have a history lesson! All together, our group donated 17 bears with birth certificates, along with coloring sheets, books and toys to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital. A family visiting the United States from Japan also contributed 1,000 origami cranes, a common gift in Japan to wish well someone who is sick. This event received coverage in two newspaper articles in the Arizona Republic as well as a brief TV news segment on ABC 15.
http://www.abc15.com/news/schedule_archives/
http://www.azcentral.com/community/gilbert/articles/1028gr-roots1028Z12.html
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/1028Roots1028.html

ARIZONA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM TOUR

After meeting at the park for some fun on the playground, our group traveled across the street to the Arizona Historical Society Museum for a tour. We checked out exhibits on population growth and its effects on the environment and animals. We also enjoyed the outdoor Greenline Exhibit about water conservation in the desert. One shortcoming of our tour was that our guide, unfortunately, seemed to be not very tolerant of inquisitive children. So we turned that negative aspect into a learning experience as well - a lesson in compassion for other people, as our children and parents exercised a good deal of patience and understanding.

Ten year old Sammi responded to one exhibit about Japanese-American interment camps in Arizona during WWII. She was outraged at the injustice, as she associates Japanese culture with beauty, good food, and origami – many thanks to R&S cultural events in 2005 (see 8/05)! We talked on the way home about hate crimes and discrimination, the fact that these atrocities still occur in our society, and how NonViolent Communication is one approach to dealing with intolerance.

GREEN BUILDING EXPO

For two days, our group hosted a table at the Ninth Annual Green Building Expo. We shared displays of our group’s projects, gave out R&S newsletters, and shared information about starting new groups with nearly 4,000 people in attendance at this expo that was all about sustainable living. Scouts and other young people in attendance picked up eco treasure hunt questionnaires from us and gathered information from exhibitor tables to return to us in exchange for a patch and a free pass to the Phoenix Zoo. Everyone’s favorite part was demonstrating the solar cookers, both the ones we made in April and a SPORT model solar oven from the Solar Oven Society. We served fresh veggies as well as cookies, and some of our children enjoyed delivering cookies to exhibitors at far ends of the expo. A fun time was had by all and new friends were made!

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION FOR CHILDREN

On this day, Heather Okvat, a teacher of meditation, led children and parents in exercises to learn mindfulness. In mindfulness, we develop moment-to-moment awareness of what's going on inside of us and around us. It's a wonderful life skill that helps one to experience thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without getting overwhelmed. Benefits include being:
· Better able to manage current stress as well as stress they'll encounter later in life
· Less reactive to external influences, including peer pressure
· Able to find satisfaction in the beautiful things in life without having to seek thrills that could be dangerous
· In better physical health by breathing deeply, relaxing the body and mind
· More focused thanks to sitting meditation practice, leading to improved academic performance
· Improved social relations with friends, siblings and parents, by learning to calm down, identify feelings and needs, and communicate those calmly
· Greater well-being and inner peace that can be brought to interpersonal relationships & the world
This activity was a natural complement to our NonViolent Communication workshop on 7/22/06.

R&S INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE/NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY

RFH Roots & Shoots members flew our peace dove at a National Public Lands Day event at North Mountain Preserve in Phoenix, Arizona. Our day started at 7am, when we joined hundreds of other volunteers for a trails cleanup. It took only a few minutes for our group to gather an overflowing bucket of trash from the trail! Our peace dove, Shanti, flew from 8am – 1pm next to our exhibitor table, where we spoke with others about R&S International Day of Peace and our service learning projects. We helped children to plant sunflower seeds in paper pots, which they took home to plant in their yards, where the pots became compost to feed their sunflowers. Even at 100 degrees that day, there were roughly 5,000 people in attendance at this event. It was exciting to share our peace dove with so many people!

CELEBRATION OF UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE

Today we recognized United Nations International Day of Peace by kicking back with a movie that teaches the importance of living in peace with our environment, animals, and each other, Nausicaa and the Valley of the Wind. We shared snacks and friendship.

1,000 CRANES FOR PEACE

At this event we discussed the story of Sadako Sasaki, read the book Peace Crane by Sheila Hamanaka and looked at maps to locate Kanagawa, Japan. We then folded origami paper cranes to add to the hundreds we had left over from the R&S “1,000 Cranes for Peace” event in August 2005. When another group of 1,000 cranes for peace was complete, we strung them together to send to a R&S group in Kanagawa for R&S International Day of Peace on September 30th. The group received the cranes in time for Peace Day, and sent us back 1,000 cranes that they and their schoolmates made, along with photos and letters, which we later shared at the Japanese Friendship Garden on December 7, 2006.

NATURE WALK IN FLAGSTAFF

On this day we enjoyed a nature walk with another Roots & Shoots group in Flagstaff. About two hours north of Phoenix, Flagstaff is in a different biome. Our local members noted the cooler temperatures and different flora and fauna. All the children enjoyed chasing lizards, climbing boulders, exploring caves, and catching falling oak leaves while hiking to the base of Mount Elden. It was wonderful to make a connection with others who are committed to making a difference in our state.

IT'S A GIRL!

When ten year old Sammi saw homeless people at the park during our Solar Cooking for Kids! event on 3/25/06, she was moved to learn more about the issue of homelessness and how she could help. She was surprised to learn that, unlike the men she saw in the park, 40% of the homeless in the US are women and children, with the average age of a homeless person being nine years old. After researching some of the organizations that serve the homeless here in the Valley of the Sun, Sammi decided to find out more about volunteering with Save the Family, an organization with a mission “to provide homeless families with children the tools necessary to achieve long-term financial, parental and personal self-sufficiency through a comprehensive program of transitional housing, case management and supportive services.” Sammi attended the volunteer orientation and chose to help by throwing a baby shower for a mom in the program, collecting items that the family needed from our group members and preparing food and decorations for a celebration to shower the family with gifts. Seven families from our group generously contributed items such as baby clothes, toys, sippy cups, a bouncer, and a double stroller, as well as pizza and cake for the shower. Sammi baked cupcakes to bring, and was thrilled to meet the mom we were helping and watch her eyes light up as she unwrapped the gift. The highlight of the evening for Sammi was holding the three month old baby and having her fall asleep right in her arms.

BEAVERS!

Joining Ranger Armstrong and Ranger Joos for their homeschool program at the Estrella Mountain Regional Park, we took an easy 1.5 mile hike out to a unique riparian habitat along the Gila River. Along the way, we picked up trash, which quickly overflowed the bag the rangers had provided. One of our members took the bag home to sort out recyclable materials, which accounted for most of the items collected. At the wetlands, we saw trails left by beavers’ tails, a beaver dam, a beaver lodge, and trees that had been cut by beavers. The children even got a chance to use the radio telemetry equipment to locate beavers, although the nocturnal animals were sleeping by the time we arrived. During the hike, the rangers taught us many interesting facts about beavers and how they impact their environment, which reinforced learning that took place during the IMAX movie on Beavers at the Arizona Science Center field trip on 7/27/06. The largest rodent in North America, beavers have the greatest impact of any animal besides humans on their environment. They also have long term monogamous relationships and shared responsibility in caring for their young, endearing them in the hearts of our Roots & Shoots families.

NVC PRACTICE – EXERCISING COMPASIONATE COMMUNICATION

Three families met to share and practice the language of NonViolent Communication learned in the workshop of 7/22/06. Children and parents acted out a conflict scenario and talked about how it could be resolved compassionately using the NVC process. After the role play, children enjoyed the outdoors together with the host family’s dog, Kiwi, and watched a couple of episodes of “Captain Planet and the Planeteers.” The planeteers are young environmental and humanitarian activists, much like Roots & Shoots members. Kiwi also inspired us to consider a future fundraiser – a dog wash!

EXPLORING BIOME BOXES

Completing the Biome Box Exchange project described in the activity report from April 7, 2006, we explored the items contained in the boxes from our three partner Roots & Shoots groups. From the Temperate Deciduous Forest Biome in Ohio we received three trivia board games created by R&S members there to test our knowledge of their biome. All answers could be found in a looseleaf notebook picturing and describing various flora and fauna of the forest. Highlights from the Subtropical Biome in Florida included seashells and a photodisc of wildlife. Photos of alligators were met with many oohs and aahs! It was interesting to see that although we live in very different biomes, we still share some wildlife in common, such as herons, which can be found in wetlands and artificial lakes in the midst of the desert. It also was interesting to compare and contrast our desert biome with that of our third partner group out of Midland, Texas.

BIRTHDAY BOXES FOR THE CHILD CRISIS CENTER

Since the children in our group are not old enough to work directly with the children at the Child Crisis Center, they volunteered by collecting items to help the children there have a happy birthday celebration. Children at the Child Crisis Center are celebrating their birthdays in shelters after being removed from situations of abuse or neglect at home. Our group gathered to assemble items we had collected to create “Birthday Boxes,” including such items as party supplies, cake mix, and gifts. The children also helped decorate the boxes with drawings and birthday messages. During our meeting, the moms read some picture books to the children about the joys of sharing and giving to others in need. These books included The Runaway Rice Cake, The Berenstain Bears Think of Those in Need, The Shaking Bag, and Rosie and the Poor Rabbits.

FIELD TRIP TO THE ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER

Taking an indoor break from summer in the desert, our group learned about animals and the environment while exploring the Arizona Science Center. We enjoyed hands-on exhibits on water conservation, living with the sun, and “Animal Grossology.” Most members also chose to view an IMAX film, either “Coral Reef Adventure” or “Beavers.”

CULTIVATING UNDERSTANDING AND RESPECT WITH THE LANGUAGE OF PEACE

Group members along with other community members participated in two workshops to learn the process of NonViolent Communication that encourages us to focus on what we and others are observing, how and why we are each feeling as we do, what our underlying needs are, and what each of us would like to have happen. The children selected conflicts they have experienced in their own lives to act out and resolve using this new language. Dr. Marshall Rosenberg was originally inspired to develop this model of nonviolent communication by his own experiences with racial and religious discrimination in 1943. Also known as “Compassionate Communication,” NVC is now taught and practiced in 40 countries. Worldwide, nonviolent communication “serves as a valuable resource for communities facing violent conflicts and severe ethnic, religious, or political tensions.” Our group plans to continue to practice and teach nonviolent communication in our homes and group meetings, on the playground, and at community outreach events. This project was funded by a “Promoting Unity in the Community” grant from the City of Scottsdale’s Office of Diversity and Dialogue. Many thanks also goes to the New Vision Center for Spiritual Growth who provided the location for the workshops.

"BEAT THE HEAT" CARE PACKAGES FOR SENIORS

Together we assembled 20 “Beat the Heat” care packages for seniors with items each family had purchased. Each package also included pictures colored by the children and a group photo. We delivered the care packages to the Via Linda Senior Center, where City of Scottsdale social workers will bring them to seniors living alone and speak to them about the importance of keeping cool and well hydrated during the brutal desert summer. This year was the second time our group has contributed to this annual event, and we are proud to have increased the number of care packages donated from 6 to 20.

FLASHLIGHT TOUR AT THE DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN

Families met at sundown for a guided flashlight tour of the Desert Botanical Garden. We saw the garden in a different light, along with the wildlife that comes out after the day’s heat has ended. Along the trail, Garden volunteers showed us toads, frogs, and snakes. We also got to sample candy made from saguaro cactus fruit – a real treat! Touching the snakes seemed to be the children’s favorite part of the night.

FUNDRAISING FOR COMMON GROUND RELIEF COLLECTIVE

From March to Junes, we raised funds and collected items for donation to the Common Ground Collective, a community-initiated volunteer organization providing short term relief for hurricane victims in the gulf coast region and long term support in rebuilding affected communities. Some members sold lemonade, others chocolate, and still others asked local stores for gift cards or in-kind donations. Overall, we collected about $400 in cash and in-kind donations.

CARSON AND BARNES CIRCUS PROTEST

On May 10th and 11th, together with other local animal lovers, our families held a peaceful protest against the use and mistreatment of animals in the Carson and Barnes Circus. Children and their parents stood near the entrance to circus parking holding posters of elephants in chains and wild cats in cages. We got the attention of circus patrons as well as that of other passersby and the local media. The Arizona Republic published a photograph and quotes of R&S members in an article entitled, “Circus is in town; so are protesters.” Background information and supplies for the protest came from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

NEW HOMES FOR BURROWING OWLS

On April 29 and again on May 6, together with other volunteers for Wild at Heart, we helped build artificial burrows for relocated owls. The population of burrowing owls in Arizona is declining because the owls live in holes dug by mammals, and the mammals are being eliminated as open space is developed. Wild at Heart is protecting the owls by building new underground homes and releasing the owls back to artificial burrows where there won't be more development. All our hard, dusty, hot work was rewarded when we got to meet the family of owls moving into the burrow we helped build on 5/6: a mother, father, and 6 juvenile owls. Group members first learned of Wild at Heart at a special pre-release showing of the movie “Hoot” based on the book by Carl Hiaasen. We were invited to the screening in thanks for our volunteer service at the Feathered Friends Festival (see 4/8/06).

SOLAR COOKING FOR KIDS!

On March 25 and again on April 21, we had perfect cloudless days for this popular event, where children and their parents learned about the principles of solar cooking from Leslie Cole and Lora Boge, built their own “Cookit” model solar ovens, and sampled their own solar cooked foods – delicious nachos, biscuits, and cookies. Some food was shared with homeless individuals in the park, inspiring one 10 year old member to consider the issue of homelessness as a future service learning venue for our group. We were honored to have with us 89 year old Sherry Cole, who together with Barbara Kerr designed the box cooker in the 1970’s. Their groundbreaking work led to the creation of Solar Cookers International, a nonprofit organization that works with people worldwide to promote solar cooking and improve quality of life. While solar cookers are a fun alternative here in the Sonoran Desert, they are life saving devices in other parts of the world, where they are used to purify drinking water and sterilize medical instruments, not to mention save women from having to walk miles to find firewood and inhale smoke while cooking. They have been successfully introduced in refugee camps, and it is our hope that word about the benefits of solar cooking will continue to spread through the Roots & Shoots global network. Solar Cooking for Kids! was funded by a grant from the Captain Planet Foundation through Earth Day Arizona, Inc. Photo by Amy Kennedy Photography.

FEATHERED FRIENDS FESTIVAL

Group members learned care and compassion for animals at this annual tribute to birds, animals, insects and all other forms of wildlife at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert Arizona. Some of us hosted a Roots & Shoots exhibitor table where we welcomed children to play “Mr. Mouth,” a game that demonstrated how frogs catch insects with their sticky tongues. We also shared information about our local group as well as how to start a new group and sold Newman’s Own Organic chocolate to raise funds for our service learning projects.

BIOME BOXES

At this meeting, we assembled information, writings, drawings, and photos describing our desert biome along with samples of desert plants in “biome boxes” to be exchanged with Roots & Shoots groups in Florida, Texas, and Ohio. We talked about what a biome is and what the children think is special about living in our biome. We look forward to receiving our boxes from the other groups and learning about their biomes in May.

2005-2006 Ongoing Projects

Partnerships in Understanding
Throughout the year our group corresponded with children in a refugee school in Sierra Leone through their RESPECT program. Most of these children were in school for the first time, having been forced from their homes during the rebel war in their country. We sent money raised from fundraisers so they could purchase school supplies and other necessary items. To learn more about the situation in Sierra Leone and the hardships these children have endured, please visit http://www.freethechildren.org/peace/childrenandwar/sierraleone.html.

Recycling at Crown Court Apartments, Scottsdale, AZ
One Roots & Shoots family started a recycling program for junk mail at their apartment complex. Since January 2005, they have been collecting approximately 150 pounds of junk mail per week to deliver to city recycling locations. That’s nearly 8,000 pounds of paper a year! They also speak with neighbors and post information for the community about city recycling locations and ways people can reduce their junk mail. In 2007, the family realized just how much influence their project has had, when members of the apartment maintenance staff joined the recycling effort by collecting phone books that had been delivered to unoccupied apartments.

10 EDIBLE PLANTS OF THE DESERT HIKE

At McDowell Mountain Preserve Ranger "Crash" led us on a .4 mile hike and spoke of the food and medicinal uses of the Saguaro Cactus, Barrel Cactus, Buckhorn Cholla, Teddy bear Cholla, Ocotillo, Palo Verde Tree, Mesquite Tree, Jojoba Bush, Creosote Bush, and Mormon Tea, all of which we saw on the trail. At the visitors’ center, the children learned more about desert wildlife and care and compassion for animals as they interacted with a baby snake. We took photos to include in our “biome boxes” for exchange with three other R&S groups.

CITRUS PICKING FOR UNITED FOOD BANK

Members picked grapefruits, oranges, and lemons from the trees at an elderly couple’s home. This project helped the couple, who were burdened with sweeping up the fruit that dropped off the tree, and helped feed the hungry through United Food Bank’s programs. The children were also able to connect with nature by eating some fruit fresh from the tree.

LOCAL TO GLOBAL JUSTICE TEACH-IN

Our group joined other social activist groups with an informational table at the 5th annual Local to Global Justice Teach-In at Arizona State University. Adults and children sat down with us to make origami peace cranes and chat about the Roots & Shoots mission, how to start a group, and about our ongoing projects. We collected $8 for our fundraiser for the Common Ground Collective, as well as lemons from the Phoenix Permaculture Guild so that we can raise funds with a lemonade stand. We also made a connection for an ongoing fundraising opportunity for our group through Cartridges for Kids. At the end of the day, the children helped clean up trash that had accumulated in a nearby fountain.

HIKE AT MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK

We gathered today for a short hike, along with one four legged member of the group. As we hiked, we talked about water conservation during the current drought that is the longest on record this century in our area. We also gathered plastic bottles left at the trailhead for recycling. After our hike, the children enjoyed snacks and friendship on the playground.

CHINESE CULTURAL DAY

One of our members, who is a native of Hainan Island off the coast of China, organized this Chinese Cultural Day in celebration of Chinese New Year. We learned about Chinese customs, history, and geography, and practiced counting to ten and writing our names in Chinese. The most fun part for everyone was the “chopsticks challenge,” where the children challenged themselves to pick up noodles, peas, and ice cubes with chopsticks. Everyone enjoyed scallion pancakes and a variety of sweet treats that are commonly eaten for Chinese New Year.

CITRUS GLEANING

On December 26 and again on January 14, Roots & Shoots members joined with members of the Phoenix Permaculture Guild to help our neighbors and the hungry while addressing the local roof rat problem. Roof rats feed on the citrus fruit remaining on trees, then find their way onto people’s roofs and into homes, while spreading disease. Our team of volunteers picked oranges and grapefruits to deliver to local foodbanks. From one yard, R&S members delivered nearly 400 pounds to a local food bank one day. With less fruit available to them, the roof rats do not reproduce as quickly.

LEARNING ABOUT SOLAR ENERGY AT THE APS STAR CENTER

Group members visited one of the world’s premier Solar Test and Research facilities, operated by our local power company, APS. We learned how new technologies are developed and tested for converting solar energy into low-cost electricity. We also discussed the importance of using renewable energy sources that reduce pollution including wind power, biomass, and methane, in addition to solar power. http://www.aps.com/my_community/Solar/Solar_53.html

TOUR OF "LITTLE FARM" CSA

This activity helped us all get in touch with the place where food really comes from: the farm. The children were able to interact with the farm animals and the farmer, who described some of the benefits and challenges of growing food without chemicals. The “Little Farm” is a 5 acre farm that sells vegetables and eggs through Community Supported Agriculture. “In basic terms, CSA consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community’s farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production. Members or shareholders of the farm or garden pledge in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer’s salary. In return, they receive shares in the farm’s bounty throughout the growing season, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land. Members also share in risks, including poor harvest due to unfavorable weather or pests.” — USDA definition.

NEW YEAR'S DAY HIKE

Three families gathered to welcome the New Year with a 3.1 mile hike. Along the way, we took some photos to include in our biome boxes to be exchanged with other Roots & Shoots groups.

SOUTH MOUNTAIN HIKE ON JAVELINA CANYON TRAIL

We set off on this easy 1.7 mile hike thinking that it was a loop trail, only to discover near the end that it was not. With tired toddlers and young children in tow and the group having split in two during the hike, we learned the value of teamwork to get our group back to the parking lot. One member ran the trail back to our starting point and shuttled people back from the end point. He alerted other members who were still straggling along the trail so that they could turn back. The children were all great troopers in spite of the longer than anticipated hike, and found creative ways to make the trek fun. One member wrote afterward:
“The more I think about our hike the more I felt so proud of us! I imagined that when we discovered we were NOT on a loop, we could have started pointing fingers, fighting, blaming, stomping our feet and screaming till the sun fell and the coyotes closed in on us. HOWEVER, we quickly assessed the situation, thought of the best solution and executed it with trust and faith. I feel so proud of us, really, and feel honored for your company. Thanks again!”

COMMUNITY OUTREACH AT CHILDREN'S PEACE FESTIVAL

Each year the Emaho Foundation in Scottsdale celebrates the anniversary of the Dalai Lama’s receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize. One of this year’s events was a Children’s Peace Festival with the theme of “Universal Responsibility,” with that responsibility taking all forms - responsibility for each other, our animal friends, and the environment. The event was a forum where children learned new ways to find and make peace, and take ownership of how that can occur. Our group hosted a table with displays and information about the Roots & Shoots program, as well as an origami paper crane making activity. One of our nine year old members gave a short speech about Roots & Shoots, quoting Dr. Jane’s November interview with Amy Goodman of Democracy Now. The children also enjoyed learning about Buddhism and meditation, looking at beautiful sand mandalas, creating earth friendly crafts, learning to juggle, and playing with dogs before the animal blessing that occurred at the event.

BOYCE THOMPSON ARBORETUM

Members of our group traveled to Superior, AZ, to experience the Boyce Thompson Arboretum’s “Tree Tour” to learn about the processes trees use to sustain life, to identify trees common to central and southern Arizona, and to discuss the interdependence between trees and people. Most of all, the children had fun running and playing along the trails in the shade of beautiful trees and plants!

PAINTING IN THE PARK

The children experienced peace with nature while trying their hands at water color painting at a location featuring scenic views of red rock mountains, lakes, palms, views of the city, towering reeds and even a pyramid. When they tired of painting, they played.

LIBERTY WILDLIFE

On October 14th and again on November 11th, Liberty Wildlife volunteers spoke to us about their work rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife native to Arizona. Their presentation included some rescued animals that could not be returned to the wild, including a falcon, an owl, a tortoise, and a snake. We learned what to do if we find an injured animal and ways to prevent animals from becoming injured by taking care to carefully dispose of trash such as fishing line, soda can rings, plastic bags, and helium balloons, and to avoid throwing food items out of cars onto roads. R&S members made donations of cash or items needed for their rescue facility.

YELLOWBIRD INDIAN DANCERS

We learned about Native culture and dance from the Duncan family, who performed at the library in Fountain Hills, AZ. The family shared a Native tale about the Salt River, a song interpreted in Native sign language, a hoop dance, and a dance to honor veterans. One of our R&S members was selected to perform on stage with the family. Some members helped support the family’s cultural outreach by purchasing their CD’s.

TOUR OF BRYAN BEAULIEU'S HYDROGEN HOUSE

We visited the first green hydrogen house constructed in the USA, located in Scottsdale, AZ. While enjoying the natural beauty of the setting, we learned about the house’s numerous passive and active sustainable design features including the use of mass, radiant barriers, and convection air for natural cooling. In addition to using materials for a healthy living environment, the house will improve the air, recycle the water, and literally integrate into the landscape. Photovoltaic (solar electric) power will produce hydrogen from water to use as a fuel for heating water, cooking meals, producing electricity, and running the cars. For more information about the house and a slide show, visit

PERMACULTURE DAN'S "GARDEN OF EATIN'"

In response to a publicized controversy about a member of the permaculture community whose neighbors were upset with him for growing vegetables in his front yard, our group organized a tour at Permaculture Dan’s “Garden of Eatin’” and contacted the press for coverage. A couple of our R&S families had visited Dan’s home in the past, and found his approach to gardening to be a valuable means of caring for the environment, animals, and the human community. As the children learned about a permaculture approach to gardening, water conservation, natural fertilizers and pest control, deforestation, and hunger issues, reporters took notes and photos. One story appeared in the Arizona Republic, with many great quotes from one of our young R&S members.

IFAW MOVIE DAY

We viewed the IFAW movie sent from JGI and learned about caring for companion animals. We then visited the IFAW website and watched video footage of the IFAW’s animal rescues after Hurricane Katrina, plus reunions between animals and their owners.

ROOTS & SHOOTS DAY OF PEACE CELEBRATION

We began our Day of Peace Celebration with a presentation of our giant peace dove and an overview of Roots & Shoots for a group of adults discussing peace in a library sponsored event, “Peace and the Common Thread.” We played Dr. Jane’s speech about peace doves from Dana Lyons’s “Circle the World CD,” as well as the title song. Our group then paraded the peace dove outside through the Green Building Expo that was happening next door. We wished people a “Happy International Day of Peace” and handed out flyers inviting families to our celebration. Our parade was followed by a photographer from the East Valley Tribune, where our photos appeared the next day. Back inside at the library, we led craft tables, including origami paper cranes, earth friendly art with Magic Nuudles, materials for the Peace Pals art competition, and a peace in many languages project. We also hosted a screening of the movie, “The End of Suburbia”, followed by a discussion of the movie’s implications for teaching and practicing peace.

EARTHDANCE

Together with the New Vision Center for Spiritual Growth , RFH Roots & Shoots hosted a community outreach Earthdance event. Earthdance is the world's largest simultaneous music and dance event, in which this year more than 200,000 people in more than 50 countries united in dance for global peace. The defining moment of each Earthdance event was a synchronized link-up when every event around the world played a specially produced song called “The Song for Peace” at exactly the same time. Approximately 50 of us joined hands in a circle to recite the song in unison with the webcast of the Earthdance event in Laytonville, California. The webcast enabled us to see people like ourselves celebrating peace in places as far away as Denmark and South Africa. Our event also included drumming sessions and a performance by the “Breath of Fire” Poi Dance troupe. The children also made earth friendly creative art projects from paper mache and magic nuudles. We raffled off two copies of Jane Goodall’s and Dana Lyons’s CD, “Circle the World” to help raise money to send to our Partnerships in Understanding penpals in Sierra Leone.

TIGERS DON'T SELL TABLES

A R&S group in Accokeek, MD, contacted us about a protest they were organizing against the use of traveling exhibits of caged tigers at their local fair in a couple of weeks. Value City Furniture, the sponsor of the exhibit, never responded to letters of protest written after last year’s fair. In an effort to make their protest a national effort, the group was collecting photos of other groups holding up signs saying "Tigers don't sell tables," with the name of the R&S group and location. Our group talked for a while about some of the reasons people take tigers out of the wild, the effects on the animals, and what we can do about it. A key issue we touched upon was the fact that businesses only profit from showing caged animals if we as consumers support them. The children agreed that they would rather see wild animals remain wild. The children posed for photos with our R&S banner, posters of tigers in the wild, and stuffed toy tigers under two slogans: “Look at Tigers in the Wild” and “Tigers Don’t Sell Tables.” Special thanks to Jen for her artistic expertise!

GLOBAL WARMING AND POLLUTION SOLUTIONS

Nine year old R&S member, Tallan, gave an enthusiastic presentation on global warming, including a Bill Nye video, and some “pollution solutions.” The kids then made artistic creations from clean “garbage” and decorated canvas bags to use in place of disposable bags.

1,000 CRANES FOR PEACE

After assembling 1,000 paper cranes from our R&S members, one family traveled to Santa Fe to honor the Buddhist monks from Japan making an epic march with the atomic torch to the Trinity Test Site in New Mexico. We met the monks at the Children’s Peace Memorial at 11am on August 7th. Sammi, Jacob, Mikal, Alexandra, and I paraded the giant peace dove up to the memorial, while Hanna carried the 1,000 paper cranes, strung together in groups of 40 – 75 (depending on size). The strings of cranes were attached at the top to a large white crane that had been signed by many of our Roots & Shoots kids, some of whom wrote their names in Japanese at the August 5th R&S presentation of Japanese culture and cooking. The monks, two of whom spoke no English, were enchanted to see the kids’ Japanese characters, as well as to hear Sammi say “Konichiwa” as we were introduced. The monks hung the large peace crane on the memorial, which was already draped with many strings of cranes from a peace day celebration the day prior, and chanted a prayer for global peace. They decided to carry the 1,000 cranes with them to the closing ceremony at the Trinity Site on the 9th, where they were wrapped in a special prayer cloth created by Head Monk Rev. Daijo Ota of the Kotaiji temple in Nagasaki, and then united with the Atomic Flame in representation of every child who has ever folded a crane over the past 60 years. “That their innocent hope for peace and a world free of nuclear weapons will enter in a new 60 year circle that will see the end of fear and destruction in the world that we live in,” explained Matt Taylor, co-executive director of the Nuclear Disarmament Fund, and producer of a movie about the march.

JAPANESE CULTURE AND COOKING

Mana, who grew up in Japan, shared with us information and photos of her country. Sammi, Mariko, and Mayu wore kimonos, a traditional garment worn on special occasions. We learned to sing “Mary Had a Little Lamb” and how to play “Rock, Paper, Scissors” in Japanese. Everyone received a handout with their name printed in Japanese, where they could practice writing it themselves. We made large origami samurai helmets and small origami paper cups to put rice crackers in. Everyone had a chance to make and eat their own sushi or rice ball and to sample Japanese tea.

PARTNERSHIPS IN UNDERSTANDING PENPALS IN SIERRA LEONE

The children introduced themselves and said what they most enjoyed doing in R&S. We talked about Sierra Leone: the location, climate, language, current political situation, and what life is like for our penpals, who are refugees. Some of the children wrote individual letters to the children there, while others colored pictures or sent more general letters.

SUSTAINABLE LIVING AND SOLAR COOKING

To help facilitate a Global SEED teacher training workshop in Phoenix, one R&S family drove to the Kerr-Cole Sustainable Living Center where they learned about solar ovens, green building, and sustainable living. They stayed overnight, bringing Barbara Kerr to the workshop early next morning. Barbara and her partner Sherry Cole are two amazing women who developed the solar box cooker in their own back yards in the 1970’s. Their efforts grew into Solar Cookers International, a non-profit volunteer organization, which shares knowledge about solar cookers in other parts of the world. Solar cookers not only can cook food, but also can purify water and sterilize medical instruments, thereby saving lives and improving the quality of life for many. Meeting these two women (now in their 80’s) who started it all and continue to work in the area of solar cooking and sustainable living was inspirational, to say the least. The Global SEED workshop, one of 5, was videotaped and is envisioned for global distribution. The leader of RFH R&S spoke on tape about the Roots & Shoots program, as well as about the reusable bag project the group undertook in spring 2005 for community outreach events.

LEAFLETING AT SAFEWAY STORES

In front of Safeway grocery stores, we distributed leaflets from Turtle Island Restoration Network informing people about the hazardous mercury levels in some seafood. This campaign also asked people to go the http://www.gotmercury.org/ website to request that Safeway post warning labels in their stores about mercury levels in seafood. The same nets and longline fishing hooks that are used to catch these toxic fish, also pose a threat to sea turtles, dolphins, sea birds, and other sea mammals.

RINGLING BROTHERS CIRCUS PROTEST

Together with members of AZ for Animals and azvegan.com, we protested the use of animals in the circus at the America West Arena in Phoenix. The children held posters picturing circus animals that had been abused or neglected and handed out elephant stickers that said, “I’m an ele-friend. Circuses are no friend to animals.” Adults distributed leaflets detailing allegations against Ringling Brothers as well as the many options for circuses without animals. A local NBC station picked up the news story, interviewing two R&S members, one adult and one child. Background information for the protest came from PETA’s website, http://www.circuses.com/.

BEAT THE HEAT CARE PACKAGES FOR SENIORS

Together we assembled 6 “Beat the Heat” care packages for seniors with items each family had purchased. The children colored pictures and decorated canvas bags to include with the packages. Each package also included a letter to the seniors offering contact info if any of them would like a visit from our families, a group photo, and a greeting card from the chimpanzee guardian fundraiser. We delivered the care packages to the Via Linda Senior Center, where City of Scottsdale social workers will bring them to seniors living alone and speak to them about the importance of keeping cool and well hydrated during the brutal desert summer.

CELEBRATING OTHER CULTURES – THE EMBERA TRIBE

Anne Gordon shared with us slides and information about the people of the Embera Tribe who live in the rainforest of Panama. We learned how they live in peace and harmony with each other and with the earth. Anne showed us the baskets, jewelry, and carvings the people make, some of which were purchased by attendees, with all proceeds benefiting the Embera people. We also ate some of the traditional foods of the Embera people, including rice and beans, plantains, mangoes, papaya, and coconut. This activity fulfilled the R&S mission of promoting understanding of all cultures and beliefs.

HIKING AT MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN PARK

We met at the playground on Palisades Drive in the park and then hikedan approx. 2.5 mile loop in the park. We saw numerous birds and listened to the howl of coyotes in the distance.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND OUTREACH AT SUN FESTIVAL SOUTHWEST

At this annual, regional event celebrating environmental sustainability, our members, together with members of World Peace Roots & Shoots, planned and hosted crafts and activities in the SunKids Play Village tent. Roots & Shoots parents also helped out as needed with other volunteer needs for the festival, including technical assistance and rescue vehicle for an early morning bike tour of local solar powered and hydrogen powered houses. Approximately 250 children enjoyed our activities and

other presentations in the Play Village. Shanti, our giant peace dove, was displayed outside the tent, and visible to the approximately 5,000 attendees at the event. We spoke with families about our local R&S groups, starting their own R&S groups, Jane Goodall’s Giant Peace Dove Campaign, caring for orphan chimpanzees, and replicating the canvas bag project described below. R&S members also were instrumental in securing exhibit space for JGI’s Chimpanzoo up from Tucson and in arranging for a video message from Dr. Goodall that was aired at the festival. Our six activity tables in the SunKids Play Village included:
1. Canvas bag decorating
Children painted canvas bags silkscreened on one side with “everyday ways to care for the earth” as well as the R&S logo and sponsor logo (1Answer Solutions).
Educational display comparing plastic and paper bags, and encouraging children and adults to use canvas bags instead.
2. Seed planting
Children planted pea seeds in paper pots which could be planted in the ground at home, as the paper would decompose and become compost for the plant.
3. Mandala making
Children created their own peace mandalas with the option of hanging them on a peace pole at the nearby Permaculture exhibit.
4. Postcards to the Direct Marketing Association
Children and parents registered their households for the Mail Preference Association to reduce the amount of junk mail they receive.
Educational display about reducing junk mail and other uses of trees (e.g. shade, animal homes, play, oxygen).
5. Save the Leatherback Turtles Campaign
Continuously running DVD from the campaign.
Children completed letters and colored pictures to send to the UN asking for a moratorium on fishing practices that are hazardous to leatherbacks and other sea creatures.
6. Information table about Roots & Shoots
R&S brochures for local groups and global program.
Educational display with photographs of R&S activities, JGI chimpanzee sanctuaries, and giant peace doves around the world.
Greeting cards for orphan chimpanzee fundraiser.
Laminated instructions for building a giant peace dove.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND OUTREACH AT THE FEATHER FRIENDS FESTIVAL

The Feathered Friends Festival at the Riparian Preserve is Gilbert's annual tribute to birds, animals, insects and all other forms of wildlife. Together with World Peace Roots & Shoots we hosted an area that included display boards that detailed the mission of Roots & Shoots and Jane Goodall’s Giant Peace Dove Campaign, and included information on our service projects and the chimp guardian program. At our tables, we offered origami, a raffle to raise funds for our service projects, greeting cards to raise funds for orphan chimps, and canvas bags with a list of tips to care for the earth that people could paint and decorate on the other side. Another display board explained the benefits of using canvas bags in place of paper or plastic. Nearby was displayed Shanti, the giant peace dove, in all her splendor, blowing in the wind. Both the parents and children in our group handed out R&S brochures and spoke to people about our projects, about starting their own R&S groups, and about the ways everyone can make a difference, such as requesting or starting a recycling program in towns where there was none in place. Our children also enjoyed learning about wildlife from the other exhibits at the event.

2004-2005 - Ongoing Projects

Partnerships in Understanding
Throughout the year, our group corresponded with first graders in a Roots & Shoots group at the Bishop Strachan School in Toronto. The children shared their R&S projects, as well as information about the wildlife that live in our two very different climates.

Greeting Card Fundraiser for Orphan Chimpanzees
Together with World Peace Roots & Shoots, we created greeting cards picturing Dr. Jane with an orphan chimpanzee and information about JGI Sanctuaries. We sell the cards for $2 each or mail them out for a donation of $5 or more. For every $100 we collect, the children in our groups will become guardians for one orphan chimp.

MIZ MARI GOLD

At the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension gardens, “Miz Mari Gold” taught the children about the four elements (earth, fire, water, air), the plant cycle, the nitrogen cycle, and the water cycle. The children had the opportunity to harvest and eat fresh garden veggies, plant seeds, and add garden waste to the compost bins. The children enjoyed playing in the gardens after the tour was over on a glorious sunny day.

GREAT AMERICAN MEAT OUT

The Great American Meat Out is the world's largest and oldest annual grassroots diet education campaign. Every spring, thousands of Meatout supporters educate their communities and ask their friends, families, and neighbors to pledge to "kick the meat habit (at least for a day) and explore a wholesome, nonviolent diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains." Our group hosted a table with Roots & Shoots brochures; information, petitions, and letter writing info for the Save the Leatherback Turtles campaign; information about chimpanzees in sanctuaries and the entertainmnet industry; greeting card fundraiser for orphan chimps; and chimpanzee collaboratory petition.

RE-VEGETATION AND TRAIL MITIGATION IN THE MCDOWELL SONORAN PRESERVE

We hiked out and planted cacti along an old jeep road at the Sunrise Trail Connector that is now closed off near a newly opened trail. Our service will help the area revegetate and prevent hikers from going off trail.

JUNIOR TRAIL RANGER PROGRAM AT PINNACLE PEAK PARK

To celebrate a member's 9th birthday, we hiked the trail at Pinnacle Peak Park in Scottsdale. We observed the wildflowers in bloom and wildlife along the trail, including a chuckwalla. We discussed the importance of protecting delicate ecosystems by staying on the trail at all times. All of the children, ages 9 and under, took the junior trail ranger test and received badges and certificates.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND EDUCATION AT THE LOCAL TO GLOBAL JUSTICE TEACH-IN AT ASU

Our group hosted a table with information, flew our giant peace dove, and provided an earth friendly craft. At the information table, we promoted Roots & Shoots, the Giant Peace Dove Campaign, Save the Leatherback Turtles Campaign, and Chimpanzee Collaboratory. Our giant peace dove, Shanti, flew near a peace pole within a permaculture exhibit. The craft involved decorating canvas bags for take home use in place of paper or plastic. One side of the bags was silkscreened with the R&S logo, our sponsor's logo, and a list of "Everyday Ways to Care for the Earth." In addition to the general public who attended the event, we engaged 5 student volunteers from Arizona State University to help children with the craft.

HIKE AT PAPAGO PARK

We hiked along a trail adjacent to the Green Line, a future exhibit of the AZ Historical Society Museum. It is a riparian area created by runoff from a nearby water treatment plant, which we were overlooking at the top of the trail. The kids also socialized on the playground and had fun in the rain.

DINO DIG AT THE RIPARIAN PRESERVE

Scott Anderson of the Riparian Preserve gave us some background info on dinosaurs and paleontology, followed by a large team effort to uncover fossils. The 110 acre Water Ranch is essential for the creation and preservation of riparian habitat. The project fostered care and compassion for animals and the human community by inspiring the children to think about endangered animals and the human species in the context of becoming extinct due to environmental changes. The dino dig cost of $3 per child helped support its maintenance and educational programs.

LEARNING FROM OUR ELDERS

Audrey Burke, one of the seniors at the Fountain Hills senior center, told us about her hobby of collecting and playing Native American flutes. She started when she was 74 years old. Each child had a chance to play a few notes on a flute.

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MARCH FOR JUSTICE

Together with World Peace Roots & Shoots, we joined many other groups and individuals in a 2 mile march through Phoenix to celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The children carried a large banner they helped decorate, with the words Roots & Shoots on it, along with several peace symbols. With some help from their parents, the children also carried Shanti, our giant peace dove. Along with the children’s enthusiasm, Shanti attracted quite a bit of attention from the local media, and we were seen on at least one local TV news station.

TOUR AND BENEFIT FOR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

We toured Southwest Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Foundation and learned about the animals that are rescued and rehabilitated there. Many are released back into the wild, while others that cannot be released safely remain there in sanctuary. We saw coyotes, wolves, porcupine, raccoon, foxes, bears, mule deer, coatamundi, javelinas, bobcats, and mountain lions. We learned why not to harbor wild animals as pets. In addition to the 5 R&S member families that attended, an addition 9 families from the larger homeschool community responded to an invitation to attend, and were introduced to R&S programming. In addition to a contribution of $12 per family, each family brought items to donate for the organization’s wishlist. Some families approached retail operations and were able to bring larger donations of overstock or gift cards to benefit the foundation.

HOLIDAY GREETING CARDS FOR HOMEBOUND SENIORS

The children decorated holiday greeting cards to be delivered by Meals on Wheels for homebound seniors. Included in each card was a paper snowflake created by the children, a color photo of our group, information about Roots & Shoots, and contact information for any seniors who would be interested in visits from families.

10 EDIBLE PLANTS OF THE DESERT HIKE

Ranger "Crash" led us on a .4 mile hike and spoke of the food and medicinal uses of the Saguaro Cactus, Barrel Cactus, Buckhorn Cholla, Teddybear Cholla, Ocotillo, Palo Verde Tree, Mesquite Tree, Jojoba Bush, Creosote Bush, and Mormon Tea, all of which we saw on the trail. One R&S family provided transportation to a senior from the Fountain Hills Senior Center who wanted to participate in this barrier free hike. Also, 3 non R&S members were introduced to R&S and came along on this trip, which was advertised on several yahoogroups.

LEARNING ABOUT PERMACULTURE AT THE PHOENIX URBAN FARM

Farmer Greg shared his incredible edible yard with us, including lettuce, spinach, radishes, garlic, onions yams, chile peppers, melon, herbs, gourds, and citrus fruits. Everyone ate and brought home many items. We learned about earthworm composting and fed and petted the 19 hens. Families made donations to help support the Urban Farm’s work to educate the public about permaculture. Greg’s definition of permaculture is quite simply, “The art and science of living with nature.” You can check out the Urban Farm at http://www.urbanfarm.org/.

TOUR OF HORSES HELP

We visited the Horses Help therapeutic riding program, which has been in operation in the Phoenix area for 18 years. We saw the horses in their stalls and out with riders, and ran some of the courses the horses and riders do. Horses are very empathetic toward humans and change the way they move according to their riders’ physical abilities. Riding helps people with physical challenges to move their limbs, thereby increasing circulation, and puts big smiles on their faces. This field trip raised $45 to donate to Horses Help, where a Roots & Shoots brick will be added to their “Trail of Honor.” Children gained compassion and respect for both animals and people by seeing the horses and their riders in action.

HIKE AND TRAIL CLEANUP

While hiking along Mule Deer Trail in Scottsdale, the children completed a scavenger hung for native flora and fauna, which seemed to generate more excitement for the activity. They also collected trash along the trail in bags that we brought along. The leader from Arizona Windstar Foundation joined us on this hike to discuss our organizations' common missions and projects on which we potentially could collaborate.

MESQUITE TREE PLANTING

Four families obtained mesquite trees from the Urban Farm in Phoenix and planted those trees in their backyards or donated them to a city park for planting.

LEARNING ABOUT VERMICOMPOSTING

We visited the Desert Worm Farm in Glendale to learn about earthworm composting. The kids had a fantastic time playing with the red wigglers and the worm castings. They learned that they can have fun while helping the environment by reducing the amount of biodegradable waste in landfills. This field trip included outreach to other groups, introducing more people to Roots & Shoots. One member provided transportation to a senior from the Fountain Hills Senior Center who was interested in coming along. At least one family followed up this tour by implementing earthworm composting in their home.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH AT THE FOUNTAIN HILLS SENIOR CENTER

In an effort to establish an ongoing relationship between our group and senior citizens, we hosted a table at the Fountain Hills Senior Center open house for their new location. We helped serve refreshments while telling seniors about Roots & Shoots (most were very familiar with Dr. Jane) and surveying them about the types of activities they might be interested in doing with us. The children played board games with some of the seniors while the adults did most of the talking.

UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE CELEBRATION

In celebration of the UN International Day of Peace, we flew Shanti the giant peace dove while ringing a large bell conveniently located above the front door of a member’s home. The children decorated themselves with peace tattoos and peace sign necklaces and celebrated peace with food and play.

CELEBRATING PEACE WITH NEIGHBORS

At a City of Scottsdale "Get to Know Your Neighbors Park Party" , along with members of World Peace Roots & Shoots, our children enjoyed games and food with members of the Scottsdale International Club, a group of Mexican American children who perform song and dance at local senior centers. We joined them in their songs and also shared the Raffi Roots & Shoots song on a sound system outside. Our groups provided hand held peace doves to decorate and assemble. The children played a “get to know you” game where they traced each other on butcher paper and then decorated the pictures.

PEACE DAY PROJECTS AND PREPARATIONS

Over the course of several meetings, we prepared for the UN International Day of Peace. We began by discussing the children's understanding of the word peace. We read and discussed stories and passages from books about peace (resources listed below). We decorated hand held peace doves to share at a Peace Day celebration and practiced singing Raffi's R&S theme song to sing there. The books we used included:
(1)Peace begins with you / Katherine Scholes ; illustrated by Robert Ingpen.
(2)The Big book for peace / edited by Ann Durell and Marilyn Sachs ; written by Lloyd Alexander ... [et al.] ; illustrated by Thomas B. Allen ... [et al.].
(3)My wish for tomorrow : words and pictures from children around the world / a collaboration between Jim Henson Publishing and the United Nations ; foreword by Nelson R. Mandela ; introduction by Boutros Boutros-Ghali.

A PEACEFUL CREATIVE COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

We participated in this event in cooperation with World Peace Roots & Shoots, Starshine Academy, and the Arizona Department of Peace. We flew Shanti the giant peace dove outside while observing a peace pole dedication and peace blessings by interfaith ministers. The day’s ceremonies then moved indoors, where Shanti flew again while a musician played her harp and our children distributed hand-held peace doves to all in attendance. One member spoke about the Giant Peace Dove Campaign and Jane Goodall’s vision for the UN International Day of Peace.

LEARNING ABOUT INSECTS

Using the insect learning box provided by the Center for Native and Urban Wildlife at Scottsdale Community College, we did some informal learning about insects. We sang an insect song, played insect scavenger hunt, colored pictures of insects, and played with insect puppets and plastic insects. We focused on ways in which insects are important to the ecosystem and can be helpful to the environment. Some of the older children read The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Very Quiet Cricket (both by Eric Carle) to their peers.

ARIZONA FALLS FIELD TRIP

We toured a small hydro-electric plant powering a few homes. A park has been designed around it to make it a community friendly location. We also received info on other types of renewable energy, such as wind, solar and methane, and learned that 60% of SRP’s (the power company’s) electricity is coal generated and that there is only one nuclear plant in AZ, but that it is one of, if not, "the" biggest in the world.

LEARNING ABOUT BIRDS

Using the bird learning box provided by the Center for Native and Urban Wildlife at Scottsdale Community College, we learned about birds. We read the book, What Makes a Bird a Bird, looked at hummingbird nests, examined bird egg replicas, and tried out bird call devices. The children played with bird puppets, watched the Eyewitness on Birds video, and colored pictures of endangered birds of the Sonoran Desert.

WE LOVE TREES!

We watched the film the Lorax, by Dr. Seuss. After the film, the children acted out the show as a play.

GETTING TO KNOW DR. JANE

We watched the IMAX movie, "Jane Goodall and the Wild Chimpanzees." Afterthe movie, the children played, acting out some of the chimp behaviors thathad seen in the movie. While most of the boys tended to act out the more aggressive chimp behaviors, the girls imitated the nurturing and groomingbehaviors.

ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION

In celebration of Arbor Day, we met at a park with a lot of desert trees. First, one parent told the children a story where they participated by becoming trees themselves. Next, the children picked trees to 'be their friends'. They used all theirsenses to appreciate their trees. They listened, smelled, made bark rubbingsand drew pictures of their trees. Then we all gathered in a circle for thechildren to share their pictures with each other and to name something forwhich they are thankful to the trees.

2003-2004

Our Roots & Shoots group began in February 2003, with about 5 families, and children all under the age of 7. With such a small and young group, our early projects were simple yet creative, as we began our process of tuning in to the Roots & Shoots mission. One of our earliest projects involved reading stories about the young chimps in Gombe Forest helping each other. We compared pictures of chimpanzee hands with our human hands. The children then traced their own hands and decorated their pictures by attaching strips of paper with helping tasks to each finger. The tasks were all simple ways we can care with our hands, such as “help carry groceries,” “plant a tree,” “give a hug,” “pick up trash from a trail,” etc.