Nurture Kids, Build Communities
One significant takeaway from our collective experience during the COVID-19 pandemic is the critical role that robust support systems play in navigating difficult periods. This concept extends beyond just friends and family; it encompasses our broader communities as well. Here’s how to cultivate a thriving community, including engaging the younger generation in the process!
Adopting a Holistic Approach
Fostering healthy communities can provide vital support to at-risk groups and enhance our resilience against challenges such as food scarcity, natural disasters, and climate change. When our communities flourish, individuals within them have a greater chance to succeed. Involving children in this process helps reinforce the value of collaborative efforts in creating stronger communities and a brighter future.
Sophi Robertson is a Zero Waste speaker and consultant based in Toronto who strives to promote environmentally friendly lifestyles. Initially, like many others involved in the Zero Waste movement, her focus was on minimizing her family’s waste as a direct means of promoting sustainability.
However, her perspective evolved to encompass a broader, more holistic view of environmentalism, now heavily centered on community engagement and human rights. As both an activist and a parent, she is dedicated to demonstrating these principles to her seven-year-old daughter and engaging her whenever feasible.
“Building a community enables us to forge connections and enhances our overall resilience,” Robertson emphasizes. “Think of it as cultivating your own support network, where mutual reliance is key.” She likens environmental stewardship to parenting: it truly takes a village.
The Pandemic’s Challenges
Unquestionably, the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped nearly every aspect of life, including the environmental movement. As Robertson shares, “We all began producing more waste, and that’s perfectly understandable. We must recognize that while waste reduction is vital, it constitutes just one component of a broader mission.”
For many attempting to embrace a low-waste lifestyle, supporting local eateries has often meant opting for takeout—sometimes delivered in single-use plastic containers.
The concept of community has also evolved during this time. “At the pandemic’s onset, I felt a profound sadness and anxiety about losing the community connections I had cultivated,” Robertson reflects. “But then it dawned on me that we need to redefine what ‘community’ truly means.”
In collaboration with fellow environmentally conscious friends, Robertson launched a YouTube channel named “WE-Solation,” where they share engaging videos that teach practical eco-friendly skills, such as making roti or repairing clothing. “Community still exists, but it requires more intention and creativity,” she states.
Children can also play an active role in community initiatives during these times. Robertson proposes simple actions, like making cards from recycled materials to send to seniors or individuals in long-term care facilities.
Global Thinking, Local Action
The phrase “think globally, act locally” is commonly cited, but how can we embody this in real life? It often translates into community service. Here are some suggestions to help you get started. (Refer to the list “10 fun ways to help build your community” for more inspiration.)
Engage with Your Interests
Feeling hesitant about making a commitment? Don’t let that stop you, advises Robertson. “In the beginning, I was reluctant to get involved in community activities for fear of spreading myself too thin. But it’s not like that—you can participate in areas that resonate with you, seamlessly integrating them into what you already do.”
She suggests volunteering for your child’s school council or initiating a “green team” or composting initiative at your workplace or residence. Additionally, her family has begun fostering pets from a local animal rescue, coinciding with their previous discussions about adopting a pet.
Explore Local Opportunities
“Discover what resources and organizations are available in your vicinity. There’s an abundance of groups and places in need of support,” Robertson recommends. Investigate nearby libraries, museums, rescue groups, and nonprofits that could use a helping hand—you may uncover surprising opportunities!
Engage Children in Advocacy
Absolutely, children are capable of addressing significant issues! Encourage them to participate in local government meetings (many of which are currently virtual) or prompt them to write letters to local officials regarding matters that concern them.
“I strive to include my daughter in as many activities as I can,” Robertson shares. Together, they’ve attended demonstrations and events advocating for Indigenous rights, the Black Lives Matter movement, climate strikes, and more. According to Robertson, these experiences are invaluable for broadening her daughter’s understanding of the world.
Promote Sharing
“There’s a great trend for sharing kids’ clothing, and that’s fantastic!” Robertson says enthusiastically. “But we should broaden this culture to include sharing toys and tools as well.”
She recounts an instance where she found a brand-new stuffed flamingo that was destined for the trash. Instead of allowing it to end up in a landfill, she shared it in a local Zero Waste Facebook group, where it was repurposed for a library display with a flamingo theme.
Once again, children can be actively involved. You might encourage your kids to go through their belongings to devise a plan for responsible donations through local caremongering groups or to trade items within community networks like BUNZ.
“I take my daughter with me for drop-offs and pick-ups,” Robertson adds. “It fosters a beautiful sense of resource sharing, along with building connections and friendships.”
Children are integral to the fabric of our communities. They not only have the right to flourish in vibrant and resilient neighborhoods, but they can also play a pivotal role in realizing these communities.
