Branching Together
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."
-Anne Frank
We live in a critical time.
The exponential use of finite resources threatens not only other species, but our way of life and the future of our planet.
In a time where many are apathetic and in denial about climate change science, action must be taken by all people to create the change that is necessary.
In response to this crisis, we are raising money to take action now and empower people across the country.
Who We Are
We are Cheyenne and Susie. We graduated from college three years ago, and have a BA in Environmental Studies and a BS in Business between us. With our passion for stewardship, we decided to take action now to better our world. We are going on a purpose-driven road trip beginning on the West Coast with the final destination on the East Coast. This project will be about two and a half weeks long, and take place this spring of 2018. Austin will be joining to help conduct the project.
The Project
In towns across the country, we will set up an interactive street display with the goal of encouraging people to take action themselves in creating a healthier environment, one small step at a time.
The display consists of free verse about how the earth is suffering from climate change. The verses are written on magazine paper to make them stand out against a black background.
Next to the verses are elements of nature to further illustrate the reality of each situation explained. In our modern culture, we are far removed from the negative effects of our actions. This is showing people that issues related to the environment are all connected, and cause harm to the earth and all living things.
Next to the large backdrop is a tree with a mirror hanging from the branches. We want to show participants that they, and we together, are the only ones this crisis comes down to. Earth is our home. We must be good stewards of the earth and of each other to have a chance of a healthy future. Next to this tree is a stack of blank leaves of construction paper. On a leaf, a participant will write an action they will incorporate into their daily life to make the world a better place through stewardship, and they will hang this leaf on one of the branches on the tree with the mirror.
Above: The project display. The stool has leaves on it on which people can write a vow to make a change to live more sustainably. They can then hang the leaf on the tree.
In addition, we will be planting trees native to each area where we stop. We will be talking to local residents, families, and community centers to find people who would like to have a tree donated to their yard or a local park. The trees will be planted with the participants, so that every time they walk past the tree, they will be reminded of the difference they made, and can make every day.
During the project, we will be posting to our website, Instagram, and Facebook along the way. After the project, we will post photos of all the leaves collected across the country so that you will be able to see the changes that people like you are making in order to better the world.
Where YOU Come In
We set a goal of $2,500 because transportation will be costly. A rental car will allow us to reach even more people in a reliable and safe way. We plan to personally fund project materials such as display supplies, the local trees to plant, and business cards. If funds exceed our goal, they will go toward these materials. We will be camping and staying with friends along the way as well as paying for our plane tickets back.
Above: Map of tentative cities to stop. We plan to add more along the way.
Since we graduated recently and are just stepping into the world, we don't have vast monetary resources. However, this calling is too strong to wait. We are asking you, our friends, family, and global community, to contribute to this need to connect with others in an age of disconnect from our environment.
Your support of this project will empower others to improve the world in their daily lives. Small actions contribute to the bigger picture. If you are able, we would really appreciate any support you can provide for this project so that we can come together as world citizens and protect our land.
Thank you so much! We really hope that you can be involved in this project so that together we can make a better future for our world.
-Cheyenne and Susie
Website with updates and information: http://branchingtogether.weebly.com/
We're going on an adventure!
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."
-Anne Frank
