No. 9: Imagining My Sustainable Community

Background of the organization:

No.9 is an arts orga­ni­zation that uses art and design to bring awareness to envi­ron­mental concerns. No.9 deliv­ers programs in schools and in the public domain designed to encour­age the use of cre­ative think­ing to resolve envi­ron­mental issues and to promote a sustainable lifestyle.

 

Grant Description:

As children become more aware of climate change, it can trigger escalating levels of climate anxiety, characterized by frustration, anger, feelings of powerlessness and exhaustion. By providing the means for constructive engagement, young peoples’ energy, skills and leadership can make a difference in their communities, and contribute to each other’s wellbeing. No. 9 has developed Imagining My Sustainable Community (IMSC), an innovative classroom program that encourages students to apply creative thinking and constructive dialogue to resolve environmental issues and to promote sustainable lifestyles.

Learning how different systems like transportation and energy interact with each other, and how to negotiate among diverse stakeholders, gives participants a realistic sense of how change is accomplished. Having established and refined IMSC in three communities (Toronto, Hamilton and Tyendinaga), reaching 3,500 grade seven and eight students, No. 9 now plans to roll out a national expansion of this program. No.9 has analyzed its options in the context of COVID-19 and feels confident that the program can be delivered through a completely online platform, with content that fits the existing curriculum, in collaboration with local teachers and volunteers. A grant from the Foundation will help hire the necessary staff (a Project Manager, Education Coordinator, and two senior Architect-Educators) to bring IMSC to four additional cities in Canada, and create an online platform to help deliver IMSC virtually during school closures.

Overview

  • 2020-2023
  • $ 210,000
  • Funding Type: Past Initiatives
  • Funding Stream: Communities
  • Initiatives: Social Innovation Fund