Dr. Martin Luther King’s work addressed issues that had Black and poor communities exposed to environmental hazards. In honor of Dr. King and his work, a day of service has been identified as a day in which young and old alike focus on community cleanups and beautification, The book City Green tells the story of how neighbors turn a newly vacant lot filled with trash into a community garden. After reading or *listening to the story (*check YouTube for read-alouds), think about the questions below and consider how you can make a difference in your neighborhood.
1. No one is ever too young to be an informed, engaged citizen in their school and community. Do you think students should be required to perform community service? At what age would you suggest students be required to do service and why?
2. If you wanted to have a community garden in your neighborhood, what would you do to get your neighbors interested in helping you?
3. Who do you think you could talk to in your local government to help you get permission to start a community garden?
- Would you talk to a member of your City Council, leaders who decide on laws, services, and projects in your community? Why or why not?
- Would you talk to the principal of your school? Why or why not?
- Would you talk to the mayor of your city? Why or why not?
- Your suggestion:____________________________________
4. All across America people have joined together to turn ugly lots into beautiful gardens. That is just one way that we strengthen our neighborhoods. In what ways do you think the garden in the book City Green strengthened their neighborhood?
5. Imagine your school playground needs repair. How would you get other students to join in your effort to raise awareness and secure funding to repair the school playground?
6. Why do you think it is important for you to contribute to the well-being of your community?