Community education is essential to improving community sustainability and increasing awareness of environmental and disaster related issues on Cape Cod. Education is woven into our program at every level. Members and staff become educators every time they walk into the public with their AmeriCorps uniforms on. Whether we’re standing in line at the grocery store or on a service project, opportunities always arise that allow us to educate the public about our program and the services we provide. In more formal settings, Members give community presentations to local elected officials and classrooms of students. Education topics for our program revolve around environmental and disaster preparedness and response topics as well as national service in general.

Examples of Projects

Group Projects

1. Project WET Festivals are given to 30-400 grade school students at a time, teaching them about groundwater on Cape Cod and what they can do to protect it
2. Assist with the placement of stormwater decals informing the public that stormwater flows untreated into the ocean and freshwater ponds

Individual Placements

1. Serve with the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve assisting with public outreach and education on estuaries, aquatic plants and animals, groundwater, and water quality
2. Serve with Cape and Islands Self Reliance educating students on renewable energy sources
3. Serve with the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary teaching and developing educational programs
4. Serve with the American Red Cross coordinating and scheduling their disaster training and education programs

COD Day Projects

1. Members present established curriculum on environmental and disaster preparedness topics to students and community groups. Topics range from recycling and composting to winter storm preparation and family disaster plans
2. Members perform a puppet show to young students about the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling our waste