Stand up against hunger
I believe every person can make a stand against hunger in their community. At Brewer art student make a "twin" ceramic bowl each time we do ceramics. That bowl is used in a fundraiser to obtain money for our area food cupboard. We have been doing this for three years now. We need money for clay and glazes.
About You
Section 1: You
First Name
Randy
Last Name
Mennighaus
Website URL
Organization
Brewer Schools
Country
United States, ME
Section 2: Your Organization
Organization Name
Brewer Schools
Organization Website
Organization Phone
207 989 4140
Organization Address
79 parkway South BRewer Me o4412
Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
Organization Country
United States, ME
Your idea
Name Your Project
Stand up against hunger
Country and state your work focuses on
United States, ME
Describe Your Idea
I believe every person can make a stand against hunger in their community. At Brewer art student make a "twin" ceramic bowl each time we do ceramics. That bowl is used in a fundraiser to obtain money for our area food cupboard. We have been doing this for three years now. We need money for clay and glazes.
Website URL
Innovation
What makes your idea unique?
Teenagers tend to be very self centered. Initially is was very hard to them to give away a bowl. Over time, the genuine "feel good" factor has kicked in. Students volunteer to be part of this. In edition many choose to make more than one bowl. This activity started before the economy took a down turn. It seems even more important now. Many of my students know someone who does not have enough to eat. Being a member of your community is not a unique idea, but community identity seems to be very fragile in our area, so halving teens working together against hunger has been a very rewarding experience. It reaches out to members of the community of all ages. It allows every one to participate in any of the parts, whether it is making the bowls through to serving the soup.
Do you have a patent for this idea?
Impact
This Entry is about (Issues)
What impact have you had?
Since we have started to do this, we have raised more than 1,200 for our local food cupboard Year one we sold bowls at an art show. Years two and three we had suppers as well to fund raise. Students who have gotten involved as not the typical leaders. Many of the kids who are strong supporters are student who ( I suspect) have experienced hunger first hand, or know of friends who live hungry. Having enough food is a basic human need. As a teacher I know I can't get my students to focus if they are hungry. Art students have gained respect from their community.
Problem
hunger, community service, how to show art student how their art can make a difference in the world.
Actions
We are fighting apathy. We are stating one person, one artist can make a difference in their community. We believe that no one should go to bed hungry.
My school will provide the electricity to fire the kiln. In good budget years they have let me buy the extra clay and glazes for the bowls. My school system is in a serious budget crisis ( as are all Public schools in Maine). We can not keep making the bowls if we don't have the basic supplies.
Results
The expected results: continue the fund raising. The cash provided to the food cupboard actually is worth more as the local stores that the food cupboard buys form gives the a huge discount. The art students are empowered, and have become volunteers and active in their communities while teenagers. I work with teen agers and this age tends to be very self absorbed so the the spark of long community service may be planted in these kids thought sharing their talents.
An other simple result is each student learns a large variety of pottery techniques as part of the program. Each year an art student participates they learn a new bowl method.
What will it take for your project to be successful over the next three years? Please address each year separately, if possible.
It takes about 300 pounds of clay (6 boxes of 50 pounds each) 6 x 20 + shipping 200.00
Than about 6-8 pints of glaze at about 14.00 per pint
times three years
For the past three years we have used about 400.00 in ceramic materials a each year. The supper materials are donated.
What would prevent your project from being a success?
I can't seeing anything. Our community really turns out in force, as they know how vital our food cupboard is. Extremely tight educational budgets may leave us with no materials to make the bowls.
How many people will your project serve annually?
101‐1000
What is the average monthly household income in your target community, in US Dollars?
Less than $50
Does your project seek to have an impact on public policy?
Yes
Sustainability
What stage is your project in?
Operating for 1‐5 years
In what country?
United States, ME
Is your initiative connected to an established organization?
Yes
If yes, provide organization name.
brewer schools inspired by the Empty bowls philosophy
How long has this organization been operating?
More than 5 years
Does your organization have a Board of Directors or an Advisory Board?
Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with NGOs?
No
Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with businesses?
Yes
Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with government?
No
Please tell us more about how these partnerships are critical to the success of your innovation.
Hmm. The school prvides the electricy for the kiln.
The local bakery provides/donates the bread.
The school staff the labor.
The teachers donate the food for the supper
The student donate their skills to make the bowls.
What are the three most important actions needed to grow your initiative or organization?
supplies
The Story
What was the defining moment that led you to this innovation?
I was taking a workshop at Haystack school of crafts, and the pottery teacher told me of how students could make a difference through fundraising. I didn't believe my students would participate.
Tell us about the social innovator behind this idea.
Every one can make a difference. It is so easy to say, "Well there is nothing I can do" In fact you can. That one bowl makes money that puts food in a stangers mouth.
How did you first hear about Changemakers?
Friend or family member
If through another, please provide the name of the organization or company
Our school nurse passed it on to me,.
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