To continue spreading the message about our global population and the impact it has on our environment, NWF’s Population & Environment Program invites you to “Speak Out!”

A series of events on population & environment issues will take place across the country this fall, educating friends, family and neighbors on the problems we face today. Easy solutions will be provided, as well as ways for people to continue their involvement. Want to join in? Here are three easy ways that you can take part and “Speak Out!”

1) Host a “What’s for Dinner?” party

Hosting family and friends for dinner is a great way to educate them on population & environment issues. During a “What’s for Dinner?” party, participants will learn about resource-scarce developing countries and what the developed world is doing to help. While this dinner party might take a little more planning than your usual party, everyone will have a great time and learn something new.

2) Host a movie night

Always going to the movies with friends? Inviting them over to watch your latest Netflix? Next time invite them to watch one of the movies suggested here and hold a discussion afterwards.

3) Host your own idea

Have a great idea on how to gather people together and discuss population & environment issues and what you can do to help? Great! We are accepting proposals now! Write down no more than one page about your idea, how you plan to implement it, and what action you’re going to encourage people to take.

If you are interested in hosting a Speak Out! event, contact us at population@nwf.org. Small grants are available to help support your Speak Out! event. Contact us for more information.

Are you a “pop” star? If so, you could earn up to 25 points by hosting a Speak Out! event. Email us at population@nwf.org to make sure you earn your points. Interested in becoming a “pop” star? Check out beapopstar.groupee.net to find out how!

How to plan an event:

Planning an event can feel like a daunting task, but a little bit of planning and setting clear goals can go a long way toward hosting a successful event.

Below are some questions to keep in mind as you plan your event.

WHAT

• What are your goals for this event?
• What will your event entail?
• What materials, atmosphere, set up and preparation will the event require?

WHO

• Who will you invite?
• What do you want them to take away from the event?
• Who will you need help from? When are they available to help you?
• Who would you like to be part of the presentation?
• Is there anyone who is important enough to schedule the event around?(Contact them first!)
• What do you need to have settled before you ask for their participation?
• If you are partnering with someone, do you plan on dividing the tasks or doing things together?

WHERE

• Where will you hold your event that is central to your audience?
• Will it be indoors or outdoors?
• If outdoors, do you need to set a rain date or indoor location for a back up?

WHEN

• When will you have this event?
• How will it coincide with your schedule? With the schedule of your audience/ school schedule?
• How long will the event last?

HOW

• What will you do when?
• How will you invite people?
• How will you evaluate the event?

Once you have answered the questions above you are ready to start planning your event. The next step is to figure out what tasks need to be done and when. One way to organize these tasks is by drafting a timeline with assigned tasks, or essentially a work plan. The work plan should include a well thought out description of your event, your goals for the event, and the steps you will take to make your event a success.