Spread 350 in your community

Many people still don’t know what 350ppm means, so by placing the number in different places around the community in creative and possibly even mysterious ways, you'll pique interest and educate your community about 350 and climate change. This is great in particular for new groups, but is appropriate for groups at any stage. If you're looking to do something that is creative, fun, helps build the buzz about 350 in your community, educates the wider public, and brings more people into your organizing group, this is a perfect project to take on!

A few tips

Choose to make your project happen in places where its likely to be seen by the greatest number of people.
Think outside the box, but choose tactics that your group has the skills, funds, etc. to make happen.
This project can be done on the cheap - think recycled materials, chalk, or natural materials that can be found and used to create provocative 350 art!
Design a follow-up plan. If your project is successful, you'll have people wanting to know what 350 is and get involved, so think of a way that people can find your facebook group or website if they search.
This project lends itself especially well to having fun!

Get it done

1. Have a brainstorm

Call a meeting with your group for an open brainstorm about possible actions - no idea is too crazy! A few common ideas just to get you started include sidewalk chalking in heavily trafficked pedestrian areas, placing creative postcards or notes with 350 on them in cafes, or encouraging people to wear armbands that say "ask me about 350". For more ideas, visit our Climate Art ideas page.

2. Make a plan

Now that you have lots of ideas on the table, its time to pick one or a few, and make a plan for how to make it happen. You'll want to choose your tactics, make a timeline for when you'll organize the project, and delegate tasks out to members of your group. Be sure to think through how people who see 350's around the community can find your group (possibly including a link to your website or Facebook group in whatever materials you spread around).

3. Reach out

This is a fun project, and a great time to get new members involved with creating materials and spreading the word around the community, so put a call out for new volunteers to take part in leading the activities.

4. Prepare materials

Organize a time to prepare any needed materials, whether it's painting signs, printing posters, or preparing cards to leave around cafes. This is a great time to get to know your group better, and encourage new leaders to take on roles.

5. Spread 350!

Hit the streets, libraries, cafes, or whatever your targeted area is! Go as a group, have fun, and talk to people who are interested as you go - you may want to bring around sign-up sheets.

6. Make media

Ask someone in your group to take photo and video of the results of your project, and if you can, people's reactions. Post the results online, and send out an alert to the local media, who also might be wondering about all those 350's people are seeing around town...

7. Follow-up

Let your whole group and allies know about the results of the project, and contact any new sign-ups who might have found your group from your creative project.