Art for the earth: Kids can help create Climate Hope Cards

Trees. Flowers. Birds. Rivers. Children have always drawn nature’s beauty. Now they can use their artistic talents to help promote environmental justice — and get the attention of public officials.

Kids of all ages can join in the United Church of Christ’s Climate Hope Cards art contest. Participating children will design postcards that highlight hope for and love for the earth. Any child can enter, but church youth especially are encouraged to participate.

Beginning Oct. 4, families can submit their children’s earth-loving drawings, doodles and sketches. Then, UCC environmental justice leaders will print the winning art on postcards. An online award ceremony will be held in January.

Finally, UCC churches everywhere can help send these postcards to elected officials, calling for action now on climate change.

Template available

“We’re in the middle of climate and environmental crises, so we need everyone involved, from the youngest kids on up,” said Andy Wells-Bean, UCC environmental justice fellow.

Wells-Bean is spearheading the Climate Hope Cards campaign. He noted that it’s a simple but significant way for any youth to get involved. UCC youth programs should keep an eye out for a template and submission instructions coming soon in the mail. Anyone can also download the template at ucc.org/ClimateHopeCards.

What should kids draw? Anything that demonstrates their love for God’s creation, according to Wells-Bean.

“Think about the earth. Think about climate change. Think about how you want to protect the earth,” he said.

An adult tries his hand

Even UCC General Minister and President John Dorhauer illustrated his own Climate Hope Card.

“We want children from all over the country to design their own card and fill it out and send it in,” Dorhauer said.

The contest will culminate in an award ceremony Jan. 7 on Zoom. Watch the video above to learn more.

---

Content on ucc.org is copyrighted by the National Setting of the United Church of Christ and may be only shared according to the guidelines outlined here.