Lights, Camera, Action: WECAN Takes Sustainability to South School’s Movie Night

On October 25, 2024, Andover WECAN attended South School’s outdoor Halloween movie night, featuring Coco. The event aimed to raise awareness about sustainability and introduce a local “Green Team” initiative for both parents and children. The event provided an opportunity to connect with parents and children alike and spark conversations around small, practical actions for a more sustainable lifestyle.

The turnout was mixed, with adults approaching the WECAN booth with caution, perhaps expecting a pitch for products or services. While one parent expressed interest in starting a Green Team, overall engagement was lower than hoped. This response reinforced the need for WECAN to refine its approach to parent outreach, focusing on clear, informative messaging that avoids the appearance of marketing.

The children, however, were more receptive. The interactive sustainability wheel—a key feature of the booth—drew them in with its playful design, offering a fun way to learn about eco-friendly practices. Although the content was aimed at adults, the enthusiasm from the kids highlighted the potential for WECAN to tailor future initiatives in a more youth-friendly format, ensuring sustainability messages resonate with younger generations.

While the event was a relatively low-key introduction to WECAN’s goals, it marked an important first step in building awareness within the Andover community. The casual setting provided a valuable opportunity to test different approaches to engagement, setting the stage for broader outreach efforts moving forward.