| SP.5 | SP.5 – Story Seeds: Imagining Green Futures Together | |
| Partner organization (who designed it) | Partner organization: YOMN | |
| Overall description (Tell us the story of this activity) | This interactive practice helps young people imagine and co-create hopeful futures for the planet. Using storytelling, drawing, and collective visioning, participants reflect on today’s ecological problems and plant the ‘seeds’ of alternative, sustainable futures. The activity blends personal reflection with group creativity and results in a visual Story Garden expressing shared eco-dreams. | |
| Total Duration: | 3 hours | |
| Group size: | 10–20 youth participants (ages 14–25) | |
| List of materials: (from pens to papers to Wi-Fi to an elephant) | Paper seeds or shapes, markers, colored pencils, large paper, glue, tape, sticky notes, relaxing music, optional outdoor setup | |
| Activity’s objectives: (what do you want to achieve by delivering this activity) | – Foster imagination and hope in response to the ecological crisis – Encourage critical thinking and creative storytelling – Build group connection through collective dreaming – Empower youth as storytellers and eco-visionaries | |
| memory archive timeline: information, picture and link. e.g. short story. | Photo: free image- Pexels  Inspired by Rural Traditions Across many villages in Europe, elders have passed down stories about nature, farming, and local traditions. The “Story Seeds” practice draws from this rich history. In workshops, youth and seniors create small tales inspired by personal memories, then plant symbolic seeds—both real and metaphorical—for the future. These seeds represent shared dreams and resilience, proving that even small stories can grow into powerful messages of sustainability and togetherness resilience, hope, and sustainability during difficult times. https://elpais.com/espana/madrid/2021-06-28/el-huerto-despues-del-virus.html | |
| Step-by-Step Description | ||
| Time: (mins) | Activity Description: Include all the steps needed, Include notes for the facilitation. | |
| 20 mins | STEP 1: Introduction & Energizer Greet participants and introduce the theme: imagining a better future for the planet. Play a movement game like ‘Eco Charades’ (mime different environmental issues or solutions) to warm up the body and mind. | |
| 30 mins | STEP 2: Story Seeds – Personal Reflection Give each person a small paper ‘seed’ (cut-out shape). Ask them to write or draw one change they want to see in the world (e.g. clean rivers, more trees, eco transport). They decorate it with symbols and colors that match their message. | |
| 30 mins | STEP 3: From Crisis to Vision In small groups, youth discuss: – What problems worry you the most today? – What kind of future do you want instead? – What values should guide this change? Each group shares highlights with the whole room. | |
| 40 mins | STEP 4: Story Garden Creation Give each group large paper and art supplies. Their task: draw a garden of the future using the seeds created earlier. Include characters, eco-solutions, and symbols of justice, cooperation, and care. This is a creative space—there is no wrong way to do it. | |
| 30 mins | STEP 5: Story Circle Each group presents their Story Garden and tells a short collective story: ‘Once upon a time, we changed our world by…’ Encourage fun, dramatic telling. Peers give feedback by clapping or adding sticky notes with kind thoughts. | |
| 30 mins | STEP 6: Reflection & Takeaways In a closing circle, ask: – What story will you carry forward? – What action will you take next? – How did it feel to imagine a better world together? Let youth write a ‘letter to their future self’ and take it home or bury it in a real or symbolic space. | |
| Extra information we need to take into account. Notes for facilitation etc (in case needed) | Allow creative freedom and emotional safety. Offer options for drawing, writing, and speaking. Encourage inclusion and validate all contributions. Storytelling is a powerful tool—let youth lead the tone and message. | |
| Preparations for the activity: (what do you need to do, who needs to do it, etc.) | – Cut out paper ‘seeds’ or leaves – Set up a creative space with tables, cushions, or outdoors if possible – Prepare markers, big paper sheets, stickers, and tape – Create a corner for displaying the Story Gardens | |
| Evaluation of the activity: (Describe how will you explore what worked, what did not, what should be changed, what as the impact, was the objective achieved and to what extent…) | – Use a feedback wall or ‘emotions barometer’ with stickers – Ask for one-word reflections from each person – Keep photos of gardens or stories as part of your youth work archive | |
| Expected Outcomes: What are the expected learning outcomes, social outcomes, or other benefits. Describe how it contributes to collecting and sharing socio-ecological memories. | Youth will feel inspired, seen, and motivated to create change. They’ll explore their hopes and fears about the environment in a safe space. This session helps youth shift from eco-anxiety to eco-imagination and strengthens their voice in climate conversations. | |
| Appendices (If relevant – handouts, internet links, etc.) | ||
