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People are hunting elephant for ivory and now they are endangered
Siroj

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Those committed to Mother Nature have been known to express their grievances with public happenings and large-scale art projects rather than anti-war style marches. We've compiled a slideshow with some of the best acts of civil disobedience committed in the name of the environment.

This Saturday over 4000 protests have been planed for the International Day of Climate Action. If you'll be attending one, send us your photos and video clips using the photo upload tool below and the video uploader at the bottom of the page.

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international day of environmental action

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The Outrageous History Of Environmental Protests (SLIDESHOW)

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Those committed to Mother Nature have been known to express their grievances with public happenings and large-scale art projects rather than anti-war style marches. We've compiled a slideshow with some of the best acts of civil disobedience committed in the name of the environment.

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Everyone agrees that culture is the hardest thing to change, whether ethics in the financial system or the eating habits of individuals. That's because change is not a decision like appointing a new CEO, nor is it an event like winning an election. Change is an ongoing campaign.

Even in a hierarchy, top officials can declare a new policy or restructure by fiat, but they can't change behavior without a campaign to win hearts and minds. If culture change is difficult within a company, it is even harder in looser systems such as communities and countries. In his book, All Deliberate Speed, Charles Ogletree examines the 50 years after the Supreme Court passed Brown v. Board of Education ordering the desegregation of U.S. public schools; yet decades later schools remain de facto segregated. If laws don't produce change, then leaders must become adept at campaigns to change behavior.

The best campaigns for change have five elements:

Memorable messages. Campaigns, like brand marketing, start with a clear, succinct, easy to repeat, emotionally compelling message. The designated driver campaign, spearheaded by Jay Winsten at the Harvard School of Public Health 21 years ago, reduced fatalities from drunk driving by 25% in its first four years alone using the slogan "The designated driver is the life of the party." The message plays off of "life of the party" to signify that the party will be fun, while reminding people that "life" depends on a driver who doesn't drink. Similarly, playful yet compelling images animate Dr. Hugo Tempelman's campaign to stop HIV/AIDS in South Africa. The campaign features billboards with a cartoon condom and slogans accompanied by a soccer ball that start with the line "Men with balls..." and complete the sentence with safe sex behavior.

Stories. Narrative is a powerful tool for campaigns. People remember other people and stories better than numbers. First Lady Michelle Obama is leading a campaign against obesity by getting Americans up and walking. Personal testimonials motivate people, particularly when they see that those they admire take new actions. For big media campaigns, celebrity stories catch attention. Actor Dennis Quaid, who almost lost his twin children to medical errors, stars in a made-for-TV movie about patient safety, Chasing Zero, produced by Dr. Charles Denham, a physician/entrepreneur and an Advanced Leadership Fellow at Harvard (a program I'm involved with). Chasing Zero has aired several times on the Discovery Channel and is the basis for a campaign aimed at hospital boards and community leaders.

Action tools and roles. In a successful campaign, there is a clear step anyone can take, without requiring elaborate new processes, even if more complex change is required eventually. A checklist for surgery is a simple, actionable tool, as Dr. Atul Gawande argues in his new book. The designated driver is a role that is immediately clear to everyone attending a party, and anyone can take it on. When IBM mounted a campaign to increase employee engagement in North America, the company created a new role, called "mayor," for neighborhood-based networks to build connections and community service, called "spirit communities."

Coalitions of partners. Change campaigns need many suppliers, distributors, and allies. The "100,000 Lives" campaign mounted by Dr. Donald Berwick at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), aimed at saving 100,000 lives lost annually to preventable medical errors. IHI mobilized 3000 hospitals to implement safer practices. Berwick (now nominee to head Medicare) later expanded this to a "5 Million Lives" campaign to reduce all forms of hospital-generated harm, adding more hospitals armed with more tools. In a different realm, NASA head Charles Bolden, a former Harvard Advanced Leadership Fellow with Denham, caught the change campaign spirit. He recently launched NASA's "Summer of Innovation" in its first four states. This campaign enlists middle school students and teachers in efforts to improve STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and math), using NASA scientific resources as a catalyst.

"Point of action" nudges. Popular media messages get generalized attention, just as commercials for products do, but like marketing campaigns that require point of sale support, successful behavior change campaigns need to place reminders at the point of action - the moment of truth when behavior is set in motion. For example, bars are naturals for designated driver or safe sex campaign materials. Hand-washing reminders and hand-sanitizers are now prevalent in restaurants and hospitals.

Campaigns for culture change flourish under experienced leaders in later stages of life ready to jump into making a big impact on society. This reasoning underlies the meta-campaign of the Advanced Leadership Fellowship: to deploy a leadership force of social change campaigners. We're seeking a few great leaders to join the movement and create the next designated driver, patient safety, or science education campaign. The results can improve competitiveness and save lives. That's a campaign worth undertaking.

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Five Tips for Leading Campaigns for Change

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Everyone agrees that culture is the hardest thing to change, whether ethics in the financial system or the eating habits of individuals. That's because change is not a decision like appointing a new CEO, nor is it an event like winning an election. Change is an ongoing campaign.

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Save the elephant campaigns by two Hong Kong teenagers draw praise from Chelsea Clinton in new book

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Two Hong Kong teenagers who took up the fight against ivory trading to save endangered elephants have been praised by Chelsea Clinton in a book by the former US president's daughter....

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Hong Kong schoolchildren are transforming attitudes about elephant ivory through small actions that are having a big impact.
Hong Kong is at the heart of the ivory black market. Its bustling ports are a major entry point for smuggled ivory shipped from Africa to Asia. In recent years officials have seized huge amounts of ivory: 3.4 tons in 2011, 5.6 tons in 2012, and about 7 tons in the first ten months of 2013.

Now, kids in Hong Kong are using school projects, letter-writing campaigns, petitions, and protests to educate their peers and parents about the true origins of decorative ivory. As a result, they're helping change habits and policies.

When Nellie Shute, a 12-year-old at the Hong Kong International School, read articles about the ivory confiscations, she was horrified by how many elephants must have been killed. She did a school project on it, and when she presented her work, her classmates too were shocked. They promised to tell their parents, many of whom owned things made with ivory.

"I knew I'd made a difference, even though it was only a small number of kids," Shute said. "And I knew I had to do more to spread the 'no to ivory' message."

So Shute contacted Elephant Voices, a Kenya-based NGO cofounded by Joyce Poole. When Elephant Voices shared her letter on their Facebook page, Shute was overwhelmed by the more than 600 people who commented and themselves shared it.

Determined to do more, she created and sold elephant gift cards, raising $250, which she donated for the care of an elephant orphan at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya.
Education: The Wrong Kind
The Hong Kong government often displays confiscated ivory at schools and libraries for "educational" purposes. Yet Shute believes the displays are counterproductive.

"My school was given the tusks to educate students," she said. "But it wasn't doing that at all. Actually, it was reinforcing the idea that it's acceptable to display ivory as artwork. Kids were walking past and saying, 'Wow, that's so cool.' It wasn't cool at all. An elephant was killed and had its face ripped off so that those tusks could be there."

Shute wrote to her principal explaining how she felt. She was nervous but heartened by his response. He said the school hadn't thought about it that way and that she was right.

He agreed to send the ivory back to the government, and when it was returned last December, the shipment included a petition organized by Shute with more than 500 signatures from students and teachers explaining why the school didn't want the ivory and why the government should go a step further and destroy its entire ivory stockpile.
Christina Seigrist and Lucy Skrine
Christina Seigrist, a nine-year-old at the Chinese International School in Hong Kong, learned what was happening to elephants from her parents and their friends, who work in conservation.

She was encouraged to act by her school's theme, "Let's make the world a better place," and by her involvement in the Jane Goodall Institute's Roots and Shoots program.

"I was really worried that if we don't do anything, I will not be able to see elephants in real life when I grow up," Seigrist said.

Seigrist's friend, Lucy Lan Skrine, an 11-year-old at the Independent Schools Foundation Academy, had watched a National Geographic documentary on rhino poaching and later discovered that elephants are poached too.

"This really angered me, having met an elephant up close in Thailand," Skrine said. "Knowing these friendly, harmless animals could be extinct made me want to help."

In September 2013 the two girls joined with Nellie Shute to form the Elephant Angels.

On January 22, the Elephant Angels delivered a petition to the Hong Kong government advocating destruction of its ivory stockpile. They had garnered more than 18,000 signatures, nearly double their goal of 10,000.

On January 23, the Hong Kong government announced its intention to destroy 95 percent (28 tons) of its almost 30-ton ivory stockpile. Slated for May 15, this will be the world's largest ivory destruction so far.

Overjoyed, the children sent handmade cards to officials with the words, "Thank you 11,000 times" (the number of dead elephants the stockpile represents).

"It's a way of putting their memory to rest," Shute said.

The angels didn't stop there.

"If the government is serious about saving elephants, they shouldn't allow shops to sell ivory at all, because that just encourages demand," Shute said.

Domestic legal ivory sales often provide a cover for illegal ivory. Undercover video footage released on February 12 showed staff at two Chinese Arts & Crafts (H.K.) Ltd. stores telling customers how to illegally smuggle ivory across borders. (A company spokesperson said its ivory crafts were sold legally under relevant laws and noted that Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department monitors local sales.)

On February 15 the angels staged a protest at one of the stores. Standing in front of a window display of a massive set of tusks, they handed out leaflets and talked to shoppers about the true source of the ivory.

"When we were protesting, people were wondering what was happening, and they stopped and read our posters," Seigrist said. "I speak Chinese, and I was able to talk to kids visiting from mainland China that elephants are killed for their ivory. It was shocking to find out that they thought the tusks just fall off the elephants. They were horrified and immediately told their parents right there not to buy the ivory."

She continued: "There was one old Chinese man on his bicycle. He was looking at the pictures of the killed elephants, then suddenly he fell off his bike and started crying and asking how could anyone do this to an animal. I was so sad to see him crying."

After the protest, the group received many interview requests.

"We were happy with these results because the news, radio, and TV stations have the power to teach more people about the cause," Skrine said.
More Students Join the Fight
On March 15, students at Clearwater Bay School organized their own protest.

Researching the illegal ivory trade for a school project, they'd interviewed Alex Hofford, cofounder of Hong Kong for Elephants and a consultant for WildAid. They'd also visited a Chinese Arts & Crafts store and were concerned about the ivory.

"I don't want to see any type of animal become extinct just because people want money," said Clearwater's Giacomo Faye. "I want the next generation of humans to see them up close and not on their iPad or TV."

Shortly after the protest, the company announced it had "suspended the business of selling ivory products at all [its] branches."

"It goes to show that the power of schoolkids protesting on their doorstep every month was not lost on Chinese Arts & Crafts," Hofford said.

The children were pleased with the result.

"It's one giant leap to stopping the ivory trade," Faye said.

"If it's not in the shops, people can't buy it," Shute added. "If they can't buy it, hopefully they will no longer want it."

The ivory suspension is a potent statement, but it will have little impact on the company's bottom line. Chinese Arts & Crafts represents a small part (perhaps 3 to 5 percent) of the sales of its parent company, China Resources Enterprise, whose core business is food and drinks. Furthermore, because the company sells ivory products on consignment, it can simply return them to the consignee.

Hong Kong's Elephant Angels are now set on winning a total ban on ivory sales. They've started another petition, which has already garnered thousands of signatures and are planning a protest, on May 14.

After they targeted the second largest ivory retailer in Hong Kong, Wing On Department Store, it announced today that, effective July 7, 2014, it would stop selling ivory. Now they have the third largest, Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium, in their sights.

Children around the world can lend their support to this cause, said Christina Seigrist. "I would ask them to share this with many of their friends, and also do a presentation at their school."

"Remember, this is our planet, and these are our animals," Skrine added. "It's up to this generation to save them before they die out."

"Don't be afraid to stand up for what you believe in," Shute advised. "If you do nothing, nothing will change. Our young voices can be very powerful, and people will listen. You just have to speak up!"
If you have stories of children taking action for elephants or other wildlife, please comment here or share on the author's Facebook site.

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In Hong Kong, Kids Take Action to Stop the Illegal Ivory Trade

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Hong Kong schoolchildren are transforming attitudes about elephant ivory through small actions that are having a big impact. Hong Kong is at the heart of the ivory black market. Its bustling ports are a major entry point for smuggled ivory shipped from Africa to Asia.

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Badges of wealth vary widely, from jewels to Rolex watches. In recent decades, however, there has come another one-ivory-which is regarded as both a symbol of status and a substance from which religious icons are made.

As a result, however, African elephants have been the victims of this outrageous trend.

I am Celia Ho, nicknamed 'The Elephant Girl' by Jane Goodall. I started to be interested in elephants when I first read the cover story " Blood Ivory " written by Bryan Christy in National Geographic. It inspired me a lot and I have also comprehended the troubles elephants are facing. For the sake of satisfying the limitless hunger of ivory collectors, at least 25,000 to 35,000 elephants are killed every year. Picture the scene. Smell the death. It's cruel and inhumane.

Not only elephants are suffering, but also humans. Some of the money made from selling ivory is then used to purchase weapons used in the continent's various conflicts. Besides, many courageous rangers are killed every year when defending elephants and rhinos. Too many lives have been paying for the ivory trade.

Elephants are important to forest regeneration and create habitats for many animals when they disperse seeds by eating fruit. Therefore, poaching elephants affects the eco-system.

These were why I started my campaign to help them get out of this inhuman trench and inspire others to protect elephants with essays, songs, videos and public speech. With people united, we can save elephants from the bloody poaching

There are basically three parts of my campaign. The first part is drawing ivory consumers' attention so that the demand for ivory can be reduced. And the second part is educating young people, especially in China, because they have the greatest possibility to become future ivory consumers. The last part is drawing international attention on this ivory trade issue.

Everyone has his or her power, which is very influential. They can make good use of their social network, by maybe writing a status on Facebook or sending a letter to newspapers, just like I have done. They can also educate people around them and their parents, because they all have the possibility to become ivory consumers. Young people's voices can be heard easily, and they are always noticed by others.

Tell people around you not to buy ivory.

The supply of ivory is no longer sustainable. It is time for us to rectify our mistakes before an irreversible disaster occurs. Please stop devastating a species that is already losing ground. Before they become extinct, let's save them, and our planet as well.

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Badges of wealth vary widely, from jewels to Rolex watches. In recent decades, however, there has come another one-ivory-which is regarded as both a symbol of status and a substance from which religious icons are made. As a result, however, African elephants have been the victims of this outrageous trend.

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A girl called Celia Ho whose nickname is "Elephant girl" made a poster about how we should be saving them instead of killing them just for ivory. She has explained that the money people get from this ivory is often used for the war. She has also said that we should not buy the ivory to PROTECT the elephants.

Mikako

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The designated driver campaign, spearheaded by Jay Winsten at the Harvard School of Public Health 21 years ago, reduced fatalities from drunk driving by 25% in its first four years alone using the slogan “The designated driver is the life of the party.”

Nandini

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All these girls that made a change is a risk taker. The girls that saved elephants talked to the government. To achieve something big it takes effort and risk but most importantly passion.
-Sana

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Five tips for leading campaigns for change

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Five tips for leading campaigns for change

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This artical tells you how to write a memorable and good campaign for change, you have to make it memorable and easy, not many people want to chnge , that is why this artical is useful.

Ryan

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More people are inspired by younger generations

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More people are inspired by younger generations

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Punyae

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Give out a powerful and memorable message that speaks out to everyone. Write a story that is related to the topic and something the audience will remember.
Mayumi

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Badges of wealth vary widely, from jewels to Rolex watches

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Badges of wealth vary widely, from jewels to Rolex watches

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Chelsea Clinton has taken her action by writing a book about elephants that are being porched. She thought that writing a book could be better since that she thought her ideas will be heard more if she writes a book. She has also taken action by  collecting 60,000 signature to stop poaching the elephants for their ivory.
Mikako

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Kids Take Action to Stop the Illegal Ivory Trade

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Kids Take Action to Stop the Illegal Ivory Trade

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Kids are letter-writing campaigns, petitions, and protests to educate people about the true origins of decorative ivory.
- Manya

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Elephants and humans are suffering because the money that is made from selling Ivory is used to buy weapons to use in daily conflicts throughout the world. Many lives have been lost due to the Ivory trade.

Veda

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Some of the money made from selling ivory is then used to purchase weapons used in the continent's various conflicts.

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Some of the money made from selling ivory is then used to purchase weapons used in the continent's various conflicts.

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Nandini

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Dr. Donald Berwick at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), aimed at saving 100,000 lives lost annually to preventable medical errors.

Nandini

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Many people have been protesting on civil disobedience committed in the name of the environment.

Veda

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This article shows that you don't have to wait until you are older to make a change in the name if the environment you can take action now

Ryan

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elephant poaching kills humans and elephants

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elephant poaching kills humans and elephants

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Punyae

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Nandini

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Ryan

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Nandini

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 Poaching elephants affects the eco-system.

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 Poaching elephants affects the eco-system.

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Punyae

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Everyone agrees that culture is the hardest thing to change, whether ethics in the financial system or the eating habits of individuals.

Aditeya

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Memorable messages,  Action tools and roles, Coalitions of partners, and “Point of action” nudges. (school works)

June

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Action tools and roles is one of the 5 tips for leading campaign for change. The action tools and roles is important for leading campagin for change.
Dom

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At least 25,000 to 35,000 elephants are killed every year.

Punyae

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There are 5 important elements to run a successful campaign.
Change is a continuing campaign.

Veda

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Campaign for change comes in different forms and sizes

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Campaign for change comes in different forms and sizes

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There is no limits to a campaign it comes in forms and sizes. In Source 2 says a narrative can be effective as it is easier for a person to remember a story compared to a number. A slogan is catchy but memorable as Harvard has used it to reduce drunk driving. Short or long, paragraph or a word it can make a change, it's just as affective
-Sana

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If your 8 years old, 13 years old, Black or white, it just matters that you are willing to make a change. To help the World, nature and the people who live in it
Alex

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Kids can make a huge impact to stop Ivory of Elephants.

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Kids can make a huge impact to stop Ivory of Elephants.

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Celia Ho was just 14 and she was nicknamed the "Elephant girl" as she is taking action to stop Ivory of Elephants as this harms both Elephants and humans too
-Dzul

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two Hong Kong teenagers draw praise from Chelsea Clinton in new book . For save the elephant campaign.

June

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A girl raises money to save an orphan elephant. (source 4)

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A girl raises money to save an orphan elephant. (source 4)

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Nellie Shute, a school girl from Hong Kong read articles about the black market and the demand of ivory. Shocked, she made it her project to raise money and awareness for the ivory demand.

Mayumi

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Kids take action to stop the Ivory trade

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Kids take action to stop the Ivory trade

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Kids in Hong Kong in school are making projects, letters and campaigns to convince people to not use Ivory.

Veda

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At the age of 14, Cecelia Ho has became a symbol for hope and action for Elephants. Ivory is killing Elephants and humans.  Cecelia Ho, 'the elephant girl', has three parts to her campaign. She is drawing ivory consumers attention so they can stop buying ivory and decrease the demand. The second part is to educate children, especially in China, because they have the most potential to become the next ivory customers. The third and final part getting international attention to the ivory trade issue. I think that the ivory trade is a very bad thing as 25,000 to 35,000 elephants are killed yearly. I think that people don't really care about elephants to much because they don't think what happens to elephants affect them.

Amaya