Hi and welcome to my second blog post!……
In a world where acts of giving are often celebrated without question, Alison Stuart’s TEDx talk “Not All Giving is Good: The Elephant in the Room” brings up a powerful point: not all help is helpful. Her message reminds us that before we extend aid to others, we must first understand the real needs of our own communities, and that’s exactly what we’re aiming to do with our action project.
Bringing History to Life at Ruckle Park
For our action project, we’re focusing locally — on Ruckle Provincial Park in British Columbia. Specifically, we’re partnering with the Historical Society that maintains one of the park’s historic homes. Our mission? To boost public awareness and engagement by launching an Instagram page that shares the park’s natural beauty and rich historical background.
We chose a digital approach because we know the power of social media, it’s a platform many people interact with daily, and we believe it’s an ideal way to educate and engage a wider audience, especially younger generations who might not otherwise learn about these valuable places.
Complexity in Community Action
One key idea from Stuart’s talk is that “everything is complicated.” At first, making an Instagram page might seem easy, but there’s more to it. We need to make sure we’re sharing the park’s history truly and respectfully. It’s also important to think about what matters to the people who care about Ruckle Park, like local residents and visitors. Our goal isn’t just to post pretty pictures. We want to create posts that teach people something, make them feel connected, and help them understand why the park is special.
Why This Project Is Sustainable
Our action is designed to be sustainable because it relies on digital outreach rather than physical resources. We’re using platforms people already engage with, and the content we create can live on beyond our initial project, continuing to spread awareness and education. Historical facts, photos, and stories we share will stay available online, sparking interest for months or even years to come. We’re not just aiming for a one-time impact — we’re creating a digital presence that can grow and evolve.
Creating Positive Impact with Guidance
We’re confident this project offers a valuable opportunity not just for the park, but for the public. Many people are unaware of Ruckle Park’s history or significance. By offering a platform where that knowledge is shared clearly and accessibly, we’re helping connect people to a piece of their local heritage.
To ensure our impact is positive and informed, we’re working with Brenda, an expert in environmental education who has worked on Canada-wide school programs. With her knowledge and guidance, we’ll be sure our content is both accurate and respectful, helping us avoid the well-meaning mistakes Alison Stuart warns about
-Dara Casillas
