Hello, and welcome back to blog post #2!
In a world where acts of giving are often praised without much scrutiny, Alison Stuart’s TEDx talk, “Not All Giving is Good: The Elephant in the Room,” highlights an important truth: not all help is truly helpful. Her message challenges us to look deeper, encouraging us to understand the actual needs of our communities before offering aid. That’s the mindset driving our action project. By listening first and acting with intention, we aim to create change that is meaningful, respectful, and sustainable. True impact starts with empathy, awareness, and a commitment to doing good—well.
Bringing The History to Life at Ruckle Park
For our action project, we’re turning our focus to a local treasure: Ruckle Provincial Park in British Columbia. We’re collaborating with the Historical Society that cares for one of the park’s historic homes. Our goal is to raise public awareness and spark greater community interest by creating an Instagram page that highlights both the park’s stunning natural landscapes and its fascinating history.
We chose a digital approach because social media is a powerful tool—one that people engage with every day. It offers an ideal platform to inform and inspire a broader audience, especially younger generations who might not otherwise discover the value of places like Ruckle Provincial Park. By using visuals, stories, and historical insights, we hope to spark curiosity and create a deeper connection to the park. Our aim is to turn online interest into real-world appreciation and involvement.
The Complexity Of Community Action
One key message from Stuart’s talk is that “everything is complicated.” At first glance, creating an Instagram page might seem simple—but there’s more to it than just sharing photos. We have to make sure we represent Ruckle Park’s history accurately and with respect. It’s also important to consider what matters most to the people who care about the park, including local residents and visitors. Our goal isn’t just to post nice pictures—we want our content to educate, create a sense of connection, and help people understand what makes the park truly special. This means listening carefully and being thoughtful about the stories we share. By doing this, we hope to build a community that values and protects the park for years to come.
Why This Project Is Sustainable
Our project is built to be sustainable because it focuses on digital outreach instead of relying on physical resources. We’re using platforms that people already use daily, and the content we create will remain accessible long after the project ends, continuing to raise awareness and educate. The historical facts, photos, and stories we share will stay online, inspiring interest for months or even years ahead. Our goal isn’t just a one-time impact — we’re creating a lasting digital presence that can grow and adapt over time. This approach allows us to reach a wider audience without needing constant resources. It also means that anyone, anywhere, can discover and connect with the park whenever they want.
Creating Positive Impacts with Some Guidance
We believe this project provides an important opportunity not only for the park but also for the wider community. Many people don’t know about Ruckle Park’s rich history or its importance. By creating a platform that shares this information in a clear and accessible way, we’re helping people connect with an important part of their local heritage. This connection can inspire a deeper appreciation and encourage more people to visit and support the park. Ultimately, we hope it fosters a stronger sense of pride and responsibility toward preserving this special place.
To make sure our impact is thoughtful and well-informed, we’re collaborating with Brenda, an expert in environmental education who has experience with school programs across Canada. With her expertise and guidance, we can ensure our content is accurate and respectful, helping us avoid the common pitfalls that Alison Stuart highlights. Her insights also help us connect better with our audience, making the information meaningful and engaging. This partnership strengthens our commitment to creating content that truly honors the park and its community.
Thank you for following along with my journey. I hope you continue to do so, but that’s all for now!