For Our Kids teams organize in their communities and often attend local climate and social justice events. It's always important to let people know who you are or why you're there. You can create a general multi-purpose "team banner" that you can use again or again. Or maybe you want to create a banner with a specific message for an action or event. Either way, let us know what you're planning. We have grants available to teams in the network to cover costs.
Banner Making
DIY banners:
Making a unique banner yourself is always more fun and a great team building activity that can also involve kids. You also have more options to re-use items and choose the materials to make it more environmentally friendly. For Our Kids Toronto made this beautiful banner by painting their logo and then having families do hand prints around - showcasing what this family-friendly group is all about. For Our Kids Montreal's first banner used patchwork! They had some larger burlap fabric and then had older kids in the group create and sew on the letters.
Parents for Climate in Victoria included a message below their name, and For Our Kids Vancouver opted to make smaller signs that could be more easily carried by individuals or set up as a lawn signs to support the 2019 climate strike.
Whatever method, there is no "right way" and there's always room for creativity and learning together as you go. Here are more specific instructions from our friends at 350.org: https://350.org/guides/banners/
Some extra tips:
- Do a brainstorm with your team on what the banner should say and/or visuals to use. What do you want to communicate? Perhaps then appoint a sub-group to take on finalizing the design and/or organizing a banner making gathering.
- Create a mock up design on paper so you have a reference as you go. Sketch out the layout on the banner material with pencil before you start painting.
- Remember make room for a border so there is space to hold the banner, or you can sew in pockets for poles to make it more comfortable if you need to carry it in a moving march or event. One large pocket across the top of the banner allows you to easily carry it at shoulder height or lower. Two vertical pockets on each side let's you insert two poles and life the banner higher in the air if you want it to be visible above a crowd.
- Pick a size that works for the amount of people you'd usually have available to carry it.
And a great instructional video on YouTube:
Getting a banner printed:
You could also use a free design tool like Canva to create your own banner design and have it printed at a print shop. Just be conscious of what material you use, as some vinyl options can be heavy and hard on the planet. If possible, look for a fabric/mesh option or PVC-free options. Some examples of printed banners from our Burnaby and Montreal teams.
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NCNatalie Caine()