High School students are passionate about social issues. Schools can provide the opportunity for them to engage.
#futureleaders
Why start a W4W Club?
70% of Gen Z are currently involved in a social or political cause.
Edelman
62% of Gen Z are passionate about changing the world for the better.
Pew Research
Gen Zs rate climate change as their most concerning social issue.
GWI
Only 37% of Gen Z report that their schools' do a good job preparing them to be an active citizen.
Education Weekly
How the "W4W" Clubs work at your school
#generationnext
The Model
In 2003, a Student asked, "What if we walked for water, too? What if we walked to raise awareness and funds to make a difference?" That led to the first Walk and the format we have scaled + been replicated over 20 years.
The Walk
Under the guidance of W4W Staff, our Students' design + "own" their Walk. Starting by stepping into their leadership roles, to planning the logistics of the day—they finish with a major experience of accomplishment.
Primary Outcomes
Learning to work within a group, finding a leadership role that 'fits,' being accountable and the experience of creating a platform for real change—are the consistent outcomes for our Students.
The "Other" Outcomes
Although the focus is raising funds for water + education through the Walk, we consider our main work as creating the the safe space + support for finding, exploring + expressing their gifts.
In our Students own words...
Laguna Beach High School
Lucy Rowley
Joining this Clu has been one of the best decisions I've made during High School...it allowed me to make a real imact.
Heritage High School
Namitha Tholasi
If it wasn't for Susan, I never would have been able to make an impact like this.
Laguna Beach High School
Georgia White
This Club has allowed meto be more confident and stand up for what I believe in...and it's also allowed me to become a leader.
Laguna Beach High School
Nic Salvini
It allowed me to explore parts of myself that I never had bfore. If you want to grow and you want to change, you're going to have to challenge yourself.
Who directs our W4W Clubs?
W4W Director
Susan Hough is Wisdom Spring's Co-founder + Executive Director, as well as the Director, and core facilitator for all W4W Clubs. She is pictured (R) with Board Member Susan Brown (C) and a former Club member(L) in India.
With a background in Social Work, Counseling and coaching, Susan is an exceptionally skilled mentor, who ensures every member has a unique and fulfillig experiene.
During the school year, Susan meets with Students twice weekly to oversee the planning and preparation for the Club's Walk. And on the day of..she is the most enthusiatic cheerleader.
Susan also offers opportunities for Students to travel and participate in the actual well-building excursions. Students have travelled to India and Africa with Susan and Volunteers.
What we hear most about Susan from Students and parents, is that she continues to support and mentor Club Membersin philanthropic endeavors for yearsto come.
Susan Hough and W4W Club Members
Susan Hough with Walking 4 Water Students
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