WHAT IS IT?
Savin’ Raven is a board game that was launched in 2003, by RurAL CAP staff, partners and members of the RurAL CAP RAVEN AmeriCorps Program to provide non-formal educators in rural Alaskan villages with a fun and simple tool to bring environmental education to young people.
Savin’ Raven was developed by RurAL CAP as part of a cooperative agreement with the US EPA Alaska Operations Office, and is designed for use in schools, community halls and homes – anywhere education occurs in Alaska!
Savin’ Raven uses language and terms that young people understand. Most importantly, the visual and situational aspects of the game were specifically designed with the input of rural Alaskans, primarily Alaska Natives, including hundreds of school children around the state. Therefore, the game is easily identifiable because local environmental challenges are reflected in the game – people playing the game don’t have to ponder unusual and unfamiliar situations and places they’ve never heard of before.
Besides creating a fun way to learn about and confront environmental challenges in rural Alaska, the game raises intriguing issues and generates discussion about what rural Alaskans can or cannot currently do with regards to solid waste, water quality, environmental health and other topics. Each community is different; the conversations about challenges take on a different tone depending on where the game is played! Young people are encouraged to talk about the future!
There are few absolutely correct answers to Questions in the game – the goal is to get young and old alike discussing local resources, challenges, opportunities and solutions. What is possible in one community, may be years away in another. We hope Savin’ Raven will spawn interest in other parts of our state and world, and bring young people to a place of discovery.
- Savin’ Raven is FREE to rural educators and those who wish to spread the word about environmental education in rural Alaska.
- Savin’ Raven was designed by a large group of program partners including EPA project officers, RurAL CAP staff, RAVEN & ARCTIC AmeriCorps members, and village educators and environmental representatives.
To receive your copy of the game please contact Ellen Kazary, RurAL CAP Community Development Manager, at 907-279-2511, or ekazary@ruralcap.com.
RAVEN member Charlie Andrews of Tuntutuliak (second from right) shows youth volunteers from Litter Patrol and other community members how to play SAVIN' RAVEN.