62: To Bee or Not to Be, France & USA

Challenger Profile at a Glance

Meet the “To Bee or Not to Be” team working on a project in Provence, France. Find out how team members from the US and France are making a difference by creating a rare historic bee library, collection, and potential museum as part of the 2020 International Climate Action Challenge!

Team

#62 – To Bee or Not to Be
90-Day Challenge Goal: Create a rare historic bee library, collection, and potential museum at a historic property
Location: L’isle sur la Sorgue, Provence, France
Registered Challengers: Victoria Yokota, Sarah Melcion, Jaime Maniatis, Annais, Sandra
90-Day Challenge Period: September 1 – November 30, 2020

Impact

Here are some impact highlights from the To Bee or Not to Be team during the 90-day challenge period:

Came together as a new team with 5 members in France and the USA
Worked onsite at the library to repair antique furniture, order period furniture, clean and arrange bookshelves, sort, catalog, and arrange historic international periodicals and other materials
Developed 5 stories in English and French
Developed 9 partnerships

Challenge Experience

How was the challenge experience for the team? Here’s Victoria’s report:

“The 90-day challenge gave me a map, structure, practical step by step guide. I also received individual guidance and weekly zoom connection to Joan Gregerson’s leadership and books, training videos, and an inspiring connection to a remarkable group of International Climate Action Challengers and Mentors. This experience gave me clarity, courage, vision, support, and inspiration to move forward step by step to develop a strong, multifaceted path on my project. I would have never been able to accomplish the same milestones and international connections alone.”

Next Steps

Moving forward, the team is planning to:

Continue sorting, cataloging, and arranging the vast collection
Plan events in the local area for Earth Day and World Environment Day
Facilitate pollinator projects and workshops for schools and community
Partner with the city, community groups, and schools
Launch a website and social media accounts
Research and write grants
Continue photojournalism and storytelling projects

Advice

What is your advice for someone who wants to make an impact? Here’s what Victoria said:

“Do it! If you really want to make a big impact and quickly move forward on your climate projects, of all different types, I highly recommend the Green Team’s “90 Day Challenge” and Joan Gregerson’s books. They are powerful and practical. You will be glad you did!”