Sunshine & Stories Episode 205: Compassionate Makerspace Projects
Episode Summary:
Suzi Tonini chats with Carin Barrett, Teacher Librarian at Berthoud High School, about implementing compassionate makerspace projects that connect students with their community through service. Learn how Carin's students create items like fleece blankets, stuffed animals, birthday cards, and port pillows for organizations ranging from sex trafficking victim support groups to Meals on Wheels. Discover practical strategies for funding projects through Donors Choose, recruiting student volunteers, finding community partners, and balancing makerspace activities with everyday library responsibilities while building empathy and providing meaningful volunteer opportunities for students.
00:00 - Introduction
00:44 - Carin’s inspiration for compassionate making
02:29 - Carin’s first compassionate makerspace project
03:54 - Logistics: finding funding for materials and getting students involved
09:53 - Strategies for learning about community needs/finding project ideas
15:00 - Tips for getting started with compassionate making
19:22 - Examples of student impact
Resources:
Carin Barrett, Teacher Librarian at Berthoud High School: carin.barrett@tsd.org
Compassionate Making Pinterest Board
Donors Choose project examples:
Don’t Just Make, Make for Good!
Make More for Good!
Cards From the Heart
Serging Forward with Service
Student Making that Makes a Difference, CCIRA presentation by Carin Barrett
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CSL projects like this one are funded in part by the Grants to States program administered by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the Colorado State Library, Institute of Museum and Library Services, or the U.S. Government.
