Michael Sweet led the Down to Earth project, enabling his students to learn about social justice and environmental issues by publishing their own book.
Michael, a public school teacher, created innovative ways to teach his students about environment and social justice issues.
Michael founded Learning for a Cause, a non-profit educational initiative which publishes and promotes student writings on topics of environmental and social concern. Building on the success of this initiative, the Down to Earth project was created to engage students on environmental issues in a more basic and meaningful manner. Michael and 100 students published a book based on the project entitled Down To Earth, including a forward by Justin Trudeau and Roberta Bondar. Proceeds from book sales have been donated to environmental initiatives and the book also received funding to enable free distribution to schools across Canada.
Michael founded Writes4rights.org, a program to encourage students to design and publish campaigns on environmental and social issues, targeting political leaders to inspire positive change. He also contributes to Canadian Teacher Magazine, is a keynote speaker at international events, a reporter for the local newspaper, has authored a textbook and founded a youth volunteer program at the local hospital.
