Stormy the Raindrop Public Education Campaign

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2012

Situated directly within the Potomac and Chesapeake watersheds, water pollution in the densely populated Fairfax County is a major concern. In 2007, the Fairfax County Stormwater Management (STW) office began to work on a mission to improve the public’s ability to understand watershed issues and the actions that can be taken by individuals. The campaign began with the introduction of a child-friendly character named Stormy the Raindrop who appeared at local events in a water drop costume. The success of this character escalated the campaign into a comprehensive education initiative which included a very popular series of coloring books and giveaways. In 2009 and 2010, STW staff produced two educational coloring books in accordance with Virginia’s Standards of Learning and Fairfax County Public School’s (FCPS) Program of Study for fourth-grade audiences. The books attempted to show a connection between local waterways and the Atlantic Ocean in order to give students a better understanding of their global impact. Produced entirely by STW staff and printed in-house via the County’s printing office, these coloring books cost under $12,000 and were distributed to thousands of students. Pilot studies and reviews from students indicated that the coloring books were a massive success, prompting STW to continue the Stormy the Raindrop campaign. At local events, Stormy met with young children, distributing thousands of recycled reusable shopping bags as well as recycled dog waste bags. This public relations campaign not only educated students but it educated their parents as well. At the height of the campaign, Fairfax County aired a television puppet show with Stormy as the main character. The show debuted on children’s television programs and was a great success, as it educated families on steps they can take to improve the health of local waterways. The end result of this campaign indicates that successful programs do not require a great deal of money- Stormy the Raindrop was created entirely by county staff and is thoroughly enjoyed by the community.