I have attempted a number of ways to have students perform an actions.  During a project related to energy usage within the building I had students

• write letters to their principal
• educate other teachers within the building
• write letters to the board to make changes county wide.

During another activity regarding water runoff on campus students

• made pamphlets to educate the public about walking dogs on campus
• redesigned the campus (via sketches) to reduce the possible runoff that occurs
• suggested road salt and brine alternatives to treat roads done via letters to custodial staff and the county crews