BE THE CHANGE SYMPOSIUM

You are warmly invited to participate in the inaugural
BE THE CHANGE SYMPOSIUM
A citizens’ response to Climate Change that welcomes in a ‘new story’
March 29, 2008 - 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Canadian Memorial United Church, 15th & Burrard, Vancouver BC

This symposium marks the official launch of BE THE CHANGE EARTH ALLIANCE, an international collaboration developed in response to Climate Change.

Be the Change is a community engagement program that weaves together excellent materials & processes from respected organizations in the sustainability community.

This three-fold program empowers citizens to understand the fundamental causes of the ecological crisis facing us, and engage in personal actions to meet these challenges. Be the Change is a volunteer-based initiative that invites participation and leadership on many levels. It is designed to become a grass roots movement that can spread easily through the broad community.

1. BE THE CHANGE SYMPOSIA

The Be the Change Symposium is an inspiring response to Climate Change, calling participants to stand for a new future - with an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling and socially just human presence on this planet. This multi-media workshop, led by Pachamama Alliance trained facilitators, skillfully weaves together interactive participation and vital information, with the emerging new story shared by social change leaders such as Paul Hawken, Desmond Tutu, Randy Hayes, Matthew Fox, Brian Swimme, Elisabet Sahtouris, Lynn Twist, Van Jones and others.

The symposium supports us, in community, to confront the facts of where we are; identify the assumptions that led us here; understand the new science that recognizes our profound interconnection; feel encouraged by the groundswell of committed energy emerging in society; and be empowered to take action.

There is something for everyone to take away and put into action, whether they learn by hearing, seeing or just experiencing. Participants are encouraged to form a Be the Change Action Circle (described below); bring the symposium to their organization for continued enrollment, and/or train to be a Symposium presenter.

We are inviting you, as leaders, organizers, facilitators and concerned citizens, to be a positive, vital part of the change that is emerging.

2. BE THE CHANGE ACTION CIRCLES

BTC Action Circles are groups of 8-12 friends or like-minded people, who commit to meeting weekly or bi-weekly to dialogue and support each other in adapting new life-style habits. The circles provide individuals with an effective framework for exploring personal values and creating new habits in a fun and personal context.

Circles will choose their materials from a curriculum organized in 12 week modules. The Be the Change Handbook guides participants through:
o readings for dialogue masterfully compiled by Northwest Earth Institute (NWEI);
o action guides compiled by Greenpeace and David Gershon;
o sharing stories of change and other team building activities compiled by BTC;
o periodic evaluation of eco-footprint and happiness index (on-line calculators).

The program provides a balance of prescriptive, consistent actions, using peer support and accountability to assist us in fulfilling our intentions, as well as the freedom to choose from a wide selection of inspiring and informative reading materials and activities.

The materials and guidelines for this circle program have been selected in response to feedback from alpha and beta circles who met regularly in 2007 to test the program. We are now piloting the circle program in Vancouver. Your participation and evaluation will provide a valuable contribution to the refinement of this program for national and international release.

3. BE THE CHANGE FESTIVAL

On October 4 & 5, 2008, circle members and the public will gather for our first annual Be the Change Festival at the Croatian Cultural Centre, 15th & Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC. Inspiring speakers, dynamic discussions with community leaders and interactive workshops will address global issues with regional applications and personal choice points, highlighting innovative examples of change. Circle participants will decide on collective social action, share stories of change, celebrate their cumulative results; receive leadership coaching and facilitator training.

Performing artists open our imaginations and express our visions. The dialogue of the day will culminate in an evening festival filled with music, film, visual art, poetry, multimedia and dance. Together we will celebrate the values and commitment of a community dedicated to a just and sustainable human presence on this planet.

JOIN US

Response to this program from associates across Canada, in the USA, UK and Australia has been very positive, and they are keen to take it to their communities internationally. We welcome your participation as community leaders at the launch of this grass roots movement to Be the Change on March 29, 2008, 9:30 am–4:30 pm.

Symposium Registration: $45 advance, $50 at the door
(special subsidized pricing for this ‘launch’ symposium)

Canadian Memorial, 1825 W 16th Ave., 604-731-3101

Bring: a bag lunch, cup, cloth napkin, cushion, journal, water

More information: info@bethechangeearthalliance.org

Presented by: Be the Change Earth Alliance, The Pachamama Alliance, Canadian Memorial Environment Ministry Team

Sponsored by: Creative Wonders Communications, Hollyhock &
Tides Foundation, Jack of Hearts Productions