Hello,
An introduction from Communications Coordinator, Lucy Wicken
Dear Be The Change community,
As we approach mid-October, I’m reflecting on the changing seasons, from the warm and active days of summer to the cooler and quieter days of autumn. Personally, I’ve noticed a desire to slow down, take on fewer responsibilities, and stay inside where it’s cozy. Have you felt this way too?
As 21st century humans living in a world that operates under capitalism, white supremacy, and other oppressive systems, we can be made to feel guilt or shame about listening & responding to our needs. We are expected to maintain the same energy and productivity levels throughout the year, no matter how cold or dark the days are, how heavy world events feel, or how much we’re struggling in our personal lives.
This is where the concept of regenerative education comes in. Introduced to the BTCEA team by former staff member Jake, regenerative education calls on us to slow down and turn inward to consider our connection with the natural world. It asks us to examine the living systems that are breaking down due to violent human activity (such as fossil fuel extraction, destruction of Indigenous lands, and human-caused flooding and wildfires) and connect this breakdown with our own high levels of stress.
In order to step towards regenerative education, we must understand that humans and the rest of the natural world are interconnected. To sustain regenerative systems, we must value all living beings, acknowledge the roots of the polycrises affecting the world today, and dig deeper to better understand the intersection of all living systems. (You can learn more by reading this free online version of Regenerative Leadership by Giles Hutchins and Laura Storm. While reading, ask yourself: How can regenerative education be incorporated into the BC curriculum in all levels of schooling?)
I would be remiss not to mention that Indigenous 
peoples have known about the deep connection between humans and the Earth since time immemorial, but that the modern Western world is now slowly waking up to it. We are forever grateful for the wisdom and leadership of Indigenous peoples and nations worldwide, many of whom have been leading the climate justice movement for many moons.
I’ll leave you with this quote from biologist Janine Benyus:
“For 99% of the time we’ve been on Earth, we were hunters and gatherers, our lives dependent on knowing the fine, small details of our world. Deep inside, we still have a longing to be reconnected with the nature that shaped our imagination, our language, our song and dance, our sense of the divine.”
- Janine Benyus, biologist (Regenerative Leadership, p. 4)
I look forward to moving towards a regenerative future & I hope you’ll join me in this mission.
Warmly,
Lucy Wicken
Peruse our September and October blog posts!
This past summer, we started up our blog again thanks to the curious minds of our Program Assistants. With topics ranging from the urban heat island to community building, stay in the loop and look out for a new blog post each month!
Read September’s blog: Combating the urban heat island impact through community engagement by Kaysha Reeder
Read October’s blog: The Power of Maps: GIS in Environmental Education by Joshua Doknjas
Read
Grist, a climate-solution oriented non-profit, writes about a sustainable jobs program being offered at a California high school in This California high school includes sustainability and green jobs in its curriculum
One Vancouver mother writes about her desire to find climate joy in Amidst Climate Grief, I’m Searching for Joy
Indigenous Climate Action argues why climate change disproportionately impacts Indigenous communities in The Disproportionate Effect of Climate Chaos on Indigenous Communities in So-Called Canada
Attend
October 16th: Outdoor Play-Based Learning: A Learning & Unlearning Fall Course
October 17th: Connecting Children to Nature through Indigenous Teachings
October 20th (Virtual PSA Day Event): Classrooms to Communities: Connecting to Land through Indigenous Learning
The Colonial Urge to Commodify the Climate Crisis: October 26th: Unpacking False Solutions & November 16th: Uplifting Real Solutions
Take Action
Sign up for the Take Me Outside Learning Challenge! Spend at least 1 hour outside each week with your class, track your progress & win prizes!
Learn about Climate Emergency Unit’s Youth Climate Corps campaign and sign + share their petition for a federal sustainable jobs program for youth with your community (anyone under 35 years old can sign!).
Join the Worker Solidarity Network in calling for a Maximum Temperature Policy in all workplaces. Fill out a letter template and send it to the Ministry of Labour and WorkSafe BC to demand a proactive response to rising temperatures.
Help us continue to support environmental justice education in BC!
Be The Change relies on friends like you to help us continue to educate the youth of BC about environmental justice! For the price of your morning latte, help us keep our student and educator workshops running for years to come.
As always, we’re grateful for your support and look forward to connecting with you this school year.
Lucy Wicken
Communications Coordinator
