Program Overview at BeTheChangeEarthAlliance

Be the Change is a three-fold community engagement program that empowers citizens to understand the fundamental causes of the ecological crisis facing us, and engage in personal actions to meet these challenges.

This volunteer-based initiative invites participation and leadership on many levels and is designed to become a grass roots movement that can spread easily through the broad community.

Be the Change Earth Alliance weaves together and augments excellent materials & processes from respected organizations such as the Pachamama Alliance, Northwest Earth Institute, Greenpeace, and the Empowerment Institute into a comprehensive program for social change.

1. BE THE CHANGE SYMPOSIA

We begin by attending a BE THE CHANGE Symposium.^¹ This one-day workshop is an inspiring response to Climate Change, calling participants to stand for a new possibility for the future: an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling and socially just human presence on this planet. (see Symposium page for details)

The symposium inspires action and ongoing commitment. Participants are encouraged to form a BE THE CHANGE Action Circle to support each other in adapting new life-style habits.

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 on sustainability concerns and support each other in change actions. The circles provide individuals with an effective framework for exploring personal values and creating new habits in a fun and personal context.

Each circle will choose their materials from a curriculum organized in 12 week modules. The BTC circle handbook guides participants through:

readings for dialogue compiled by Northwest Earth Institute and BTC
action guides: Green Living Guide compiled by Greenpeace and Low Carbon Diet written by David Gershon
activities: sharing stories of change and other team building activities compiled by BTC;
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 reading materials and activities.

Click to Download the Course Materials Order Form

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, on 15^th & Commercial Drive. 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.

1 BE THE CHANGE Symposium is a variation of Awaken the Dreamer Symposium created by The Pachamama Alliance founded by Lynn Twist in San Francisco.

JOIN US

Response to this program from associates across Canada, and 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. Please see the Symposium page for details.

More information: info@bethechangeearthalliance.org