The Great Turning - an Unconference to Be The Change May 23, 2009

Be The Change Earth Alliance, the Global Oneness Project and Oxfam Canada announce The Great Turning: An “Un-Conference” to Be the Change. This innovative event brings together a diverse group of committed participants with community leaders and change agents from nearly 40 local organizations to dialogue about ways to transform unsustainable practices, foster cross-sector collaboration and showcase practical examples of successful change.

Recognizing the abundance of wisdom and experience present in the local community, this gathering and social change program is well positioned to facilitate the development of inventive and promising ideas and actions for lasting change.

Topics and Speakers

Topics include the many ways citizens can “think global and act local” to positively affect climate change, respond to social inequity and enrich their connection to community. Speakers include Andrea Reimer (City of Vancouver Deputy Mayor), Tzeporah Berman (PowerUp Canada/ ForestEthics), Rev. Bruce Sanguin (Canadian Memorial United), Irwin Oostindie, (Community Media Arts), and Helen Goodland (Lighthouse Sustainable Buildings). A list of 37 speakers and topics are at www.bethechangecircles.org.

“Un-Conference” Format

The Great Turning, with an anticipated attendance of 300, recognizes the importance of personal responsibility in this interactive process that enables all leaders and participants to speak, listen, and collectively design their course of action towards local and global change.

Speakers will engage in “circle talks” with participants, and over 30 topics will be presented simultaneously throughout the day. Circles focus on a 15 minute verbal presentation that stimulates a dialogue and brainstorming on personal and collective actions relevant to the discourse.

Three short films by The Global Oneness Project will introduce global citizens solving real-life problems grounded in compassion, respect and responsibility for all of life. Oxfam Canada will speak to the huge impact climate change is having on women in Africa and 3rd world countries.

Going Forward

As stated by Maureen Jack-LaCroix, Executive Director of Be The Change Earth Alliance, “Change doesn’t happen in a day, and The Great Turning doesn’t end after May 23rd.” This event is part of a larger social change program that encourages the formation of neighbourhood action circles to support the significant lifestyle change that is urgently required today.

Official Website: http://www.bethechangecircles.org