Sustainability Action Week Grassroots Education in Vic

‘Sustainability Action Week 2008’ (S.A.W. ‘08) is a grassroots education program that will involve community people in Melbourne’s outer east – the cities of Manningham and Maroondah – teaming up to teach students about sustainability using ‘different and revolutionary’ educational methods.

Bernadette Thomas, Project Officer for the scoping of the Sustainable Living Space (SLS) project says:

News of the SLS is growing and we welcome those who have joined us this month.

The has been a noticeable shift in the way the project is moving during the last month, from raising awareness to one of action. Thanks to those groups who have hosted a presentation and to all of you who have spread the word about the Sustainable Living Space.

The first of the Green Film Nights was a wonderful success with approx 45 people attending. The Garbage Warrior was a fantastic first film – equal parts humour, inspiration, imagination, hard work and harsh reality. Thanks to Manningham City Council for hosting the evening.

SUSTAINABLE LIVING SPACE – ACTION GROUP
Are you interested in getting more involved in the Sustainable Living Space? We are hoping to set up a group to work on bringing the Sustainable Living Space to life. At this stage we anticipate bi-monthly meetings with a few hours commitment each month to work on ways of involving the community in activities that will help them to live more sustainably – the green film nights for example provide an informal way of people coming together to watch, learn and (next time) discuss the issues raised in the film. Please get in touch with Bernadette if you are interested. There is much to do and doing it together will be more fun!

GREEN FILM NIGHTS!
The next film night will be held on Wednesday 29th October at Federation Estate, 32 Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood starting at 6.30pm. The film this month will be ‘The Real Dirt on Farmer John’ (see the attached flyer for more details). Bookings essential to Bernadette at bdettethomas@gmail.com or 9687 8675. Don’t forget to pass on to family and friends. I am currently putting together a program of films for 2009 so if you have any suggestions please pass them on.

ARE YOU A WIZZ AT EXCEL???
The Sustainable Living Space needs someone to assist with collating the information collected in all the surveys. If you have a spare hour a week and can set up and manage data in excel spreadsheets I would be more than happy to hear from you. Collating the survey data is an important part of promoting our cause to local council and other decision makers.

SWITCH ON SUSTAINABILITY and SUSTAINABILITY ACTION WEEK
Community Facilitators are needed for the Sust Action Week being organised at Doncaster Secondary College in December, to facilitate workshops with students on the day. Facilitators must be over 16 and must obtain a working with children check. They’ll receive some training, t-shirt and a warm and fuzzy glow for helping the students. See the attached flyer for more details and contact Tom Dowsley on 9846 7601 or tom_dowsley@ozemail.com.au

CLIMATE ACTION CALENDAR
Monique Decortis puts together a comprehensive calendar of climate, environmental and sustainability events around Victoria without any sponsorship. If you are not already on the mailing list send an email with ‘subscribe CAC’ in the subject bar to decortis@bigpond.net.au

TRANSITION TOWNS
Kerryn Williams has passed on this website, which people might find interesting and inspiring for community environmental action –
http://www.transitiontowns.org/

You can contact Bernadette for more info or to get involved in the SLS by email bdettethomas@gmail.com or Ph: 03 9687 8675.

About Sustainability Action Week ’08

People in Victoria’s local Maroondah and Manningham communities, from all walks of life, are being called on to act as Community Facilitators.

This is a ‘a unique opportunity’ to take a leading role in facilitating S.A.W. ’08 workshops. Full training is provided through a non-accredited Train-the-Trainer style workshop. Community Facilitators also receive an ‘Introduction to Volunteering’ session, t-shirt, lanyard and name tag, as well as a reference letter and certificate for your résumé. Specialist knowledge of sustainability and teaching experience is not essential.

NEED TO KNOW
Who – motivated, enthusiastic community members who are willing to contribute to their community
When – S.A.W. ‘08 Monday 8th to Friday 12th December 2008.
Train-the-Trainer course 9am-4pm Saturday 29th November & Saturday 6th December 2008.
Where – Doncaster Secondary College (123 Church Road, Doncaster 3108)

MORE INFO FROM:
Tom Dowsley (SAW ’08 Director) on 9846-7601 or tom_dowsley@ozemail.com.au
Sue Ringersma (Volunteering in Manningham Co-ordinator) on 9841-4215

The Switch On Sustainability in your neighbourhood project is supported by Manningham City Council’s Community Development Grant Program.

Check out www.transitiontowns.org – VERY interesting!