Voices for Sustainability 2011

If every day can be Earth Day, then every classroom can be a green classroom. Teachers and other educators with an interest in environmental education should register now for Voices for Sustainability, a professional development retreat taking place May 13 to 15, 2011 at Lemon Creek Lodge in the Slocan Valley.

This biennial weekend event, co-ordinated by the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN) with support from Columbia Basin Trust (CBT), is a fantastic opportunity to share ideas, information and inspiration while you relax, recharge and re-engage with like-minded peers.         

Voices for Sustainability provides a forum for teachers of all ages and subjects to build their capacity as environmental educators.

“A lot of educators are really interested in environmental issues, but they’re just not sure how to incorporate that into their teaching,” said Eli Baker, executive director of CBEEN. “This event provides a friendly environment where educators can ask questions, discover resources and share in the collective wisdom of our Basin’s brain trust. It's hands-on, experiential and a whole lot of fun, too.” 

While there will be a few pre-scheduled presentations highlighting regional and provincial sustainability education resources, the main format for the gathering is Open Space, where workshops or conversations arise out of the needs and questions of the participants.  Baker explains that this open-ended format ensures participants play a vital role in the process, and that everyone gets the most out of the weekend.

“If you want to talk about school gardens, grab a group of people and discuss that," she said. "If you’d rather learn outdoor games and activities, we’ll provide time for that too. The participants make the weekend, so everyone comes away with what they need most.”

The cost to attend this professional development weekend event is only $100, which includes all activities, meals and accommodation. Space is limited, so register soon. To register, or for more information, visit www.cbeen.org, or email [email protected].  See you in the Slocan! 

The Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN) is a non-profit, social and professional network for environmental educators. The organization supports networking, capacity building and information sharing to foster eco-literacy and stewardship throughout the Columbia Basin region.  Membership is free.  For more information, or to join, visit www.cbeen.org. 

Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) supports efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being and to achieve greater self-sufficiency for present and future generations.