Training for Transition - March 2010

The Training for Transition course was held Friday-Sunday, March 26-28, 2010. The course was held at the Capital Area Food Bank, at 8201 South Congress Avenue, just north of Slaughter Lane.

Description of the course:

This is a formal Transition US training event, to educate people about how to ease through the challenges facing communities today such as peak oil, climate change, and the economic crisis. It is a positive approach of focusing on solutions that lead to a more satisfying life.

This training will follow the Transition model in paying attention to both the outer work and the inner work necessary for a successful transition process. This will be a participatory process, with participants invited to share their own experience and learn from the Transition Initiatives represented at the course.

At the end of the course, participants will:

• Have a clear understanding of the context for Transition Initiatives, the current global situation, and the transformational possibilities that arise from climate change, peak oil prices, and the economic crisis.
• Know what the Transition model is – including an in-depth look at the 12 steps, from inspiration, setting up the initiating group, all the way to having active and effective working groups.
• Have experienced a joint visioning process.
• Understand how to organize effective meetings such as public talks, open space days, and small-theme working groups.
• Understand the purpose and principles of an Energy Descent Action Plan.
• Have the outline of an effective and inspiring talk on the Transition movement.
• Have formed useful contacts with other Transition Initiatives and individuals interested in the Transition model.
• Have a plan of action for themselves and their locality.

Who should attend:
Transition initiative leaders, steering group members, working group members, and those considering implementing Transition in their communities.

Required Reading: Transition Initiatives Primer, free here.
Recommended Reading: The Transition Handbook: From Oil Dependency to Local Resilience by Rob Hopkins

Trainers:
      Zaida Amaral
      David Johnson

Cost:
For this first course in Austin, the tuition was $200 for those who registered early and $250 for those who registered later. For those who couldn't afford the full price, 10 "scholarship" registrations were available at $100 each. Our intent is to make future trainings available at a lower price, by having a certified trainer in Austin.