In addition to The Transition Handbook, prior to the program participants read articles that provide perspective on the larger context of the Transition movement: Parker Palmer’s piece titled “Divided No More” in which he outlines stages of social movements; Margaret Wheatley and Deborah Frieze on emergence and social innovations; and an interview with Brian Swimme –  “Participating with the Universe” – which provides a brief description of the cosmos as our context.

 

The program focuses on helping people to grasp the ‘predicament’ of peak oil, climate change, and economic instability, and provides information about the emergence of the Transition movement in response to this predicament.

 

Experiential work was included as well as presentations, small and large group discussions, and time on the land. Said one participant, “I loved Open Space and the ‘how do we learn together’ exercises, and felt both excited and empowered by the energy and ideas generated.” We also had a visit with two members of the Initiating Group of Transition Whatcom in the state of Washington. Skype technology enabled this conversation on Sunday about the Great Unleashing event that had just occurred in Bellingham the prior weekend.

 

As always, the rich exchanges among those attending were a great experience for everyone. “It’s knowing and being around people that care, that gives me hope that things can change,” said one person.

 

A participant summed up her experience by saying that “Overall, this was a wonderful course – I am glad I came, and would recommend it highly to others.”

The fall Introduction to Transition program is already one-third full, so early registration is a good idea if you think you are interested.