awakening a transformed global vision: an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling, and socially just human presence on this planet

A special invitation to events in Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth in November and December 2008.

What exciting times we live in! Old institutions crumbling, new leadership emerging, the tipping point of the paradigm shift being reached. The magnitude of the aggregated actions by groups across the world working for a better future, honouring indigenous voices, creating a non-violent lifestyles, repairing and restoring ecosystems, and all the things you are doing to reduce your footprint and inspire your communities are bringing forth the change we wish to see in the world.

The Symposium is a global initiative launched in 2005 by The Pachamama Alliance which is catalysing change across the globe. The US, Canada, UK, Belgium, Argentina, China, Poland, Bali and Australia... Symposiums and Symposium Leader Trainings are part of a grass roots endeavour to transform how we relate to our world, to each other, and inspire the possibility of a just, sustainable and peaceful world. See this video introduction to the global Symposium Initiative (Note - in the US the Symposium is called Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream – it's the same symposium!)

The Symposium has been in Australia for two years. In November and December 2008 we have a series of special events in Melbourne (Nov 22, 23), then Brisbane (Nov 29 ,30) then Perth (Dec 6, 7). We are expanding the Symposium Initiative across Australia. And what better time as we reach the crest of the wave - all of our efforts from way back, coming to fruition. There is much work to be done in continuing the process of opening hearts and minds to buoy the momentum of this auspicious moment in history.

The Symposium addresses the big questions: Where are we in the world, in terms of environmental sustainability, spiritual fulfillment and social justice? How did we get here? How can we change course? How can individuals make a difference? Designed with the collaboration of some of the finest scientific, indigenous and activist minds in the world, the Symposium explores the current state of our planet from a new perspective, and connects participants with a powerful global movement to reclaim our future.

For the first time we are offering a One-day Symposium Leaders Training which will equip participants to organise and facilitate symposiums in their communities and organisations.

We invite you to join us for the relevant events in your city. Come to the Symposium on the Saturday, and keep the Sunday open so you can be part of the Training for Symposium Leaders if you are as inspired as we expect you will be! Or if you are so moved, register now for the Symposium and the Training.

For details of each event and a secure link to register online, click the relevant date in this invitation. Alternatively call the local contact person and arrange registration with a credit card or cheque. If you have any questions please call the contact person in your city or Jo on 0425 817 563.

For planning and catering, bookings are essential. Register now!

"There is a time to let things happen, and a time to make things happen." - Anonymous

The Changing the Dream Symposium, presented in Australia by Be The Change, is a groundbreaking not-for-profit initiative designed as a response to the urgent call of the Amazon Achuar people to "change the dream" of the modern world.

Through dynamic group interactions, leading edge information, and inspiring multimedia, participants of this one-day event are inspired to reconnect with their deep concern for our world, and are empowered to make a difference.

Designed by The Pachamama Alliance with the collaboration of some of the finest scientific, indigenous and activist minds in the world, the Symposium explores the current state of our planet from a new perspective, and connects participants with a powerful global movement to reclaim our future.

If you are ready to be disturbed, inspired and moved to action, and to be introduced to a thriving community of committed cohorts, then join us in exploring the most critical concerns of our times, and discover new opportunities to make a real difference in accelerating the emergence of an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling, and socially just human presence on this planet!

More information about the Symposium...

See a list of all upcoming symposiums...

Testimonials

From Stefano: When I think back to my Symposium experience, what I most fondly recall is the power it gave me to connect with my emotions for where we are as a species and as a planet. My thinking of the world has definitely shifted since then; as my awareness of the environmental problems our world faces has expanded, so has my commitment to make a difference. I see myself not as on the world, but of it - a participant in the interconnected community of life, not an entity separate from the world. The resulting changes in my behaviour have rubbed off on those around me, who have been able to draw from my commitment and take up projects of their own.

From Anne: The Symposium provided some very powerful images - visual, emotional and experiential that have profoundly altered my choice to be conscious of my actions. Being part of a group of people who believe there is a job to do and are in action. The facts provided, particularly species extinction, illustrated the impact of our levels of consumption. The Symposium challenged me to review my values - consumption or species survival? Choose! I organised a staff development day at work - in my department there are some ongoing behavioural changes - and staff made some immediate changes - light globes, share driving etc.

From Hitomi: I have initiated a spread in our municipality newsletter which goes out to all the Rate Payers about living as sustainably as you can on a budget and with retrofits that are easy to carry out. They are using our house and garden as the example.

From Valerie: We are growing more vegies this year for ourselves and our adult children. I coach some community leaders and am encouraging the formation of a Doing leadership Differently Community Leaders Group. I am connected with some local women who are developing a circle which will focus on releasing limitations and being able to do the things we know we are capable of. In this way many more projects will be undertaken!