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Signs of Change National Conference
Date: 12-13 November 2010
Location: The Whole Country!
Website: www.signsofchange.org.nzThe first decade of the 21st Century has confirmed the warnings of the previous fifty years – the historical development path is not sustainable. Air, water, energy, soils, forests, fish… over exploitation enabled by new technology and emboldened by new economies has brought the world’s resources, ecosystems, and even the climate to the tipping point. There is no debate that the work of engineers and scientists has been instrumental in the exponential growth of human wealth and anthropogenic footprint. The individual and corporate benefits of profligate energy use, new technology and economic growth are obvious. But these benefits are undermined by costs in degradation of social fabric and environmental viability. There have been people from many disciplines struggling to alert society to the need for change. This conference has not invited any of them to come and speak. This conference is inviting people who have found a new way (or maybe an old way) to make things work sustainably.
Ghandi said that people could "be the change you want to see in the world", and we want the stories of these people to be told.
The organizers of this Signs of Change conference are seeking contributions from a wide range of society: engineers, scientists, business people, council workers, educators, students, farmers, transition town members … The conference does not seek to discuss “what we should do” or “what we could do”, but rather will be a show-case for examples of fundamental change that has been happening. Our perceptions and expectations of the future are shaped by our experiences. If we can see and hear about sings of change in a direction that is fruitful, restorative, respectful and sustainable, then it can become our national reality.
We seek Change Reports, which can be prepared by any participant or observer, but must be rigorous in observation, measurement and description of the activity and provide an analysis and assessment of how this change is fundamental to the path-break to sustainability. The signs of change can be found in research, innovation, practice, governance, organization, social action or any number of areas. A Change Report will consist of a 250-300 word abstract, a short presentation at the conference and contact details where people can find out more.
Call for Signs of Change
The committee invites 250 word abstracts that describe a “Sign of Change” wherever it can be found. The objective of the conference will be to collect measurable and documented examples of the new, sustainable, forms of business, production, goods and services, resource management, agriculture and community organisation. Key aspects of a society that will work to sustain social and environmental wellbeing may include demand management, environmental protection, transport reduction, local reclamation, active education, organic farming, establishing local participatory markets… The abstracts will be published well in advance of the conference on a blog site to stimulate discussion.
The Change Report to be presented at the conference will be selected to showcase a wide range of signs of change. The outcome of the conference will be a book published by ESR and edited by Dr. Susan Krumdieck. The book, Signs of Change 2010, will include the stories from presenters which will be verified and reviewed. Individuals or groups can present their paper by producing a short video rather than giving a presentation.
The Change Report to be presented at the conference will be selected to showcase a wide range of signs of change. The outcome of the conference will be a book published by ESR and edited by Dr. Susan Krumdieck. The book, Signs of Change 2010, will include the stories from presenters which will be verified and reviewed. Individuals or groups can present their paper by producing a short video rather than giving a presentation.