Draft Invitation
From Common Energy UVic
Back to Going Beyond Climate-Neutral Conference
Contents |
[edit] Page 1
Design notes - have a header with dates, and possibly organize into two columns with the second beginning at "Come with an..." and then possibly have the network objectives running along the bottom of the page
How can we do more to solve the problems of climate change than we do cause them?
We were inspired to ask this question of ourselves, and of our institutions. We put our heads together and realized that UVic can go far beyond climate-neutral by working together to support and catalyze climate change solutions throughout the region.
The Going Beyond Climate-Neutral Conference will open a space for a diverse community working on solutions in Victoria. Join the conversation with this network to learn about climate change strategies for the region. Common Energy has been working with this network for months to create a plan to move UVic beyond climate-neutral. We want you to contribute your ideas to develop this plan so that it is comprehensive, resilient, and builds common ground for action. Afterwards, we will make it happen with a network of people committed to change. What we do together will be a model for communities across Canada and beyond.
You should come if you:
- Are working on climate change issues in the region and/or in higher education
- Want to learn about the many aspects of climate change action - transportation, food, buildings, ecology, business, energy, civic engagement and governance - in the local context
- Are interested in strategic climate change planing
- Want to make a difference with energetic and creative people
Come with an open mind and contribute to the creation of regional solutions to climate change. Common Energy UVic presents a two and a half day conference to create the Going Beyond Climate-Neutral plan with the University of Victoria and regional partners from all sectors. Come together to share your ideas and passions with people that want to make them a reality.
We will use an open space conference format where you'll work with members of the university and regional communities to identify and address the issues that affect the region, university and your organization. Come prepared with your own burning questions and pressing needs and be ready to address them in a dynamic, high-learning environment.
You'll determine your own agenda for the day, with the flexibility to choose the small, issue-oriented working groups that serve your needs and interests. The whole event will take place within the marketplace of our participants’ information fair, so you'll be able to work with dozens of experts, committed social innovators, and people who want to learn how they can make a difference.
[edit] Conference Objectives
Network and Learn
- Network the broad community interested in working on climate change solutions in the region and at the university;
- Explore the challenges in the region posed by climate change (e.g. transportation, building design, food);
- Learn about the strategies in the Beyond Climate-Neutral Plan to support climate change action in the region and at the university.
Develop and Refine
- Develop the strategies into a comprehensive and resilient Beyond Climate-Neutral Plan;
- Prioritize the components of the plan for effective implementation.
Commit
- Commit to action with a network of people dedicated to change.
[edit] Page 2
[edit] Conference Agenda
[edit] Friday Night: Join the Conversation
Question: What are the challenges posed by climate change for the region, and how can we come together to solve them?
Time: Friday, October 12th, 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: The 1st Metropolitan Church, at the intersection of Quadra St. and Balmoral St.
Description: The night will start off with a tasty 100-mile dinner prepared by members of the Island's Chef Collaborative, followed by short stories from local climate change experts in the region. After the presentations, chefs, farmers, experts and participants will have smaller conversations around issues that concern them. Starting the weekend off with a fun, low-impact event will provide an opportunity for people to meet one another, find out what is happening regarding climate change in Victoria, and enjoy some delicious food.
[edit] Saturday: Contribute your Ideas
October 13th Registration 8:30 to 10:00am Information Fair 8:30-4:30
Open Space 10:00am to 4:30pm
Question: How can we develop and refine the components of the Going Beyond Climate-Neutral plan to make it comprehensive and resilient?
Presentations and Conversations: dialogue deepens around presentations on key areas for action, people are surprised by how projects begin to take shape, how assumptions shift and deep new connections are made.
[edit] Sunday: Make it Happen
October 14th Information Fair (time)
Question: What needs to be done to turn the ideas that emerged from Saturday's sessions into a plan that will create really change in the university and the region?
A series of four sessions focused on particular aspects of mobilizing us into action. The sessions are framed by questions that will help to focus these conversations.
[edit] Conference Registration
Thank you for your interest in the Going Beyond Climate Neutral Conference. The conference starts Friday, October 12th and ends Sunday, October 14th, and although we would like you attend all three days, we realize this may not be possible. Below is the cost breakdown of each day. Please tick off the days you plan to attend, and when you attend the conference, please bring the corresponding amount of money.
Name:
Contact Email:
Position (optional):
| Attending Y/N | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | Local Food Dinner - Day 1 | Sliding Scale $15 - $25 | |
| Saturday and Sunday | Conference - Day 2 & 3 | $25 | |
| Saturday only | Conference - Day 2 | $15 | |
| Sunday only | Conference - Day 3 | $15 |
