1. A Global Environmental Education Initiative
Presentation by: Mark D. Hathaway, PhD Candidate, OISE/School of the Environment, University of Toronto

2. What is “Awakening the Dreamer”?
A global adult environmental education initiative
Aims to “change the dream of the modern world”
Four to six hour symposium using videos and interactive elements (cf. Joanna Macy)
Began in San Francisco in 2005
5000 facilitators trained, 3900 symposiums given, 230,000 participants in 80 countries and 14 languages

3. My own Interest as a Researcher
Looking at transformative learning processes that lead to shifts towards a more ecological worldview and the cultivation of ecological wisdom
While researching more at the personal level (life history research), began by looking at several transformative learning initiatives like Awakening the Dreamer
Some of my research participants are drawn are facilitators and leaders in the symposium initiative (also Macy’s Work that Reconnects, permaculture, etc.)

4. Inspiration and Goals (Video clip)
What does “changing the dream of the modern world” really mean? Worldview tranformation
Wider goal: To bring forth an
Environmentally sustainable
Spiritually fulfilling, and
Socially just
Human presence on this planet

5. Why are worldviews (the dream) important?
Origin of idea with the Achuar, but strengthened by Thomas Berry’s insights (via Drew Dillinger)
Idea that our current worldview is a pathological cultural entrancement: a “profound cultural disorientation” that requires a “corresponding deep cultural therapy” (Berry, 1999, p. 165)
Transition to a sustainable future is impeded not primarily by technological or scientific factors, but lack of political will and this “cultural entrancement”

6. Basic Logic of the Symposium
Where are we?
Understand our situation, see its urgency (3 aspects)
How did we get here?
Roots in worldview of modernity, assumptions, new story
What is possible now?
Positive examples of transformation
Where do we go from here?
Encouraging action

7. Strengths and Weaknesses
Engaging videos: Vandana Shiva, Paul Hawken, Thomas Berry, Brian Swimme, Julia Butterfly Hill, Joanna Macy, Maude Barlow, Walden Bello, Van Jones, Annie Leonard
Good experiential exercises
Easy to use materials
Social justice - sustainability
Freely available to all…
Limits of time vs. depth
(Interactive exercises rushed)
Not all facilitators well- trained
Short-term enthusiasm that often dies out…
Moving participants into action

8. Evolution of Symposium
Began with a pilot in March 2005
Videos produced several years later; ongoing improvement (now in version 2.5)
Geometric increase in diffusion until about 2010, then a levelling off…
Original philosophy: Our mission is to change the dream, others design campaigns and actions… Do whatever your heart tells you…

9. Second Phase: 2011-present
Getting into Action Workshop (2011): Still individual model…
Youth Initiative: Generation Waking Up
In-depth internal work on racism and power: People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond
Need to address systemic change: Dream perpetuated systemically
Creating the “Up to Us” initiative as follow-up
Game Changer intensive, action circles, and partnerships: Community Environmental Defense Fund + Citizen’s Climate Lobby

10. Kinds of Transformative Action
Systemic Change
Holding Actions
Creating Alternatives
Changing Worldviews

11. Questions
Is it possible to “change the dream of the modern world” via workshops?
Could these serve as a catalyst for change?
Will the revised model really engage people in action?
Will it help, not just to shift ideas, but to cultivate an ecological habitus?
Should other kinds of action be considered?