The impossible takes a little time

1. The impossible takes a little time Convention of Environmental Laureates convened by the European Environmental Fund Freiburg, Germany, April 2014 Global Action Plan International 2014 | globalactionplan.com | [email protected] Sustainable lifestyle change in focus at the

2. The impossible takes a little time Global Action Plan International 2014 | globalactionplan.com | [email protected] What we set out to do in 1990 was impossible. But, like the bumblebee in flight, we didnt know that. So far, weve tackled three impossible things and are looking at number four. 3. The impossible takes a little time A 25-year journey learning about behaviour change Keys: networking and partnership Our work and results would be impossible without cooperation. We are happy to find new partners, new cooperative projects. Global Action Plan International 2014 | globalactionplan.com | [email protected] 4. A 25-year journey Global Action Plan International 2014 | globalactionplan.com | [email protected] 5. First challenge To bring about long-lasting, sustainable behaviour change Global Action Plan International 2014 | globalactionplan.com | [email protected] Lifestyle of the affluent: key to both global problems and solutions. 1. Modify our own lifestyles 2. Help others do the same 3. Research. It works! 6. First challenge: timeline To bring about long-lasting, sustainable behaviour change Global Action Plan International 2014 | globalactionplan.com | [email protected] 1989: Lifestyle experiments 1990: Launch of the EcoTeam program 1992: First results reported in Rio 1996: Basic program development complete 2013: Most recent new-country EcoTeam development: Ukraine 7. Second challenge To transfer methods, tools and materials to new cultures Global Action Plan International 2014 | globalactionplan.com | [email protected] More countries want to join. In some cases the materials were translated, the methods copied, yet the program failed to deliver. Need for cultural adaptation: 1. Analyze, experiment 2. Synthesize underlying pedagogy 3. Evaluate. It works! 8. Second challenge: timeline To transfer methods, tools and materials to new cultures Global Action Plan International 2014 | globalactionplan.com | [email protected] 1993-6: Three countries fail to get hoped-for results with EcoTeams The member organizations are disbanded Those new members who succeed take 3-4 years 1995-7: Development of a methodology for cultural adaptation 1998: Adaptation time reduced to 10-12 months 2011: Most recent new-country adaptation: Hungary 9. Third challenge More effective learning from experience Global Action Plan International 2014 | globalactionplan.com | [email protected] A host of programs with common pedagogy. Why is it so difficult to learn from project experience? The planet is not waiting: we need to learn faster and more effectively. 1. Action research 2. Trial 3. Dissemination and on-going learning 4. Evaluation: it works! 10. Third challenge: timeline More effective learning from experience Global Action Plan International 2014 | globalactionplan.com | [email protected] 1998- Multiplication of applications Action research into underlying pedagogy 2005: Formulation of research question: how to learn more effectively 2006: R&D team begins work 2009: First Learning for Change workshop; 60 participants, all continents, 49 case studies 2009-14: Workshops & facilitator training in Europe, Africa, Asia 11. Fourth challenge Scaling up Global Action Plan International 2014 | globalactionplan.com | [email protected] It still takes time. Too much time. Can we harness new methods, technology to effectively reach many, many more people? 1. Experimentation: web campus, social media 2. Ideas about associative databases 3. Looking at marketing, mass media 4. More research? 12. Fourth challenge: now what? Scaling up Global Action Plan International 2014 | globalactionplan.com | [email protected] 2013 Member organizations in 25 countries Several million program participants to date, including some through on-line programs Web campus set up Other experiments with modern technology 2014: Action research proposals being drafted together with several universities 13. Yes, the impossible takes a little time But we keep flying. 14. Yes, the impossible takes a little time And we keep flying in partnership [email protected] 15. An international association of NGOs Marilyn Mehlmann, General Secretary Global Action Plan International | globalactionplan.com | [email protected]

The impossible takes a little time

Leadership & Management

Transcript of The impossible takes a little time