2009 was a productive year of refining the program, building the organization, developing partnerships, delivering presentations and nurturing action circles. Wow! The combination of good humour, hard work, boundless energy and humble patience delivered some remarkable results.  Some of the highlights include:
 
● The launch of our new website with its awesome Action Tracker. Individuals, circles and communities can now track their cumulative action totals, seeing first hand the results of their lifestyle changes. This gives organizations a way to create their own profile on-line so they can celebrate and encourage the onward momentum of the movement for change.  Thanks Fish, Carmen, Loretta & Brian
 
● Collaboration with The Multifaith Organization to bring the Be The Change program to faith communities throughout Metro Vancouver. Presentations and action circles have been launched in Jewish, Islamic, Christian and Ba'hai communities and many more opportunities are scheduled for the New Year. Thanks Barry, Derek, Suhkvinder & Paul, Vancouver Foundation and Eco-Action
 
● Launch of The Great Turning annual Un-conference in May, with Oxfam Canada & Global Oneness Project. The circle dialogue format was hugely successful, as was the organic bio-regional feast. Thanks Miriam, Michelle, Andrea, Carmen & 30 collaborating organizations
 
● Release of the 3rd edition Action Guide. This has received rave reviews for its clarity and comprehensive nature and Northwest Earth Institute is now promoting the Action Guide to hundreds of participants through their website. Thanks Susan, Sharon, Julia, Shane, Barbara & Dani
 
● The team solidified with Administrative Manager and database designer, Loretta James, and Program Coordinator, Zamir Dhanji now working out of our new office at 305 West 41st avenue. Sharon Pendlington is our Community Generator, supporting Be The Change circle convenors right across North America. Susan Chambers is our Curriculum Developer, Kate Sutherland is our What's Your Tree Regional Director, Suzanne Barois is our Production Coordinator and Chris Croda is our Technical Director. Thanks Megan & Catherine
 
● Curriculum expansion. In addition to NWEI's new course, Sustainable Workplace, circles can choose from "What's Your Tree", a new program provided by Julia Butterfly Hill's organization; Global Oneness Project providing complementary DVDs for circles using their film offerings for dialogue focus; Darwin, Divinity and Dance of the Cosmos which is taking off in Christian churches; and open source curriculum provided by the speakers of The Great Turning available on the website. Thanks Jodi, Emmanuel & Bruce and Great Turning speakers
 
● Youth offering launched in high school with five student assemblies reaching each grade at Lord Byng Secondary. We edited and released our Student Action Guide for student clubs to use for personal action. Thanks Rosemary, Barbara, Jamie, Maria & Suzanne
 
● Organizational infrastructure & planning, with the professional guidance of BC Organizational Development Network, setting a clear course for the future. Thanks Larry, Amanda, Anita, Linda & Corinne
 
● Awaken the Dreamer facilitators of the Pachamama Alliance now have A/V & scripts for including Be The Change in presentations across North America. Kati Alexandra in Seattle and Rabia Wilcox in eastern Canada are now Be The Change coordinators for Awaken The Dreamer facilitators. Thanks Bernie, Kati & Rabia
 
So much of this work has been made possible through the dedication of amazing volunteers and a remarkable Board of Directors & Advisors. Special thanks to Derek LaCroix for his tireless support.

Let's make this significant year about more than the Olympics... be inspired to take up the call...get involved...take action... bring your friends to a presentation, bring the action circles to your workplace... we each have a role to play so let's Be The Change We Want to See in the World!

ONE HOUR Be The Change PRESENTATION FREE for any faith congregation in Metro Vancouver from January - June 2010. Connect us to your faith centre and we'll share the news so the action circles will spread.
 
MONTHLY PRESENTATIONS at 305 West 41st Ave (just 1 block east of Canada Line - Oakridge  stop).  Mark the 3rd Thursday of the month and bring your friends to an Awaken the Dreamer ~ Be The Change Presentation. Great way to recruit circle members or start a good conversation!  The next one is January 14th at 7:00 - 9:00 pm, Oakridge United Church lounge. Suggested donation $15+

FACILITATOR TRAINING
Learn to give the Awaken The Dreamer ~ Be The Change presentation. This program gives you everything you need to facilitate the presentation, including a manual with scripts, alternative formats (1,3 and 6 hours) and DVDs with video clips. The training is experiential and powerful, includes some preparatory reading and a follow up mentorship practicum. It is delivered by Pachamama Alliance and Be The Change trainers.  Training will take place at Oakridge United Church, 305 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver, BC.  For more details email or call 604.301.9870. 

SUSTAINABLE WORKPLACE
The presentation and small group program have been customized for companies who want full employee engagement in sustainability actions. Providing meaningful content, relational context and economic savings, our sustainable workplace offering already has two clients who will roll it out in 2010.
 
Check the Upcoming Events page on our website for regularly updated schedule of presentations, symposia, and other events.