You’ve probably checked out the revised Early Years Learning Framework by now, even if this isn’t the Learning Framework you work under it appears to be driving change and setting the tone for the other Frameworks that are due for an update in the next little while.  So it’s good to have an understanding of the direction its heading and the changes being made.

From a sustainability perspective there’s lots to be excited about!

Sustainability has been identified as a new Principle which means it should underpin your program and practice.  That's a big shift.  An important shift.  And I’m all about it!

The thing that makes it easier is that they have also expanded the definition of sustainability.  Sustainability is now defined as:

Seeking to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the needs of future generations.  This definition is derived from the United Nations Bruntland Commission Report from...

What does sustainability mean to you?

Do you think it means the same thing to the rest of your team, the children, families or others out in your community? 

You might be surprised…

What I know to be true, is that sustainability can mean something different to everyone…

I’ve asked hundreds of people that question, and I’ve had hundreds of different responses.

But why..? I hear your inner 4 year old ask…

Let’s think about that for a moment…

Sustainability is a concept.  It’s big and complicated (well, to most of us anyway).  It’s not clearly defined.  It’s more about “the vibe”...

It’s not a list of criteria or specific actions we can check off a list.

How we define and understand sustainability is influenced by things like our experiences (what we’ve done), education (what we’ve learnt), values (what is important to us), culture (how we see and value the world around us...

How has the COVID-19 Pandemic changed the way you see sustainability?

I have been thinking a lot about this over the last couple of months.  I am in Melbourne and have been in Stage 4 lockdown for what feels like forever.  I don’t even know what day it is anymore! But, we are all doing what needs to be done to address the current crisis.  That’s a key word right there - crisis…

This crisis has shown that the world can come together to meet a challenge and take swift and decisive action.  We can change policies and invest at all levels of government, but it is the actions and decisions of individuals that make the difference - staying home, washing our hands, fronting up for testing... It is us who make the difference!  Collective action towards a common goal adds up.  

Remember that slogan from the 90's Think Global, Act Local.  It's very relevant in this circumstance.

It has changed the way we think about lots of...

Have you heard that ancient Chinese proverb...

"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now..."?

Sustainability has been on the radar for a long time, but the situation, in light of recent world events - bushfires, pandemics, drought, floods, locusts, dust storms, social uprising, etc, etc... are starting to affect all of us, daily.

After a year of lock downs and travel restrictions - now is a good time to reflect on the sustainability of our programs and practices. 

We were all forced to slow down, change our ways and reflect on the things that are important to us as humans (our health, our families, our communities, our way of life). We will eventually be getting things back to 'normal', some sooner than others, but what do we want the new 'normal' to be?

Sustainability has featured in many discussions as we consider the best ways to recover, both in terms of health and well-being, communities and economies following...

In my last post I talked about one of the biggest lessons I learned to engage others in my sustainability programs and initiatives - Evolution NOT Revolution! If you missed it, check it out here.

This idea is carried over in this post, starting small and building momentum over time allows for deeper engagement and supports the idea of embedding sustainability, rather than big or momentary token gestures.

Baby steps are easier for you to manage as you find your feet and lead your team and community on your journey towards sustainability.  It gives you the opportunity to learn what works, what resonates and what sticks, without big investments of energy, time and money. 

Think of it as an 'emerging curriculum'.  You try something, adapt, see how you can build on what's working and extend the learning and impact.  You can't do everything all at once.  There is progression of learning and doing.

Embedding sustainability is not a linear process, it's more like an...

In this post we'll be looking at the importance of understanding the audience you want to engage.  Many times we assume people are uncooperative or undermine our efforts because they are disinterested, difficult, spiteful or lazy.  This is rarely the case, but we need to be willing to listen and take some time to understand their objections and concerns more fully.  

The reason for their lack of engagement is rarely what it seems on the surface.  It can take a bit of time an effort to uncover the underlying issues.  Listening is an important skill for anyone in a leadership role, that includes those leading sustainability.

Change is hard.  We must remember that is exactly what we are asking of those around us as we endeavour to embed sustainability.  It is especially hard for adults and those who have been doing things the same way for a while and it worked fine.  'If it ain't broke don't fix it' as they say...  Most children are a...

Welcome Back!  Last time we looked at engaging others through action via a Catalyst Project.  Today we're going to explore ways to engage others by following the interests of children.

As I'm sure you've noticed, children are innately curious about the world around them and their place in it. They are natural scientists and love to explore all kinds of natural and man made phenomena and ideas.  Once you know what to look for, it's easy to see the sustainability themes, ideas, and phenomena emerging in their play and interests.  

Consider these examples:

Growth and change as they follow the seasons, watch seeds germinate, leaves decompose or wonder at life cycles and metamorphosis.   Ice melting or water disappearing through sand.

Energy as they feel the heat through the window as the sun hits it, food and how their body turns it in energy, how plants turn sunlight into energy to grow, how sunlight, wind and water can be turned into energy. 

...

Today I want to dive a bit deeper into engaging your team and building momentum in the right direction with ACTION.  People often get caught up in the talking and planning and documenting of their sustainability policies and procedures as a first step.  While this is an important step in embedding sustainability, it doesn't really excite a lot of people, or inspire them to get involved.  You have to go where the energy is!

Most people generate momentum by doing. Once they start, it is easier keep going.  You can always go back to the talking and planning later.

Think of a Catalyst Project.  Something that you can do quickly with what you have.  Something a few people might be interested in.  A quick win to get some runs on the board as they say. 

You could do something small.  A one-off event like a nude food lunch or celebrate World Environment Day, International Mud Day or National Tree Day.  You could invite someone from your...

I wanted to share with you one of the most important things I've learned over the past 20 years of implementing sustainability programs with people who aren't necessarily passionate or on board.  That is, aligning your actions with your most conscientious objectors skills and interests.  You know that saying - 'keep your friends close and your enemies closer', well this is how it can help you embed sustainability.  

You know there is always one or two people who go out of their way to take down your ideas or complain loudly when asked to contribute to your sustainability initiatives.  They bring down the vibe and take the fun out of the experience for everyone.  You know who they are! 

It is important to get them on board before they take everyone down with them.  I have found that engaging them by aligning a project or practice with their expertise, skills or interests works like a charm.  Work out what they are really good at...

I promised to share a bit more insight on my first tip for engaging others in your sustainability programs and initiatives - Don't Make it Extra.

When you're trying to embed sustainability, or make any type of change for that matter, the first objection you often come up against is 'I don't have time for that!'.  Your team will probably feel like this is yet ANOTHER thing they have to add to their to-do list.  No-one wants to do more, especially if it's not something they are particularly interested in or passionate about.

My advice, create time and space for sustainability by considering all that you are currently doing.  Is there anything you can stop doing?  Something that you've been doing forever but doesn't bring much benefit or create value in your practice.  People always complain about having to do something that is a waste if time - that's a good place to start.

You can also consider what you have in place, and how you could tweak things...