Conference report > Values into Action
This day conference was held at Brockhole, the Lake District National
Park Centre, in October 2006. It built on some of the ideas and themes
addressed in the AEA Group’s “Broadening Horizons Conference” in
2005. Over 40 outdoor leaders attended.
Kate Rawles gave an illustrated talk describing her 4,500 mile cycle
from El Paso to Alaska in 2006 in which she raised the issue of “Climate
Change” with many individuals and organisations along the route.
She questions the ethics of societies based on over-consumption and
endless economic growth and argues that outdoor leaders are in a strong
position to teach environmental values.
In a keynote talk, Eleanor Knowles states that all our work is value-laden
and stresses the importance of thinking skills in helping us to question
and clarify our own values. She considers the conflicts and contradictions
we sometimes face between social justice and environmental values and
argues that nothing will change unless we encourage young people to
think clearly and recognise their own values.
Participants were involved in discussion groups and there was a choice
of workshops on “Philosophy for Children in Outdoor Education”, “Turning
Values into Action” and “Towards Good Environmental Practice-
the individual and the organisation”.
The discussions and workshops produced the following proposals on
How can we turn values into action most effectively?
| • |
We need a vision
and need to relate our values to this vision. |
| • |
Decide on our
own values, not society’s. Step back and re-assess our
values and responsibilities. |
| • |
“Walk the
talk”- through our own actions. |
| • |
Keep values with
us at all times- don’t change them when we get home. |
| • |
There is a problem
with promoting personal choice as a key value in our society.
This can lead to selfishness. Perhaps our key value should be
social and environmental responsibility. |
| • |
Small steps are
better than no action. Do the small stuff first- audit our homes;
reduce, re-use, re-cycle. |
| • |
It’s easier
to action things that save us money or don’t have too much
impact on our lives. |
| • |
Try to influence
colleagues and our organisations. |
| • |
Choose suitable
methods and programmes for young people in the outdoors. |
| • |
Illustrate the
interconnectedness of everything. |
| • |
Become more knowledgeable
about the environment, politics, commercialisation, marketing
etc. |
| • |
Motivate young
people with fun and enjoyment and give them skills. |
| • |
Learn methods
to influence people. |
| • |
Find “champions”-
use celebrities if possible. |
| • |
Network with like-minded
people, organisations. |
| • |
Use good examples-
success stories and celebrate them. |
Geoff Cooper
AEA Group
Low Bank Ground
Coniston
Cumbria LA21 8AA
Send cheque payable to “Adventure and Environmental Awareness
Group” for £4 for each report. This price includes post
and package.
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