"It was nice to have the opportunity to share my ideas and concerns about the topic of sustainability with like minded people."—Mary Holleback, Environmental Educator

Our Approach to GLEI Courses

The Process
Courses are delivered via a self-guided group-study (8 to 15 members works best) process of eight or nine sessions. Each discussion session is approximately one hour in length, but the group may decide to go longer if it wishes. Optimally, discussions occur weekly, however every two weeks works also. Momentum may suffer if groups go longer than two weeks between meetings.. There are approximately 1.0 to 1.5 hours of reading to do in preparation for each discussion session.

Opening One person "opens" each session. The "opener" is a five-minute show-and-tell in which a designated person introduces the topic for the day with a poem, song, natural object, un-natural object, story, work of art, or whatever helps to express the theme of the chapter and the individual’s feelings about it.

Facilitation The facilitator then takes over, endeavoring to keep the discussion balanced and moving. Everyone gets to answer a "circle question". The more balanced the discussion in terms of participation, the better. There is no desire or effort to reach consensus. Rather, the purpose of the discussion is for the individual members to formulate their own thoughts and feelings about the topic, and hopefully come up with a self-directed plan of action.

Group Governance The group decides who will "facilitate." Typically it's done on a rotating basis, but not always. Not everyone feels comfortable in the facilitation role. That’s okay. However, it is important that each group member has an opportunity to do an opening.

Mentor The GLEI sends a "mentor" to the first discussion session to model successful facilitation. After that, the group moves ahead on its own unless help is needed. In that event, the GLEI will send additional support.

Location Discussions can and do occur wherever the members feel comfortable. We host courses at nature centers, in the work-place, churches, and homes; in front of the fireplace or on the patio, typically with goodies and maybe a beverage or two. Group bonding occurs. Most groups typically move-on to take other courses. It's way better than reality TV.

Action/Outcome The courses have proven to be extremely successful in inspiring participants to willingly make environmentally sound decisions and modify their lifestyles to live more sustainably. Happily, they decide to do it of their own volition. The materials are sound, and the process is empowering.