DE/GROWTH: Human Ecology, Economy, Community

Online

An online collaborative learning programme with a residential learning retreat / field trip to Ullapool, run in partnership by the Centre for Human Ecology and Enough! Scotland

The programme consists of 

  • A weekly online session: Wednesdays 6.30-8.30pm, Sept 14th – Nov 16th 2022
  • A residential learning retreat and field trip in the Ceilidh Place, Ullapool Oct 10th-14th.
  • Self-directed study: through a course handbook, online resources and a practice-based inquiry / study / creative exploration. 
  • 3 additional peer group meetings will be held over the period of the course (times to be agreed by each group)


Description:
An invitation to social and environmental practitioners, community workers and activists working in Scotland to collaboratively explore how the principles of degrowth and radical human ecology can inform and catalyse change. A 10-week programme, delivered as a partnership between Enough! Scotland and the Centre for Human Ecology, including a 4 night residential learning retreat and field trip at the Ceilidh Place in Ullapool in the Scottish Highlands. 


In times marked by an accelerating climate crisis, we explore together what degrowth could look like in Scotland, through a framing of human ecology and systems thinking. We understand ‘degrowth’ as meaning intergenerational social, ecological and migrant justice through decolonisation and equity within planetary limits – and this includes growth of socially and ecologically beneficial activity. The aim of this course is to create ripples to embed principles and practices of degrowth and human ecology among community and climate activists across Scotland. The course consists of a weekly online session with a talk followed by discussion, as well as readings for self-directed study. A key component of the course is to co-create a community of practice and peer-learning , which will be supported through a series of online peer group meetings and an in-depth 3.5-day (4 nights) residential in Ullapool. We draw upon methods taken from popular education and anti-oppression practices, peer-coaching and practical and immersive exercises.

The course takes place in the 50th anniversary year of the founding of the Centre for Human Ecology and the publication of Limits to Growth. We look forward to forming a learning community with you.

Course format: 

8 online sessions: Each session will consist of a presentation on key themes in degrowth and human ecology, followed by a facilitated group discussion and break-out groups to digest the material. 

Peer group meetings: There will be three additional online peer group meetings at times to be agreed by each group, and time dedicated to peer groups at the residential, in person.

Contributors: Bronagh Gallagher, Lorenzo Velotti, Luke Devlin, Dr Mairi McFadyen, Roland Playle and Dr Svenja Meyerricks, with others to be announced

Who is the course for? A key aim of the course is to develop the knowledge and capability of degrowth and human ecology principles among community and climate activists in Scotland. Participants are encouraged to either be normally resident in Scotland, or have another significant connection or interest. 

Costs: Course fees are set on a sliding-scale, meaning you can choose the fee you are able to pay and we trust that this is the right amount for you. If you are in a position to pay the base cost rate or more either from your own income or from organisational training budgets, it will enable us to offer the course to others in the future. We also do not want finances to be a barrier to accessing the course and you are invited to pay what you are able to. Recommended scale*:

  • £850+ supporter rate for those on a very comfortable income / large organisations
  • £450 base costs for comfortable income / medium sized organisations
  • £0 to £200 subsidised rate for low income / small organisations / no access to training budget

*Travel to and from the residential is not included in these costs and must be met by participants individually. If these are a barrier, please let us know when completing the application form below.

To apply, please fill in the application form by the 7th of August:
https://forms.gle/Bhd5QioG6r3jiREz9