Green Team Academy

The best thing about organizing a team in your community is that you can have one-to-one conversations. In today’s episode we learn about the Belonging Revolution in Longmont, Colorado. In an interview with Dan Benavidez, we hear how he and Director of Public Safety, Mike Butler, are building community by walking neighborhoods with the simple message: You belong.

Dan Benavidez is a long time Longmont resident who has served his community in many capacities. From Mayor Pro-tem to board member of Teaching Peace, Eco-Cycle, Longmont Community Justice Partnership and many other organizations he has represented the Latino community with heart and commitment. These days Dan is literally walking his talk about building strong, cohesive communities by walking Longmont neighborhoods with Director of Public Safety, Mike Butler as they venture to grow “The Belonging Revolution”.

Mike has served Longmont for two decades as Chief of Police and now Director of Public Safety. He makes a habit of engaging innovative strategies for connecting “public” and “safety”. His latest innovation is to be an ambassador for Belonging in Longmont. The city’s slogan is, “You belong in Longmont”, and these two are bringing that notion to life.

Longmont, Colorado:

Population 100,000

Approximately 30% Latino population, many foreign-born Mexicans

Many come from places where the police and politicians are corrupt.

July 2014: Mike Butler reached out and asked Dan Benavidez to take a walk in the neighborhood.

Now, Dan and Mike go out and walk neighborhoods in Longmont most Sundays.  

Typical interaction:

Residents are out working in the yard or on their cars, Dan says in Spanish, Hello, This is the Chief of Police and he’d like to meet you. Then Mike says the same in English and gives them his card. He tells them they belong in Longmont and asks how they feel. He then asks them if they would volunteer. A conversation ensues. Sometimes, they’ll be invited for a bite to eat. Dan takes a picture so they have something to share with their friends and family, showing that they know the Chief of Police.

Have walked over 200 neighborhoods. Talked individually with 2,000-3,000 people. Over 1,000 have signed up to volunteer.

Commitment: Dan and Mike, nearly every Sunday.

Longmont: Lowest crime rate in the state of Colorado. Five years ago there was quite a number of gangs. Virtually no gangs now.

This didn’t happen because of Ferguson. It took off before that.

Spreading across the U.S…. so they really are starting  a revolution.

They are taking the power right down to the people, where they are. They’re not asking people to come to a City Council meeting. Instead, they’re going where the

If you’re feeling exhausted by making millions of decisions about shopping and recycling, then this episode will give you hope! In this episode, let’s discuss the video The Story of Change and the key to societal transformation.

I'm a big fan of the free videos created by Annie Leonard and the nonprofit that grew out of her 2007 viral video, The Story of Stuff. If you want a short video to cover the basics of key environmental issues, chances are The Story of Stuff has one. That's why I wasn't surprised when I found their Story of Change video.

In under seven minutes, you can watch the entire Story of Change.So, yup, watch it and use it with your team.

Here are the key points from the Story of Change movie:

We are getting the message:

We can go green by being better shoppers and recyclers and telling our friends to do the same. If I do this, I've done my part. And if I don't, it's my fault that the planet is being destroyed.

This has some serious shortcomings!

It's not about just voting with our dollars. Real change comes when citizens come together to demand rules that work.

We can learn from successful movements throughout history: Gandhi, the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and the environmental victories here in the 1970s. They didn't nag people to perfect their day-to-day choices. They changed the rules of the game.

Here are the three things to do to change the world:

1. Share a big idea for how things could be better.
2. Millions of ordinary people need to decide, "We will work together until the problem is solved."
3. With big idea and commitment to work together, take action.

After I first watched this, I gave a huge sigh of relief. I realized I was exhausting myself focusing on a million shopping and recycling decisions.

Now, I know, my real power is working on these three things: sharing a big idea, getting together with millions of people, and demanding the change we want.

The best way to get millions together is to start with two, then ten, then 100's, and 1000's around the world.

In the movie Mandela: The Long Walk to Freedom, they kept using the symbol of an open hand to represent the fingers (individuals) as vulnerable, compared to the closed fist (group) as strong.

It's not enough to try to "be the change". We need to get together and "demand the change" we want to see in this world.

In honor of World Mental Health Day on October 10, let’s explore how we can bolster our mental health. Each of us is at risk for the debilitating impacts of mental health struggles. In this episode, discover Joan’s top five mental health tools and how her mental health needs have shifted after the death of her mom and sister.

As I was out in my car, I heard bits and pieces of an interview on Colorado Public Radio with Adam Cayton-Holland discussing his tragic-comic memoir about dealing with his sister’s suicide. In talking about the book, Tragedy Plus Time, Adam talks about how mental health is something that requires constant awareness.

“I look at everything through the lens of: How is this going to affect my mental health?”- Adam Cayton-Holland

I also came across Amy Porterfield’s episode about dealing with depression on her Online Marketing Made Easy podcast, in honor of World Mental Health Day, October 10.

As we are doing important work, it’s worth having conversations about how we can bolster our mental health… the foundation for everything we want to be and do.

I wrote a book: Tuning In to Inner Peace: The Surprisingly Fun Way to Transform Your Life

1. Feel calm and lucky in any situation
2. Nature as healer
3. Exercise as stress reducer
4. Say “no” to anything that doesn’t feel like a fabulous fit
5. Ask for help

Saying “no” more:

• Car mechanic
• Job interviews

With the loss of my sister and my mom in the past two years, I saw how asking for help or not asking impacts not only your life, but those around you. With my main conversationalists gone from my life, I had a void.

Proactively reaching out for help:

• Got a loan
• Got my teeth cleaned
• Got vision insurance and went to the eye doctor
• Got my flu shot
• Took my car to the mechanic
• Took three-day jaunts to Glenwood Springs to swim in the hot springs pool
• Bought fresh juice for a juice cleanse
• Got a massage
• Interviewing for a business coach and virtual assistant
• Went back to weekly drumming and singing lesson
• More proactive about calling friends

Goal: Build a personal care plan that includes the human contact, love and s

Find out how two teachers started an Eco-Club at St. Mary Redcliffe and Temple School in Redcliffe, Bristol, England. In less than two years, their initiative changed from starting an eco-club to building an eco-community. Their projects include litter patrol, plastic recycling, school gardening, hosting a green event for other schools, and more. Tune in to this inspiring story of regular people becoming eco-leaders in their communities!

Source: How to Build an Eco-Club (David Luke, 2017)

[1:00] SMRT Eco-Club started in November 2016.

[1:45] Started by two teachers in response to the school leadership encouraging teachers to demonstrate environmental stewardship and the town of Bristol issued a goal of becoming a measurably cleaner town by 2020.

[2:45] Started meeting weekly at lunchtime ← important strategy: meeting at a regular time

[3:00] The litter patrol was seen as a bit of a joke at first, but grew to give voice to those that care about resources and their school.

[3:45] Partnered with Redcliffe Garden Club for transforming a neglected piece of land into a school garden.

[4:15] Worked with the school’s leadership team to encourage changes in how photocopier paper is used, and how to encourage more walking to school.

[5:00] Hosted a “green event” for other schools, and included speakers from the town Council

[5:30] Started a mini-recycling center and holding discussions about the problem of plastic in the school

[5:45] Vision for future: plastic recycling well established, zero tolerance for litter, school garden producing healthy food for the school cafeteria, continued links with our community and above all, students automatically embracing the values of respect and care.

[6:00] Changed from an eco-club to an eco-community ... cultural transformation!

[6:30] Advice: Be convinced and be passionate. Don’t let negative remarks put you off. Students can only benefit through an eco-club. Respect for self, others, our planet and our future.

[7:10] Started with deep values and one strategy. Willing to adjust and expand as needs and passions arise.

[8:00] Worked on all levels: personal, peers, school and broader community

[8:20] I hope that inspired you! If you are forming an eco-club at a school, leave a comment at Green Team Academy.

[9:00] Pick up the free guide: 12 Common Green Team Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them!) at Green Team Academy.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this over in the Podcast Discussion Group. Get access through the Green Team Essentials at www.GreenTeamAcademy.com.

If you like what you're hearing, please subscribe, rate and review!

The time for action is now because there is no Planet B!

If the U.S. voting population was represented by 10 people. In 2016, 3 voted for Trump. 3 voted for Hillary. And 4 didn’t vote. So, the nonvoters won. They chose “I don’t care”. If you do care, and especially if you care about the environment and you’re willing to work for change, let’s talk about voting. And specifically, how we can help get out the vote for the November 6 election. Discover six ways you can help people actually vote.

Green Team Academy Podcast with Joan Gregerson

Episode 26

Time-stamped notes:

[1:00] In Australia, voting is mandatory. Voter turnout over 90%.

[1:15] If 10 people represented all of the US eligible voters, in 2016 presidential election, 3 voted for Hillary, 3 voted for Trump and 4 didn’t vote.

1:45] Midterm election turnout is historically around 40%.

[2:00] Have you seen the video with Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda and Rashida Jones talking about the Last Weekend? What could I have done after November 2016 election? Now we have another chance.

[2:30] In this episode, six research-based strategies for getting the vote out.

[2:45] Why? To stop rollbacks of environmental protections and have a government that really represents the people.

[3:15] That’s what increasing voter turnout is all about.

[3:30] 1. Believe you can make a difference.

Increasing voter turnout isn’t easy. Don’t worry that your efforts will go to waste. Simple steps can increase the number of voters, and they rely on person-to-person interactions.

[4:00] 2. Make sure that you’re ready to vote and that you have a plan

Rock the Vote: check your voter registration status, register to vote and find out more about ballots and polling places.

[4:20] 3. Set aside some time on the last weekend to volunteer.

Organizers say that you can have the most impact on the last few days. Look at your calendar right now. Set aside some time to get out there. Saturday November 3 - Tuesday November 6.

Easiest: Sign up with LastWeekend.org. You can help by canvassing (most effective), phone calls (great for reaching other areas), or help with writing, editing, social media or events. You choose.   

[5:15]  4. Research and be a resource.

Voting isn’t necessarily easy or straightforward. Visit RocktheVote and look up your state to dig in to details about what documentation is needed, regulations for convicted felons, voter registration deadlines, what to do if you’ve recently moved and if you can register the day of the election (as you can in Colorado!).

[6:00] 5. Hold a house party.

Have a voter registration party or election watch party to help your friends be voters.

[6:30] 6. Have better conversations (five parts):

1. Talk to people about voting.
2. Tell them that voter turnout is expected to be high.
3. Talk about what it means to them to “be a voter” (rather than just “voting”).

Climate change is arguably the biggest global health threat of the 21st century. So, why aren’t we taking steps to change our behavior? The Australian Psychological Society (APS) has tackled this head on with their Climate Change Empowerment Handbook. The handbook covers the known cognitive biases we need to overcome, and eight strategies that can help people more effectively engage with the challenge of climate change. APS also created a nifty graphic using the acronym ACTIVATE to illustrate the eight strategies.

Time-stamped notes

[1:00] The more you know about climate change, the more weighty it feels.

[1:15] Free resource: Climate Change Empowerment Handbook from the Australian Psychological Society

[1:45] Cognitive biases and strategies to engage more effectively

[2:00] Cognitive biases:

• How humans make sense of facts does not simply follow from rational interpretations of scientific evidence.
• Exaggerate some and downplay others
• Climate change risk gets downplayed
• Influenced by our values and beliefs
• Tendency to think that the way things are now is right and just
• Cognitive dissonance: what we know conflicts with what we do

[5:00] Psychology helps people cope with and come to terms with climate change.

[5:30] ACTIVATE recommended strategies:

• A: Acknowledge feels
• C: Create social norms
• T: Talk about it
• I: Inspire positive visions
• V: Value it
• A: Act
• T: Time is now
• E: Engage with nature

[6:00] I’d also add (but would mess up the acronym):

• G: Gratitude and awe
• S: Self-care

[7:30] Resources: Climate Change Empowerment Handbook, Graphic with the ACTIVATE strategies and Episode 5

[8:10] I don’t know about you but listening to those strategies make me hopeful.

[8:20] Understanding the psychology behind it helps us understand why we haven’t been able to change and what we need to do.

Resources:

• Climate Change Empowerment Handbook (2017), Australian Psychological Society

Walking in a Climate March is both exhilarating and anxiety-producing. It's awesome to see that so many people care, but it can leave you with the big question of... what's next?

Listen in to today's podcast with Julia Williams, Volunteer Coordinator for 350 Colorado. Find out about the Colorado Climate, Jobs and Justice Summit. This is one of 200 events happening around the world as part of Rise for Climate, Jobs and Justice. The Colorado summit happens September 8, 2018 in Denver, Colorado.

Even if you miss the Colorado summit, tune in for valuable strategies for collaboration. See how this group is bringing together voices and ideas focused on working together for the long-haul, for a just and equitable transition to a renewable energy economy.

Colorado Climate, Jobs & Justice Summit

Saturday, September 8, 2018

9:30 am - 12:45 pm

Manual High School

1700 E 28th Ave, Denver, CO 80205

Facebook event

Resources

• Colorado People's Alliance
• 350 Colorado
• AFL-CIO
• Conservation Colorado - Protegete, Sierra Club
• Earth Guardians
• Denver Area Labor Federation
• SEIU Local 105
• GreenFaith
• NRDC Colorado, Clean Energy Action
• Defend Our Future Colorado
• Organizing for Action

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this over in the Podcast Discussion Group. Get access through the Green Team Essentials at www.GreenTeamAcademy.com.

The ecological challenges ahead of us are of epic proportions. We can learn a lot by studying successful revolutions that have come before us. In this episode, you’ll hear 10 lessons for Eco-Leaders from the struggle to overcome apartheid in South Africa, as told in the movie Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.

[1:00] Our education systems don’t teach us about representation or revolution.

[1:15] Historically, there is a tendency for power to be concentrated in the hands of the few, at the expense of the many.

[1:30] It is no less of a challenge than overcoming slavery, genocide, or apartheid.

[2:00] You can’t compare 1-to-1 the suffering and injustice of apartheid to the collapse of ecological systems, but there are some similarities.

[2:15] What could be more unjust than taking away the opportunity for future generations to inhabit a liveable world.

[2:30] We can learn a lot from studying how huge entrenched problems were overcome.

[2:50] Takeaways from the film: Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

[3:00] Not on Netflix. Check the library or wherever you watch movies.

[3:15] 10 Lessons for Eco-Leaders from the film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

[3:30] 1. Individually we are weak. Together we are strong. (with open hand vs closed fist image)

[4:00] 2. Welcome the challenges. They will help you become who you need to be.

[4:45] 3. Remind people that the end result you desire is inevitable.

[5:25] 4. Don’t turn on each other.

[6:40] 5. Allies matter.

[7:00] 6. Follow the money.

[7:50] 7. Leaders lead.

[8:30] 8. Peace is the only way.

[9:00] 9. Vote.

[9:45]10. Don’t give up.

Quotes

It always seems impossible until it’s done.

• Nelson Mandela

What could be more unjust than taking away the opportunity for future generations to inhabit a livable world.

• Joan Gregerson

We humans are going to learn to live in harmony with nature or we’re going to fall away. It’s inevitable.

• Joan Gregerson

Resources:

• Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (IMDB)
• If “Did Not Vote” Had Been A Candidate In The 2016 US Presidential Election, It Would Have Won By a Landslide (Brilliant Maps, November 2016)

As a newbie podcaster, I'm learning a ton. Thanks for your patience as I figure it out!

The big thing I've learned is that it takes a lot more time than I expected. I'm taking some time off and then will re-launch weekly episodes beginning Wednesday September 5, 2018.

I want to make sure I have ample time to be working on courses and mentoring for those who want to go deeper. Look for courses opening later this year.

Favorite saying:

An empty pitcher fills no cups.

For us recovering people pleasers, it's always tough to change course. But it's essential if we want to stay strong for ourselves and others.

I'm heading up to the mountains for swimming and camping. I hope you too will take time in nature to relax and recharge.

See you back here on September 5!

Thank you for listening!

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this over in the Podcast Discussion Group. Get access through the Green Team Essentials at www.GreenTeamAcademy.com.

If you like what you're hearing, please subscribe, rate and review!

The time for action is now because there is no Planet B!

It’s easy to complain about how the world is. How often do we take the time to declare the world we want and commit to helping create it. “The World We Want Is” is a global movement centered on interactive public art. You can use a paper version of this exercise to help your community brainstorm the future they want.

[1:00] How do you get people to dream big?

[1:30] In my neighborhood, I came across this exhibit…

• Large chalkboard wall
• Title: The World We Want Is
• Each square has two prompts:
• • I want to live in a world where…
  • To create this world, I will…

[2:10] Examples:

• Everyone is kind to each other / Be kind myself.  
• People are smiling. / Smile more.
• We run on peace not hatred, where everyone has the right to be who they truly are. / Live my truth and motivate others to live theirs.

[3:15] The World We Want is a global movement dedicated to bringing self-reflection and expression to the masses through interactive public art

[4:15] Easier option: Offer the same prompts on paper at a meeting or festival.

[4:30] Complaining doesn’t get us very far. Declare the world want. Then commit to making it happen.

[5:00] The world as it is now is as humans have created. This is the sum of all the choices that have been made up to this point.

[5:15] We can make a different future by making different choices and by investing our time in the world we want.

Resource:

• The World We Want Is
• Green Team Academy Podcast Episode 20: Dream Big

Thank you for listening!

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this over in the Podcast Discussion Group. Get access through the Green Team Essentials at www.GreenTeamAcademy.com.

If you like what you're hearing, please subscribe, rate and review!

The time for action is now because there is no Planet B!