"Moving Forward in Regional ESD: Assessing Past, Present, and Future" RCE Saskatchewan Gathering Government House, 4607 Dewdney Avenue Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada May 7, 2014 On May 7th, 2014, the Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development in Saskatchewan (RCE Saskatchewan) hosted its 6th Annual RCE SK Education for Sustainable Development Recognition Event at Government House in Regina. As with previous events, each Recognition Event ceremony (held in the morning of a day-long event) has been accompanied by RCE Saskatchewan hosting an “RCE Gathering” in the afternoon to seek direction for the future work of the RCE. This year's RCE Gathering, entitled “Moving Forward in Regional ESD: Assessing Past, Present, and Future”, sought to take stock and assess the progress of the first 7 years of RCE Saskatchewan since its formal acknowledgement by the UN University in January of 2007. Overview of RCE Saskatchewan Activities and Accomplishments The event began with a formal presentation by Dr. Roger Petry and Prof. Lyle Benko, Co-coordinators of RCE Saskatchewan, outlining the achievements of the RCE in a number of areas. This included an overview of the formation of the RCE with a discussion of its vision, logo, approach to ESD, and governance structure (with governance outcomes and principles) as envisioned in 2006. This was followed by an overview of how the geographic region of the RCE had evolved since its formation to include a larger scope of participating communities, the evolution of the sustainability themes of focus by the RCE, and the growth in the number and diversity of its organizational partners. Specific initiatives of the RCE were then highlighted including those associated with recognition of ESD in the region through its 6 recognition events (Craik (2008), Humboldt (2009), Moose Jaw (2011), Regina (2012), Nipawin (2013), Regina (2014)) where approximately 20 projects were recognized each year. Further recognition took place with the formal patronage of RCE Saskatchewan by the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan in 2012. A student-led creation of a database of ESD projects and map, and the development of both the main RCE Saskatchewan website (www.saskrce.ca) and the RCE's K-12 ESD site (www.rceed.ca) all further highlight ESD projects in the region. The RCE had also participated and helped co-organize a number of ESD conferences in the region in collaboration with its partners. Events were held in Saskatoon (2009), Regina/Nipawin/Craik/Saskatoon (2010), Elkridge (2011), Regina (2012), Nipawin (2013), and Regina (2014). An overview was also provided of the collaborative networking within the Americas by the RCE, including the hosting of the 1st RCE Conference of the Americas in Regina in 2008, participation in the 2nd RCE Conference of the Americas in Lima, Peru in 2013, and planned participation in the upcoming 3rd RCE Conference of the Americas in Autlan de la Grana, Mexico, in July/August 2014 (being hosted by RCE Western Jalisco). Additional participation of RCE Saskatchewan in 2 of the Americas Youth Virtual Conferences hosted by RCE Grand Rapids (in 2013 focusing on water and 2014 on food security) were noted along with the RCEs participation and leadership in the Americas at the last 7 Global RCE Conferences organized by the UN University (Penang (2007), Barcelona (2008), Montreal (2009), Curitiba (2010), Kerkrade (2011), Tongyeong (2012), and Nairobi (2013). The RCE's participation in various UN and UNESCO conferences and side events in New York, Bonn, and Quebec City was noted. The RCE had also facilitated multi-community regional visits to Saskatchewan by colleagues from other RCEs since its inception including visits by Dr. Charles Hopkins since 2005, RCE Greater Western Sydney (2012 & 2013) and RCE Tongyeong (2013). RCE Saskatchewan's research and advocacy was also discussed. This included the RCE's peer review of other RCE applications for the UN University, letters of support for RCE partners including those forming new ESD organizations, and formal policy submissions to the Government of Saskatchewan. Lastly, the RCE's formal publications (including UN University publications, submissions to the RCE Bulletin, annual reporting to UNU Website, and scholarly journals) along with documentation of ESD projects and flagship projects and RCE conferences held in the region was highlighted. Global Panel of RCEs This overview of RCE Saskatchewan's activities since its formation was then followed by a global panel of RCEs mediated by SKYPE. Six representatives of 5 RCEs from 5 different continents were asked to discuss the following 3 questions for approximately 8 minutes for each RCE: (1) important areas of focused work for your RCE (including some successes and challenges); (2) strategies you employ for active collaboration among your RCE partners and mobilizing resources for ESD; and (3) how your RCE governance structure enables your work (for example, in terms of items 1 and 2). As 3 of the 6 representatives were also coordinators or co-coordinators for their respective continental regions, some of these also mentioned inter-RCE activities taking place on their continents in relation to these 3 questions. The specific participants were Mr. Detlev Lindau-Bank (Co-ordinator, RCE Oldenburger Münsterland (Germany) & Co-coordinator of European RCEs), Mr. Ali Bukar Ahmad (Coordinator RCE Kano (Nigeria) & Deputy Coordinator African RCEs Forum), Ms. Won J. Byun (Coordinator, RCE Tongyeong (South Korea) & Coordinator, Asia Pacific RCEs), Dr. Kim Smith (Coordinator, RCE Greater Portland (U.S.A.)), and Prof. Geoffrey Scott and Mr. Mike Bartlett (RCE Greater Western Sydney (Australia)). The insights of the panelists were deliberately intended to feed into discussions of RCE Saskatchewan members in small group sessions following the panel. The SKYPE connection was good for all but 1 of the panel members. Follow-up comments by the panelists included a general thanks for being invited to participate, the enjoyment at being able to hear insightful comments from their fellow panelists about their RCEs and the brief summations of various continental activities, and the further international collaboration that this panel was facilitating following the 8th Global RCE Conference in Nairobi last year. Small Group Assessments of RCE Saskatchewan Following the panel, the gathering attendees divided into 5 different table groups with experienced facilitators at each table. The facilitators were Margret Asmuss of the University of Saskatchewan, Shannon Dyck of the City of Saskatoon, Sheri Birkeland of the City of Regina, Glenn Sutter of the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, and Sarah McRaven, RCE SK Recognition Event Coordinator and consultant with Beetle Green Consulting and Education. Three discussion questions were formulated for each group to explore. These questions built upon the questions asked of the previous panel. They were initially derived from 3 documents discussed at the session on RCE Assessment and Evaluation at the 8th Global RCE Conference in Nairobi (November 2013): the “RCE Assessment and Evaluation background paper” prepared by members of the UN University Institute of Advanced Studies and 4 participating RCEs (from April 2013), a document on “RCE Evaluation Planning”, and a list of “Questions for RCE Local Partners” prepared by an RCE in India. The following presents each question along with a summary of the responses from the 5 discussion groups. Question #1 What are important areas for focused work of RCE SK in advancing regional Education for Sustainable Development (ESD; for example, improving communication and promotion of regional ESD activities, advocacy for ESD)? What might be some indicators of success and foreseeable challenges needing to be overcome for each area of focused work? Knowledge of Sustainable Development Issues in our Region Develop Saskatchewan based data on aspects/theme areas of sustainable development (SD) Highlight support systems and solutions for people to rely on (for example, as climate change becomes more obvious in our region) Work with kids: what does sustainability look like in your home and what are the benefits? Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) at all levels SD in all teaching and modeling it for others ESD needing to be embedded in teacher education, curriculum, and schools Can gather all science and social science teachers and/or consultants to work on ESD Recognize ESD (and education more generally) is a two-way street (not an “us” telling “them” what to do) Success: ESD embedded in curriculum Success: ESD in work of teacher candidates with increased awareness of this curriculum and its use Success: Email contact list of key consultants, teachers, curriculum writers, etc. Success: increased demand for ESD materials Need to review ESD materials and have a clearinghouse of these resources Success: endorsement of specific resources Increased collaborations between schools and community organizations facilitated by the RCE Develop a framework for schools and youth to establish initial partnerships and work with specific partners Work through existing groups (e.g. 4H) to create partnerships for ESD Need to strengthen networks Success: increasing attendance at events like this Success: increased capacity measured in time/labour, financing, and numbers of volunteers Strategic Engagement Recognize the strategic intersection of ESD includes individual choice + social norms + political will Need to engage strategic people and organizations in ESD Need to engage government There needs to be political buy-in for both SD and ESD and this needs to be foundational to policies Success: ESD articulated in government policies Identify opportunities for government Gain increased Ministry involvement Need to engage business: Link with business, cooperatives, crown corporations, and industry, specifically their social responsibility and sustainability portfolios Solicit sustainability innovations from industry (commercial and institutional) Identify opportunities for business (e.g. rebates for green activities and incentives) Career focus in ESD and direct connection with the Green Business Sector Facilitate ESD in workplaces through connections to businesses Show benefits of going green, particularly to businesses and “regular people” as customers Challenges: knowing who are appropriate partners Need to engage public, community organizations and media: Branch out into more informal/non-formal education (e.g. lifelong learning opportunities, education for “regular people”, non-traditional education systems) More contact with the public (public not aware of ESD) Outreach and collaboration with community events (e.g. festivals) Inviting more “non-ESD'ers” to our events Consider looking outside the current RCE geographic boundary Need more projects in region to grow ESD Database of all RCE ESD Projects (including those around the globe in particular joint inter-RCE projects) Success: Identify what is already happening, especially in schools Success: sustainability of projects and comparison with other projects Improved promotion of ESD projects (targeted as well as general promotion, use of social media, and development of new awards (e.g. “ambassador”, “follow the leader”)) Linking of project leaders Success: higher number of RCE SK ESD nominations for Recognition Event, # of new projects eligible, # of institutions involved in eligible projects, # of institutions promoting the RCE, # of new award/recognition categories Development of joint RCE projects and international partnerships Success: increased international/joint projects Communicating and acknowledging successes (in person and on line, traditional media) Success: keeping and improving the RCE SK ESD Recognition Event Communications and marketing Need to cultivate media contacts and develop media releases Need to make ESD sexy with plainer language to make it more engaging Need a communications plan that identifies different audiences with appropriate messaging and what we want them to do Success: media coverage Success: list of speakers in region Success: website hits, Face Book likes, increase in listserv usage, increase in RCE memberships Further Evidence of Success Success: growing too “big” for 1 RCE in Saskatchewan Generating more RCEs in Saskatchewan or neighbouring areas e.g., Northern Saskatchewan RCE possibly crossing into other provinces in the north Question #2 What are some strategies for more active collaboration among RCE partners, attracting new partners and mobilization of inkind and financial resources for regional ESD and RCE activities? Is there a role for more formalized participation and commitments with RCE partners (for example, MOUs, identification of specific contributions etc.)? Should have centralized location for contact points of key players to facilitate good communication Interest in finding what groups are out there and what they do All partners need to be on the RCE SK website with links and contacts Create “needs” and “yields” database of current members, partners, and ESD organization in Saskatchewan (e.g. money, experts, speakers, administrative support, volunteers) and match one group's needs with another group's yields as well as identify gaps in each Share contact information from the Recognition Event Need to make global network visible in region Provide international contacts Have list of strategic contacts with the media Website should have a listing of ESD projects with contacts that is searchable and organized Should have a mapping of projects broken down into categories Have active collaboration strategies RCE should be a network of networks we need a hub that doesn't duplicate efforts while leveraging existing resources; host specific networking events; take advantage of existing networks that link organizations (e.g. community development organizations) Enable individuals to think actively about collaboration Create easy methods for collaboration Website should have a place to propose ideas Help organize groups with similar interests Foster better communication between groups Have regular events and promote other events in region (e.g. home show) Focus on pivotal points for collaboration (e.g. incentive opportunities) Do we need more formalized flagship projects (e.g., RCE living laboratories/eco-museums in region) Should we have more formalized participation? Clarify first what the RCE wants in a partner(ship) Formalized Participation For this to have value RCE brand needs to have weight Define who current “partners” are more formally Have a well-connected board (e.g., with partner representation) Formalized partnership works well for specific projects if money is involved; in cases where things are not well defined formalized participation can be a deterrent Informal Participation Allows for a greater variety of participation around common interests (e.g. Grade 5 classes) Keep it simple to participate Have an open membership RCE Saskatchewan and Financial Support Should have some government funding Have a small membership fee(?) MOU's might be necessary for fundraising Share fundraising strategies Clarify status of funding for RCE SK and global RCE initiative now that the decade is over and moving to post-Decade Global Action Program for ESD Develop a communications strategy Goals: Clarify to partners and potential partners what the RCE does Clarify nature of partners (e.g. who is and isn't affiliated with universities) Communication of project successes Structure: Have an event for RCE partner communications people People need to know about the RCE and this can be assisted by having RCE champions in various organizations able to plant sees/ideas Capacity is a challenge: should coordinate building connections on “side of desks” , e.g. twitter, facebook, e-mail Avenues for communication: Ask higher education and more formal education systems to distribute information on the RCE within their systems (e.g. school boards talking to teachers about the RCE) Promote RCE SK websites and database and use technology to bring people together Share contact list of RCE Recognition Event recipients (both current and past) Academic journals Create a regular newsletter/news rollup Public promotion of RCE Saskatchewan Create a brochure for schools or less formal education groups Question #3 How can we build upon and advance RCE Saskatchewan's governance structures? For example, how might we develop a more formalized RCE structure (such as a steering committee & secretariat), further support for RCE volunteers (including volunteer management and recognition and support), and further support for RCE Partner ESD activities, and community/local ESD activities? Mandate: Create clarity on RCE's goals, mandates, and objectives with clear audience(s) RCE as a hub of knowledge and political advocate RCE should be project driven Should be periodic check-in meetings to encourage networking and integration, both regionally/provincially and globally Scope out what the RCE could/should evolve into (e.g. is its current structure, mandate, etc. going to still be as relevant/applicable after the Decade on ESD is over or is it possibly more relevant?) Structure: Focus on current structure before adding additional layers of administration or governance Theme Area Working Group (TAWG) Coordinators more collaboration with other coordinators and more guidance from RCE board (e.g. job description, suggested activities) Less formal structure seems to allow for a more organic development of projects, more diverse participation (less is more) Make use of website and social media as part of structure Clarify what volunteering for the RCE entails Possibility of financial support for activities of volunteers Would full-time staff affect the culture of the RCE? Greater formalization including supports (?) Possible formalized membership (with an application) Have a steering committee with broad representation of different organizations with their champions represented and from each RCE thematic area (?) Identify opportunities for funding/core funding (possibly private or government? charitable status? member fees? NAFTA environmental cooperation?) New Structures Have administrative structures outside of theme areas with incentives for volunteer retention strategies (e.g. top of the list for travel support?) Develop new officers/committees and contact person for each: Communications officer/committee Have a communications/public relations person/committee to support a more formalized structure (e.g. distribution of photos from RCE recognition event) Outreach officer/committee Have an outreach “committee” to link with non-ESD'ers Recruit industry stakeholders, NGO's, government, business and groups not typically seen as “environmental” Inform and involve the Regional Intersectoral Councils (RICS; i.e., that involve social service agencies, policing, agriculture) and possibly have on boards as reps and connect to our activities Greater youth involvement (esp. under 21) Officer/committee for specific events e..g. Recognition Event Committee Recognition Program used to grow participation Gathering of RCE Final Reflections At the conclusion of the small group session, each small group was provided an opportunity to highlight one of the items they found most significant from their discussions. Following this an evaluation form was distributed. Participants were provided with an opportunity to volunteer for specific RCE working groups/structures and show interest in specific RCE Saskatchewan theme areas in sustainable development. In addition, participants were invited to “share your RCE Saskatchewan Experience”, specifically being asked “What benefit do you see the RCE making to your organization and the people you serve?” and also to complete the statement “Because of the RCE, I/my organization can now...”. Individuals were invited to give written permission on the form to allow the RCE to use these quotations on its website and various communications materials about the RCE. Share Your RCE Saskatchewan Experience! Participant comments from two RCE Saskatchewan events held in May, 2014.1 What benefit do you see the RCE making to your organization and the people you serve? “Connections to educators interested in projects related to learning about the pastures and grasslands” (Joanne Havelock, Public Pastures-Public Interest) “The RCE provides a network for collaboration opportunities.” (Kevin Hudson, Saskatoon Light and Power Metering and Sustainable Electricity Manager) “It provides a broader context to the ESD activities being pursued at the University of Saskatchewan.” (Margret Asmuss, University of Saskatchewan Sustainability Coordinator) “It benefits us by exposing the organization to new resources and formulating discussion on how to further promote sustainability at the U of S” (Kelsey Bates, U of S Office of Sustainability-Community Engagement Intern) “I believe Saskatchewan has many small, informal centers of expertise and we need to discover a way to publicize these and link them to RCE Saskatchewan.” (Dolores Wagner-Owens) “The Sustainability and Education Policy Network (SEPN) is conducting a national survey examining sustainability education policy and practice. I wonder if RCE Saskatchewan could assist with raising awareness of the survey and/or assist with distribution of the survey?” (Nicola Chopin, SERI Project Manager) “Promotion of initiatives and networking” (Samar Baker-Ismail, Applied Science Facilitator, SIAST) “Possibly a broadening of networks to achieve some common goals” (Jill Naisy, Public Pastures-Public Interest) “Identifying projects in the community could benefit the City of Regina's knowledge of local initiatives.” (Sheri Birkeland, City of Regina) “RCE will create a great new network of organizations through which we can improve our own work in the province.” (Kirsten Jensen, Nature Conservancy of Canada-Nature City Festival) “The creation of new networks will allow me access to new streams of information to increase and improve programming in Wascana Centre.” (Matthew Takaruk, Naturalist-Wascana Centre Authority) “RCE provides exposure to successful action projects.” (Rhonda Phillips, Lumsden High School) “The RCE has given many new ideas and views of action projects that can be done and completed successfully.” (Karly Rumpel, Lumsden High School) “It gives inspiration and vision for things I can do in my own community and gives networking opportunities.” (Ann King, Lumsden High School, Student) “Connecting and strengthening knowledge and action exchange.” (Dawn Marsden, Assistant Professor, FNUniv) “Keeping connected. So much of what the RCE is involved with or advocating for, fits with our vision/mission, key messaging. We need to stay informed” (Ingrid Cazakoff, CEO Heritage Saskatchewan) “RCE Saskatchewan facilitates communication and validates many of the things we believe in.” (Wendy Fitch, Executive Director, Museums Association of Saskatchewan) “Potential for relationship and opportunities. Could be project applicants for SaskCulture funding programs” (Dennis Garreck, SaskCulture Inc. Community Outreach Coordinator) “Providing support for Prairie Wind and Silver Sage (PWSS) ecomuseum development” (Heather Sauder, PWSS Ecomuseum Lead) Because of the RCE, I/my organization can now … “...link to educators and provide them with resources and speakers.” (Joanne Havelock, Public Pastures-Public Interest) “...use new/different techniques to achieve a more sustainable campus. Create beneficial partnerships with other organizations that are part of RCE.” (Kelsey Bates, U of S Office of Sustainability-Community Engagement Intern) “...promote participation in RCE. Promote information of RCE to the community.” (Dolores Wagner-Owens) “Green Drinks Regina will enjoy greater awareness of our events, an increase in attendance and the ability to attract a wider variety of groups.” (Carla Ballman, Green Drinks Regina, President) “...collaborate with like-minded organizations that I never knew about before today.” (Kirsten Jensen, Nature Conservancy of Canada-Nature City Festival) “I can collaborate with other individuals on similar projects and use the recognition the program has received when promoting the Wascana Junior Naturalist (WJN) program.” ((Matthew Takaruk, Naturalist-Wascana Centre Authority) “...start our next action project.” (Rhonda Phillips, Lumsden High School) “...come up with new ideas and share with the public those ideas of sustainability” (Karly Rumpel, Lumsden High School) “...move forward on my own to create and support action plans.” (Ann King, Lumsden High School, Student). “...consider alliances between Indigenous and other Canadian initiatives for eco-social sustainability”(Dawn Marsden, Assistant Professor, FNUniv) “...promote, communicate, get involved (as we are with ecomuseums)” (Ingrid Cazakoff, CEO Heritage Saskatchewan) “...continue to promote, communicate more effectively the importance of sustainable development.” (Wendy Fitch, Executive Director, Museums Association of Saskatchewan) “...spread the word of RCE and make connections for community projects” (Dennis Garreck, SaskCulture Inc. Community Outreach Coordinator) 1 Quotations are from two RCE Saskatchewan events: "Moving Forward in Regional ESD: Assessing Past, Present, and Future" (May 7, 2014) and “Living Labs and Eco-museums: Integrating Sustainability in Higher Education” (May 8, 2014). Note that permission was given for the use of these quotations by RCE Saskatchewan.