Roseleen Shanley / Natural Change - Inspiring Partnership

I had spent my solo time in the woods where I could escape the icy conditions and enjoyed watching the birds as they flew and hopped around me. The Robins came so close I thought one was going to eat some crumbs out of my hand. However, a passing tractor scared him and he flew off. I made a little bird table for my feathered friends who entertained me and made the time “fly” past. A tree stump and some crumbs would provide a feast for my friends and a welcomed break from searching for food in the icy conditions. I left the wood with the happy thought of the birds eating the crumbs. My thank you to them for the happy experiences they had provided.

 Once more the solo experience provoked thought, creativity and fun. I had once more felt like the child. This time I was exploring a wood with the heightened senses of childhood. Magical.

On the way back to the farm where we were staying, I was very aware I had been on a very privileged journey and the symbolism of the walk through the ups and downs of the paths and the journey through the darkness of the woods and the bright open spaces, appeared quite symbolic of human life.

That weekend in one of our group workshops we examined  historical and contemporary models which had brought about social change. We then created our own social change model. I found this such a stimulating experience which seemed to pull everything about the Natural Change Project together.

Supporting people to live in a more sustainable way through a model for change really inspired me. Vital to this I thought, would be the ethos and relationships within a community of people who sought change. Like the Natural Change participants who had built up strong and trusting relationships.

On my return to work I wrote a paper for my Head Teacher on my thoughts on how we could build school / community partnerships within the school neighbourhood to promote life long learning and active citizenship. My mind has been racing with ideas. Many brought on by the Natural Change Project but also by its relationship to The Curriculum For Excellence initiative in schools.

Is there a school/ community model out there to inspire communities to live in a more sustainable way?  I will share with you some of the thoughts and ideas that are coming through in the next blog.