Report from the LfS Scotland Jan – Dec 2018 AGM
The Annual General Meeting was held on Wednesday 16 January at the University of Edinburgh, Moray House School of Education. This year’s theme was The Power of Storytelling: Learning from the Past to Inform the Present and Inspire the Future. Over sixty members came to explore the theme and the future work of Learning for Sustainability Scotland, to network and to learn new strengthen storytelling skills.
At our AGM we like to ensure attendees have the chance to hear and get involved in interesting – and practical – discussions.
At round table discussions, participants were informed about the Scottish Government’s important consultation on Good Food Nation Proposals for Legislations and were asked for views on a response to the UK International Development Committee inquiry on UK progress on the SDGs
Let the Learner’s Speak! A wonderful presentation from Duncan Zuill of Levenmouth Academy and some of his Outdoor Learning group (learners from S1 – S6) to present on an inspiring outdoor project titled Bat’s Wood. The group (along with support from staff and outside stakeholders) have planted over 200 fruit trees in a disused area of school ground. They have shaped the biodiversity of the area, created ponds and wildlife areas and are planning to build a bike track using recycled materials. It was fascinating to hear from the learners.
After this presentation, participants were given the choice of three skills-based mini-workshops, out of a range of options in the Creative Connections – skills-based skills sharing session:
Rebecca Petford (EAUC) – Telling your stories on social media
Abi Cornwall (LfSS) – Using simple graphics to illustrate your stories
Laura Curtis-Moss (Edinburgh Science Festival) – Visual Art as a vehicle for storytelling
Rehema White (University of St Andrews) – Telling stories using blog posts
Sarah Ford-Hutchinson (University of Edinburgh) – Communicating with your audience through video
Feedback on all sessions was very positive – with lots of requests for future, longer sessions.
After a tasty Vegetarian networking lunch we were treated to a session and Q&A from storyteller and researcher Alette Willis who gave a powerful talk around Restor(y)ing our relationship to the Earth. Allette provided insights into why a story is essential in bringing about individual and collective change.
Rehema wrapped up the day by reflecting on all that we learned through the day and there was a short presentation from Pete Higgins on the achievements of Learning for Sustainability Scotland as it celebrates its fifth birthday.
We always look forward to AGM – it’s a great chance to catch up with our members and gives us a good burst of energy for the work that we’re striving to do.
It was another successful event and we thank each and every one of our presenters and members for helping to make it so.
If you weren’t able to come along on the day – or if you’d like a refresher, please click on the links below for more details. More links to follow.
And, if you’d like to find out more about the work of LfS Scotland, by participating in one of the collaborative working groups (task groups) or by suggesting something you’d like to get involved in then please do get in touch.
LfS Scotland Report January – December 2018
LfS Scotland 2018 AGM presentation
Alette Willis – Restor(y)ing our relationship to the earth
Levenmouth Academy Presentation
EAUC-Scotland – Telling your story on Social Media skill share
Abi Cornwall – Quick and easy graphics for illustrating your story skillshare
Rehema White – telling stories through blog posts
Sarah Ford-Hutchinson – using smartphone videos to tell your stories
Laura Curtis-Moss – visual art as a vehicle for storytelling