Make Life Matter course Johannesburg

Greenpop have teamed up with climate change activist and motivational coach Robert Zipplies to offer a unique two-day course for the growing number of people who are inspired to build a better future and change their world - but don’t know how.

“There is no doubt that humanity’s response to our local and global problems is woefully inadequate: growing inequality, climate change, corruption, environmental degradation, joblessness – the list is long and getting longer,” says Zipplies. “As a result, more and more people are getting frustrated about the lack of social, political and environmental progress.”

Thankfully a wave of courageous people is rising to the challenge. They are individuals who want to lead a life of greater meaning by transforming their concern about the state of the world into passionate and positive action. They are people who want to do things differently and work towards a wiser, and more caring and inclusive society.

Paul Hawken, the author of “Blessed Unrest – How the largest movement in the world came into being”, calls this rapidly growing movement society’s immune system response to the world’s global ills.

Misha Teasdale, Greenpop’s Tree – E – O, adds “I believe that the world is shifting from wanting a life of success, to living a life of significance. People want to make meaningful changes in their own community so that we can together thrive as a global community. In order to achieve this change, we need to start with the self, and from there, spread positive awareness and action around the world. A life of significance is about living more simply and sustainably, and making it fun.”

Zipplies (above) said that the two-day Make Life Matter course is for people whose souls are yearning to make a difference and who want to live a life that builds, rather than destroys, social and environmental value, but who need a little help with identifying their best strengths so that they can use their unique talents - at home, at work and in their community – to make a difference and not feel like they are “beating their heads against a wall”.

Zipplies and selected guest speakers will equip participants to become more effective change agents.

Course topics include:

• Reviewing our key societal problems and their causes.
• Discovering the key principles required for building a more sustainable and just world.
• Identifying and matching your areas of passion with your strengths and skills.
• Developing a personal vision, ideas and plans for action.
• Discovering useful psychology-of-change tools for winning over hearts and minds.
• Working with yourself to enhance your capabilities as a change agent.
• Improving the effectiveness of your communication efforts.
• Learning from accomplished social innovators, activists and change agents.

The course involves a mix of lectures, videos, discussions and individual and group work.

• Read testimonials from previous participants here.
• Sign-up here.

Dates

• Cape Town: 5-6 December 2015.
• Johannesburg: 23-24 January 2016.
• Times: Daily from 8h30 until 16h30. Saturday evening: 16h30 to 19h30 (networking, relaxing & fun)

Course fees

Standard: R2000 (Early-bird: R1800. CpT before 20 Nov 2015; Jhb before 24 Dec 2015)
Student / scholars: R1500 (Early-bird: R1350. CpT before 20 Nov 2015; Jhb before 24 Dec 2015)
A limited number of bursaries are available (please email Robert your motivation).
Lunch and refreshments included.

About Robert:

Robert does not believe in the status quo, but strives for a society that boldly tackles its social and environmental injustices to create a better future for all. In addition to working as a sustainability consultant, he is an activist and advisory committee member of the Fossil Free South Africa. Previously he was a board member of the climate change NPO, Project 90 by 2030. Robert is the editor of the book, Bending the Curve – Your guide to tackling climate change in South Africa (free e-book here). In a previous incarnation, he worked in venture capital, Internet start-ups, management consulting and the steel industry. He has an MSc in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA. http://www.zipplies.net

About Greenpop:

Greenpop is on a mission to (re)connect people with our planet - and have fun doing it! They plant trees through urban greening and reforestation projects, spread environmental awareness, and inspire people to get active (not anxious) about our future through green festivals, workshops and practical information. Greenpop was founded in 2010 and has since planted over 57,000 trees at schools and other urban sites as well as forests and farms across South Africa, Zambia, and Tanzania. http://www.greenpop.org

Contacts

• Robert Zipplies (course facilitator): [email protected]; +27 (0)82 8987137 / +27 (0)21 462 6691; www.zipplies.net
• Lauren O’Donnell (Greenpop): [email protected]; +27 (0)21 461 9265 / +27 (0)83 412 8006; http://www.greenpop.org