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Is the Green Building Institute starting a discussion group?

I'm happy to have the Green Building Instititute host and be involved in one of the discussion groups.  Especially the one on the Built environment.   If anyone is so inclined as to contact the Howard County contact and assist in getting it started, I'd appreciate it. 

I have so much on my plate these days that we need some new people and new energy to coordinate this worthwhile endeavor.

Margo, if you can make the contact and see what it takes to set this up, we can have the discussion group meet at the EnviroCenter. 

Everyone else who is concerned, as I am, about global warming and the resulting Climate change should chime in here and join us and the Howard County Initiative.

Thanks to all.

Hi Stan,

I'd be happy to help get it started.  I'll see what's involved and let you know.

Margo

All,

I have been in touch with Climate Change Initiative of Howard County (CCIHC) about the Discussion Circle and they would like to know some information.  So if you are interested in participating, please reply and answer the following questions:

Would you like to participate in the circle this summer or wait til the fall?

Would you prefer to meet weekly or bi-weekly?

Which nights of the week work for you?

Thanks!

Margo

Bi Weekly, Wednesday or Thursday evening is good for me.

Stan Sersen

I heard back from the Climate Change Initiative folks and they are starting a discussion circle this summer on Monday July 7th. This a community-based circle, open to all.

Below is the info they sent me.  I am going to try to attend the introductory meeting.  Also, I am planning to go through "facilitator training" sometime this summer or fall so if GBI wants to host a circle in the fall, I would be able to facilitate.  Here's the info:

The first "Introductory Meeting" will take place on Monday, July 7, 7-9 pm. The location will be the Barnes and Nobles in Long Gate Shopping Center, Rt 29 & Rt 103. (4300 Montgomery Road,Ellicott City, MD 21043, 410-203-9001). Future sessions will take place in a private home of one or more of the participants.

The group will meet bi-weekly, starting either July 14th or July 21st, for five additional sessions. (If you cannot make this initial meeting, due to short notice, but could start on the 14th or 21st, you are still welcome to join in)

The introductory meeting is a chance to learn more about the discussion circle format, meet the other participants, decide if you want to join, and purchase a discussion guide.

All of our discussion circles use one of two booklets, published by:
The Northwest Earth Institute http://hococlimatechange.org/x2/file/35f4a8d465e6e1edc05f3d8ab658c551.pdf
The Empowerment Institute http://www.empowermentinstitute.net/lcd/
The two booklets range in cost from $13 to $20. If you prefer not to buy the discussion guides, we also have "loaner" copies available. There are no other costs involved. There is no fee to participate and the mentors who facilitate your first two sessions are all volunteers.

Please look for us in the cafe area. If we are not there, please look for use at the "Winnie the Pooh" tree in the Children's section.

Please remember to bring your calendar (to discuss future dates) and your checkbook (if you decide to join the circle and purchase a discussion guide.)

Looking forward to meeting each of you. Please to write back to confirm that you have received this and will be joining us on Monday.

Thanks,
Lore Rosenthal
Climate Change Initiative of Howard County
www.hococlimatechange.org
hococlimatechange@gmail.com
301-345-2234

I think this is a great way to go.  Thank you Margo for following up on this for all of us.

I am also looking forward to becoming a facilitator.  I recommend any of our network participants and Institute Members who would like to learn how to be a facilitator to attend this initial meeting. 

We look forward to hosting meetings and discussion groups here at the EnviroCenter, in Jessup, MD.

Stan Sersen