Sustainability Workshops, Webinars and Discussions
Our sustainable education resources address issues from basic sustainability concepts to more advanced techniques for establishing sustainable business practices and building sustainable communities.
We suggest you explore the Sustainability Study Paths which match your learning objectives with our most appropriate learning resources.
LEARNING PATHS: Learning Sustainbility Basics, Leading Groups, and Training Others.
CUSTOM LEARNING PATHS: We also create customized sustainable development education programs for your community or business. Contact us to discuss options.
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Live workshops focus practical skill building to accelerate integration of a sustainability program into your organization or community. |
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Speak with Conviction ! A two-day workshop for motivated individuals who want to effectively communicate a vision for their life and work.Learn concrete steps to more dynamic delivery: better vocal production, clearer diction, and increased charisma with an audience of one, or 1,000. Additionally, practical steps in developing effective presentation content will be covered. Speak with Conviction addresses creating Informative Speeches, and focuses particularly on the most important and most challenging kind of speech: the Persuasive Speech. Also, a new and special section on Fundraising Speeches will be covered. $395 TNS Members, $445 General admission |
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Live Workshop Tuesday, September 14 RETURN TO: Learning the Basics |
The Natural Step to Resilience Join fellow business, government, education and community leaders for an interactive, half-day workshop on the tangible benefits of embracing sustainability with a firm introduction to The Natural Step Framework. Building on the business case for the triple-bottom-line, Jill Sughrue will teach you the basics of The Natural Step, and share case studies demonstating successful implementation of the Framework. Through a number of exercises, participants will have the opportunity to identify key sustainability issues in their organizations and learn how to apply the Framework to improve their budiness products or services. Founder of Sustain NW, Jill is also co-facilitator of the NW Sustainability Consortium; co-founder of LOCALS, a business alliance in SW Washington, and facilitator of Earth Advantage Institute's S.T.A.R. training for realtors. A founding member of the International Society of Sustainability Professionals and a graduate of University of Oregon's Sustainable Leadership Program, Jill has worked with audiences ranging from 5th graders at Catlin Gabel to mature learners at Clark College on the relevance of "connecting the dots" for a more sustainable world. $89 TNS and LOCALS members, $125 general admission |
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Live Workshop Wednesday, Sept 22
Thursday, Nov 11
RETURN TO: Learning the BasicsLeading a Group Training Others Overview |
Applying The Natural Step Framework - Full Day Workshops This one-day program is designed to introduce business, government and community leaders to sustainability and The Natural Step Framework. In the morning, a presentation will define sustainability and present the basic principles of The Natural Step Framework, including the scientific basis for the Framework model and case studies. Attendees will participate in small group exercises around the four principles and learn how to apply the Framework in the creation of a business product and service.
Workshop Leader - Duke Castle is one of the original organizers of the Oregon Natural Step Network. He has delivered hundreds of Natural Step presentations, including training Oregon state leaders on sustainability as part of Governor Kitzhaber's sustainability executive order, and has traveled to Sweden to study how Swedish companies have successfully applied The Natural Step principles. Duke is a former marketing executive with Hewlett Packard and has a BSEE from Cornell University and an MBA from Stanford. FEE: $170 members - $195 non members |
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Live Workshop
RETURN TO: Learning the BasicsLeading a Group Training Others Overview
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Strategic Sustainability for Leaders - 2-Day Workshop: Portland/Seattle Master sustainability leadership skills, network with others and expand your options for creating a sustainable future. Our foundation course gives participants a robust understanding of The Natural Step Framework. You will gain skills and knowledge to make the case for change, apply a systems based approach to internal planning, and guide decision making to achieve sustainable results inside of the organization and out.
The general admission course fee includes a 1-year Individual Membership in The Natural Step Network and access to our community site, TransformAgents.org. FEE: $600 members - $700 non members Registration closes 2 weeks before the event. |
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Online Workshop TO REGISTER
RETURN TO: Learning the BasicsLeading a Group Training Others Overview |
Introduction to The Natural Step Framework - 1-Hour Webinar This 1-hour general orientation is a concise overview of The Natural Step Framework and how it has been used by organizations and communities. The presentation will describe the core components of the Framework: Systems thinking, Sustainability Principles and backcasting methodology. You’ll learn how these components are used to coordinate actions and continuously move your organization closer to achieving its vision. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about additional resources available to their organizations. Live Presentation: Scheduled for the first Thursday of every other month; permits some Q&A with the presenter. Time is 12:00pm (PST) 3:00pm (EST) FEE: $0 |
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| DISCUSSIONS: |
These facilitated discussions are one of the many benefits of Natural Step Network Membership. |
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Online Discussion Next Date to be Announced RETURN TO: Learning the BasicsLeading a Group Training Others Overview |
Individual Member Discussion - 1-Hour Webinar Prerequisite: Introduction to The Natural Step Framework 1-Hour Webinar or in-person presentation. Are you an individual member interested in engaging others to understand the use of the Framework? Looking to connect with others around your consulting work or challenges in your organization? Engage with TNS Membership and Services Coordinator, Holly Brunk and fellow members of the network in this discussion. This webinar will accommodate 12 callers. Multiple participants per line are welcome. This webinar will accommodate 12 callers. Multiple participants per line are welcome. FEE: $0 - Open to Natural Step Members Only. Learn More |
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Online Discussion Next Date to be Announced
RETURN TO: Learning the Basics |
Running a Study Circle - 1-Hour Webinar Details on this discussion are not yet available. Indicate your interest by clicking the “Send Alert” button and we will inform you when details are updated. This webinar will be limited to 16 participants. Multiple participants per line welcome. FEE: $0 - Open to Natural Step Members Only. Learn More
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Online Discussion Next Date to be Announced RETURN TO: Learning the BasicsLeading a Group Training Others Overview |
Planning a Career in Sustainability - 1-Hour Webinar Would you like to translate your passion for sustainability into a viable career? This workshop, led by Vicki Lind, MS, Career Counselor, will help you define your green career goal. Designed for people who want to develop a new career or shift the focus of their current career.
PRESENTER: Vicki Lind, MS, is a career counselor and marketing coach. In the past twelve years she has helped hundreds of local jobseekers find work in Portland's creative, progressive and sustainable communities. She holds an MS in Counseling from University of Oregon and a Certificate in Human Resource Management from Lindfield College. Vicki Lind may be contacted here.
This webinar will accommodate 16 callers. Multiple participants per line are welcome. FEE: $0 - Open to Natural Step Members Only. Learn More
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Online Discussion Next Date to be Announced
RETURN TO: Learning the BasicsLeading a Group Training Others Overview |
Finding a Job in Sustainability - WEBINAR - 1-Hour Webinar Prerequisite: Introduction to The Natural Step Framework webinar, or attendance at an in-person Framework presentation. Open to TNS Members only - learn more. Vicki Lind will facilitate this webinar for jobseekers who want to sharpen their green job search skills. Create an action plan that includes targeted selection of job posting sites, potential employers and networking strategies, as well as tips on resume and interview strategies. PRESENTER: Vicki Lind, MS, is a career counselor and marketing coach. In the past twelve years she has helped hundreds of local jobseekers find work in Portland's creative, progressive and sustainable communities. She holds an MS in Counseling from University of Oregon and a Certificate in Human Resource Management from Lindfield College. Vicki Lind may be contacted here. This webinar will accommodate 16 callers. Multiple participants per line are welcome. FEE: $0 - Open to Natural Step Members Only. Learn More
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Online Discussion Next Date To Be Announced
RETURN TO: Learning the BasicsLeading a Group Training Others Overview |
Building a Sustainability Team: Best practices - 1-Hour Webinar How do you prepare your Green Team to generate significant movement toward sustainability in your organization? How do you transition from tactical ‘green’ actions toward strategic organizational alignment for sustainability? We will explore these questions as a group and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing your organization. We will be referencing the Natural Step Framework as an example of how a clear definition of sustainability combined with a proven planning process can help you create to an effective strategic approach to sustainability. This webinar will accommodate 12 callers. Multiple participants per line are welcome. FEE: $0 - Open to Natural Step Members Only. Learn More
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BACKCASTING SERIES: |
Focus on the critical steps of integrating sustainability strategically into your organization. It is helpful to have a base level of knowledge of the framework prior to taking this series. |
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Online Workshop Next Date to be Announced
RETURN TO: Learning the BasicsLeading a Group Training Others Overview |
BACKCASTING SERIES STEP A: Raising Awareness and Building Cultural Change for Sustainability - 75-Minute Webinar The backcasting methodology is the process by which the framework is applied. Your challenge is to raise awareness among coworkers of your organization’s present condition through a careful and honest assessment. This touches the core values of your organization and its people. You’ll have to overcome several common challenges:
Learn how seasoned sustainability champions have addressed these issues as they share their experiences in this insightful webinar. The Natural Step Sustainability Principles will help guide your assessment as you explore the upstream and downstream impact of your operations. PRESENTERS: Jeanne Hoffman, the City of Madison, Wisconsin's Facilities and Sustainability Manager. Jeanne is the team leader of city architects, engineers, maintenance, and custodial staff to build and operate the City's 300 buildings in a sustainable manner. She also works with all agencies in helping them achieve sustainability goals. Jeanne works with community partners to help the community better understand sustainability. Prior to her work as the Facilities and Sustainability Manager, Jeanne was a Mayoral Aide to Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, where she worked on planning and development, environment and transportation issues. Steve Faulstick, General Manager of the Doubletree Hotel in Portland Oregon. The Doubletree Portland has adopted sustainability as one of their core business values. They have used the 4 system conditions of the Natural Step as the educational platform for their staff. Steve will discuss how the 4 system conditions have provided the lens for their operations and services, from purchasing to food systems to employee training. FEE: Free for members - $25 non members |
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Online Workshop Next Date to be Announced
RETURN TO: Learning the BasicsLeading a Group Training Others Overview |
BACKCASTING SERIES STEP B: Measuring Baseline impacts – Getting Beyond Energy Audits - 75-Minute Webinar A baseline analysis gives you a realistic snap shot of your organization’s current reality. While a baseline should include a measurement of energy use, waste and water, The Natural Step requires a whole systems analysis that uncovers critical impacts beyond typical eco-efficiencies. You should be able to answer these important questions to inform future targets and direct your actions:
Learn how two Natural Step member organizations are taking different approaches to view their impact.
Marsha Willard, CEO at AXIS Performance Advisors Natalie Reitman-White, Sustainability Manager at Organically Grown Company Organically Grown is the Northwest's largest distributor of organic produce, and since 2005 Natalie has worked with cross-departmental teams to integrate sustainable practices across the company. She is also the Executive Director of the Food Trade Sustainability Leadership Association, which focuses on research, education and collaborative problem-solving across the organic food supply chain, to develop innovative sustainable models for the food industry. Natalie will share how Organically Grown has used backcasting to gain a systems perspective in developing a compelling sustainability vision and strategic path for their business. FEE: Free for members - $25 non members |
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Online Workshop Next Date to be Announced
RETURN TO: Learning the BasicsLeading a Group Training Others Overview |
BACKCASTING SERIES STEP C: How a Compelling Vision for Sustainability Drives Innovation - 75-Minute Webinar FEE: Free for members - $25 non members |
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Online Workshop August 19
RETURN TO: Learning the BasicsLeading a Group Training Others Overview
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BACKCASTING SERIES PART D: Sustainability Actions – Implementing Strategies and Measuring Success - 75-Minute Webinar Molly Chidsey, Sustainability Coordinator at Metro Dennis Wilde of Gerding Edlen Sustainable Solutions Gerding Edlen has used the Natural Step backcasting technique in virtually all their projects since 2003. Dennis will share his experience working with the OHSU Center for Health and Healing, and the Oregon Sustainability Center, detailing how the projects incorporated backcasting to achieve transformational results. FEE: Free for members - $25 non members |
Wednesday, Sep 22, 8:30 am to 5pm at the Doubletree - http://tnsframeworksep10.eventbrite.com
And Thursday, Nov 11, 8:30

















