Sustainability Workshops, Webinars and Discussions

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.

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$395 TNS Members, $445 General admission

Live Workshop

Tuesday, September 14
8:00am - 12 noon
Vancouver, WA

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Learning the Basics
Leading a Group
Training Others
Overview

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

Live Workshop

Wednesday, Sept 22
8:30am - 5:00pm
Portland

Thursday, Nov 11
8:30am - 5:00pm
Portland

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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.

In the afternoon, two local business leaders will share their organizations' experience in using The Natural Step Framework to implement sustainable concepts. Later, participants will learn how to use the four system conditions as a guide in moving their organization toward sustainability.

What You Will Learn:

• A whole systems persepctive for considering sustainability
• The Natural Step Framework including the four system conditions
• The basic science underlying the Framework
• How the Framework is used for decision-making and strategic planning
• Suggestions for applying the Framework in organizations
• Resources for fresh ideas and assistance when you wonder, "What's next?"
• Through case studies, how organizations have benefited from implementing the Framework

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.

Please note: Lunch is not provided.

FEE: $170 members - $195 non members

Live Workshop

 
Next Date to be Announced

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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.

SEE DETAILS: SUSTAINABILITY FOR LEADERS WORKSHOPLearn to apply The Natural Step Framework, a proven methodology for planning and managing an effective sustainability program. This foundation will help you identify key messages to build support and momentum internally. Our focus is on participation and practical experience with numerous opportunities for dialogue and hands-on application.

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.  

Online Workshop

TO REGISTER
SELECT A DATE:

September 2
November 4

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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

Online Discussion

Next Date to be Announced

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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 

Online Discussion

Next Date to be Announced

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Learning the Basics
Leading a Group
Training Others
Overview

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.  

Online Discussion

Next Date to be Announced

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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.

• Claify your skills through a pre-webinar assessment
• Gain an overview of growing occupational areas and job titles in sustainability
• Refocus your resume to support your new career objective
• Review the job transition process
• and, resources for Informational Interviews, including LinkedIn

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.

Online Discussion

Next Date to be Announced

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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.

Online Discussion

Next Date To Be Announced

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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.

Online Workshop

Next Date to be Announced

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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:

• How to educate and engage employees to create practical solutions
• How to maintain a fresh, creative perspective over time
• How to engage key stakeholders inside and outside of the organization

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.
The City of Madison has adopted the Natural Step and implemented training city staff, working on TNS "projects" and informing all levels of government on progress of these projects and the TNS principals.

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.
In 2005, the hotel became Oregon’s first Green Seal Certified Hotel. Since then, the property has become an industry leader in sustainability, receiving local-, state- and national-level recognition for their efforts.

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 

Online Workshop

Next Date to be Announced 

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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:

• What are the ways in which our organization is currently contributing to unsustainability?
• What are our biggest impacts and key challenges to focus on moving forward?

The Backcasting process uses the Principles of Sustainability to help you analyze your entire system and to understand the upstream and downstream impact of your operations.

Learn how two Natural Step member organizations are taking different approaches to view their impact. 

This course is eligible for 1.25 CM credits through the American Institute of Certified Planners and American Planning Association.

PRESENTERS:

Marsha Willard, CEO at AXIS Performance Advisors
AXIS is a Northwest-based sonculting firm helping organizations prepare for and implement sustainability plans and audits. Marsha has facilitated the backcasting process for a number of organizations, including the City of Hillsboro, DEQ and Carollo Engineers, and is the Executive director of the International Society of Sustainability Professionals. Marsha will share AXIS' approach to helping clients conduct a high level impacts assessment to determine whiere they are out of alignment with the principles of sustainability, and the Natural Step system Conditions.

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 

Online Workshop

Next Date to be Announced

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BACKCASTING SERIES STEP C:

How a Compelling Vision for Sustainability Drives Innovation - 75-Minute Webinar

A clear understanding of your baseline reveals limitations and opportunities. This is where innovative ideas can transform an organization. Identifying a compelling vision of how your organization can operate sustainably is a significant step. Establishing your vision creates a gap between your baseline and ultimate goal. This is often when an organization experiences a leap in creativity as engaged individuals help identify strategies to bridge the gap. This is a phase where alignment and commitment become real and participants become fully engaged.

Learn how one local organization is capitalizing on the creative energy of its employees to develop innovative strategies to achieve their visions.  

PRESENTER:
Scott Lewis is the founder and CEO of Brightworks, a sustainability consulting firm with offices in Portland, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Brightworks helps organizations succeed by aligning their efforts with core principles of ecological sustainability. This work includes helping organizations develop and implement comprehensive, integrated sustainability plans, and helping developers, designers and owners improve the sustainability of their buildings.

Scott will discuss how Brightworks helps clients design and plan for “full sustainability targets” using vision statements oriented around meeting all of The Natural Step System Conditions. He will describe some of the transformational results the process has created.                

FEE: Free for members - $25 non members 

 Online Workshop

 August 19
1:00 - 2:15pm PST

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BACKCASTING SERIES PART D:

Sustainability Actions – Implementing Strategies and Measuring Success - 75-Minute Webinar

Once you have created strategies for achieving organizational sustainability, it is time to begin your transformation through prioritized actions. Effectively managing upstream and downstream impacts through your supply chain and distribution channels is crucial to your success.

Learn how Natural Step Network members stay focused on their path toward sustainability. Presenters from two different industries will discuss their goals and strategies for tracking their success.  

PRESENTERS:

Molly Chidsey, Sustainability Coordinator at Metro
Molly's current focus is creation of an all-encompassing sustainability plan for Metro's internal operations, which include theaters, parks, a zoo, and multiple solid waste transfer stations. She has worked to promote sustainability in large organizations for more than 13 years, previously working with Multnomah County to develop programs to reduce waste, increase recycling, reduce toxins and make county purchases more sustainable.

Dennis Wilde of Gerding Edlen Sustainable Solutions
As Gerding Edlen's designated "green guy" since joining the firm in 1997, Dennis has led the movement for increased environmental stewardship in development projects while building a strong business case for the economic and social benefits of environmental responsibility. Dennis is an active board member for The Natural Step Network, the Cascadia Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, the Oregon Built Environment & Sustainable Technologies Center (Oregon BEST) and Caldera, an arts and environmental education program for at risk youth.

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