Catalyst Newsletter - Winter 2009/2010

Catalyst
A programme for young people who are concerned about social or environmental issues and want to make a difference.


INTRODUCTION:

The first year of the catalyst programme has been very exciting – a diverse bunch of young people concerned about social or environmental issues came together to explore themselves, what direction to take in this critical time, and how to meet the challenges of our world. We had students from high profile universities like Oxford, and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds who have never seen the inside of a higher education institution.

In the coming year, four times as many young people as last year will have the opportunity to join catalyst. With more and more messages about local and global crises, and leaders not being up for the challenge, it’s time for deep exploration, profound challenge of the status quo, creative visioning, and committed action – and to celebrate the opportunities inherent in our time.

Get more info on twitter, facebook and our website.


NEWSLETTER CONTENT:

Catalyst News:
1. Catalyst in a nutshell, and dates for 2010.
2. Catalyst Christmas challenge
3. The catalyst team is expanding

More exciting stuff happening:
4. The Shift – a new movie being made by a movement
5. The Great Turning Times
6. Embercombe apprenticeship


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Catalyst News:

1. Catalyst in a nutshell, and dates for 2010:
Catalyst is a 5-day residential leadership programme, aiming to support students, recent graduates and other young people who want to make a difference. Don’t expect powerpoints or lectures – the programme is a journey of exploration, an adventure full of workshops, being outside, challenges, one-to-one coaching, other young people who are passionate about contributing to positive change, bonfires and living in cozy yurts with woodstoves. It also provides space for reflection and exploration of what direction to take in this critical time, enabling you to move forward with clarity, knowing what really matters to you. Catalyst is based at Embercombe, a social enterprise and charity in beautiful Devon. In 2010, the programme will run in the spring (5-10 April) and summer (20-25 June). Visit our website to apply (click here). The contribution to the course fees is £225 (£180 if applied in advance), or find yourself a sponsor.

2. Catalyst Christmas challenge is online again
Around Christmas we buy more ‘stuff’ than any other time of the year. There is nothing wrong with giving presents - it’s great to make people happy! This challenge is about finding presents that truly reflect our values and the world’s needs, while still being appropriate to the people who receive them. Find out more on this through our Project Dirt discussion board: (click here)

3. The catalyst team is expanding
Charlie and Isobel, who participated on catalyst in the spring and summer respectively, are now members of staff on the catalyst programme. This is Charlie’s way of describing catalyst from his own experience:

Catalyst is about YOU, it’s about how you can contribute positively to this world; it’s about deciding to take a journey; a journey that is your creation and nobody else’s. Diversity is our strength; integrity a weapon; curiosity a tool; respect a goal; wonder a blessing. It is upon these rocks, that Catalyst hopes to nurture the leaders of the future.


More exciting stuff going on:

4. The shift – the new movie being made by an unnamed and diverse movement
This movie is funded and made by a movement – a movement without a leader or central ideology. It’s about what is happening in the world, and the diversity of responses that help to address it. Watch the trailer here.

5. The next issue of Great Turning Times will be out soon again.
We are all waiting in anticipation for the next issue of the Great Turning Times – featuring positive news from the world of transition. To visit the website click here.

6. Embercombe apprenticeship is currently running – applications for next year will be accepted in March.
The yearlong Embercombe apprenticeship is giving three young people the skills and opportunity to make a difference in unique and diverse ways. The next intake will be in the summer 2010. Click here to find out more.