Care for the Earth. Take a GRAND STAND for the Environment! Concerned about climate change, the rapid depletion of world oil reserves, the chronic condition of our Murray-Darling river system, amongst so many other crises around the globe, but feeling powerless to do something about these issues?   Act positively for the environment, yourself, and the earth you will leave your kids and grandchildren. Take a stand (Grand Stand!) with a non-political, active group of people from the Manningham area and beyond (Manningham is a north-eastern municipality of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia. It is located partially in and adjacent to the middle Yarra Valley) What we believe: There are many groups in the community working to encourage individual action to live sustainably, and to urge collaborative political action on a national and international scale to care for our planet. "Grand Stand" is a vision initiated by some Melbourne-based Uniting Church members.  This vision has resonated with members of the wider community, particularly those born before 1960, "grey nomads", "sea changers" and "baby boomers" alike, who recognise that we bear much of the responsibility for the damage done to the environment. We realise that the economic and lifestyle values we have lived out and passed down are much of the root cause of the environmental crisis we now face. We acknowledge though that it is not too late to admit our mistakes and play our part in bringing about change.  Grand Stand members address these issues. What we do: We offer faith communities, and all others who see the need to care for the natural environment, an opportunity to share in heartfelt reflection on our connection to the Earth, through listening, dialogue and ritual, via a series of public forums.  Each forum features speakers who focus on environmental issues and recommendations for individual and collective action. Further inspiration is offered through poetry, music and other artistic expression.  We plan to offer each forum participant an opportunity to share his/her consciousness of connection to the earth with people of all faiths, and those with no particular faith affiliation. Watch This Space ....   New Initiative of Grand Stand In response to deepening concerns about climate change, A GRAND STAND for the Environment presents TableTalk. TableTalk is happening in local cafes and homes.  The host invites some friends and neighbours for a cup of tea, and guides and stimulates conversation.  Everyone brings a simple gift from the garden to exchange.  We share stories, raise concerns and issues, and imagine hopeful futures. The purpose of TableTalk is, in this simple act of sharing,  to empower and inspire us to move into acts of caring for the earth for future generations.  These gatherings encourage new ways of living and challenge the spirit of the nation to embrace a life – sustaining future. You are invited to take part. We are developing resource kits for those who would like to host TableTalk. If you would like to participate in a TableTalk, as host or guest, please email grandstandenv@gmail.com Past events November 30 2008 ‘YES WE CAN find climate change solutions!’ was the main message at the public forum ‘Economic Meltdown-Threat or Promise’. The program opened with a repeat of the radio play based on the sinking of the Titanic as an allegory of our situation and the belief systems that brought us to this crisis.  David Spratt, author of Climate Code Red, summarized the main finding of climate science that point to the critical need for climate action.  His message was one of hope that solutions can be found at community level, and in government policy and practice that addresses climate change.  But this will only occur if citizens are resolute enough in communicating what they require from their political representatives. September 28 2008 Questions of human identity and our relationship to the earth were considered at a public forum ‘Turning the Titanic – hope in a sea of change’, directed to those interested in climate change and social responsibility.  The program opened with a simulated radio play dramatizing the sinking of the Titanic as a metaphor for blind faith in economic and technological might, leading to an avoidable collision with the natural world (the iceberg).  The metaphor was brought closer to home by storyteller Julie Perrin’s poetry reading and the moving story of the long term relationship of the local indigenous people with the billabongs of the Yarra River that are closest to the forum venue in Templestowe Victoria.  While this habitat has now been largely destroyed, the system of Yarra Valley state parks conserves a remnant of the indigenous vegetation. A residual billabong (The Bolin Bolin) was movingly described by Rob Serpell as a reminder of this heritage.  There were several ‘buzz sessions’ in which participants shared their fears and hopes and formulated questions and comments directed to a panel of the speakers including Trevor Parton, director of the Centre for Ecology and Spirituality, Glenburn, Victoria.  The message from the panel was one of hope arising from our acknowledgement of humanity’s reliance on and connection to all living things.  The mood of contemplation and hope was further evoked by the didgeridoo recitals of Shane Charles.  The forum ended as participants placed eucalyptus sprigs on an artistic representation of the Bolin Bolin Billabong.  Discussion continued over afternoon tea. September 14 2008 For those wishing to marshal their thoughts and prepare their questions for the September 28 forum, a Pre-forum discussion was held at the Warrandyte Uniting Church.  The speakers introduced the topic ‘Climate Change- how should we address it?’ starting with the emphasis of the Uniting Church 2006 report, ‘Climate Change- Faith and Action’, on the impact of climate change on the most disadvantaged.  See http://victas.uca.org.au/main.php?id=2117. This report was also used together with scientific sources to introduce the basic finding of climate scientists on human-induced climate change.  Some reasons for this state of affairs were discussed, and some ways in which communities like Warrandyte may address the issues.  There was an opportunity to hear about and inspect the Peace Wall, a Warrandyte artistic expression of Peace with Earth. March 30 2008 The theme of our second forum was ‘Saying Sorry to the Earth’.  What could this mean?  How might we need to change if we are truly sorry for the way we treat the planet?  The program included an indigenous perspective from Vicki Walker, the mystical art of Jenni Mitchell, poetic reflections from Christina Rowntree and the remarkable interpretations of Shane Charles on didgeridoo. September 30 2007 Our first forum (DVD available on request) featured noted author, historian and broadcaster, Dr Paul Collins, who called us to action from the perspective of economic values and consumerist obsession, and Janet Turpie Johnstone, who, from an indigenous perspective, challenged us to understand our dependency on the earth for life.  The attendees included representatives of both faith-based and secular organizations. One such secular representative commented: ‘Your Forum was so well organized and profoundly moving in its simple, honest and heartfelt gestures and examination of the issues, that it renewed my optimism about the ability of us all to change our ways and take the required actions’  Some secular organizations that promote and facilitate caring for the earth. ·      Alternative Technology Association ·      Australian Conservation Foundation ·      Climate Action Networks Australia ·      Friends of the Warrandyte State Park ·      Climate Emergency Network Uniting Church initiatives to promote and facilitate caring for the earth. In relation to climate change - "If we are to meet and overcome the challenge we must think creatively about the organisation of our social and economic institutions, our relationship with each other across national and cultural boundaries and our relationship with the environment." - For the Sake of the Planet and All Its People, Statement of the Assembly Standing Committee, 2006. For more detail, click here Page Sponsorship This web page is proudly sponsored by the Warrandyte Uniting Church. Forum venues are currently provided by the Templestowe Uniting Church.  Grand Stand members have varied religious and secular backgrounds. If you would like to comment on this page, contact Julie James.