1. The Big Picture of EE in North America Presented by Gus Medina University of Wisconsin Stevens Point Welcome

2. Historical Context Nature Study (1900s) Conservation Education (1930s) Outdoor Education (1950s) Environmental Movement (1960s) EE Definition (1969) The Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (1972)

3. Historical Context Belgrade Charter, 1975 Tbilisi, 1977 Our Common Future Report, The World Commission on Environment and Development ("the Brundtland Commission”), 1987 Rio (1992) – Agenda 21 The Earth Charter (2000)

4. Historical Context The Earth Charter is increasingly recognized as a global consensus statement on: the meaning of sustainability, the challenge and vision of sustainable development, and the principles by which sustainable development is to be achieved.”

5. Historical Context http://www.earthcharterinaction.org/conte nt/pages/History.html http://www.earthcharterinaction.org/conte nt/pages/History.html

6. EE Definition EE is a process aimed at developing a world population that is aware of and concerned about the total environment and its associated problems, and has the attitudes, motivations, knowledge, commitment and skills to work individually and collectively towards solutions of current problems and the prevention of new ones.

7. EE Definition Awareness Knowledge Attitudes Skills Participation

8. Environmental Literacy Developing inquiry, investigative, and analysis skills Acquiring knowledge of environmental processes and human systems Developing skills for understanding and addressing environmental issues Practicing personal and civic responsibility for environmental decisions

9. Sustainable Development/Sustainable Use Environment Economics Equity

10. Education for Sustainability Education for sustainability is a lifelong learning process that leads to an informed and involved citizenry having the creative problem-solving skills, scientific and social literacy, and commitment to engage in responsible individual and cooperative actions.

11. Issues Investigation Investigation and Evaluating Environmental Issues and Action: Skill Development Program (Hungerford et al., 1996)

12. Issues Investigation Module I: Participants learn important terms and explore human interactions with the environment. Modules II through IV: Participants learn about the tools necessary to investigate issues and measure impacts.

13. Issues Investigation Modules V and VI: Participants put these skills to practice by selecting and investigating an issue and developing an action plan to resolve the issue.

14. Moving Forward Developing a broader perspective of environment Increase focus on facilitation critical thinking and focus on root causes Increased inclusiveness Education for action Enhancing Quality and Effectiveness of EE

15. The Guidelines for Excellence EE Materials: Guidelines for Excellence Excellence in EE: Guidelines for Learning (Pre K-12) Excellence in EE: Guidelines for Learning (Pre K-12)--Executive Summary & Self- Assessment

16. The Guidelines for Excellence Guidelines for the Preparation and Professional Development of Environmental Educators Nonformal EE Programs: Guidelines for Excellence Early Childhood EE Programs: Guidelines for Excellence

17. Conclusion Positive and hopeful Question your assumptions Withhold judgment Practice humility Listen Find common ground Create win/win solutions

18. Thank You!