Getting REAL
a framework for educating about our changing climate
Relationships
Cultivating a Healthy Foundation for Climate Stewardship
Building strong, healthy connections with self, others, and nature lays the groundwork for social and emotional development in climate stewardship. Reflective, place-based, and immersive practices, like nature- and community-based activities, deepen students' understanding of their personal and collaborative role in stewardship.
Ethics
Understanding Systems and Centering Values
Engaging with environmental and social challenges helps students confront the ethical dimensions of systems that harm people and planet. Through examining the roots of extractive practices and envisioning regenerative alternatives, students develop a deeper understanding of fairness, responsibility, and their role in shaping just and sustainable futures
Action
Making Meaningful and Visible Change
Action, while hard to do, is a crucial part of building hope in our students as they see that they can make a difference. Focusing on healing and restoring ecosystems in the context of place can change the dynamics of unhealthy and, potentially dangerous, practices and systems.
Leadership
Building a More Climate Resilient Culture
Leadership is an invitation for both educators and students to amplify their impact through collective action, recognizing we need to encourage the voices and gifts of others to participate in climate resilience. In a distributed leadership model, we help students find places where they can shine.