GEN Australia hosted a 2-day Emergence Convergence in November 2019 at the Maleny Showgrounds. It was organised and facilitated by Claire Ogden and Andrew Maclean from Maleny Ecovillage. The convergence focused on solutions to address climate change and used the ecovillage design framework to guide the the two day process. The convergence brought together over 150 people from all walks of life to come together to support each other, learn skills and take away ideas and connections to build the social movement around regeneration.
This gathering was completely run on volunteer energy, from the organisation to the hosting, to the food preparation and workshop facilitation. Organisers and participants gifted their time, energy and passion to the event. Powerful connections were made and transformative conversations took place, while honouring the pain of the recent bushfires. We were blessed with the presence of our First Nations sisters from near and far, and importance of remembering the past and forging new ways into the future.
Food preparation in the kitchen by volunteers Happy eaters! Sharing by Aunty Dinnawan
During the last session facilitated by Robin Clayfield, we witnessed the emergence of solutions participants were passionate about and the convergence of energy through potential collaborations and individual commitments towards these solutions. There is no single “silver bullet” solution to tackle climate change. Everyone has a role in the regeneration our Earth. Finding our role, connecting with the support we need, making a commitment to taking the next step – these are the exciting things that we can share in the safe space of this group.