Sustainability and Global Citizenship, with Nicole Swedlow

How can you help your children solve the world’s complex problems? One way to start is to bring sustainability education to educators throughout the world. This is the mission of Compass Education. “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” Albert Einstein In this episode we answer questions like, what IS sustainability? What is systems thinking? Does it matter what we as individuals do, or is it really up to big corporations and governments to make lasting change for good? Nicole says, “When we really begin to think about sustainability in this big way, when people finally get it, it's kind of like a weight comes off their shoulders. Because it gives us permission to look at everything we value and care about, and not in siloed ways. I think that's the powerful outcome that a really broad approach to sustainability can have for transformational change in our lives, our communities, our schools, our world.” We talk about  The power and agency we ALL have Common mistakes when trying to make change Why reflection is so important and more. RESOURCES mentioned in the episode:  Compass Education’s course "Teaching and Learning for a Sustainable World: A Systems Thinking Approach to Global Citizenship" begins September 21. Note: Nicole has offered to any non-educators who wish to take the course that she will step in as your 1-1 mentor to reframe the material to your own context. Article: You Stream, I Stream - How a data diet can make for a greener world The Nature Conservancy - one organization helping consumers evaluate business sustainability practices Ellen MacArthur Foundation - a good resource on circular economy TedTalk by Per Espen Stoknes: How to Transform Apocalypse Fatigue into Action on Global Warming  ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? Take a screenshot and share it with your friends … tag @ResilientExpats. ABOUT TODAY’S GUEST: Nicole Swedlow, Executive Director Compass Education, Compass Trainer Nicole has spent most of her professional career working at the nexus of community, education and sustainability in her role as Founder/Director of the nonprofit organization Entreamigos, located in San Francisco, Mexico. This international non profit has been widely recognized for its innovative approach to addressing globalization/tourism and community development in a systemic and equitable way that empowers community members as agents for positive change. In 2016-2019, Nicole joined the team at the American School of Puerto Vallarta to support their interest in developing their sustainability and service outreach initiatives. The American School of Puerto Vallarta was awarded the Tie-Care, Tri-Association Award for Global Leadership in recognition of this work. Currently working as an independent consultant, she is passionate about helping schools and businesses integrate sustainable principles with a strategic, inclusive and conscious approach.  Nicole’s work in nonprofit leadership and sustainability has been recognized by the United Nations, as a finalist for the Global Equator Initiative, as a breakout speaker for the World Economic Forum, and by the Dalai Lama, as a 2014 Unsung Hero of Compassion. CONNECT with Nicole Swedlow and Compass Education: Nicole says, “We’re actively looking for volunteers or interns interested in contributing to our organization in graphic design and wordpress design as we begin to transition all of our work to an online platform.” Email Nicole Compass Education website Hashtag #compassonline Compass Education course "Thinking and Learning for a Sustainable World: A Systems Thinking Approach to Global Citizenship” runs September 21 - November 7, 2020. ABOUT YOUR HOST: Kim Adams is an American raising three daughters along with her math-teaching husband of 20 years. She loves photography, reading, thunderstorms, walking on the beach, camping where there are no bugs, and has a weakness for mint chocolate chip ice cream.  To set up a conversation with Kim to learn how she can support you, go to ResilientExpats.com/Adapt and hit “Apply Now.” CONNECT WITH KIM:  Email Resilient Expats LLC website Facebook page Free Parents Community on Facebook Apply Now for 1:1 Support to smooth your transitions & maximize your expat experience