Earth literacy and the Earth Charter can be frameworks toward personal and social transformation. Thomas Legrand points out in The Politics of Being (2021), “if we are to survive and thrive [...] we cannot avoid [...] a change of mindsets, worldviews, and values, or, at a more fundamental level, a shift in consciousness” (p. 1). And Satish Kumar observes in Radical Love (2023) that “personal transformation and political transformation become a mutually supportive process, like walking on two legs” (p. 115).

Weekly Themes:

Week One - Earth Literacy as Love: Historical Considerations and Present-day Contexts

Week Two - Faith, Hope, and Love: The Earth Charter and a Re-imagined Social Vision

Week Three - Shifting Consciousness: Considerations of Earth Literacy:

Week Four - Three Cosmovisions and Their Possibilities

Week Five - Endings and Beginnings: Cycles of Compassion and Understanding

Yes, Earth literacy involves understanding new content categories of open adaptive systems, information around Earth limits and regenerative capacity, climate change, soil and agriculture, waterways and fisheries, animal and plant diversity. Connecting the quality of the natural environment including air, food production, sanitation, waste, etc. with a larger, more contextual view of well-being. These are important ways to be informed and aware. But Earth literacy also involves the human role in creating a regenerative Earth civilization. We live in a global context where issues of justice and peace affect the well-being of humans as well as the planet. Envisioning and committing to an ecological civilization is a must, one that is inclusive and comprehensive and that has consideration for all the communities of life.

This vision requires values and ethical practices that are embodied, not just intellectualized. It is the mission of the Earth Charter to bring wholeness and care into our vision of the future, to understand that each of us is a child of Mother Earth, and that re-enchanting our relationship with her and the large living world is a universal responsibility. (Read More)

Addressing the pending issues of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit on Environment and Development, the idea of developing a charter for the Peoples of the Earth was taken forward through a six year long inclusive process involving individuals and groups from diverse cultures, religions, and areas of knowledge from around the world. This Earth charter was envisioned as an instrument to spark a deep sense of belonging and responsibility to the Earth Community and the well-being of all. It was envisioned that such a charter would offer a path, through values and principles, for a planetary future that celebrates diversity, is committed to ecological integrity, works for social and economic justice, and encourages non-violence, peace, and democratic engagement.

The following is an example of the kinds of shifts in perspective that are embedded in the Earth Charter:

1. Everything in the universe is in relationship. These relationships are constantly moving, changing, and creating new patterns. It is impossible to isolate or separate anything.

2. Relationships are bound within complex interconnected networks such that everything affects everything. Interconnection is not linear or sequential, or even directly causal.

3. There are unities within unities within unities that result in self-similar patterns in which the whole is reflected in every part – all contained within an infinite mystery.

4. The natural and physical universe is more descriptive of an organism than a machine. Its processes are more life-like than mechanical.

These points are generally embraced by Indigenous perspectives as well as western science. Notably, Indigenous leaders throughout the world were part of the drafting the Earth Charter. As an example of a broad, inclusive process, the Earth Charter provides a model for dialogue, open inquiry, and engaged participation. It is the mission of the Earth Charter to bring wholeness and care into our vision of the future, to understand that each of us is a child of mother Earth, and that re-enchanting our relationship with her and the large living world is a universal responsibility. Over the past twenty years, the Earth Charter has been used in many different ways and contexts. Using it as an educational instrument naturally nurtures a sense of global or planetary citizenship, as well as Earth and Ecological Literacy and an inclusive sense of spirituality.

About Sam Crowell, PhD

An award-winning teacher, celebrated author, and inspiring speaker, Dr. Sam Crowell shares his knowledge and experience on a range of topics that applies holistic perspectives to education, spiritual development, and planetary consciousness. He brings a heart-centered and Earth-based approach to address themes rooted in hope and possibility.

Sam creates an intellectual tapestry using research from complexity science, creative emergence and socio-neurobiology to address ways to re-imagine a planetary future. His books and writings have informed and touched the hearts of educators worldwide and through his teaching and presentations he has influenced a global audience.

As an invited keynote presenter, Sam has inspired audiences in Europe, South America, Central America, Mexico, Canada and the United States. He served as a Fulbright Specialist to Costa Rica and was supported by a grant from the State Department to assist the Green Schools Program in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Currently, Dr. Crowell is senior researcher and faculty for the Education Center of Earth Charter International located on the campus of the UN University for Peace. He is a consulting member of the Collaborative for Spirituality in Education at Columbia University and teaches special courses for the Transformative Learning Foundation and The Institute for Educational Studies at Lasell University. He is Professor Emeritus from California State University. His inspirited approach to teaching was recognized by an Outstanding Teacher award.

“Whether it is drawing from the neurosciences, quantum mechanics, complexity theories or ancient wisdom traditions, holistic philosophy, well-being, I love the synergies that happen when these encounter the intuitive “truths” of our inner world. I love the creative possibilities and the transformative emergence that often occur. It is in this place of heart-felt awe and wonder that re-enchantment is born and our cosmic nature finds a voice.”

Program Details

Dates: 5 Tuesdays - March 5 to April 2, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon Pacific

Cost: $80.00  (Please do not let cost deter you from attending - Ask us about our program funding)

Location:  On-line – A Zoom Link will be emailed before the program begins.

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