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GBEI Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Great Basin Earth Institute?
How many discussion courses
are there?
Can't I just buy a discussion
book without being in a group?
How much are the books?
How do I get involved
in a discussion group?
What is an Introductory
Presentation or Introductory Meeting?
What is a mentor?
So if I take a course
I can become a mentor for that course?
How many people can you have
in a group?
How do I start my own
discussion group?
How can I help promote the Great Basin Earth Institute discussion courses?
What is the Great Basin Earth
Institute?
The Great Basin Earth Institute is a program housed at the Utah Society for Environmental Education. It is a sister institute of a national network of Earth Institutes that developed from the Northwest Earth Institute (NWEI). Jeanne and Dick Roy founded NWEI in 1993. The Earth Institute discussion courses were created to motivate individuals to examine and transform personal values and habits, to accept responsibility for the earth, and to act on that commitment.
How many discussion courses are
there?
The GBEI program includes the following 7 courses: Global Warming: Changing
CO2urse, Exploring Deep Ecology, Discovering a Sense of Place, Globalization
and Its Critics, Voluntary Simplicity, Choices for Sustainable Living, and
Healthy Children-Healthy Planet. Most people start with the widely popular
Voluntary Simplicity course because it focuses on individual actions rather
than heading straight for global issues.
Can't I just
buy a discussion book without being in a group?
Since NWEI has the rights to the books, we can only sell the books under the condition that people are involved in a discussion group. These books were specifically designed to encourage and help facilitate discussion groups. Buying one and reading it will not give you the same experience as actually listening to, learning from, and participating in a discussion group.
How much are
the books?
$20. This covers the cost of course materials and shipping.
How do
I get involved in a discussion group?
If you are interested in joining a discussion group, contact us at gbei@usee.org. You can also present the idea to friends, co-workers, church members, neighbors, etc. to form your
What
is an Introductory Presentation or Introductory Meeting?
An Introductory Presentation or Introductory meeting is an opportunity for people to learn more about the Earth Institute Discussion Courses and the history of GBEI and NWEI. The Introductory Presentation is hosted by a GBEI volunteer, who has taken a discussion course, and covers in-depth information as to what is involved in participating in a discussion course. If there is an expressed interest, a sign-up sheet and class-coordinating schedule will be passed around to arrange a time for the first discussion. If a class is formed books will be available for purchase. A mentor will attend and facilitate your first discussion.
What is a
mentor?
A mentor is a GBEI volunteer who has taken a discussion course and has been trained to mentor groups. A mentor will help to lead the first discussion and act as a liaison between you and GBEI.
So
if I take a course I can become a mentor for that course?
Yes, this is a great way to volunteer! If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please contact us for more information: gbei@usee.org or 801-328-1549.
How many people
can you have in a group?
NWEI has found that groups of 8-12 people work well for focused and nurturing discussions, but exceptions can be made.
How do
I start my own discussion group?
You can start a discussion group anytime! Simply let us know. Once we have arranged an Introductory Presentation we will provide you with a flyer, or you can make your own to announce the event.
How can I help promote the Great Basin Earth Institute discussion courses?
You can become a mentor, spread the word by contacting local businesses and faith centers, assist with fundraising, or help with public relations.
Great Basin Earth Institute
350 S 400 E Suite G4
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
(801) 328-1549
contact: Sommer Thorgusen
gbei@usee.org
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