External benefits of starting a Transition University
Helps achieve behaviour change
A University is fertile ground for spreading ideas on sustainability and the Transition approach.
It is a structure that catches people at the point in their life when they start making their own choices about how they live their life, and so getting someone engaged with Transition / sustainability ideas at this stage has the potential to really influence them in the long term.
If we take Doppelt’s 5‐stage approach to achieving behaviour change (Disinterest‐Deliberation‐Design‐Doing‐Defending), the analytical and argumentative focus of university studies are conducive to at least the first three stages. These stages of change are not necessarily visible, but require a secure environment with space for information and discussion. Consequently, many important first steps to a sustainable lifestyle can be made at a Transition University.
Spreads the ideas of Transition
Knowledge, values, and skills obtained at a Transition University will be spread around the world. Most students who engage with the Transition University will travel, study, or work elsewhere, taking the Transition ideas and practices with them. A Transition University is a powerful tool in spreading the Transition values and ideas. Moreover, graduates may enjoy positions of influence in the wider world and, perhaps, might just help to bring these values closer to the leaders of tomorrow.
Wider academic and policy influence
Having Transition ideas and practices within an academic institution can mean they get incorporated into its teaching programmes and research agendas. If academia is consulted by policy makers, there is a possibility to also bring a Transition perspective, depending on national politics of course. At any rate, there can be an academic debate about Transition, raising consciousness about this way of thinking in realms that are perhaps not familiar with it.
Transition Edinburgh University's Harvest Festival: Photo; Transition Edinburgh University.
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