Transition US has developed the following set of guidelines to help individuals and communities host the 2-day Training for Transition (T4T) course in their locale. This course provides instruction on how to set up a local Transition Initiative and empower your community to directly tackle the issues of Peak Oil, Climate Change and the economic crisis, by rebuilding community resilience and self-reliance.

T4T Trainers are committed to providing the course in an efficient, cost effective manner with a low carbon footprint, and an affordable tuition for participants.

The Trainers

T4T is provided by professional trainers who:

• Have successfully completed an officially recognized training course offered by Transition US and conducted by Transition UK trainers.
• Are actively involved in a local Transition Initiative
• Are committed to their own personal change and growth
• Have demonstrated an ability to deliver the course materials using an interactive model.

Hosting Guidelines & Responsibilities

These guidelines are designed to assist you in your decision making and planning process. If you decide to host an event please note that all official T4T courses are now offered through Transition US. To host a training please contact: training@transitionus.org

What We Provide

• Certified Transition Trainers: these individuals have years of experience in facilitation, natural resources, psychology and environmental advocacy.
• We bring all teaching and training material, some of which you will need to photocopy.
• Publicity over the network for the event.
• Core samples of publicity materials.
• Sample joining instructions and spreadsheets for keeping track of bookings.

What We Need From You

• A space to do the training that holds a minimum of 22 people (approx 16 ft X 22 ft minimum, with good airflow) or a larger space for a bigger group. Ideally a space that reflects the values of the training (i.e. a center that is committed to sustainable practices - composts food waste, serves organic food) is best but not essential. The space needs to be suitable for slide projection –through adequate shading and white wall provision (unless a screen is provided).
• Basic training materials: flip charts/white board, flip chart/white board pens, digital projector, 4 plug electrical lead, photocopying facilities, and or printer, and a set of computer speakers.
• A kitchen space suitable for making cups of tea and coffee, and if possible lunch to share and wash up.
• Refreshments, such as a selection of teas and coffee, and snacks.
• Accommodation for the trainers; 2-3 nights depending on distance to travel. Ideally, trainers can stay in someone’s home.
• The ability to arrange, publicize and organize the training.
• Collect all fees due, and or fund raise for it as you see fit.
• Liaison person with whom we can communicate with before during and after the training as necessary. This person can, and ideally should, be participating in the course.
• Email and telephone list of all participants and those expressing interest.Book and liaise with the needs of the participants prior to attending. As this training is usually non-residential, this includes supplying participants with maps of how to get to the venue and travel information (nearest bus routes, etc.) and a list of local motels & B&Bs. If people in the local area are willing to put participants up that is a bonus!

Costs for Training for Transition

Our training fee which is for two trainers for two days is based on a sliding scale depending on the number of participants, plus travel and accommodation expenses.  For 20-22 participants, our fee is $2000, or $500 per trainer per day.  For more than 22 participants, we work out an arrangement to share the net income of each additional student with the local organizer.  This rapidly increases the pool of funds that the local organizer can use for reimbursement of their time, scholarships, or donations to local groups. 

To support building the Training Network and the evolution and growth of Transition Trainings the local organizer collects an additional $20 from each full paying participant and sends that to Transition US at: PO Box 917, Sebastopol, CA 95473.

Charging for the Courses

We suggest tuition of between $200-$250 for the two day course.   Given trainers fees, travel and accommodation expenses for the trainers, venue hire, coffee tea and incidental expenses, this should give you a break even point at around 16 – 20  participants. The actual budget is determined by you, however. We want organizers to be able to cover their costs (including your time!) and make some extra that can go toward their transition project. We also insist on the ability to offer low cost or no cost places to those who cannot afford it, and so make it accessible to all.  The administration of such scholarships is up to you.  

Some cities and towns have been able to fund their training sufficiently so that many participants didn’t pay anything.  As the Training-for-Transition course focuses on a very successful technique for rebuilding local community, and restoring local resilience, community foundations and businesses are often interested in supporting it.

The Christian Science Monitor article of Sept. 11, 2008 can also be a great resource for helping explain what Training-for-Transition can bring to a community, in addressing Peak Oil and Climate Change.  This New York Times article dated April 19, 2009 is also a good resource from mainstream media.

To encourage early registration, we advise a two tiered structure of registration, with a cost increase occurring about 10-14 days before the start of the course.  As an example, course tuition can be set at $215 eight –twelve weeks before the course, and jump to $235 two weeks before its start.

Publicity and Filling the Course

If you are organizing the course, it is usually the case that you have people locally who want to attend.  However, many people come through the US (and UK) websites, both nationally and internationally.  This course is very popular!  While we usually set a limit of 22 participants as an optimum number for a vibrant and interactive workshop, successful courses have been held with 60 or more participants.

Contacts

For further information download the PDF overview. To contact us about hosting a training contact: training@transitionus.org.