Clackmannanshire Green Map Initiative

The Earth Charter is an international document created entirely "to promote the transition to sustainable ways of living and a global society founded on a shared ethical framework that includes respect and care for the community of life, ecological integrity, universal human rights, respect for diversity, economic justice, democracy, and a culture of peace."

Action for Change (AFC) supports, develops and trains organisations, communities and individuals in sustainable development and resilience. This arises from recognition that although initiatives such as Local Agenda 21 and Community Planning encourage a bottom up approach to development, a major problem exists whereby local communities on their own are often unable to contribute effectively to this process. AFC acknowledges that without addressing this problem and taking steps to create informed and engaged communities, the large scale social, economic and environmental change required for sustainable and peaceful communities in the 21st Century will not take place. AFC addresses this need by offering a holistic approach to sustainable development, using the ethical framework of the Earth Charter and its associated educational resources.

The Earth Charter is a product of a decade-long, worldwide, cross cultural dialogue on common goals and shared values http://www.earthcharter.org

Starting as a UN idea in 1989, it was carried forward and completed by a global civil society initiative, then finalized as a People’s Charter in 2000 by the Earth Charter Commission. In 2008 the Earth Charter Initiative (ECI) launched it’s strategy of decentralised empowerment, encouraging and supporting grassroots initiatives across the world to take forward the vision of the Earth Charter. The mission of ECI is to promote the transition to sustainable ways of living and a global society founded on a shared ethical framework that includes respect and care for the community of life, ecological integrity, universal human rights, respect for diversity, economic justice, democracy, and a culture of peace.

AFC is the only Affiliate in Scotland of ECI.In 2005, funded by Awards for All, AFC produced a 16 panel exhibition (artwork supplied by ECI) called “Seeds of Change – The Earth Charter and Human Potential” used to support the 3^rd World Youth Congress in Stirling. AFC represented Scotland at ECI international conferences in Amsterdam in 2005 and 2008.

'It Starts with One' is the theme of Earth Charter+10. Launched at The Peace Palace in The Hague on June 29th 2010 together with a supporting exhibition 'Seeds of Hope' created by Soka Gakkai International (SGI) www.sgi.org/sd100629.html

It Starts With One

It starts with one universe

With one awakening, one choice

With one person who cares

With one teacher, one neighbour

With one dialogue, one collaboration, one action

With one dream

It starts with caring for one plant, one tree

Looking after one bird, one squirrel

Saving one drop of water

Picking up one piece of waste

Walking one journey

one future, together

Caring for one Earth Community