Applications open for School of System Change: Basecamp#8 Europe!

 
Do you want to get inspired, gear up and venture out to implement transformational change? Apply now (deadline: November 17) for our first Brussels-based School of System Change cohort starting in January 2020!
 
Starting on 14th January 2020, we are offering a six-month learning journey in partnership with the Forum for the Future, to help you navigate complex challenges, map and diagnose systems and engage others with far-reaching change processes.
 
Change leaders from across Europe will be joining us for our first Brussels-based learning programme, Basecamp#8, kicking off in January 2020. Take a look at the programme brochure for an overview, or read more about the programme and application process below.
 
About the course
What will you get from the course? The participants on Basecamp#8 will complete this learning journey:
 

• Capable of understanding and diagnosing complex systems
• Equipped with a toolkit of varied systemic methods and approaches for developing and working on multi-stakeholder projects
• Prepared to make the right choices about where and how to act to create positive change
• Having tested their learning on complex, real-life sustainability challenges
• Ready to lead transformational change in their own field
• Linked to a powerful international network of people and support

 
How is the course structured?
The course runs over six months – from January to July 2020 and includes:
 

• Two in-person sessions: one at the beginning in Brussels, Belgium, and one in the second half of the programme in a rural setting one hour outside Brussels
• A collaborative team Fieldwork project after the first in-person session, lasting 6 weeks
• Online learning with peer coaching and support from the School of System Change team

 
Key dates and activities
 

How much does it cost?
 
Course fees are as follows, based on sector / professional context. VAT does not apply.
 

• Corporate / philanthropy / central government: £7,500 or 8400 €*
• NGO / social enterprise / public sector: £5,250 or 5880 €
• Small organisation / freelance / individual: £3,750 or 4200 €

 
*A 30% discount from this full fee is offered to corporate and government partners of Forum for the Future and DRIFT.
 
Travel and accommodation costs are not included in the course fees, with the exception of your accommodation during the residential in-person session in May.
 
How much time will I need to commit to the program?
 
In-person time:

• 8 days as a full cohort (the January in-person session will run Tuesday to Friday, the May in-person session will run Monday to Thursday)

 
In-person and/or remote time:  

• 3 – 4 days with your fieldwork team (depending on the project, this may be partially or fully remote; we’ll ensure you’re able to be there in person before assigning you to an in-person project)

 

Remote only:

• Approximately 5 hours a week
• January-March: primarily working with fieldwork teams
• March-July: readings, exercises on individual work, coaching time

 
About our participants
There are no minimum qualifications required to participate in Basecamp. However, we assume a base level of understanding of sustainability (defined broadly as social and environmental issues in today’s world). We expect that our participants will have varied sustainability backgrounds and contexts: we are looking for a mix of issue expertise, whether that is waste management, social justice, economic inequality, or climate change.
 
We are looking for inspired and intrepid individuals from business, non-profits, public sector organisations, and philanthropy, along with any other enablers of change (like consultants, designers, or entrepreneurs) to form a strong cohort of at least twenty participants. We expect you will have a strategic role and some decision-making capacity within your organisation, community, or professional context so that you are well placed to directly and promptly apply your learning, and to feasibly implement strategic changes.
 

“The School provided a constant prompt to put theory into practice and learn from it” – Rachel Jetel, We Mean Business

 
As a participant, you will identify a specific complex sustainability challenge (in the widest sense of the word, including social change), and commit to exploring that challenge (although it may evolve) during your applied learning journey – meaning that you’re up for scoping or planning a new piece of work, re-visiting a strategy, or otherwise shifting or building on your current work as you learn and test out your new skills.
 
You don’t need be based in Belgium but will need to be able to join the in-person sessions on the days specified above. If you are interested in joining an upcoming programme in the UK, the Americas or Asia instead, you can express your interest through this form here.
 
More information
We understand that it’s a big step to take on a new course, especially alongside a full-time job. If you’ve got questions, take a look at some FAQ’s and Testimonials to see if we’ve answered them. 
 
You can also take a look at our programme brochure.
 
How do I apply?
Applications are open now! You can apply using the online application form. After filling in the full application form, we will contact you for a 30 minute chat. We will close applications on November 17 and allocate places to ensure diversity across the group.
 
APPLY NOW!
 
Basecamp#8 Europe will be delivered by Forum for the Future, in partnership with DRIFT Transition Academy.