GMOsHealth & Disease

GMO Speaker Training Webinar with Jeffrey Smith

Editor’s Note: Permaculturists would do well to add this skillset to their repertoire of abilities – alerting the world to the consequences of genetic tampering and food monopolisation is also the key moment to introduce the appropriate alternatives found in all kinds of permaculture goodness.

5 sessions from July 13 – September 8, 2010

You will be trained by the Institute for Responsible Technology‘s director, renowned author and filmmaker Jeffrey M. Smith, on how to speak about GMOs and how to organize effective activism to achieve the tipping point of consumer rejection, forcing genetically modified organisms out of our food supply. He will share his knowledge, tips, and expertise in 5 core sessions, each of 1hr and a half.

The five core sessions will cover the following topics:

  1. Overview of the 5 main GMO counterarguments and how to structure a brief presentation
  2. Health risks of GMOs; and how to weave in third party endorsements into a presentation to make it more persuasive
  3. What arguments can destroy the credibility of GMO proponents
  4. The large scope of the GMO problem (including agricultural and socio-economic threats and devastation); and action steps to recommend to the audience
  5. How to organize a motivated group (create and mobilize an “activist circle”)

Participants will learn (1) the specifics of why genetically engineered foods are bad for health, the environment, and the global economy, (2) how to present the supporting evidence for these arguments, (3) how to motivate people to change their behavior and exercise their power as consumers, (4) how to give a full, medium and short lecture on the health dangers of genetically modified foods, and (5) get tools and tips to help you publicize your lectures and build a coalition.

In addition, participants will:

  • Understand the main points and the key studies, quotes, statistics, and concepts to convey each.
  • Get detailed answers about key topics, so you will have confidence in the material.
  • Practice short sections of the lecture
  • Receive a fully scripted PowerPoint, with sample audio and video lectures to study.
  • Be able to customize the PowerPoint slides into varying lengths and topics.
  • Turn a first time group of interested folks into an organized group with action steps, meeting times, and an electronic community—within 30 minutes.
  • Receive a facilitators’ guide, with the specific “check-in rounds” and methods that transform the assembled into a focused and organized team. Turn newcomers into motivated activists. (Use these tools either after a lecture, or after the presentation of a film about GMOs.)
  • Share tips, tools, and experiences

Each participant will receive a binder of printed material, with background articles, a sample script with printed slides, and a reading list, plus a downloadable electronic PowerPoint presentation.

At the conclusion of the series, participants will have the opportunity to:

  • Join an online community of GMO speakers and activists
  • Join future teleconferences and webinars
  • Team up with others in your area
  • Apply to join the GMO Speakers Bureau for referrals to organizations looking for speaker

Participants will need a webcam to fully participate.

Dates: July 13 & July 27 – August 10 & 24 – September 8

Time: 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. Eastern (10:30 a.m. – noon Pacific)

Cost: $80 for the 5 sessions, includes access to recorded lessons and materials for home study and assignments. We also offer the option to take the first session at $30, for people who want to try out if this is for them.

Sign up Now – limited to the first 25 participants for the series, plus up to five single session participants. Email [email protected] to see if there is a space available if you are interested in just the single session.

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