CALL FOR PAPERS

International Conference on Ecology and Professional Helping

“Building Bridges, Crossing Boundaries:
Interdisciplinary Dialogues on Person, Planet and Professional Helping”

May 7- 9, 2009
University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

While there is evidence of serious ecological decline, there is also vibrant hope and a growing global dialogue as to how we can creatively engage the challenges and opportunities that we now face. This interdisciplinary conference will be of interest to many professionals such as social workers, psychologists, environmentalists, teachers, nurses, social service deliverers, environmental educators, and mental health professionals.

David Orr and Joanna Macy are two of the major speakers for the conference. David Orr PhD is a professor of Environmental Studies at Oberlin College, Ohio, and has been a central figure in developing the notion of ecological literacy. He is the author of several books on environmental issues, including “Ecological Literacy” & “Earth in Mind”. He also assisted Leonardo DiCaprio with the production of his movie “The Eleventh Hour”.

Joanna Macy PhD is the respected author of seven books, two edited books, and an educational DVD on ecological issues and social empowerment. Drawing on her forty years experience of educational work and social action, she has developed an engaging approach of innovative practices that assist persons and communities to deepen their sense of empowerment as global and environmental citizens.

The conference aims to share research and effective practices and strategies, and to enable creative dialogues that inspire, while also fostering new interdisciplinary partnerships. Sessions will include scholarly papers and presentations, keynote speakers, workshops, and poster sessions.

Submissions for papers, workshops and posters are invited on diverse topics that present research or practices that are related to the conference theme. For example:

• Explore ecological problems and challenges confronting our world such as climate change, habitat destruction, pollution, environmental ethics, sustainability, and environmental durability in communities
• Develop approaches and strategies such as engaging communities, building capacity for durable social action, and nurturing sustainability leadership
• Create partnerships between professionals across disciplinary boundaries by developing collaborations and sharing knowledge
• Apply our learning to professional and personal practices such as eco-clinical practice, community-based social action, ecotherapy, green learning and teaching, cultivating ecological literacy and environmental citizenship, ecospirituality, and personal and community forms of sustainability

Abstract submissions are invited for an academic paper, poster or experiential workshop. Proposals from students and interdisciplinary partnerships are strongly encouraged. The revised deadline for proposals is April 15, 2008. Presentations may be in English or French.

Proposals should include: Title, type of presentation (paper, poster, or workshop), objectives, and a 200 word abstract. Please submit proposals via email to jcoates@stu.ca . All submissions will be subjected to peer review, and notifications will be sent out no later than June 15, 2008. Papers based on presentations can be submitted for inclusion in conference proceedings and publications.

Conference information and registration is available on the website (TBA). For further information, contact John Coates jcoates@stu.ca, Fred H. Besthorn fred.besthorn@uni.edu, or Mishka Lysack mlysack@ucalgary.ca .