Transition US has developed the following set of guidelines to help individuals and communities host the 2-day Transition LAUNCH training (formerly Training for Transition or 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 energy depletion, climate change and economic instability, by rebuilding community resilience and self-reliance.

Transition LAUNCH 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

Transition LAUNCH 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 Transition LAUNCH courses are now offered through Transition US. To host a training please contact Carolyne at carolyne@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 the amount of people you expect (ideally in a circle formation) with good airflow. 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 (if needed).
• Ideally the space would include a kitchen space suitable for making cups of tea and coffee, and if possible lunch to share and wash up, although this is not a requirement.
• 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!
• A roster of class attendees with their email addresses so that they can be added to the Transition US newsletter.

Costs for Transition LAUNCH

Our training fee which is for two trainers for two days is is $2000, or $500 per trainer per day, plus travel and accommodation expenses. It is encouraged that the trainers be able to stay in the homes of local residents to save cost.

To support building the Training Network and the evolution and growth of Transition Trainings, Transition US asks that following the training 10% of the fees collected for the training be sent to Transition US at: PO Box 917, Sebastopol, CA 95473.

Extra money remaining after the cost of the training course is covered and 10% of the fees are sent to Transition US can be used either to reimburse organizers for their time or go to support Transition efforts in the local community, to be determined by the host group.

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 20 particpants, although it could be less or more. The actual budget is determined by you, however. We want organizers to be able to cover their costs and make some extra that can go toward the organizers time and/or their local Transition project. We also highly encourage hosts to offer low cost seats 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 were able to pay very little. As the Transition LAUNCH 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.

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 $200 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.  A recommended number of attendees is between 20 and 40 participants.

Contact

To contact Transition US about hosting a training email Carolyne at carolyne@transitionus.org.