Taking Responsibility: module overview

Explore what it means to take responsibility for the future, and what kind of ancestor you want to be.

It is easy to feel that the world's biggest problems belong to someone else: governments, companies, older generations. This module asks a more personal question: what is your part?

At its heart is the idea of being a good ancestor, making decisions today that future generations would thank us for. You will weigh some hard facts about the state of the planet against real progress in health, education and peace, and consider how each affects your sense of what is possible.

In this module you will

• Reflect on what responsibility means to you, both personally and collectively.
• Explore the idea of being a responsible ancestor, and traditions that think seven generations ahead.
• Balance hard facts about our planet with the evidence of progress.
• Commit to taking responsibility for one thing within your reach.

The eight steps and your worksheets

1. Steps 1–2

   • 1. Your initial thoughts
   • 2. Hear what others think

   Your first thoughts · Allow 10–15 minutes

2. Steps 3–5

   • 3. Challenge your thinking
   • 4. Your reaction
   • 5. Explore the reactions of others

   Reacting to the film · Allow 15–20 minutes, plus the film

3. Steps 6–8

   • 6. Your AHA moment
   • 7. Hear the AHA of others
   • 8. Let's do something!

   Your AHA moment and commitment · Allow 10–15 minutes

Go further: suggested activities

• A letter to the seventh generation (20 minutes)
• Circles of responsibility (15 minutes)
• Check the facts today (20 minutes)

Watch the videos on the Module 4 page →