Those of you who have been following my story from the very beginning, you may remember my very first post on this blog, or have read my first eBook in which I describe the event that sparked my “green epiphany”.
The life changing event that happened when I was watching An Inconvenient Truth, presented by Al Gore.
Ever since this event, I have tried to live every day as sustainably as I can. There have been some good days, some excellent, and some not so good. With that said, I still try, and I share everything I have done, and learnt with as many others as I can.
I have also tried, unsuccessfully until now, to be part of the Climate Reality Leadership Corps, and help educate others about the climate change threat we are facing. I have applied twice before for this training, once in 2007, and again in 2009 when it was called the Climate Project.
So not one to be disheartened, I started presenting my own message, in my own style. However, I always hoped that someday I would get to meet Al in person, even if it was just simply to thank him without sounding like too lame.
I had all but given up, until I saw that Al was coming to Melbourne to conduct this training in June 2014, to help teach another wave of climate educators.
So, I applied for the third time, ever hopeful.
And guess what?
I have been accepted to participate! You should have seen the smile on my dial when I received the email through on Friday morning!
I am finally getting to meet the man who helped shock me with the truth, enough to change my lifestyle, and to help and inspire thousands of others in my own unique way.
Here is part of the email I received;
Dear Gavin,
On behalf of The Climate Reality Project, I am thrilled to inform you that your application to the Climate Reality Leadership Corps has been accepted. We look forward to welcoming you to our three-day training with our Chairman and Founder, former U.S. Vice President Al Gore on June 25-27 in Melbourne, Australia.
Our team is grateful to you for committing to join a global network of Climate Reality Leaders and take a leadership role towards climate solutions.
Committed? I was born-again committed!
It is actually happening! I am so very excited.
I also realise that it is oft said that you should never meet you inspiration, as they are bound to disappoint. I don’t really care, I just want to shake his hand and say thanks for the light bulb moment.
So dear readers, I will keep you posted, but for now I will leave you with this quote about patience. It is worth the wait.
Congratulations Garvin, I am sure it will be a remarkable event
Thanks Pam. I am sure it will be sensational!
Hi Gavin,
Wow! Congratulations. I’m sure it will be an inspiring event, and will ‘fill the well’ to allow you to keep sharing as you do.
Madeleine.
Thanks Madeleine. I do like that analogy ‘fill the well’. I guess that is exactly what it will do.
Gav x
How wonderful for you Gavin, and not only has your life changed for the environment, your family life and their health has changed too from eating all those home grown fresh veggies as well. What an exciting time it will be for you to be a part of that. Congratulations. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane,
Cheers Kathy. I couldn’t agree more about all the delicious veg that we grow here. We do eat well, and healthy, although the home brew beer doesn’t help my wasteline any 😉
I dont want to sound lame either, but you (and Kim and Ben) are my inspiration and i wasnt disappointed to meet you. Awe Shucks, I need a group hug.
{blush}
Congratulations Gavin. What a wonderful experience it will be for you and a well deserved one.
Thanks Catherine. I am so looking forward to it!
Woohoo! That’s fantastic. Congratulations, Gavin. It was certainly meant to be. I can’t wait to read about it all and I’m sure there’ll be a podcast or two as well.
Take care
Cheers BM. I wonder if Al will do a quick interview for the podcast? How cool would that be! Mind you, it would attract every climate change denier on the planet to my blog, so maybe not.
Gav
Congratulations Gavin! I can’t think of anyone more deserving than you to be selected to be part of the Climate Reality Leadership Corps. You are also my inspiration! BTW, we had our first crop of longans and picked our first lady finger from our own backyard this week!
Thanks Ange.
Well done on the fruit! You live in Melbourne? so did you create a microclimate?
Gav
I second that comment Ange. Very deserving and very exciting!
Thanks Emily!
Awesome Gav. I’d like to meet him as well, so say “Hi” for me 🙂
Thanks Mick, I will buddy. BTW, your honey is going down a treat. Even Kim, who is usually honey adverse (must have had a bad childhood experience) loves your St Albans honey! Well done to your bees for converting her!
Gav
So the only reason you want to go is thinking you are going to meet Al Gore? As someone who attended one of these trainings I can tell you it is virtually impossible to “meet him” as he keeps his distance from attendees.
Hi Jane, no, not really. I want to be a better public speaker to help me become a climate change educator. There has to be a better way than banging our heads against the current fog of disinformation.
Gav
Gav I have a big smile on my face and a joyful heart from reading your news. Supper Proud of you!!!!! Look forward to reading your updates.
Thanks Sarhn. Between finally meeting Al, and my 50th Birthday party, I am going to have a heck of a couple of months ahead of me! x
Congratulations Gav. Awesome news and an awesome opportunity too. I can’t wait to hear about it in your blog (and in person too). 🙂
Thanks Jessie x
Things come full circle for a reason, keep up the good work.
Thanks John
Congratulations Gavin, I’m sure your success in G Magazine would have assisted with your application. Well done. My own green epiphany was several years ago when I watched the documentary “Home”, similar message, very powerful. Have taken your advice regarding solar panel providers and have a quote from Enviro solar. thanks again
Cheers Sue. Isn’t Home just an amazing documentary! If it didn’t happen in An Inconvenient Truth, it would have occurred during Home. I kid you not. It took my breath away.
Oh and well done on getting a quote for solar. You won’t regret it.
Gav
Just catching up! Congratulations, I am so happy for you (and maybe just a tad envious). The environment couldn’t have a better ambassador than “an ordinary Australian man who has a green epiphany”.
Thanks Cath. I am humbled.
Congratulations Gavin!!!! And remember it’s the Australian way to take something when you meet someone for the first time. Maybe a Cheese platter and a few cold Homebrews!!!! Love your blog. I regularly check in to “See what Gavin is up too”. You have inspired me regularly, to be as Green as I can be and to pass on/share the experience with my kids. (10 and 7 years old) They especially love making Homebrew with me and often argue over who’s going to do what. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Steve! Yes, I better take an esky full of goodies, but I heard that Al went vegan a while back, so maybe not for him.
And thanks for the feedback mate.
Gav
Hi Gavin
Congratulations on your successful application. I am from Adelaide, will also be a participant and looking forward to meeting you there! I have been following your wonderful blog for a long time.
By the way, I have been trying to find out the actual venue for the training – if you know the venue, could you please let me know?
Cheers,
Veronique
Hi Veronique,
It is being kept a secret at the moment for security reasons.
They did send through an email with recommended accommodation. Did you get that?
Gav