Basically Training

This past weekend I attended the Basic Action Training. It was in short, one of the most fun weekends ever!

The training started at 8pm on Friday night, and after having a scenic tour of North Amsterdam at night I eventually arrived at about 20:20. We started with an introduction and a slide show and short movie about some great Greenpeace actions. Check this out if you want to know what I'm talking about:



I couldn't tell you everything that went on, but it involved ropes boats and plenty action.

The Dutch warehouse is absolutely amazing with all sorts of equipment and loads of protective clothing. I learnt loads, and met some really amazing people. A professor of mine once told me that if I went into the type of work I'm in I would meet loads of nice people. It has proved correct a million times over, people who care about the future of the planet, people and life are amazing. The took us into what is often seen as a rather exclusive club and handed over the reigns completely. They were always there to help out, but where never patronising and never once tried to limit any of us. They merely said know your limits and admit when you are uncomfortable. Such a fantastically liberating approach to education. Most of what I learnt I learnt in reflection, and while I sometimes wish I had more information to do a "better" job, I think the lesson was all the more stronger having tried things and got them wrong.

Good times all round.