More Than 30 Leading NGOs Successfully Complete the First Academy of Change Workshop @aochange_org How do you establish a plastic-free Ramadan, implement climate-friendly canteen dishes or empower people to act according to their beliefs when it comes to meat consumption? These are only some examples from the Academy of Change Workshop that took place in September, where more than 30 leading NGOs came together in Cologne, including Greenpeace international, Fairtrade International, Rare, WRAP und Verbraucherzentrale NRW. The workshop was part of the Academy of Change, the CSCP’s programme on sustainable behaviour designed for future leaders working on climate change and sustainability in the NGO sector. It provided not only insights of behavioural science to the participants, but also enabled a broad knowledge exchange and networking among the NGOs. Considering the challenges around the implementation of behaviour change knowledge, we are confident about the role of the tailor-made training, coaching and networking as a decisive factor in integrating and scaling best practices within organisations. Through the integration of behavioural insights into their projects and activities, NGOs have the opportunity to boost their impact. Despite the concern for the environment being high among people, it is not yet on top of their list, as normally economic concerns and appearance take precedence. Besides, there is a gap between what people think and what they do, which becomes even more challenging as people tend to overstate their performance of pro-environmental behaviours. In module 3 of this 8-month training journey of the Academy of Change we explored which behavioral models help explain behaviourial patterns and how to apply them to real cases. Tools such as Commitment, Nudging and Right Place, Right Time and their potentials and applicability in boosting the impact of NGO behavior change activities were discussed in particular. The participants felt inspired and grateful for this opportunity to exchange ideas with colleagues and to gain an in-depth look into behavioural insights. “I am going back home full of potential and positive energy to keep fighting to save our country and the world,” summarizes Layal Nehme from Innodev, Lebanon, at the end of the day. In the coming months, the Academy members will further explore the implementation of behavioral interventions and possibilities of evaluating sustainable behaviour change. We are looking forward to our next meeting in January 2019. The Academy of Change is always looking for people interested in accelerating change in those sustainable behaviours and lifestyles that really matter. There are different ways to get involved. Are you an NGO? You can apply to our waiting list to join potential future editions of the programme. Are you interested in supporting or sponsoring the Academy beyond its current funding framework or to bring it to your organisation? Or are you looking for insightful and beyond state-of-the-art information related to sustainable behaviour and behaviour change? Drop us a message at contact@aochange.org. Academy of Change is a non-profit initiative of the Collaborating Centre on Sustainable Consumption and Production (CSCP) and Behaviour Change, funded by the KR Foundation. Photo by Ramon Külpmann for CSCP