Franke James speaking at St. Clement’s school

“Franke James, you really got my green conscience going!”

Gr.6 student, St. Clement’s School

2010 Events

• November 11: STAO Convention, Science Teacher’s Association of Ontario
• September 30: Holy Trinity School, Richmond Hill, Ontario
• September 28: Green Tea, Caledon, Ontario
• Moira Secondary School, Belleville, Ontario
• St. Clement’s School, Toronto, Ontario
• The Mabin School, Toronto, Ontario
• Earth Week: Upper Canada College, Toronto, Ontario
• University of Colorado: 2010 Legacy Lecture and Green Conscience workshop
• Canadian Ecology Centre, Mattawa, Ontario
• Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, Ottawa, Ontario

Artist, author and speaker Franke James is an entertaining and persuasive advocate for the environment. She merges science, art and storytelling to inspire people to take action and “do the hardest thing first” for the planet. Her lively presentations demonstrate her ‘rare skill of presenting important abstract concepts with immediacy and relevance through her art.’

In 2010, Franke has delivered keynotes and workshops in Toronto, Colorado, Ottawa, and Northern Ontario. In 2009 she spoke at a variety of educational events in Canada and the USA, including the University of Cincinnati, Bates College, Ryerson University, and the Ontario Teachers Federation climate change camps. She frequently combines speaking events with her Green Conscience art workshops. Please see the topics and feedback below from recent events.

To book Franke for an event, please contact her by email: franke@frankejames.com, or by phone: 416-256-9166 to discuss the opportunity, your needs, and speaker fees.

About Franke
Franke is the author of the award-winning graphic book Bothered By My Green Conscience and the inventor of the award-winning business game-book, Dear Office-Politics. She has a Masters in Fine Arts from the University of Victoria, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Mount Allison University. Read longer bio…

Belleville, Ontario: What weighs on Grade 10 students’ green consciences?

“I was about to throw away my pop bottle and then I heard a voice in my head say I needed to recycle it…”

Grade 10 student at Moira High School

What weighs on Grade 10 students’ green consciences? In May, I took the train to Belleville, Ontario to find out. I gave a Green Conscience Workshop to the Grade 10 Geoventure students at Moira High School (featured above). The workshop was a big success. The students really responded to the challenge to create artwork based on their personal experiences. In a follow up email, the teacher sent me this feedback, “The kids really did enjoy the workshop as it challenged their thinking and actions. One of the kids today came in after lunch and said, “You know Ms. Miller, I was about to throw away my pop bottle (plastic) and then I heard a voice in my head say I needed to recycle it. So I brought it to class.” Very cool. I guess this is why we do what we do.”

Here is one of the students talking about her green conscience art work:

Consuming Too Much Stuff

Read post: “What weighs on Grade 10 students’ green consciences?”…

St. Clement’s School: Grades 3 and 6

“I now want to make a difference,
just like you.”

On April 27th, I spoke to the students in Grades 3 and 6 at St. Clement’s School (a private girls’ school in Toronto). I read them some of my stories about taking action for the environment, and asked the girls, “What’s the hardest thing you could do for the planet? Is it changing a light bulb? Or is there something more ambitious you could do that would make a difference in your life?”

My call-to-action for the girls was “Listen to your Green Conscience” and then “Do something green and tell everyone about it — using stories, songs and pictures.” Did my message sink in? See the handmade “thank you” gift I received from the Grade 6 class.

Read the St. Clement’s post: “You really got my Green Conscience going!”

The Mabin School: Grades 3 to 6

In the Spring, I visited The Mabin School, and spoke to students in Grades 3 to 6. I showed them my animated story, A Green Winter: Will Global Warming be Good For Canada?, and read them Paradise Unpaved. In the short time we had left, I asked whether they’d like me to read them another story… I was delighted when they said “Yes!” I read them No One Will Know, Except You. It was a fun day, and the kids had some great responses to my stories…

The Mabin students’ feedback:

“I thought your presentation was very inspiring and showed me that if you really put your mind to something, it can be achieved.” ~ Rebecca

“I loved how your book had both pictures and words, and amazing graphics. It was very helpful that you had slides of your book so we could see everything you were talking about. I also liked the No One Will Know, Except You story.” ~ Quinn

“Your creative presentation was funny, exciting and informative. You made me laugh while letting me know more about global warming.” ~ Alexandra

“Your story of doing the hardest step first is an inspiring story of persistence. We learned a lot from you.” ~ Sophia

Upper Canada College: Earth Week

“Dynamic presentation”

Reem Aweida-Parsons, Upper Canada College Sustainability Fellow

To kick off Earth Week, Franke presented to students at Upper Canada College (a private boys school in Toronto). The boys were an enthusiastic audience — and after her presentation, dozens of students were brought up on stage to accept “Creativity, Action, Service” Awards, which can represent hundreds of hours earned on community service projects, from Grade 9 through to graduation.

“From the moment Franke stepped onto the stage, 700 high school boys were instantly quiet. Her dynamic presentation was focused on how together, we can make a difference in stewarding the environment and making the right choices. Her illustrations and energy are a driver in challenging all to act, and act big.” Reem Aweida-Parsons, UCC Sustainability Fellow

“We so appreciate your time and support in developing the Green Conscience in each and every one of our students.” Susan Elliott, UCC Sustainability Fellow

“I really enjoyed Franke’s Visual/Spatial learning style.  It was different than many of the other speakers who lecture the boys at 8:30 in the morning for an hour. The Art students (and geographers) really enjoyed it!” Ian Toope, UCC Sustainability Fellow

See Franke’s presentation: Our Disposable World…

UCC had an action-packed Earth Week planned. Activities included planting 100 trees and large shrubs, an online video-conference with David Suzuki, an Earth Day posters contest, Meatless Wednesday, an Alternative Transport Day — and many more. Their Green School operates year-round and is devoted to developing a culture of sustainability at UCC.

One of the projects Franke loved hearing about was the Prep Learning Garden, where the boys are taught how to prepare, plant and harvest food. City boys learning how to farm — it’s not unheard of but it is a big step in the right direction.

See Our Disposable World…

University of Colorado: 2010 Legacy Lecture

University of Colorado: 2010 Legacy Lecture & Workshop

“Franke’s presentation inspired my class to do the hardest thing first”

“Franke’s engaging UCCS presentation accomplished just what I had hoped: it inspired my class to decide to do the hardest thing first. As one student explained, ‘Before Franke’s visit I thought the class should select a student initiative that we were certain would pass. After talking with Franke, I decided the class should pursue the hardest project, even if it meant we risked failure.’

“Franke made us all, students and faculty alike think — about what is bothering our green consciences and what we are willing to do about it — and the conversation she generated continued in the classrooms and hallways long after her visit.” Carole J. Huber, Geography & Environmental Studies, UCCS

Franke’s blog post: Students “doing hardest thing first” face opposition in Colorado Springs

Two UCCS students talk about their Green Conscience artwork…

The Squeaky Wheel Super-Hero

Making the right choice

UCCS Feedback:

“I enjoyed your workshop and found the Six Steps to Sustainability to be very useful. I will explore ways to incorporate these ideas into our efforts to educate students about sustainability on our campus. Sustainability is a difficult subject to explain — I think visual art is essential to effective communication… Keep up the great inspirational work!” Kevin Gilford, Sustainability Office Manager, UCCS Office of Sustainability

“I really enjoyed your presentation and workshop, thank you for the inspiration… Thank you for what you do and sharing it with the world.” Mallori, UCCS student

Canadian Ecology Centre

Canadian Ecology Centre

In February, Franke gave a Green Conscience talk & workshop to Science teachers at the Canadian Ecology Centre.

“The founding principle of the Canadian Ecology Centre is the M.A.D.E. principle, “Make A Difference Environmentally”, Franke James is doing just that through her work. In leading by example, and documenting her efforts to make a difference environmentally, Franke is inspiring people to take a look at the way they live their everyday lives, and ask “What is bothering my green conscience” and to do something about it! Her inspiring art and storytelling has given the teachers that attended our Environmental Science workshop a new and exciting way to reach the students they teach, and appeal to their creative and imaginative sides to explore their own green consciences, as they gain the knowledge and tools to do something about it.

“The response to Franke’s talk and workshop has been overwhelmingly positive, and was the highlight of the 3 day professional development workshop at the Canadian Ecology Centre sponsored by the Ontario Ministry of Education.” Coral Mason, OCT, Program Coordinator, Canadian Ecology Centre

Watch the teachers talk about their work in this post: “What Bothers a Science Teacher’s Green Conscience?” Here’s one example of a teacher who is a “POP-o-holic.”

I’m a POP-o-holic

What did the Science teachers think about making green conscience artwork? Read teacher feedback here and below…

Remarkable way to communicate in a visual, high-impact manner
“I just wanted to thank you for sharing your creative process with us. It is a truly remarkable way to get people to start reflecting upon the ways in which we affect the environment and then to communicate our own thoughts in a visual, high-impact manner. I will most definitely be using it with my students at the first opportunity.” Andy Wang, Science teacher

Makes climate change and ecology personal
“For me, the most important aspect of the activity is that it makes the whole climate change and ecology thing personal. The students own up to what bothers his/her ecological conscience, then thinks about the options they have to change the situation that bothers them. Thank you for the different approach that allows me to grab the attention of some less-sciencey students.” Barbara Gaudet, Science teacher

See also Franke’s visual essay about the Canadian Ecology Centre event: My Green Conscience in North Bay

Ottawa-Carleton District School Board

Ottawa Keynote to Science Teachers

Franke gave a keynote speech in February to 250 high school science teachers from the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and teacher candidates from the University of Ottawa and Queen’s University.

“Franke James is a passionate environmental advocate who has the gift of allowing others to see through her eyes. Her inspiring stories help all of us realize that we also can do something. Her positive attitude is infectious and draws others to join her in taking on the challenge of climate change. An artist and a natural teacher, Franke will shock you out of complacency and make you realize that you can do something right now!” Bogna Haddad, OCDSB/OSSTF Science Subject Council Co-Chair 2010

See Franke’s visual essay about the talk: Talking to Science Teachers: When Science Inspires Art

Franke also gave a Green Conscience workshop which received the highest possible rankings and this rave review…

“Amazing workshop… Lots of fun!”

2009 Events

• Newtonbrook High School
• Treehugger and Explore Design: Design for the Greater Good
• Bates College Keynote to Incoming Class
• Ontario Teachers Federation, Climate Change Workshops
• Book Launch and Reading at Roots, Toronto
• Toronto Catholic District School Board
• University of Cincinnati
• Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Cincinnati
• Park + Vine, Cincinnati
• McMichael Gallery, Kleinburg (2007)

Newtonbrook High School

Franke James asks students “What’s the hardest thing you could do for the planet?” from Franke James on Vimeo.

What is the hardest thing you could do for the planet?

After Franke’s presentation at Newtonbrook High School, she asked students, “What is the hardest thing you could do for the planet?” Here are some of the ideas they responded with…

“I will recycle and eat less meat.”
“I think I’ll start my own recycling bin.  (I live in an apartment and they don’t have recycling bins.)
“I could probably walk to and from school.”
“Another really hard thing would be to stop shopping for new fashions.”
“I am considering taking the one month vegetarian challenge.”
“I’m going to ask my parents to try foods produced locally.”
“All the small things make a difference.”
“I will not buy a car when I grow up.  Instead I will save my money to buy an eco-friendly house.”

Follow-up feedback from Newtonbrook students:

“Franke James presentation was made in a friendly way, which made it easy to understand.”
“It was fun and unique because she used pictures to replace words.”
“It was so interesting about the government telling Franke that she couldn’t turn her driveway into a garden.”
“Giving up your SUV is a huge sacrifice.”
“Franke James inspired me that anything is possible.”

“Franke inspires students.”

“The climate change message ceases to be all doom and gloom when they see Franke’s combination of whimsical art and serious personal action. She shows students that they have the power to make real change for the betterment of the planet. Franke inspires students.” Tim Langford, Grade 10 teacher, Newtonbrook High School

Treehugger and Explore Design: Design for the Greater Good

Explore Design Comes Back To Toronto and TreeHugger is There:

Lloyd Alter writes: Every year the Merchandise Mart people put on Explore Design, an amazing show in Toronto to promote careers in design to high school students, with booths from design schools from across North America, great speakers and thousands of kids taking it all in. TreeHugger has been there from the start, organizing Design for the Greater Good, “A series of seminars focusing on design with consciousness and on sustainable design.” I have rounded up some usual TreeHugger subjects as speakers: David Fujiwara, Franke James and Lisa Rapoport.

Franke James has been the subject of a number of posts on TreeHugger, has been a contributor to Planet Green, and is the author of Bothered by My Green Conscience, reviewed in TreeHugger here.

More on Franke:
Franke James on Global Warming in Canada
Paradise Unpaved: Franke James’ Driveway One Year Later

Bates College Keynote to Incoming Class

“Wonderful melding of environmental activism, artistic expression and thought provoking questions/ideas”

“Thank you so much for the wonderful weekend you spent with us at Bates, Franke. The presentation was a wonderful melding of environmental activism, artistic expression and thought provoking questions/ideas with which to begin a college career. Our first year students enjoyed it greatly; over the next four years I am sure they will come to recognize anew how powerful a message it was with which to begin undergraduate education.

Your workshop on Six Tools to Make Climate Change Art was greatly appreciated by the students who attended and they are making use of it now in preparation for Oct. 24th events. Finally, it was such a delight to have your enthusiasm, commitment and humor permeating our campus — I’m just so glad that it lives on in some sense through your blog about the trip to Bates College.” Holly Gurney, Associate Dean, Bates College

“I find your combination of activism and art completely inspiring…”

“Attending your talk really put things into perspective for me. I can honestly say that your visit to Bates really made all of the lofty possibilities a tangible reality. I am so impressed because you not only recognize that you must take up this social responsibility yourself, but you are actually compelling enough to get others to do the same. Students here came away from your talk both with a greener conscience AND ways in which they could create activist art themselves. It’s brilliant.

I find your combination of activism and art completely inspiring and it has sparked an energy in me that has only grown in the days since! My head is buzzing with the number of new ideas that I am determined to see come to fruition. Thanks for everything.” Ryan Dean, The Bird’s Eye View (Bates College 2009 graduate)

Franke James’ Bates College Keynote: Who are you going to be?
Part 1: Who are you going to be?
Part 2: Betting on the future
Part 3: Taking Action for 350

Ontario Teachers Federation, Climate Change Workshops

Bark Lake Workshop: Six Tools for Climate Change Art July 20, 2009
McMaster University: Six Tools for Climate Change Art July 15, 2009

“I think Franke should be the “closer” at more climate change educational conferences just to keep people’s spirits up.”

“Franke James provided an inspiring and upbeat finish for our climate change education gathering of educators. Here’s why. We had spent 2 days looking at the science and it is not looking good. The actions mentioned were for the most part those lame little suggestions that if we all recycle, all will be well — which of course is bogus. (Mind you our first science presenter mentioned that it will have to be legislated like the Montreal protocol and acid rain). Bango, Franke James comes along and says “do the hardest thing first” and then shows that she has done it and is still living to prove it and she is artistically thriving and maybe even with some financial benefits as well. Wow – great. I think Franke should be the “closer” at more climate change educational conferences just to keep people’s spirits up — and let them know there is hope if people take personal responsibility.” Stan Kozak, Learning for a Sustainable Future

“Thank you for all the energy and thought that went into presenting to us at the OTF (Ontario Teacher’s Federation) workshop on Wednesday! I was inspired by your courage to take on the media and your documentation of each step of the way as well as the distilling the six ways for us to build an effective message!” Alice Casselman, President, Association for Canadian Educational Resources (ACER)

Book Launch and Reading at Roots, Toronto

Book Launch and Reading: Bothered by My Green Conscience July 14 & 18th, 2009

See photos from the Launch Party: Franke James Book Launch at Roots

See the illlustrated invitation: Will I see you on the 14th?

Feedback:

Toronto Star: Green conscience inspires change
“Franke James knows it isn’t easy being green. And when people ask the Toronto-based artist and environmentalist what they can do to become greener, she gives them the hard truth, literally. “Do the hardest thing first while we are strong and before we change our minds,” she says…”
See: http://www.thestar.com/living/article/667485

Woman.ca: Franke James: The Great Canadian Green Driveway Pioneer
“In a non-preachy and humorous fashion, Franke’s book explains how she made big decisions that were suitable to her lifestyle and in turn significantly reduced her personal contribution to environmental waste and damage. Franke’s advice: “do the hardest thing first.”…”
See more: http://woman.ca/great-green-leaders/1617-green-driveway-pioneer-top-eco-trends-conservation-water

Flare Magazine: Green Read
“Sipping on cucumber water and organic beer, guests pondered their own green guilt at last night’s launch of Bothered by My Green Conscience a new book by Torontonian Franke James…”
See more: http://blog.flare.com/entertainment/green-read/

Toronto Catholic District School Board

Bothered by My Green Conscience and Six Tools for Climate Change Art: June 3, 2009

Feedback:

“Fabulous! It was a pleasure to have you speak at our Arts Head meeting in June. Your Six Tools for Climate Change Art is an innovative, cross-disciplinary system that I can see teachers using in the classroom to inspire their students. I enjoyed how you really got to the meat of the issues. You’re a great presenter and very personable, which helps as well! “Do something green and document it” is a call to action that can inspire our students in creative ways across the curriculum.” Anthony Petitti, Program Coordinator; H&PE, Outdoor Education and The Arts, Toronto Catholic DSB

University of Cincinnati

Lecture: How Alice in Wonderland Thinking Can Win Over City Hall May 18, 2009

See a summary of Franke’s University of Cincinnati Presentation: How Alice in Wonderland Thinking Can Win Over City Hall

Feedback:

“Thank you so much for taking the time to come to Cincinnati and for preparing such wonderful presentations and workshops. Everyone has commented on how inspiring your lecture and talks were and I’ve heard some say that they’ve been spreading the word about the green driveway, the green conscience and other aspects of your work to their friends and family. I believe your visit will continue to have a positive impact here at the University and in Cincinnati for years to come. We all look forward to seeing your future work and hope to see you again soon!” Shawn Patrick Tubb, University of Cincinnati

Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Cincinnati

Book Reading: Bothered By My Green Conscience: May 18, 2009

Barbara Hudson, PR & Event Coordinator, Joseph-Beth Booksellers arranged the Bothered By My Green Conscience bookreading, Q&A and booksigning event in Cincinnati on May 18/09. Barb welcomed Franke with a huge poster, great displays and an enthusiastic audience. Photo: Left to right: Barbara Hudson, Franke James, and Barb’s assistant Heidi Helm. (Franke is wearing her “Mondrian” jacket featured in her Eccentric Green Glamour chapter.) Photograph by Shawn Tubb.

See Franke’s post and article in the University of Cincinnati, News Record: Franke James at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Cincinnati

Feedback:

“We loved your event and it was such a pleasure to meet you. Thanks for all your great energy.” Barbara Hudson. Joseph-Beth Booksellers

Park + Vine, Cincinnati

Art Workshop: What’s Bothering Your Green Conscience? May 19, 2009

See Franke’s blog post about the workshop: What’s bothering your green conscience?

Feedback:

“Thanks for the fun workshop. I gave my parents your book this weekend when they came down to visit, and we went down to Park + Vine and bought a composter (for me) and I got them started on a few things, like reusable bags for going to the great Farmer’s Market where they live in Madison, WI. I’m sure your book will help inspire them on their green journey, and I’ll keep up the encouragement along the way.” Matt Anthony. Participant, May 28th, 2009

2007: McMichael Gallery

Reading and Lecture: Green Winter/Six Tools for Climate Change Art: October 2007

See a summary of the presentation: Six Tools to Make Climate Change Art

Feedback:

“Rarely do the talents of a professional artist and educator come together in equal measure as they do in the work of Franke James. Her Six Tools for Climate Change presentation at the McMichael was the ideal vehicle for presenting complex material in a compelling and accessible format for everyone in attendance. Franke has the rare skill of presenting important abstract concepts with immediacy and relevance through her art. Simply outstanding.” Scott McDonald, Director Education and Programmes, McMichael Canadian Art Collection

“Thank you for the delightful presentation at the McMichael last week. My daughter does not consider herself artistic. Or did not until you showed your Six Tools to Make Climate Change Art presentation. Like you, she has a quirky sense of humour and sees the world a bit differently. You showed her how one can use WORDS and humour to make art and influence people! Many thanks for your energy and inspiration.” Carole, Parent

Comments (5)