Sat 8 Nov 2008

Rainbow Peace Caravan - SEND MONEY!!

Posted by nemawashi under Alberto Ruz, La Caravana, Rainbow Peace Caravan, South America, bioregional events
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Once again, I am in the middle of an Impossible Mission, and I need the support of all sides. Maybe in this time, that other “impossible things” are happening, we may be able to manifest this too.

Please, whoever is in charge of communications, send this appeal to all the list to see if some of you have the leads, clues, keys, to make this “dream” possible now….It is urgent, so…Gracias, arigato, and my love to you all!!! Siempre, Coyote Alberto

PROJECT: CREATING A TEMPORARY MODEL PEACE-ECOVILLAGE at the World Social Forum DE BRAZIL-2009

Dear friends, brothers and sisters, road companions:
Greetings from the Brazilian northeast!

As you may know, the Rainbow Peace Caravan which I created in 1996 and led for the last thirteen years has been in Brazil these last three years, doing its socio-eco-educational work in partnership primarily with the Brazilian Ministry of Culture.

As emissaries from Another Possible World, we have planted seeds of change along the way, in 17 countries, in hundreds of communities, touching the hearts and minds of thousands of people from the most diverse ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds. This work has initiated many projects, networks and movements, which you can read about at the conclusion of this letter.

Besides innumerable workshops, artistic events, lectures, articles, and documentaries, the Caravan has won great respect in South America with the organization of small, medium and large bioregional, national and international events. These events have brought together representatives from the whole spectrum of socio-political, educational, environmental and indigenous organizations from as many as 35 different countries at a time. (Please refer to the conclusion of this letter for a comprehensive list.

We were also responsible for hosting and organizing two ENA(Ecovillage Network of the Americas) annual regional representatives meetings in South America. One in the Natural Reserve Sasardi, Colombia in 2000, the second in Oyantaitambo, Peru; and one GEN (Global Ecovillage Network)general meeting, also in Oyantaitambo-Peru, both in 2005.

For thirteen years I have dedicated all of my time, energy and resources to these projects, and as I reached last september my 63rd anniversary, I have to decide if I want to spend the rest of my years on the road, with the Caravan, or if it is time to begin contemplating another, more suitable project for the next chapter of my life.

You all know me, and therefore also know that my priority in life has been my mission, and that I have put aside my health, wealth and security, leaving my beautiful community in Huehuecoyotl and dearest blood family, in order to follow the vision and the paths upon which my heart has led me.

In all these last 13 years, I was personally funded for only three years by an Ashoka Fellowship (2002-2005); and recently by a small grant from Gaia Trust, for the investigation of the book I am currently working on dealing with rescuing the disperse History of the Communitarian Movements from Brazil: 1500-2008).

In addition, the former Minister of Culture of Brazil, Gilberto Gil, funded our NGO Caravana Arcoiris, for a 12 month project, visiting, interacting, keeping an audiovisual recording and writing a book on this exceptional experience throughout 10 Brazilian states. The project was a huge success and we won a national prize as a Living School, and were selected with the highest notes for a new 12 month project, which, due to the difficulties of the bureaucratic administrative process in this country and the recent change of Minister, has been kept on standby for almost two years now, surviving with several small projects with local Majors and Secretaries of Culture and education here and there.

In the years past, we received small punctual grants from GEN, ENA and the educational office from the State Department from the US, which were applied to specific one month projects in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Besides that, we have survived mostly thanks to the cooperation of the communities that received us in exchange for our work, from donations from a few generous friends, from the cultural activities we sold to local cultural, municipal and educational organizations, from trade, from magic hats, from faith and providence.

During these years, neither myself, no
r any other members of the Caravan received a salary. We all did it as a service and voluntarily for the Earth and for the people. Only when we were funded by the Ministry of Culture in Brazil did the Caravan members receive a monthly compensation of $150 US for our personal expenses.

So, where does that leave us now?

We have a very big project ahead, and we need your support! We have the opportunity to participate in the upcoming World Social Forum in January 2009, located in northeast Brazil, in Belem-Para, at the mouth of the Amazon River. Our intention is to dedicate all of our energy and resources, from now on, to get there at least one month before the event, and create a model temporary Peace ECO-Village. This space will receive thousands of people, mostly young activists from the entire planet, which will come, attracted as never before, to this historical event.

WE NEED FUNDING!!!

We are obviously aware that the actual Economical Global Crisis could be an impediment for donations, but it can also be a challenge, a lesson that we cannot let pass, to prove that we believe and have the means and disposition to create Another Possible World.

If you can personally afford so send a donation, it will make our purpose more feasible, and we will be thankful to your gesture. If you cannot, you may have leads to other people, institutions, $social enterprises, organizations, and may become a local founder for this project. And we will be again, very thankful to you.

How much and for what?

1-Fixing of our vehicles in order to move from here (Recife-Pernambuco), to Belem (Par)

2-Fuel for our six vehicles,(two buses, one truck, two trailers and one light vehicle), to cover a distance of approximately 1,750 miles each and in Belem for production (1,500 miles)

3-Provisions for a permanent crew of 25 people from mid December to mid February

4-Production money to set-up the infrastructure of the Peace ECO-Village

5-Provisions for an extra crew of 75 people from January 15th to February 7th. (Volunteers are needed to mount the Village, run the event and for dismounting and cleaning afterwards)

1- Item $ 7.000,00 US
2- Item $ 6.000,00 US
3- Item $ 7.000,00 US
4- Item $ 10.000,00 US
5- Item $ 10,000,00 US

TOTAL. Approximately: $40,000.00 US

What would be the purpose to fund such a project?

First of all, the WSF is the largest world event focusing on the presentation of possible models for a sustainable and alternative planet. It is mostly a forum of ideas, proposals, panels, and round tables, with information concerning web-sites, blogs, documentaries, photos, and the production of ar
tistic events.

How do we put into practice all of these visions?

The temporary peace Eco-Village we will set in Belem will create a physical-visible model where those proposals can be directly experienced. A cooperative effort where activists, from all over Brazil, Latin America, the US, Europe and the rest of the Planet can come and give a hand, to learn, to share their knowledge and to manifest our collective dream.

We do not plan to have a stand on ecovillages, permaculture, bioregionalism or other subjects common to us all; we plan TO BE a place where those ideas can be actually lived. That is our main purpose in La Caravana: a Living School. Yes, we will also have information, show films, do workshops and presentations, but the focus will be on how to do things in collaboration, integrating the physical, social, artistic, and spiritual aspects of being human on this diverse and sacred planet.

(Below you will find links to more information.)

Thank you for your interest and patience, many blessings to you all. We look forward to hearing from you soon, and to meet all of you who may be able to come to Belem to share this unforgettable experience.

There are always things that would help us better accomplish our goals. If you have any of the things on this list and no longer have a use for them or something that you feel we could benefit from having please consider making a donation to our community. To make an offer, write to [email protected]. Thanks!

  • Books in Spanish with ecological or political themes
  • Boxes — ideally used plastic that are sturdy and good for traveling on rooftops
  • Bus drivers
  • Compact fluorescent light bulbs
  • Digital video camera
  • Dry erase markers
  • Healthy food (organic grains, nutritional yeast, locally grown fruits, veggies, herbs, etc.)
  • Laptop computer w/ modem, firewire, and the capacity to edit audio y video
  • Mead zipper binders
  • Theater lights
  • Tools of every variety, including bike tools, sewing equipment, and power tools
  • VHS VCR (NTSC)
  • Water ozonator

Always, Alberto Ruz

For personal donations and/or money orders, PLEASE ONLY from physical person to person (Please confirm if you send one):

Roque Alberto Ruz Buenfil
Banco do Brasil
Account: # 37.922-0
Agency: 1835-X CAXANGA, Recife, Pernambuco-Brazil

For grants, fundings from Foundations, organizations, institutions, etc:
(Please confirm if you send one with date, amount and swift #)

ODIN GOVINDA RUZ HANSBERG
BBVA-BANCOMER
Agency Number: 5653 Tepoztlan Centro,
Morelos-MEXICO
Account # 0155229979
Unique key of interbank transference ( CLABE )
#:012277001552299794.

SWIFT: BCMRMXMMPYM

Odin Ruz
Permacultura en accion
(52) 01739-3955011

Alberto Ruz Buenfil
[email protected]
 style="font-size:100%;">http://caravanaarcoiris.blogspot.com/
http://www.lacaravana.org
Tel:(55) 81-8641-6734

Site from the WSF: http://www.forumsocialmundial.org.br
Blog from the WSF: http://www.fsm2009amazonia.org.br
Blog actualized from the WSF : http://belemjaneiro2008.blogspot.com

Blog from the Caravana: http://caravanaarcoiris.blogspod.com
Site (in re-construction) http://www.lacaravana.org

In Spanish also in: http://www.megavideo.com/?v=PIBNGUBM

(Recommended to watch the documentary People from the Earth-Gente de la Tierra, (in Spanish) on the event organized by the Caravan Chamado do Beija Florâ de Brazil), directed by the Argentinean Nicolas Dyszel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?V=cOnSAAmEZ14

To get copies from the documentaries: “World Bridgers”: 10 years traveling with the Caravana Arcoris por la Paz, and “The Call of the Condor

Site from the most recent bioregional Council in South America (October 2008)- El Llamado del Espino, to held in a temporary Peace Village in Chile:
http://www.llamadodelespino.cl

Projects initiated in cooperation with La Caravana ArcoIris

The Colombian Ecovillages Network, integrating the North Andean Network (Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela) that will be having their coming Bioregional Council in La Atlantida Ecovillage, in January 2009, led by former caravanistas Jorge Calero and Beatriz Arjona
http://www.aldeafeliz.org

The Amazonian Bioregional Council, led by a former member from the Caravan, founder of the ecovillage Abra144, and actually focalizer from ENA in Brazil, Vanessa Mario:
http://ena.ecovillage.org/mailman/listinfo/ecovilasbrasil_ena.ecovillage.org)

The project Weimure-Ecovillage -Sustainable Center in El Pauji, Great Savanna, in Venezuela, led by Manuel Mateus and a group of people that took their first ecovillage and permacultural training with the Caravana in 1998.
http://www.elpauji.com
http://www.venezuela.solarquest.com/elpauji
http://www.thelostworld.org/elpauji/paujifot.htm

ECO-Chile, the Arcoiris networkthat was formed by a group of people that was part of the Caravan during our long stay in Chile, and has just organized its first Vision Council for a Bioregional Action in the month of October 2008 in the central bioregion of that country,
http://www.llamadodelespino.cl

Gatherings, or Peace Villages (Aldeas de Paz)organized and co-organized by the Caravan: *Mexico (1st Bioregional Council from the Americas-Meztitla, 1996);
*First bioregional gathering & ecovillage training in Great Savanna & El Pauji, Venezuela, 1998;
*First bioregional gathering of the Colombian Ecovillages Network, in Titiribi-Medellin, 2000
*The first Women’s Leadership Peace Village in Ecuador, 2002;
*The first Continental Vision Council for Bioregional Action, (Call of the Condor) in Peru, 2003
*The first bioregional Vision Council in Santiago de Chile (Llamado del Arcoiris), in 2004
 style="color:rgb();font-family:arial;">*The first Vision Council for Bioregional Action in Brazil (Call of the Hummingbird), 2005
*The Olinda Peace Village for the Traditional Cultural Points of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, 2008.

Subcoyote Alberto Ruz Buenfil
[email protected]
http://caravanaarcoiris.blogspot.com/
http://www.lacaravana.org
Tel:(55) 81-8641-6734

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Wed 29 Oct 2008

Green Jobs for a Green Economy

Posted by nemawashi under Bill Mollison, Bioregonal organization, Permaculture: A Designer's Manual, Strategies for an Alternative Nation, bioregion, bioregional directory, jobs, permaculture, work
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BIOREGIONAL ORGANIZATION
A Resource Index for Bioregions

(from Chapter 14, Strategies for an Alternative Nation,
Permaculture: A Designer’s Manual, by Bill Mollison)

A bioregional association is an association of the residents of a natural and identifiable region. This region is sometimes defined by a watershed, sometimes by remnant or existing tribal or language boundaries, at times by town boundaries, suburban streets, or districts, and at times by some combination of the above factors. Many people identify with their local region or neighborhood and know its boundaries.

There is an obvious conflict between the need to live in a region in a responsible way (bioregional centrality) and the need to integrate with other people in other places (global outreach). We need not only to “think globally and act locally”, but to “act and think globally and locally”.

The region is our home address, the place where we develop our culture, and take part in bioregional networks. Through global associations and “families of common interest” we cross not only the regional but also state and national borders to set up multicultural alliances.

Just as bioregions need a federal congress periodically, so do they occasionally need global congresses; societies or families also need global meetings to break down the idea of defended regional boundaries to humanity. Ethics and principles of self-governance, interdependence, and voluntary simplicity or restriction of human numbers on earth still apply at regional and outreach levels. Intermarriage, visits, mutual trade and aid, skills exchange, and educational exchange between regions of very different cultures enrich both. This is the antithesis of “integration” (bureaucratic genocide) that is promulgated by majority groups who disallow language use and cultural life to minorities. In particular, reciprocal education values both sets of knowledge and world concepts, and respects others’ lifestyles.

Ideally, the region so defined can be limited to that occupied by from 7000 to 40,000 people. Of these, perhaps only a hundred will be initially interested in any regional association, and even less will be active in it. The work of the bioregional group is to assess the natural, technical, service, and financial resources of the region, and to identify areas where leakage of resources (water, soil, money, talent) leaves the region. This quickly points the way to local self-reliance strategies.

People can be called on to write accounts of their specialties, as they apply to the region, and regional news sheets publish results as they come in. Once areas of action have been defined, regional groups can be formed into associations dealing with specific areas, e.g.:

· Food: Consumer-producer associations and gardening or soil societies
· Shelter Owner-builder associations
· Energy: Appropriate technology association
· Finance: An “earthbank” association

And so on for crafts, music, markets, livestock, and nature study or any other interest. The job of the bioregional office is complex, and it needs 4-6 people to act as consultants and coordinators, with others on call when needed. All other associations can use the office for any necessary registration, address, phone, and newsletter services, and pay a fee for usage.

Critical services and links can be built by any regional office; it can serve as a land access center, operating the strategies outlined later under that section. It can also act as leasehold and title register, or to service agreements for clubs and societies. More importantly, the regional office can offer and house community self-funding schemes, and collect monies for trusts and societies.

The regional office also serves as a contact center to other regions, and thus as a trade or coordination center. One regional office makes it very easy for any resident or visitor to contact all services and associations offering in the region, and also greatly reduces costs of communication for all groups. An accountant on call can handily contract to service many groups. The regional group can also invite craftspeople or lecturers to address interest groups locally, sharing income from this educational enterprise.

Some of the topics that can be included in the regional directory are as follows. These can be taken topic by topic, sold at first by the page, and finally put together as a loose-leaf notebook (volunteers enter local resource centers and addresses under each category; the system is best suited to computer retrieval). The following Resource index for Bioregions has been compiled by Maxine Cole and Bill Mollison for the Northern Rivers Bioregional Association of New South Wales, Australia.

The primary categories are as follows:

A. Food and food support systems
B. Shelter and buildings
C. Livelihoods and support services
D. Information, media, communication, and research
E. Community and security
F. Social life
G. Health services
H. Future trends
L. Transport services
M. Appendices (maps, publications of the bioregion)

All of the above sections can contain case histories of successful strategies in that area.

CRITERIA: Practical resources (people, skills, machinery, services, biological products) essential to the functioning of a small region, and assisting the conservation of resources, regional cash flow, the survival of settlement, employment and community security. (Security here means a cooperative neighborhoods and ample, sustainable resources for people.)

CATEGORY A - FOOD AND FOOD SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Criteria: Native and economic species, organic and biocide free, products of good nutritional value.

Al. Plant resources

1.1 Nurseries and propagation centers, tissue culture, sources of inoculants, mycorrhiza.
1.2 Plant collections and botanical gardens, economic plant assemblies, aquatic species.
1.3 Research institutes, horticultural and pastoral agencies.
1.4 Seed sources and seed exchanges.
1.5 Native species reserves and nurseries.
1.6 Demonstration farms and
gardens, teaching centers, workshop conveners.
1.7 Government departments and their resources, regulations.
1.8 Voluntary agencies involved in plant protection, planting, and propagation.
1.9 Skilled people, botanists, horticulturists.
1.10 Publications and information leaflets of use in the region, reference books, libraries, posters.
1.11 Contractors and consultancy groups: implementation of plant systems, farm designs.
1.12 Produce: products and producers in region, growers.
1.13 Checklist of vegetables, fruits and nuts which can be grown in the region and species useful for other than food provision.

A2. Animal resources

2.1 Breeders and stud or propagation centers, artificial insemination, hatcheries.
2.2 Species collections, including worms and like invertebrates.
2.3 Fish breeders and aquatic species.
2.4 Useful native species collections and reserves, potential for cultivation.
2.5 Demonstration farms, e.g. free range, bee culture, workshop conveners, teaching centers.
2.6 Government departments and their resources, regulations.
2.7 Voluntary agencies and animal protection societies.
2.8 Skilled people, farriers, vets, natural historians.
2.9 Contractors (shearers, etc.) and consultancy groups, farm designers.
2.10 Publications, posters, libraries for the region
2.11 Produce: species and suppliers in region.

A3. Integrated pest management (IPM)

3.1 Insectaries and invertebrate predator breeders and suppliers of biological controls.
3.2 Suppliers of safe control chemicals, traps.
3.3 Information sources on IPM.
3.4 Pest management of stored grains and foods.
3 5 References and libraries
3.6 Checklist of common pests and predators, and safe pest control procedures.

A4. Processing and food preservation

4.1 Suppliers of processing equipment.
4.2 Food Processing Centers (FPCs).
4.3 Information sources on food processing and preservation.
4.4 Sources of yeasts, bacterial and algal ferment materials.
4.5 Processed-product producers in region.

A5. Markets and outlets

5.1 Local markets, farmer’s markets.
5.2 Delivery services.
5.3 Export markets and wholesalers.
5.4 Urban-rural co-op systems, direct marketing.
5.5 Retail outlets.
5.6 Market advisory skills and groups, contract and legal skills.
5.7 Roadside and self-pick sales.
5.8 Market packaging and package suppliers, ethical packaging systems and designs.
5.9 Annual barter fair, health fairs, conferences, etc.

A6. Support services and products for food production

6.1 Residue testing services for biocides, also nutrient, mineral and vitamin content (food quality control).
6.2 Soil, water and leaf analysis services for micronutrients and soil additives, water analyses, pH levels.
6.3 Hydrological and water supply services (dams, domestic water), design and implementation.
6.4 Fence and trellis suppliers and services, cattle grids and gates.
6.5 Suppliers of natural fertilizers, mulch materials, trace elements, soil amendments.
6.6 Farm machinery, garden and domestic tool suppliers (see also processing), appropriate and tested equipment, fabricators and designers, repair services, hire and contract services.
6.7 Land planning services.
6.8 Greenhouse, shadehouse, food dryers, suppliers, and appropriate materials.
6.9 Lime quarries and sources, stone dusts, local trace mineral sources, regional geological resources.

CATEGORY B - SHELTER, BUILDINGS
Criteria: Energy efficient house design and non-toxic materials only

B1. Construction materials

1.1 Timber growers and suppliers, community timber plantations.
1.2 Stone and gravel, earth materials.
1.3 Plumbing and piping, drainage, roofing.
1.4 Bricks and concrete products (tanks, blocks, etc.)
1.5 Tiles and surfaces, paints (non-toxic)
1.6 Furniture and fittings.
1.7 Tools and fasteners, tool sharpening services and repairs, glues and tapes.
1.8 Library and research resources.
1.9 Current state of housing in the region (numbers seeking housing, rentals available).
1.10 Sources of toxins and unsafe materials in buildings, appliances, furnishings, paints and glues; high voltage equipment.

B2. Energy systems

2.1 Home appliances for energy conservation and efficiency, energy saving and insulation.
2.2 Hot water systems, solar systems.
2.3 Space heating and house design for the region.
2.4 Power generation systems for region: current and proposed.
2.5 Appropriate technology groups, research centers and demonstrations.
2.6 Designers of low energy home systems and buildings.
2.7 Sources of information, publications, trade literature, and library resources.
2.8 Reliable contractors and builders.


B3. Wastes, recycling

3.1 Sewage and greywater disposal (domestic).
3.2 Compost systems and organics.
3.3 Solid wastes disposal and collection (boxes, bottles, plastics).
3.4 Occupations based on waste recycling.

CATEGORY C - LIVELIHOODS & SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Criteria: Concept of right livelihood or socially useful work. Durable and well-made items.

C1. Community finance and recycling
1.1 Barter and exchange.
1.2 Small business loans.
1.3 Community banking and investment systems.
1.4 Land access systems, cooperatives, leases, trusts.
1.5 Legal and information services.
1.6 Local currencies

C2. Livelihood support services

2.1 Small business service centers, business incubators.
2.2 Skills resource bank: business, legal and financial advisory services, volunteer and retired people.
2.3 Self-employment (work from fulfilling regional needs: job vacancy lists).
2.4 Training courses in region.

C 3. Essential trades, and manufacturing services and skills

3.1 Clothing and cloth (spinning, weaving).
3.2 Footwear and accessories, leatherwork.
3.3 Basketry and weaving, mats and screens.
3.4 Functional pottery.
3.5 Steelwork, fitting and turning, smithing and casting, welding.
3.6 Functional woodwork
3.7 Engines and engine repairs.
3.8 Functional glasswork.
3.9 Paper recycling and manufacture, book trades, printing and binding.
3.10 Catering and cooking (food preparation).
3.11 Drafting and illustrating services.
3.12 Soaps, cleaning materials.

CATEGORY D - INFORMATION SYSTEMS, MEDIA SERVICES, COMMUNICATIONS AND RESEARCH.

Criteria: Essential community information, aids, and research

D1. Communications networks

1.1 Regional radio and C.B., ham radio.
1.2 Regional news and newspapers, newsletters.
1.3 Audio-visual services, photography, television, film
1.4 Business and research communications e.g. fax, telex, modem, card files, computer, journals, libraries, graphics, telephone answering services.
1.5 Computer services and training.
1.6 Libraries and collections of data in region.
1.7 Maps.
1.8 Bioregional groups and contacts—local and overseas.
1.9 Standard documents and data sheets available via the bioregional center.

CATEGORY E - COMMUNITY AND SECURITY.

E1. House and livestock security

1.1 House siting.
1.2 Neighborhood watch.
1.3 Cattle and livestock watch.

E2. Fire volunteers and reports (4 wheel drive clubs)
E3. Flood (cleanup)
E4. Woodland, cliff, beach rescue services
E5. Communication systems

5.1 Report center.
5.2 Emergency communications.

CATEGORY F- SOCIAL LIFE.

Criteria: Assistance for isolated people to meet people of like mind

F1. Introductory services.
F2. Think tanks.
F3. Expeditions.
F4. Work groups.

CATEGORY G - HEALTH SERVICES.

Criteria: Basic preventative and common ailment treatment, necessary hospitalization, accident treatment, local resources

G1. Medical and pharmaceutical services.
G2. Surgical and hospitalization services.
G3. Gynecological and midwifery services, home birth support.
G4. Profile of morbidity in region, life expectancy, infant mortality, causes of death, ailments in order of importance, under:

4.1 Accidents & injuries; infectious diseases; addictions & drugs.
4.2 Genetic and birth defects; nutritional problems.
Note: until the above listing is made, no region can assess health priorities.

CATEGORY H - FUTURE TRENDS & POTENTIAL THREATS TO THE REGION (AS A SERIES OF RESEARCH ESSAYS).

H1. Climate change
H2. Ozone depletion
H3. Water pollution and biocides: radioactives and chemical or waste pollution.
H4. Financial collapse: recession
H5. Implications for policy making
H6. Deforestation
H7. Soil erosion
H8. Fuel shortages
H9. Food shortages
H10. Etc.

CATEGORY I - TRANSPORT (SEE ALSO CATEGORY H).

I1. Barge and river systems
I2. Draft animal systems
I3. Joint or group delivery/ portage
I4. Innovations: local fuels and new sorts of vehicles
I5. Transport routes, bikeways
I6. Air and ultralight craft, blimps

CATEGORY M - APPENDICES.

Maps-

Bioregional map
Geological
Plant system
Soils
Sources and reference to maps, suppliers
Regions, parishes,
Land titles
Access and roads
Conservation land and easements
Rivers and water supplies

Note that if essential services are listed, deficiencies noted, and leaks of capital detected, then there is immediately obvious a category of “jobs vacant”
if, in addition, there is a modest investment or funding organization set up (itself a job), then capital to train and equip people to fill these gaps is also available. When basic needs are supplied locally, research and skills will reveal work in producing excess for traded this excess can be as information and education to other regions.

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Tue 28 Oct 2008

permacultureprinciples.com

Posted by nemawashi under permaculture principles, permacultureprinciples.com
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permacultureprinciples.com

Permaculture is a design system based on ethics and principles which can be used to establish, design, manage and improve all efforts made by individuals, households and communities towards a sustainable future.

This site explores the ‘essence of permaculture’ in a simple and clear way, expanding on the work of co-originator of the permaculture concept, David Holmgren.

Calendar & Diary Review - Kirsten Bradley

How good are these? You probably don’t know, so I’ll tell you - they’re great! Oh and though this looks like a shameless plug saying, basically, *buy stuff*, I’m afraid I have to mention it because they really are splendid. And really, how many other 2009 diaries will you find that contain the gruff but pertinent quote:

“there are two sorts of people in this world - those who poo in drinking water, and those who don’t…”

See the full review here.


The 12 permaculture design principles are thinking tools, that when used together, allow us to creatively re-design our environment and our behaviour in a world of less energy and resources.

These principles are seen as universal, although the methods used to express them will vary greatly according to the place and situation. They are applicable to our personal, economic, social and political reorganisation as illustrated in the permaculture flower.

The ethical foundation of permaculture guides the use of these design tools, ensuring that they are used in appropriate ways.

Each principle can be thought of as a door that opens into whole systems thinking, providing a different perspective that can be understood at varying levels of depth and application.

Permaculture Principles

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Wed 8 Oct 2008

Plan C: cooperate, conserve, curtail….

Posted by nemawashi under Uncategorized
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Plan C: Individual and Community Survival Strategies for the Energy Crisis
 The Fifth Annual US Conference on Peak Oil and Community Solutions October 31 - November 2, 2008 Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan www.plancconference.org

At this groundbreaking conference participants will explore strategies for reducing energy use in the areas of housing, food and transportation, including both theory and practice. We will examine the long energy decline of the 21st century, the psychological barriers to rapid change, and the challenge of persuading our communities to embrace local, low-energy living. Attendance at this conference may be of critical importance at this time when the ongoing energy crisis is being compounded by the very real threat of credit and financial collapse.

Our survival is now, more than ever, in question. And it is more urgent than ever that we gather in Michigan to evaluate survival strategies and disseminate skills for growing food, creating local food security in their communities, retrofitting homes to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and educating their communities to prepare for the difficult times we are facing.

Skyrocketing oil prices, mounting geopolitical tensions, grave economic realities, and dangerous climate changes are threatening our lives and communities like never before. The age of cheap, abundant fossil fuels is coming to an end, and urgent action is required to transform our overly consumptive society into one that uses far less energy.

By acting now, you can significantly cut your personal household energy use and overall consumption, support more localized economic production, and reduce your dependence on high energy transportation in your daily life. By doing this, you will be helping to create a more resilient and sustainable community adapted to the coming economic and ecological storms.

The conference will also feature in-depth workshops and panels, Connection Café discussion tables with area experts, an eco tour slide show, screenings of award winning films, entertainment, tours of local green buildings, a Green Living Expo, and healthy shared meals.

Schedule of Presentations and Workshops:
* Keynoter John Michael Greer, author of the forthcoming The Long Descent: A User’s Guide to the End of the Industrial Age
* Keynoter Dmitry Orlov, author of Reinventing Collapse: Soviet Example and American Prospects
* Richard Heinberg, Senior Fellow, Post Carbon Institute, author of The Party’s Over and Powerdown (via webcast)
* Katrin Klingenberg, director of the Passive House Institute US
* Peter Bane, editor of Permaculture Activist
* Christopher Bedford, President of the Center for Economic Security and the Sweetwater Local Foods Market
* John Richter, co-founder of the Institute for Sustainable Energy Education
* Pat Murphy, author of Plan C: Community Survival Strategies for Peak Oil and Climate Change
* Megan Quinn Bachman, Outreach Director of Community Solutions; co-producer of The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil

For more information and to register, go to www.plancconference.org, contact Jill Hollowell at Upland Hills Ecological Awareness Center at 248-693-1021, or email [email protected]. Note: Members of an organization or activist network are encouraged to attend as a group and receive substantial discounts for 3+ and 5+ member groups.

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Wed 1 Oct 2008

Financial Permaculture Workshop Oct 24-28, TN

Posted by nemawashi under Uncategorized
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From:

Catherine and Financial Permaculture,
August 22, 2008 at 12:08 am

In 1989, I was serving as Assistant Secretary of Housing. The housing bubble of the 1980’s had burst, and foreclosures were rising. The mortgage insurance funds of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) were experiencing dramatic losses. We were losing $11 mm a year in the single-family fund. All funds had lost $2 billion in the southwest region the year before.

My staff and I did an analysis of what had caused the losses. What were the actions that we could take?

Fraud aside, the single biggest cause of losses in the FHA portfolio was a falling Popsicle Index – an index that we coined as a rule of thumb to express the health of the living equity within a place.

The Popsicle Index is the percent of people who believe that a child can leave their home, go to the nearest place to buy a popsicle, and come home alone safely. It’s an expression of the sense of intimacy and well being in a place.

Not surprisingly, there is a correlation between the financial equity or wealth in a place and the living equity or human and natural wealth. Where the people, living things and land are happy, businesses thrive, and the value of real estate is good.

Much as I tried, I found it difficult to interest anyone in a rising Popsicle Index. Countless petitioners made their way through my offices – mortgage bankers, homebuilders, realtors, low-income activists, real estate developers, tenants and city officials. Invariably what they wanted was for me to make a decision that would help them make money. Over time, I could tell what government actions would cause the stock market to go up and down by the flow of people and their various petitions. Meantime, I could not interest anyone in a rising Popsicle Index. They did not see how it could make them money.

It took many years of researching to realize what was going on in our financial systems to incentivize this behavior. In most areas of the world, places are organized by government and financed with debt.

Corporations are financed with both debt and equity. The key financial opportunity is in owning the equity. When profits increase or the perception of a company prospects improve, the stock goes up. Senior management and investors sell the shares, generating capital gains. Capital gains on stocks and real estate are primary mechanisms for creating financial wealth in our society.

As a result, corporations can make money exploiting people and places and their stock will go up. The “stock” of the place harmed will not go down; there is no ‘stock’ of the place. By centralizing our investment capital into large corporations, our financial interests are not aligned with the interests of the people and our natural environment

So what do we do? If we are to stop the financial drain on our families and communities we must change how we manage our own finances. Perhaps the way to begin is as permaculture teaches us – to listen and build out from natural systems which are, ultimately, the source of most of our wealth.

In every place, there are thousands of existing financial agreements, including laws and regulations that impact financial values. If we are to nurture and restore places, we are well served to listen to both natural systems and existing financial agreements, looking for ways of building new, fundamental alignments between land, people and their savings that reduce risk and optimize resources on an integrated basis. From years of studying the financing of places, I can assure you that those opportunities exist. Years of continuous learning, patience and collaboration will be fruitful.

In every place, people and local institutions have financial capital, typically retirement capital or various kinds of savings and reserves. Increasingly, this capital is invested through centralized institutions and financial centers.

Developing ways of creating sound investments to finance permaculture developments and the businesses that supply them would serve to spread the adoption of permaculture techniques. The more opportunities locally, or through decentralized networks, the easier it will be for people to withdraw their retirement savings from destructive systems.

The power of financially sustainable alternatives is that they help create a safe haven for billions of dollars that would like to leave more traditional investments but must have a place to go that is respectful of their precious savings and need for retirement income.

I am often told that financial tools are destructive and we should withdraw from them entirely. However, it is important to understand that millions of people have their life savings invested in that system. By choosing to not create sound, reliable alternatives, we ensure that their capital will stay invested in the old paradigm, financing destructive activities. Let’s find a way to welcome and protect their capital. Think of the potential allies we could make.

When we look at the flow of time and resources within a place where are some opportunities?

Small Business: Small business is the engine of a local economy. Look for ways to help local businesses attract and build talent and market products and services that increase local self- sufficiency. With the importance of agriculture increasing, this includes small farms too.

Government Resources: Centralization means that a greater portion of resources in a place are controlled by government, including the federal government. This money - as well as government regulations -often creates incentives out of alignment with the best interest of the local community and local natural resources. Concerted attention to understand government rules and regulations can produce opportunities for reengineering.

Distressed Assets: We are experiencing significant mortgage and other debt defaults as well as bankruptcies. Organizing ways to proactively help people harmed and reposition assets owned by distant financial institutions or government may represent an opportunity. Could these assets be “greened?”

Local Capital: Increasingly local investment capital is invested through Wall Street. Look for angel or other small investors as well as philanthropists who would be interested in creating ways to circulate more equity investment locally.

Strategic Partnerships: Every community can benefit from renewable technology and new skills. Look for ways to build linkages between a community and the enterprises and institutions that help create self- sufficiency. Such partnerships may also provide another opportunity for local capital.

Waste: Just as physical waste presents an opportunity for greening a community, so does financial waste. Study what is causing financial distress and look for opportunities to find solutions. For example, one of the biggest sources of financial waste comes from using a currency that is falling in value. Hence, the growing interest in community currencies and barter.

Align incentives: Increasing local equity
investment means that investors can benefit from a wide variety of initiatives to lower costs and consumption, improve local business and markets and the flow of deposits, purchases and investments locally.

The idea of using the term Financial Permaculture to describe our efforts was coined by Thomas Hupp of the Leadership School as he, Jennifer Dauksha-English of the Center for Holistic Ecology, Greg Landau of the Ecovillage Training Institute, Carolyn Betts of Solari and I were brainstorming how to integrate Solari investment strategy with permaculture.

We decided the best way to create an integrated vision of natural and financial health within a place was to invite many more people into the conversation.

From October 24-28, with our colleagues Connie Sharp from the Sonnenschein Festival, Debbie Landers from Leadership Lewis and the team from GAIA University, we will gather with students and experts from across the country in Hohenwald, Tennessee for a five day course and simulation - Financial Permaculture: The Greening of a Rural American Community.

We would love for you to join us in the “invention room.” For more information and to register, see www.holisticecology.org.

Also see: The Farm Blog

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Wed 1 Oct 2008

Posted by nemawashi under Alistair Bland, Matter of Trust, Orion, Paul Stamets, San Francisco, mycoremediation, oil spills
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Bad Hair Day

by Alastair Bland

Published in the May/June 2008 issue of Orion magazine

Nature provides solutions to many problems, no matter how seemingly hopeless and messy. Take for example the November 7, 2007, oil spill in San Francisco Bay, in which fifty-eight thousand gallons of fuel gushed from the Cosco Busan‘s hull and lathered the water’s surface. It was a local disaster, no doubt, but the spill has also inspired environmentalists to begin redesigning the world’s approach to toxic-waste cleanup with two unlikely yet promising tools: human hair and mushrooms.

Coverage of the oil spill produced few remarkable images, just the standard shots of crews on beaches floundering in black sludge and handling soiled birds. But then media caught on to something that no oil spill had seen before: an activist named Lisa Gautier and several hundred volunteers were using mats of human hair to soak up the oil from the sands of Ocean Beach, just south of the Golden Gate Bridge.

As executive director of the environmental nonprofit Matter of Trust, Gautier had been storing the hair mats for just such an occasion. She explained to reporters that the mats, marketed by an Alabama gardening supply company as soil insulators, work far better at soaking up oil than conventional polypropylene mats, which are manufactured and widely used for just that purpose and are, ironically, themselves made from petroleum. Human hair is organic, biodegradable, and almost endlessly available at more than 300,000 hair salons in the United States and abroad. (See the photo gallery)

Around the Bay Area, a total of nineteen thousand gallons of spilled oil were recovered. Gautier mopped up several thousand pounds of ship fuel with her hair mats. Oil reclaimed after spills is regularly incinerated, but Gautier had a better, cleaner idea. She has long followed the work of Seattle biologist Paul Stamets, who has intensively researched the oyster mushroom’s capacity to reconfigure dangerous hydrocarbons into nontoxic—even edible—carbohydrates, and she called Stamets three days after the spill to ask if he would like to help orchestrate a demonstration of mycoremediation. Hearing that Gautier had enough ship fuel to feed an army of oyster mushrooms, Stamets was keen to offer his expertise as well as donate hundreds of pounds of mushroom mycelium, the underground fungal organism from which mushrooms sprout. But as enthusiasm mounted, authorities abruptly announced that the recovered Cosco Busan oil, along with the saturated hair mats, would be withheld as potential evidence in legal proceedings. So Gautier changed course, securing a twenty-gallon sample of ship fuel from an East Bay freighter company, as well as several buckets of used motor oil, and the experiment went forth.

On a small plot of federal land in the Presidio forest near the Golden Gate Bridge, Stamets, Gautier, and volunteers stacked hay bales like building blocks to construct a thirty-by-thirty-foot enclosure, within which they built eight square chambers. After laying a thick, waterproof tarp over the hay bales, the team filled each of the isolated chambers with oil. Two would be left as controls, one containing just motor oil, the other ship fuel. But in the other six the team added mycelium with varying mixtures of straw, sawdust, and grain. The mycelium reacted, and by mid-January, beautiful oyster mushrooms had sprouted from the cubicles of mulch. Subsequent lab analyses showed that the mixtures beneath the sprouted mushrooms were greatly thinned of hydrocarbons, and in the mushrooms themselves there remained not a trace of petroleum. It was magic. (See mycoremediation photo gallery)

Already, the idea is catching on around the world. The tremendous oil spills that struck shorelines in Russia and South Korea in late 2007 have been remedied in part with human hair mats after local activists heard of the drama in San Francisco, and in Valdez, Alaska, where oil still seeps from tide pools nineteen years after the terrible Exxon spill, locals have voiced a renewed interest in finally cleaning up the mess using the combination of hair mats and mycoremediation.

Across the water from San Francisco, too, the East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse in Oakland has partnered with Matter of Trust to launch a local hair-mat manufacturing plant—the first such facility on domestic soil (the current hair-mat supply comes mostly from China). The U.S. Coast Guard is considering signing on as a regular buyer.

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Wed 1 Oct 2008

The Water Institute

Posted by nemawashi under Brock Dolman, OAEC, Occidental Arts and Ecology Center, The Water Institute, watersheds
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What Is A Watershed?

The term “watershed” describes a catchment basin that conveys all surface and groundwater that falls within it and runs through it. It is geographically defined by the highest ridgelines, or watershed divides, that encircle it. It is these watershed divides that differentiate it from the adjacent watershed.

The word watershed is used to describe basins, catchments or drainages of varying sizes. For example, The WATER Institute is located in the headwaters of Dutch Bill Watershed, an 11 square mile area nested within its larger watershed, the 1480 square mile Russian River basin. Watersheds can be as small as the property you live on or as large as the Mississippi basin which drains 40% of the North American continent.

It is common for people to focus on the creek, or river, alone when, in fact, it is everything that occurs from the ridgeline to the rivermouth that makes up the watershed. The movement of water over and through the living ecosystem connects us to one another and to all species living in our Basin of Relation. The quality and quantity of this precious liquid, can determine which and how many of each species can sustainably live in each watershed. The better we understand the relationship between our actions and the watershed we live in, the more likely we are to ensure water security for all species that share a watershed.


A true “Watershed Moment.” This ridgeline sheds rainwater in
to two distinct watersheds.
From Basins of Relations:
A Citizen’s Guide to Protecting and Restoring Our Watersheds

Buy the WATER Institute publication on Basins of Relations

© 2006-2008 by The WATER Institute, Occidental Arts and Ecology Center,
All Rights Reserved
15290 Coleman Valley Road, Occidental, CA 95465
(707) 874-1557 x 206
[email protected]

In 2004 the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center (OAEC) established the WATER Institute (Watershed Advocacy, Training, Education, & Research) to promote understanding of the importance of healthy watersheds to healthy communities. Building upon OAEC’s many years of work to protect Coastal California’s watersheds, the WATER Institute concentrates on four interrelated and equally strong program components: advocacy and policy development; training and support; education and demonstration; and research.

The WATER Institute staff includes Director Brock Dolman, Associate Director Kate Lundquist, Research Director Jim Coleman and Salmon Safe Pesticide Coordinator Viviana Coloma.

The WATER Institute continues to publish and educate about “Conservation Hydrology,” an applied science being pioneered by OAEC and characterized by the following key concepts:

• Human development decisions must be based on a new “rehydration model” instead of the current “dehydration model.”
>

• All development must safeguard the health of watersheds and the availability of clean water.

• Land-use management strategies must thoroughly analyze the impact of human activities on the hydrologic cycle, and how these activities affect species, community and ecosystem dynamics.

• Democratic, regionally controlled decision-making processes are essential for the protection of vigorous ecosystems and diverse, resilient hydrological systems.

At local, regional and global levels, we hear ever-increasing demands for ample supplies of high quality water. In response, we must develop accurate means of evaluating the amount of water available for both human appropriation and for the needs of all other life forms and ecosystems. We must defend the perspective that water is common to us all, and we must oppose its privatization.

Asserting that it is “better to be safe than thirsty,” the WATER Institute advocates the use of the Precautionary Principle in decisions about water-use policy. The burden of proof must be on water users to show that their proposed use of our common water can be sustained without damage to the hydrologic cycle. For example, will the new water use adversely affect the infiltration, runoff, creek flows, evaporation, precipitation, condensation, availability, or purity of local water?

The WATER Institute’s initial research project is to better understand the hydrological cycle on the very land and water where we live and work at OAEC. We have installed a computerized weather station and a groundwater well-monitoring system to record water levels and characterize the relationship between surface water and groundwater at the OAEC site.

This monitoring will provide data to develop an OAEC “water budget,” and will help determine our long-term conservation hydrology plan. For instance, a conservation hydrology strategy for OAEC might include increasing the recharge of our groundwater and enhancing potable water quality by slowing surface water runoff and increasing infiltration. This research will be useful as a model for larger projects in the Dutch Bill Creek Watershed and the Russian River Basin. Numerous water policy and educational opportunities will likely flow from this baseline research.

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Mon 16 Jun 2008

IPC9 to be held in Africa in 2009

Posted by nemawashi under Africa, IPC9, South Africa, permaculture
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IPC9 to be held in Africa in 2009

Planning is underway for the next International Permaculture Conference and Convergence, IPC 9, which will be in Africa in October & November, 2009. The Coordinator of IPC 9 is Mugove Walter Nyika of the Regional Schools and Colleges Permaculture (RESCOPE) Programme, in Malawi.

IPC9 Dates Announced:

  • PDC Course (IPC9c), Harare, Zimbabwe, 11-23 October, 2009
  • Conference (IPC9a), Pretoria, South Africa, 26-28 October, 2009
  • Convergence (IPC9b), Mulanje, Malawi, 2-7 November, 2009
  • Site Tours (IPC9d), 8-20 November, 2009

The proposed theme for IPC 9 is “Designing solutions for a sustainable future”.

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Thu 10 Apr 2008

The Ecology of Leadership

Posted by nemawashi under Uncategorized
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Here’s a course that could bear repeating in every neighborhood of the nation.

Start: Oct 11 2008 - 9:30am
End: Oct 11 2008 - 5:00pm
Spring 2008: Santa Barbara, CA
 Fall 2008: Bolinas, CA

INSTRUCTORS: James Stark and Christopher Kuntzsch

“Never doubt that a small group of concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead

Introduction

As we face the challenges of our changing world, many people are searching for avenues to make a difference - to play a part in transforming our families, communities, and the greater world in which we live. Each one of us has the potential to bring forth our gifts, develop the tools we need to make a difference, and live up to our own leadership potential so we can be of service.

Whether you have prior experience and training, or if have recently felt called to step onto a path of leadership for the first time, this program provides a unique opportunity to deeply explore who you are, who you wish to be, and how you will contribute to others. You will articulate your vision, get in deeper touch with your gifts and develop new tools, routines, mindsets and skills to be more effective in manifesting what you see for yourself and the world.

Curriculum

The program is rooted in the following three elements:

We are nature. We are not separate. The program engages leadership that arises from an intimate relationship with the natural world. The more our leadership sources from our connection with the earth, the more effective we will be as leaders.

Specific Leadership Technology. This element includes valuable skills, habits, and mindsets to improve your effectiveness in areas such as:

  • Communication
  • Making and Honoring Commitments
  • Project management
  • Gaining support for your vision from others
  • Presentation skills
  • Using your time effectively
  • Coaching – helping others develop new skills
  • Bringing all aspects of your life into harmony
  • Our ‘Inner Ecology’ Influences How We Show Up as Leaders. In the program, we will explore how our thoughts, mental models, beliefs, and the stories we tell – both about ourselves and those around us - affect our life and our ability to make a difference in our family, community, and chosen work in the world. As we understand and evolve our inner ecology, we become more effective at manifesting our dreams.

Our ‘Inner Ecology’ Influences How We Show Up as Leaders. In the program, we will explore how our thoughts, mental models, beliefs, and the stories we tell – both about ourselves and those around us - affect our life and our ability to make a difference in our family, community, and chosen work in the world. As we understand and evolve our inner ecology, we become more effective at manifesting our dreams.

Integrating these three elements, you will begin to experience leadership as a dynamic process that translates your awareness and insights - about yourself and the world around you - into effective action towards your intended goals.

On your development journey, you will:

  • Design and implement a self inspired project which will give you the opportunity to practice new leadership skills while making a difference in your community.
  • Explore patterns of behavior, as well as the thoughts and beliefs you operate from, and determine which of these do and do not serve you in your life and work in the world.
  • Receive structured coaching and support from your peers between workshops, as well as from program instructors and alumni.
  • Adopt routines to deepen your relationship with the natural world and who you are as a leader.
  • Take on practice assignments that will help you develop your personal leadership ecology and integrate the skills, mindset, and routines of the course into your daily life and chosen projects.
  • Develop and grow a regional leadership circle during the course of the program. After graduation, this circle will continue to serve and support you on your leadership journey.

As the Ecology of Leadership program unfolds, you will experience leadership as a new way of thinking and being. By engaging the practices and routines offered in the program, you will deepen your relationship to the natural world and, thereby, transform your life and your leadership effectiveness as you navigate through this changing world.

Regional Leadership Circles

A leadership circle is formed at the beginning of each program and is guided by the facilitators until graduation. At this point, the circle becomes independent, remaining dedicated to supporting alumni in continuing to integrate the tools of the program as each leader manifests their vision in their community.

Imagine local and regional leadership circles forming throughout the world – connected to one another and united as one. If you would like to explore the possibility of creating a leadership circle in your community, please contact us to set up a free introductory workshop.

Bolinas Meeting Schedule
The course meets once a month for 1-2 days on select Saturdays and Sundays. We will meet from 9:30am until 5:00pm. The first and last sessions will include a Saturday evening meeting, as well. Participants are welcome to bring camping gear and stay overnight at Commonweal Garden during consecutive meeting dates.

The time commitment for your participation – outside of workshops and the project you will develop - will vary by individual. However, you can expect to spend approximately 6-10 hours per month in peer coaching and engaging in program assignments on your own time. The assignments are designed to integrate into and empower the life that you choose to lead. Please consider your capacity to participate fully before applying to the program.

Course Testimonials

“It is not everyday that one is given the opportunity for deep self-reflection in a supportive, nurturing circle of other emerging leaders as well as two phenomenal instructors. It was an honor and privilege to work with two instructors who are sincerely devoted to each individual’s growth for the overall well being of the planet and its citizens.”
- Kiea Wright, Biologist/Community Activist

“I highly recommend esign.org/courses-events/the-ecology-of-leadership">Ecology of Leadership. The curriculum is indispensable for folks interested in working for world healing and transformation. The course taught me a powerful technology for leading from within. It stretched me past longstanding limitations. The practices I learned in the course will stick with me for life. EOL helped me to take more responsibility, to do it effectively and make positive change in nearly every area of my life. The course facilitators are especially insightful, and supportive. In addition, I made new, close friends who now serve as trusted allies in my growth. I regained a sense of connection with Nature in the course as a source of inspiration and guidance. Best of all, my clarity of purpose and creativity for projects I hope to do in my community has expanded. I am more effective as a friend, teacher and counselor, and a lot happier in myself. I would do the course all over again! ” - Michelle Nemer, Health Counselor

“EOL provides tools which can help us uncover and transcend the subtle ways that we stop ourselves from knowing and becoming who we really want to be. These tools require some time, some commitment, some willingness to be uncomfortable or afraid; but they do work, if you use them.” -Lydia Neilsen, Permaculture Instructor

“Ecology of Leadership integrates our inner realm with how we show up in the world. I gained insight into how I operate and how I can turn intentions into action in powerful ways.”

-Colin Spake, Biologist/Community Activist

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Mon 31 Mar 2008

Update from the Organizing Committee for the Continental Bioregional Congress — Greg Landua

Posted by carynmg under Uncategorized
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A sure sign of spring on the Cumberland Plateau are the cherry blossoms and daffodils starting to brighten up the landscape after the cool gray winter.

There is hustle and bustle here on The Farm, with people putting in their gardens, starting to work on buildings now that it (hopefully) wont be dropping back below freezing.

And the busy work of organizing a Continental Bioregional Congress is also in full swing keeping up with the spring surge of energy. The Cumberland Green, as it is locally known, is the highland plateau stretching west from the southern end of the Appalachian mountains. The Green is wealthy in musical tradition as well as regenerative bioregional potential.

The Core organizing Committee currently consists of Eric Lewis, Administrator of the Cumberland Greens Biocouncil; Greg Landua, Program Coordinator of the Ecovillage Training Center; Ali Rosenblat, Secretary of Ecovillage Network of the Americas, Jennifer D. English, Director of the Center for Holistic Ecology and Jessi Ortiz, Office Coordinator of the Ecovillage Training Center. We are also blessed with the help of the Continental Bioregional Council as well as a group of elders from the Farm Community including Albert Bates, Doug Stevenson, and Mary Ellen Bowen.

Our hope is to synchronize our efforts in bioregional organizing with the wave on interest in alternative lifestyles, green living and localization to empower the bioregional movement on the Cumberland Plateau and The North American Continint. WE are hoping to catalyze a year and a half long discussion culminating with the Bioregional Congress and continuing on from there with clarity and purpose.

In service to the Earth.

Greg Landua

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