EcoEducators's topics - tribe.net

How would you rate your organization?

2009-05-17T19:07:25Z

I am still working on my thesis, and fascinated with applying counseling techniques to environmental education. Are society's behaviors vis-a-vis the environment not very much like substance abuse? Addiction? Bad habits that are hard to kick?

So... assuming that you hope to encourage pro-environmental *behavior* (as opposed to just getting people to *say* they support what you do), how would you say your organization does at the following? If you could make changes in your organization, what could you do better?

1) For people in pre-contemplation - people who aren't even concerned about environmental issues - does your organization engage these people, draw them in, and maybe raise some doubts? Give them something to think about?

2) For people in contemplation - people who agree that environmental concerns need to be addressed, but not quite sure what, if anything, they should do about it - does your organization role model positive changes they could make? Do your staff members appear to be competent and happy living these alternatives? In short, do participants at this stage of readiness for change perceive the alternatives you offer to be attractive? Can they see themselves adopting these changes? Additionally, at this stage, do you get these people involved in projects that make a difference? Help them accomplish something they can be proud of?

3) For people in preparation for change, do you offer coaching and support? On an ongoing basis?

4) For people in maintenance, do you provide trouble shooting, social support, and kudos?

5) For people in relapse, do you help them with damage control and re-engagement?

I am also open to alternative criteria if you think these are invalid. Share your thoughts!

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

On the Nature of Transformative Experience

2009-05-03T13:05:36Z

I am taking advantage of the economic slowdown to renew work on my Masters Thesis: "On the Nature of Transformative Experience".

I am studying the widely varied approaches used by wilderness organizations claiming to offer experiences powerful enough to shake up a person's self-image and core values. I have worked for a few of these organizations (Student Conservation Association, Sound Experience, Outward Bound, Boulder Outdoor Survival School), conducting case studies and focus group interviews. I have also reviewed the literature, of course, although I need to update myself on anything published in the last three years.

What are the necessary components of an experience powerful enough to be transformative? If we were to start a new organization for the explicit purpose of inspiring participants to lead lives that are more environmentally responsible, what would be the ideal recipe? What populations should we target? How long should we keep them? What should we have them doing?

Also: does anyone know of any recent publications I should consider?

posted in EcoEducators - 4 replies

Life Long Learner

2009-04-30T08:53:57Z

You must live in your school. Your house and land you live on must be the school. You are always the teacher and the student. You must do everything possible to educate yourself about life, the world, yourself, and most importantly, the connections between everything. You must have many people visit the school, and much solitude and silence to reflect on things. You must start this school now. It must be your life.
- James Neill, 30 June, 2001.
http://wilderdom.com/research.php

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Yardsharing and Seed Angels - We need you!

2009-03-06T00:05:10Z

We have a couple projects going that don't need funding - just participants!

The first is hyperlocavore.com. Hyperlocavore is a yardsharing community - built to support people in the practice of creating 'yardsharing' arrangements to grow food together.

Many people want to grow food but they lack one or two of these four things:
-time
-space
-skills
- physical strength

Forming a yardsharing group with your friends, neighbors, family or with your religious communities is easy - and free! You can set up a 'seeking yardshare' group for your area (like Chicago, South Side) or a private group for your own yardshare "Grandma's Backyard Garden"

CSAs are filling up fast. Community gardens have waiting lists. Food is getting more and more expensive.
Find some people and start growing together!

The other project we've started is The Great Let's Get Growing Seed Share.
We are asking experienced gardeners to become 'seed angels,' to adopt a newbie gardener and send them some garden seeds! I have sent four newbie gardeners enough seed that each of them will have huge beautiful edible gardens this summer. It's easy - it cost me less than 4 dollars to get four gardens going!

If you are an experienced gardener we need you to become a seed angel!
If you are a newbie food grower - sign up!

It's FREE
http://hyperlocavore.wordpress.com/2009/03/05/the-great-lets-get-growing-seed-share/

If you think these are good ideas please help us get the word out to your communities! Blog it, tweet it, share it!

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

wanna be a schooner bum?

2009-01-19T16:18:37Z

Help spread the word:

Sail aboard Puget Sound’s environmental tall ship. Sound Experience is looking for volunteer interns to live and crew aboard the schooner Adventuress during the 2009 sailing season. No experience necessary. Bring your energy and enthusiasm on board to educate, inspire and empower all to care for Puget Sound. Minimum age is 18. Visit www.soundexp.org for more details or give us a call at 360-379-0438.

If you wish for your email to be removed from the “employment opportunities list” please respond with an email with unsubscribe in the subject line.

Brian R. Larsen Stafki, M.Ed.
Education Director
POB 1390, Port Townsend, WA 98368
office:360-379-0438
fax 360-379-0439
www.soundexp.org

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

eco ed amongst the poor

2008-12-05T18:04:30Z

I've often wondered about how to approach eco ed in the situation where people are acting from desparation and seem incapable of doing the right thing but are more likely to grab what they can get and whatever cost ie. removing corals from the ocean, using poison for fishing...

Any suggestions on how to approach such situations, especially where resources are few to educate and to police.

posted in EcoEducators - 2 replies

Do you teach ecobuilding?

2008-06-11T11:54:50Z

We are looking for teachers for our natural building workshops in Mexico.

http://www.bosquevillage.com/en/buildingworkshop/

We have an instructor for our next workshop in October, but would also like others for ongoing projects and for when we have too many students. We also have space for all kinds of building experimentation!
We provide practical knowledge in strawbale, cob, and adobe construction. We will also work on an earth roof and a small earthship structure.

If you would like to join us to build and play, please drop a note!

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

04/19-04/24 Introduction to Cob and Natural Building Prescott, AZ

2008-04-02T21:53:26Z

04/19-04/24 Introduction to Cob and Natural Building Prescott, AZ
Hey folks, a Friend of mine is hosting a workshop in AZ building a cob/natural building greenhouse. Whether you want to build a cob oven, bench, studio, or other such space...or are inspired by the ecological/community awareness, while simultaneously creating a tangible product you should check this out. If anyone is interested either personally or professionally in such a workshop you should look into www.SGNB.com (thats for Seven Generations Natural Builders).

I've found natural building a great approach to experiential environmental students of all sorts. SGNB has worked with the native american smithsonian in D.C to Large workshops throughout the country/world. Besides playing in the mud is good for one's moral!!!

Instructor:
Sasha Rabin (sasha@sgnb.com)
Sasha Rabin has a degree in Ecological Design from Evergreen State College. She has studied natural and traditional methods of building in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Indonesia, and the southwest United States. Following an apprentice at the Cob Cottage Company she worked with them as an assistant instructor(2001) and went on to co-found Seven Genereation Natural Builders in 2003. She built a cob dwelling in the southwest US that she is curently living in. She contuinues to teach with SGNB, as well teaching as a guest instructor at the Real Good Institute for Solar Living(www.realgoods.com) / and Yestermorrow Design/Build School. (www.yestermorrow.org/)

(She is also flexible on the price if that is an issue but for a workshop that is a fair number!!!)

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Anyone going to the World Forum for Nature Education for Young Children?

2008-02-20T15:36:13Z

http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wf2008_nature/index.php

It's being held in the USA at the Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City July 21-23, 2008.

I went to the World Forum for Early Care and Education last year in Kuala Lumpur and found the Global view of how child care providers can involve nature in the lives of children was just fantastic!

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Who Is educting Kids NOW?

2008-01-26T00:04:17Z

I am hoping there are others out there who could recomend some organizations doing sustainable education and earth works. I would like to work with children and educate about the most valuable info. Living on Earth. I am an aspiring teacher and I don't want to wait to graduate to work with kids ( I graduate in 3 or 4 years.) This seems too important to delay. Any recomendations would be appreciated!

posted in EcoEducators - 14 replies

Sea Shepherd in the New Yorker

2007-11-22T14:30:20Z

NEPTUNE'S NAVY
Paul Watson’s wild crusade to save the oceans.
by Raffi Khatchadourian

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2007/11/05/071105fa_fact_khatchadourian?currentPage=1

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Bioneer's podcasts 2007...and more

2007-11-20T00:20:04Z

Hi friends,
here you can listen to some speakers from Bioneer's 2007(Marion,MA)
http://www.futureprimitive.org/
...and please, don't miss these two fascinating interviews with David Abram("Spell of the Sensuous") and Robert Wolff ("Original Wisdom")
http://www.futureprimitive.org/interviews/3
http://www.futureprimitive.org/interviews/7
warm regards from
Joseluis

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Eco-Ed in the Philippines

2007-10-30T07:59:55Z

Curious to know anyone doing any eco-ed or organizations doing such in the Philippines if anyone has any knowledge of this.

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Permaculture Credit Union

2007-10-11T20:43:50Z

Permaculture Credit Union: http://pcuonline.org/index.html

want to know why credit unions are so much better than banks?: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9050474362583451279

want to know more about permaculture?: http://www.permaculture.org/nm/index.php/site/index/

posted in EcoEducators - 1 reply

Great Website

2007-10-09T12:11:42Z

CNN.com has previews of their documentary, Planet in Peril. Some well-known environmentalists explore environmental issues across the globe, with interactive links and clips from the 8 hour documentary. I watched some if it with my 7th & 8th graders on our SMART board, and they were really into it. If you have a computer lab or SMART board, it is a great thing to let the kids explore. You can jsut go to CNN.com and there should be links for it.

posted in EcoEducators - 2 replies

Hi Guys,

2007-09-11T18:22:41Z

Hi Guys,

I have added an Energy Efficiency section to my website- Comments/Suggestions would be great.

Link: http://www.worldofrenewables.com/EnergyEfficiency/index.html

Grant Rowe

World of Renewables
grantrowe@worldofrenewables.com

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Julia Butterfly Hill's org has K-12 curriculum...

2007-08-05T03:02:10Z

...I was wondering if somebody out there knows anything about it--ie: If anybody has heard of it, used it for a class, or knows where to order it, what it might cost, etc.

Thanks...

posted in EcoEducators - 2 replies

EcoEducator Course Listings

2007-08-05T02:59:20Z

Would be cool to know of all the EcoEducator courses being offered around the world as we hear of them. Here is one in Vancouver BC...

Proposed Masters of Education Degree Curriculum and Instruction with a Focus on Ecological Education
LOWER MAINLAND
Beginning Fall 2004

This two year program is comprised of coursework and a comprehensive exam. Classes will be held during weekend sessions in the Fall and Spring at various location around the Lower Mainland. During the first summer semester students will take two courses. Location to be decided.

INFORMATION MEETING
Monday , January 12th from 6:30 to 8 pm
SFU Harbour Centre, Room 2280
515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver

Those unable to attend the meeting who require information
may contact:
Dr. Michael Ling, SFU Off-Campus Graduate Programs
Phone: (604) 291-4168 E-mail: gling@sfu.ca
Ida Clayton
Phone: (604) 291-5897 E-mail: clayton@sfu.ca

posted in EcoEducators - 2 replies

Free online books about holistic agriculture, holistic health and self-sufficient homesteading

2007-07-21T21:44:54Z

check this site out for a lot of free AMAZING literature...it takes about one minute for a book to reach your email: http://www.soilandhealth.org/

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Tomorrow Saturday, June 9, 7 p.m. Eastern (4 p.m. Pacific, 18:00 GMT-5) LIVE interactive online conference!

2007-06-09T00:51:34Z

Hello culture shapers,

Hi this is Mike Sheehan here. I am a proud member of the Earth Charter Youth Initiative and founder of Beatboard. I am beginning a series of live interactive online broadcasts with a new company Heart In Action (see below). This Saturday June 9th at 7pm (PST) Heart In Action will host a live interactive broadcast I would love for you to check out.

This will be a great example of emerging INTERACTIVE web based communications related to social justice and environmental sustainability. I'm looking forward to sharing the potential of this technology with you through Beatboard and my recent partnership with Heart In Action. Tuning in on Saturday will allow you to see what is possible and may spur you to dream up new applications for this technology. Please feel free to interact live or simply watch and listen to the panel of professional speakers and musicians.

You're Invited!

When: Saturday, June 9, 7 p.m. Eastern (4 p.m. Pacific, 18:00 GMT-5)
Where: Your home computer
What: A live online discussion for World Environment / World Ocean Day 2007

Please join us for a free online discussion and musical celebration for World Environment / World Ocean Day.

Starting at 7 p.m. Eastern, a panel of inspiring inspiring professionals will answer your questions and discuss the importance of the world's oceans and the effect that climate change is having on polar and oceanic ecosystems.

Actor and environmentalist Edward James Begley, Jr. and Philippe Cousteau, grandson of Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau, will join an exciting group of leading environmentalists to talk about the hot topic of melting water. Other panelists taking part in the discussion include:

* Dr. Noel Brown - President of Friends of the United Nations. He previously served as the Director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), North American regional office.
* Dr. Paul Boyle - founded The Ocean Project in 1997 to increase public awareness of the crucial roles the ocean plays in human survival and engage people to protect our ocean for future generations.
* Dr. Frank Muller-Karger - professor of Biological Oceanography in the College of Marine Science at the University of South Florida.
* Dr. Vladimir Golitsyn - past Director, Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS); United Nations Office of Legal Affairs, will open the Panel Discussion with a brief "State of the Oceans" statement.

After the discussion, Kristin Hoffmann and Robert Anthony Aviles will delight us with their top-notch musical talent. Robert Aviles is one of the world's few 7-string electric violinists. Whether performing solo or in his band, Insight, Aviles' public performances receive rave reviews from critics. And Kristen will weave her vocals through tales of lifeÕs many journeys over classically-inspired piano and guitar parts.

Register for this live interactive discussion:
http://www.care2.com/campaigns/whalecenter/?z00m=9419348

Read the bios of the guest panelists:
http://globalhealing.net/id/environmentandoceandays.html

If you are interested in setting up a live broadcast for your organization or have any questions about the platform please feel to contact me. I would love to talk with you.

I'm hoping to get 25 people from my network to tune in so please tell your peers and tell them you heard about it hear. I'm excited about the possibilities. Thank you for your support.

best,
Mike Sheehan
250-381-6453

Regional Coordinator for the United Nations Association Canada and Founder and Director of Beatboard

www.beatboard.org
(250) 381-6453

The Beatboard is a Youth Leadership, New Media and Contemporary Arts Education Organization.

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Ecotopia the utopian novel that inspired Cascadia

2007-05-24T22:14:28Z

Ecotopia the utopian novel that inspired Cascadia

I came across a pirated copy of Ecotopia in
pdf format for anyone to download and get others interested (maybe
as wall paper the whole book on a public accessable wall might be an
idea). I would recommend dowloading it and passing it on before it
is yank from the site:

http://www.indybay.org/uploads/aipotoce.pdf

Sorry Ernest Callenbach .. but I think the need for the paradigm
shift should out weight the payment for royalties in this case.

posted in EcoEducators - 1 reply

Summer High Seas High School

2007-05-06T20:12:15Z

www.hl-aktuell.de/summerhsh...agedt.html

Hi,

I already know that project, seems very interesting, what do you think???

Do you do something like that??

Synnöve

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Chee Savish and Dancing Hawk Native Lifeways

2007-04-16T13:21:20Z

Chee Savish and Dancing Hawk Native Lifeways

The following are two groups that I think are very very valubale:

http://www.cheesiwash.net/

This is so so SKOOKUM (cool), I just stumbled across this site and its
exactly what I would like Cascadians to return to be. Take a look at
their recipes and basic ideas.

Chee Siwash
Portland Aboriginal Lifeways
http://www.cheesiwash.net/

The word "chee" is Chinook Wawa for "new" and "siwash" is Chinook Wawa
for "Indiginous Person" (meaning "American Indian") derrived from the
French word for "savage". Ok Chinook Jargon is not up to modern
Cascadian English political correctness standards, but I believe if we
can re-incorporate Chinook Wawa into our daily language we will end up
with a new synthesis of Chee Chinook or a very very distinct Cascadian
English.

__________

http://www.dancinghawk.com/

This is another site that seems to be connected with "Chee Siwash"

Dancing Hawk Native Lifeways
http://www.dancinghawk.com/

about the school

Dancing Hawk School of Simple Living is a school dedicated to
helping people learn to capture happiness, and live in tune with the
world around them. We are in the process of becoming a 501c(3) non-
profit institution.

Our primary focus is running native living programs and classes. We
have several different types of classes, from workshops a few hours
long to longer-term primitive projects.

Dancing Hawk also likes to bring the joy and wisdom found in the
wilderness to the greater community. We do outreach talks and events
both formal and festive.

Last, but not least, be sure to see the photos in our gallery.
Nothing tells the story of experience like our photos do.

Your wild guides, past and present: Kiliii Yu & Troy Julian
kiliii@dancinghawk. com

Kiliii has taught primitive skills and indigenous cultural teachings
at the Rabbitstick and Wintercount Rendezvous, the Falling Leaves
Rendezvous and Oberlin University. He has also spent time among the
Haida of the Northwest Coast, Aborigines of Central Australia, and
several indigenous peoples of Ecuador's highlands and rainforest. He
considers his mentors: Lynx Vilden, Jon Young, David Jagamarra, and
Margaret Matthewson.

Troy has been a longtime field instructor at the Outback (formerly
Walkabout) program in Salt Lake City as well as Outward Bound in
North Carolina. He has also taught at the Rabbitstick Rendezvous.

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Hard work great People

2007-04-13T03:11:39Z

Hi, folks. I havnt been here for a while. But I have been workin hard on an education grant to open up a nature center, on the Ohio River. It is 395 acres of wooded land & hills and meadows. We are strictly grant funded but have many programs to offer the public. It might not pay for the boat but it sure helps out the with karma credits. I love Life and it hugs me back. If any one is in southern ohio check out The forest.

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Relationships and common goals are what will bring us together.

2007-04-01T11:47:20Z

Hola Sobey... and rest of you beautiful earth lovin' healers!

I am currently in Mazatlan, Mexico working on a cultural exchange project and developing an eco-tourism bizy-ness. My relations with the people in the little rancho called Roblito are super-sweet and my connections with state government is as good as it could be. High level people in every sector have taken me under their wing. It is a dream of seven years come true.

People met threw tribe came down here this year, and it was good for what it was. I learned a lot from it, but it was not a very tight team. Now I am focusing on the bizy-ness side, so I can pay to have who I want here, and move forward faster. The profit will help the non-profit. To help the world, we need the help of the world.

The project involves creating bike trails in the mountains and kayaking routes through estuary. We will also create campsites and bamboo towers/ cabins. We will be working with water and growing food. Local people will be trained as guides and builders. Tour groups will be small. With this comes a lot of responsibility and education. A large hotel in Mazatlan is keen to send their guests to us. This needs to be done right.

In the coming months, we will be seeking people interested in working on this project. We may not get our hands dirty until the fall or winter. Contact me personally if this interests you. We can talk on the phone when I return home to Canada at the end of April.

Another project, which is non-profit, is a sailing collective that I would also like to have based out of central mexico for the next two years, however, it will be whatever the tribal collective wants it to be, which could mean sail off in another direction without me. I have some ideas and I am very excited about them, but I am looking for other leaders who want to help organize to make it happen and make it their own. I am helping two men who own ships make their dreams come true by sharing this opportunity with you.

Below is something I wrote for the tribe. Feel free to join and step up: http://tribes.tribe.net/tribalspaceship

It is 1:30am and I am uploading pics from the past week to http://actionhero.smugmug.com.

Roberta and Fufo are getting me up earily to go surfing with them. The waves will be big, I'm told, and Fufo said today there were many dolphins in the water swimming near him.

I spend a lot of time online organizing thoughts, projects and projections. It is like a game, a mystery... a mystory. I create a character and find others to play and carry out missions.

A friend introduced me to Warcraft a few days ago. It is an endless online game with thousands of players in a massive world all playing together. This guy plays all day and night, forgetting to pick up clothes at the cleaners and unable to walk around the corner to get takeout sushi... cuz sometimes these quests take hours to complete. He talks to other players just by pressing a button on the keyboard, and everyone stays in character, playing along with the scene. Totally D&D geek stuff.

I am looking at WarCraft thinking it could easily be merged with Tribe.net ...and all of us could chat around a virtual campfire, using our real voices. We could do it now if we paid $15 a month to be part of the game. Not that it is my ideal... cuz real campfires are where it is at... but I saw this as the next level in making things real before they are real. My friend spends days on end playing this game, and it is all for nothing. In the end, he has nothing to show for the life spent. All the crystal balls collected were nothing more than pixels that vanish like pixie dust.

I need sleep, so I can surf tomorrow... for real... not like I have all day today on this computer. This tribe is a means to an end. I can see us together sailing a large ship... or maybe two... far far away from current realities.

I am forming an eco-tourism project here in Mexico, but that is not what this ship collective is about. I want the ship to benefit from the bizy-ness... but there is no ship without the collective. The ship is an experiment in community building... it is not "ego-tourism", as Leaf so perfectly put it.

I do not want to be the leader nor the captain of this ship collective. We will make better decisions as a whole and be far more motivated and resourceful if everyone sees this as their baby. If it is your dream to sail the seas in search of new lands and live with a crew of loving souls in small spaces, I am giving you the chance to make it happen through my connections.

Two beautiful men own two beautiful ships, and they are seeking good people to take these boats on grand adventures. I see what could be done with these ships, and it pains me to know they sit at the docks day after day as the sea calls to them.

My main focus in life is social change, and I am not talking about playing this computer game... forwarding emails and making posts about my ego trip. We have the opportunity to use this modern wizardery with the tools and knowledge of past generations, to make fun-and-mental changes in the way massive amounts of people live, so that we can all stop the maddness which is the current norm, and get on with tending the garden of eden.

With this new eco-tourism busy-ness, and the Roblito project moving along as it is, I have little time to organize the Tribal Spaceship. I really want to see it happen, but if there isn't enough interest from those who have already joined the tribe to step up and take part in some way, I guess we are not ready for it yet.

Don't wait until everything is lined up and the ships are ready to sail. If you want to take part, start now, and let's hear about it.

How can you serve this collective?
Can you meet on Grand Manan Island this summer?
When is best?
If you can't, do you know others who would be into it, or do you have something else to offer?

Lots of people have joined this tribe, now let's see who really wants to take part.

If you don't add yourself to this thread, and stay intouch... which means keep posting to share how you are dreaming this experience into being... you are not part of this project. I am not saying it is not open. The key is showing up in circle.

You don't need to drop your life as it is now. Just picture yourself playing with fun people in warm waters while folks in the north country are freezing their asses off. Between now and then, we are going to play a game called getting organized.

Relationships and common goals are what will bring us together.

G'night ship mates!

-Cor

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Volunteers wanted with plumbing know how for solar project

2007-02-24T19:07:13Z

Volunteers wanted with plumbing know how for solar project at our community in the south of France. We are installing a solar central heating system and are looking for someone with plumbing expertise to lend a hand. There will be full room and board and free holiday time to enjoy the french countryside. see www.thedharmahouse.com and through the website if interested. thanks

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

ibupartiwi (mother earth)

2007-02-08T14:20:26Z

The concept of the Tri Hita Karana (The Three Paths To Paradise) outlines the three basic tenets by which the Balinese Hindus are asked to live:
First is Pawongan- respect for humanity and compassion for others
Second is Palemahan- live in harmony with nature and respect for the environment
Third is parahyangan- remember that all of your actions have a subsequent reaction (Karma)

This simple yet extraordinarily beautiful system of belief sends ripples through the culture here making the Balinese people some of the most loving, graceful and considerate beings I have encountered yet. However there are always exceptions (stereotypes are limiting beliefs whether negative or positive). Since ariving here I have noticed that of the three principles outlined above, Palemahan (respect for the environment) largely seems to be on the back burner unless a specific holiday calls attention to honoring mother earth. If you keep your eyes open you will notice the makeshift village landfill sites by the river's edge, the burning piles of plastic after the sun sets and the ubiquitous candy wrappers that litter even the most remote jungle trails.

As a teacher at an orphanage/charity school I am in a unique position to influnce young children who will one day bear the responsibility of cleaning up the mess made by older generations. After learning of the concept of Palemahan, I realized quickly that unlike many developing nations, Bali has a cultural precedent for ecological awareness built into the very foundation of the dominant religion. What luck!

I decided to reinforce the concept of Palemahan through a series of art projects involving painting and recyled materials sculpture. The first phase of the project was to construct paper-mache fish out of recycled newspaper and cardboard. After finding that the fish were a raging success with the kids, I embarked on the painting project. Through a step by step process the children created paintings that depicted two oposing panels: on one side was a very sad fish swiming in poluted river, on the other side was a happy fish swiming in a clean river. The word Palemahan was then written on the painting. Tommorow's class will involve hanging the paintings throughout the village where the adults can see them, followed by a swim and trash pick up in the local river.

Next week I have new class so I'm thinking that the plan will involve making paper-mache birds out of plastic water bottles and something to the effect of sad birds painted among the fumes of burning plastic bottles. Followed by bird watching perhaps?...

With my hope restored by the limitless potential of children, I am lit up. I cannot express my unending gratitude to my greatest teachers.

Thanks kids for recieving the download with open arms. I love you.

Bless,
Star

posted in EcoEducators - 1 reply

fruit tree tour 2007 commonvision.org

2007-02-07T06:50:15Z

commonvision.org
posts up to date info on fruit tree tour, the fourth annual earth education nonprofit program for planting trees with kids in public schools throughout california....
25 volunteers present a performance, then engage with kids in treeplanting, west african agricultural rhythms, and ecogames to acknowledge our connection to the earth...
2.5 months, 10,000 children, 100 drums, 20 cities, 3 veggie-oil fueled busses, 1000 fruit trees.....
commonvision.org

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Ecoeducator meetings in NYC

2007-02-04T23:15:41Z

does anyone know how i can connect to regular enviro. educators meetings in NYC? i heard that there's one for women which meets monthly and that they have no agenda. has anyone heard of this?

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Bay Area Environmental Education Resource Fair

2007-01-26T08:20:30Z

http://baeerfair.org/

BAY AREA ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION RESOURCE FAIR

Welcome everyone! IT’S THE 30th ANNUAL BAEER FAIR, with 100 exhibitors and numerous workshops for educators and parents with a special interest in wildlife, ecology, adventure and much more.

Join us on Saturday, January 27th, 2007 at the Marin Civic Center located in San Rafael, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Discover the latest in classroom materials, environmental education programs, and field trip sites. Join in the fun and attend workshops introducing conservation & wildlife education, school gardens, and strategies for fostering environmental awareness!

The event is specially designed for teachers, community educators, students, families, and all concerned about the environment we share.

Admission to the event is paid at the entrance door.
General admission to the BAEER Fair is just $12.00
Highschool students and seniors $10.00
Youth $8.00
Children 6 and under are free

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL… (510) 657-4847

The BAEER Fair has been an integral part of the development of the California educational system. Our youth, in grades K-12, have been the recipients of exciting new curricula, teaching techniques & strategies, all showcased via The BAEER Fair. Over the past 28 years an estimated 470,000 students have benefited from this impact.

This fair is strictly conducted as an educational resource. The BAEER Fair Committee has maintained an extremely high level of integrity concerning the design of this event. We are committed to providing the widest base of environmental resources to the teaching community. Each year the fair presents workshops and exhibits that represent over 120 resources including conservation & stewardship, science, living history, art and more.

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Required Reading

2006-12-18T06:47:59Z

What books do you think should be required reading for anyone interested in the environment?

posted in EcoEducators - 41 replies

Cascadian meme for marketting

2006-12-11T20:05:15Z

Cascadian meme for marketting

Yes its the holiday season and there are flags for sale so we can spread the meme and free the bioregion from the immanent economic collapse of the global empires. Is this selling out to capitalistic pigs.. well as far as I can tell most of this is just covering expences. Now if anyone can get an industrail hemp producer from the Cascadia bioregion to help make the flag organic that would be nice. One hemp fabric producer (Rawganique.com) for most of Cascadia is centered on Denman Island. So if anyone would like to get them involved their site is

http://www.rawganique.com/
Call toll free 1.877.729.4367

Here is an image of the "Doug" or Cascadian flag:

http://stream.paranode.com/imc/portland/images/2006/04/337769.jpg

Currently the Cascadian flag can be bought on mugs, t-shirts, Teddy bears and yes even the classic thong that so many Cascadians are eager to wear. These can be bought (cheaply) at:

http://www.cafepress.com/cascadiabio

smALL FLAGs in Oregon is selling actual flyable "Doug" or Cascadian flags at:

Voice or FAX
Call us at 503.723.3456 to find out what we offer, or 800.993.3210 if you already know what you want and would like to use your Credit Card.

Mail
Write to us at smALL FLAGs, PO Box 2003, Oregon City, OR 97045-0203 or orders@smALLFLAGs.com. Please include a phone number with all orders and remember we need a Ship-To address.

http://www.smallflags.com/BASE/Ordering.htm

pictures of the first Doug made:

http://stream.paranode.com/imc/portland/images/2006/04/338353.jpg

http://stream.paranode.com/imc/portland/images/2006/04/337765.jpg

http://stream.paranode.com/imc/portland/images/2006/04/337766.jpg

http://stream.paranode.com/imc/portland/images/2006/04/337767.jpg

(Cascadian flag-model not included)

If you have access to selling or producing or even (ideally) sharing with other Cascadians the means to produce the Cascadian flag locally and organically then please contact me and I will forward that information of contact to others.

Alexander

a_cascadian@yahoo.com

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

need motivation

2006-11-10T20:02:34Z

i run a nature center for a public park in nyc. i'm not happy in the job because i'm all alone there (the only permanent staff member - all the summer seasonal people left) and the place is overrun with mice and my boss is an incompetent jerk. i have no support network whatsoever. the job is totally solitary and lonely. so it's hard to stay motivated.

any suggestions for something exciting and interesting requiring zero funds that i could do? a program for kids/adults? something ongoing that would get me excited about the job again?

posted in EcoEducators - 18 replies

Ecoeducation

2006-10-24T00:33:45Z

For method new of knowledge in educational systems at interaction with ecology and natural;incluyed informatic uses in auxiliar educative concept

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Pickaxe - The Cascadia Free State Story (free in google videos)

2006-10-17T21:50:54Z

Pickaxe - The Cascadia Free State Story (free in google videos)

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1915772001649860572&q=cascadia&hl=en

or just go to Google videos and type in "Cascadia"

documentary description:

Pickaxe documents efforts to halt logging at Warner Creek, a federally protected forest in Oregon. Following a suspicious fire in 1991 that ... all » cleared the land, Congress suspended environmental regulations to allow logging in the area. Since arson was determined to be the cause of the fire, however, environmental activists argued that allowing logging at Warner Creek would set a bad example and possibly lead to similarly motivated forest fires. What followed was an 11-month battle complete with a 79-day hunger strike and an amazing blockade of a remote mountain logging road. This inspiring documentary shows the power of direct action, determination and good leadership.

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Watershed Action Week! October 2-8

2006-10-03T10:29:12Z

Watershed Action Week! October 2-8

from Portland Indy:

Watershed Action Week! October 2-8
author: Josh e-mail: cfd@forestdefenders.org
A week of action, awareness and celebration, in defense of the McKenzie River Watershed, Eugene's source of drinking water.

Watershed
CASCADIA FOREST DEFENDERS, N.E.S.T., CASCADIA EARTH FIRST!, UO's FOREST ACTION, GUARDIANS OF THE MCKENZIE WATERSHED and CASCADIA'S ECOSYSTEM ADVOCATES (CEA) present:

WATERSHED ACTION WEEK

October 2nd - 8th

In defense of the McKenzie River Watershed, Eugene's source of drinking water

Monday, October 2nd: Cascadia Forest Defenders meeting at Grower's Market (4th/Willamette) @ 6 pm
Tuesday, October 3rd: Forest Action meeting/social at the University of Oregon, Survival Center @ 6pm
Wednesday, October 4th: CFD Rally protesting Seneca Jones Lumber's purchase of the "Trapper" logging sale in the McKenzie. Meet at Friendly St. Market (28th/Friendly) @ 5pm
Thursday, October 5th: Reggae band "Sons of Soil" and showing of the film "Fern Gully" at Cozmic Pizza (8th/Charnelton) @ 6pm
Friday, October 6th: Demonstration at the McKenzie Ranger Station. Carpool leaves Grower's Market (4th/Willamette) @ 1pm

For more information or to find out how to get involved, email: forestdefenders@riseup.net
or call Josh at 688-2600

homepage: http://www.forestdefenders.org
phone: 541-688-2600

found at http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2006/10/346884.shtml

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

A Great Need

2006-10-02T23:03:35Z

Is essential for the earth new in road...

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

where's the money?

2006-09-26T03:38:37Z

is it possible to support yourself financially through environmental education? if so, i haven't found it. most of it seems marketed toward college students for short term jobs. is there an offshoot of all this that is financially solid somewhere? please help.

posted in EcoEducators - 2 replies

Walden by Henry David Thoreau free online

2006-09-03T11:11:23Z

Walden by Henry David Thoreau free online

I have been reading (while listening to) Walden by Henry David Thoreau again. I have tried to read this many many years ago (back in my high school years (in the late 70s and earler 80s). I think Walden by Henry David Thoreau is more relavent today in the era of Corporatism, debt slavery and resourse wars; a period of bioregional thinking; an age of needed action (such as civil disobience); a time for a return to the simple, local and the organic (Mother Nature)

free online audio reading:
http://librivox.org/walden-by-henry-david-thoreau

free online text:
http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/WALDEN/walden.html

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Cascadia's World Heritage

2006-08-26T11:39:10Z

Cascadia's World Heritage

well I would suggest we all add comments to this:

Cascadia's World Heritage
Posted by Eric de Place on 08/25/2006 at 06:30 PM
Cascadia has a wealth of astonishing and pristine natural places. It's part of why residents here are so committed to this place.

One measure of the Northwest's bounty is the number of world heritage sites--natural and cultural places so unique that they are designated by the United Nations as the most important repositories of the planet's ecological richness and humankind's legacy. The boundaries of Cascadia include all or part of a number of these world heritage sites, including Yellowstone; the redwoods of California; the international peace parks of Waterton and Glacier; the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks; SGang Gwaay, an ancient Haida village; and the Glacier Bay-Yukon region, which boasts, among other features, perhaps the most complicated name imagineable. (You can use this cool interactive map to find others.) But no world heritage gem is closer to Cascadia's human inhabitants than Olympic National Park, an ecological treasure trove just a few miles from Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Victoria.

Why this paean to the Olympics? Because right now, Olympic National Park is charting its course for its next 20 years. And the public is allowed--nay, encouraged--to provide comment and guidance on the park's future management.

Go here for more info on the web http://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectId=10233 Otherwise:

Comments may be mailed or faxed to Olympic National Park General Management Plan; National Park Service; Denver Service Center; P.O. Box 25287; Denver, CO 80225. The fax number is 303-969-2736.

Why should we care about Olympic National Park? For more reasons than I can possibly do justice to in a blog post. But here's a shot anyway:

It's just plain special. It boasts the longest wilderness coastline in the lower 48, a mind-boggling temperate rainforest, glacier-carved peaks, and 17 species of plants and animals that are found nowhere else on earth, including this cute fellow.
The forests of the Olympic Peninsula outside the park have been battered by decades of clearcut logging, but when they are allowed to grow the Olympic forests are prime repositories for carbon, acting to slow climate change.
The park is big enough--and ecologicall intact enough--to allow for reintroduction of endangered species, such as fishers. It's even considered the next best place in the Northwest for gray wolves to make a comeback. But that will not happen without a concerted effort from citizens and conservationists.
The park's biodiversity is threatened. One of the odder threats is from the non-native mountain goats, which--loveable as they may be--are chomping their way through rare and endangered alpine plants.
Humans need big wild places like Olympic National Park. We're not the same without them. I've always liked this reminiscence of the Olympics from poet Gary Snyder: "We had come miles without trails, you had been long alone. We talked for half an hour up there above the foaming creeks and forest valleys, in our world of snow and flowers... In this burning, muddy, lying, blood-drenched world, that quiet meeting in the mountains, cool and gentle as the muzzles of three elk, helps keep me sane."
Send your comments to the US National Park Service. The deadline is September 30.

found at
http://www.sightline.org/daily_score/archive/2006/08/25/your-world-heritage-site

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

mediation in schools

2006-07-18T18:24:11Z

Hey there folks!
I have a degree in art education but am awaiting a postion in my town. It's very small with less than 4,000 residents. I am going to be doing a study hall at the high school in the meantime. I want to make the best of this situation and would like to get some sort of training in mediation. Anyone know of a good place to start? Any thoughts would be appreciated!

posted in EcoEducators - 4 replies

Global Democracy & Sustainability literacy learning: Why they must go hand-in-hand

2006-07-08T19:09:37Z

Hi,

What do you think about that article on the 1st Virtual Congress
on World Citizenship and Democratic Global Governance?

http://www.worldcit.citymax.com/page/page/3577322.htm

Synnove

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Enviornmentally Conscious Cars, HELP!

2006-07-02T19:07:48Z

Hey all!
I am going to get a new/new used car very soon and I am needing some help with my decision process.
First off, I want to spend in the $10-15,000 range, so that pretty much leaves out the option of getting a hybrid.
Second, I'm not so sure I want to do a biodisel conversion, because it seems complicated and also somewhat pricey, but I'd love to learn more about that process if anyone can explain it to me really well.
Thirdly, as of now I am most interested in new cars that get really good gas mileage (like a Yaris or a Honda Fit), however they SEEM to be not that expensive, but also seem to have some hidden prices (does anyone have experience with these cars?). Also, are there any other cars like this I could look into?
Basically I'm going to look at a Fit and Yaris today, but they are feeling a little out of my price range. I would love to get a used car, but I don't know what kinds to look into.
I know that by just having a car I'm doing damage to the planet, but I have to have one for school and living in LA, so I'm interested in the lesser two evils kind of thing!
HELP!

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

environmental science & tourism

2006-06-19T07:54:18Z

hey all,

i'm a second year student in the Outdoor Recreation Managment program at Cap College in
Vancouver. Our program has a strong focus on sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship while learning the ins and outs of the adventure tousim industry. I also have taken first year environmental engineering courses in which i have a strong interest, so this program right now is right up my alley. Starting in January I'll be looking for a 4 month practicum, i was hoping for some help trying to find one!

I'm looking to work with a company or organization that combines both adventure tourism and environmental studies/research/sciences all in one. A perfect example of this is a comany in Australia called Undersea Explorer (www.undersea.com.au) which does dive trips accompanied by marine biologists doing studies on the health of the reef eco system. Participants not only get to experience some of the worlds best diving, ut get to help out with these cool research projects. i was hoping to find something similar, just closer to home. suggestions?

-ryan

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Awareness of Eco-Political Oppression (the GreenScare) makes it to International Awareness

2006-06-11T11:21:05Z

Can anyone translate?

GreenScare awareness in Holland

Actie tegen de Green Scare in de VS
GroenFront! Amsterdam and friends - 09.06.2006 15:23

Op vrijdag 9 juni werd bij het VS consulaat in Amsterdam een actie gehouden tegen de Green Scare in de VS. 15 tot 20 activisten gingen bij het consulaat van de VS aan het Museumplein spandoeken ophangen en flyeren om de schandalige manier waarop eco-activisten in de VS worden aangepakt aan te klagen.

Het weekend van 9-11 juni werd uitgeroepen tot internationaal actieweekend voor alle milieuactivisten die in de VS worden vervolgd voor het voeren van directe actie, vooral het Animal Liberation Front en het Earth Liberation Front worden keihard aangepakt.

Daarom werd in Asterdam een actie gehouden bij het consulaat van de Verenigde Staten. Het werd een ludieke actie, er werden een 3-tal spandoeken ontrold, er werden flyers uitgedeeld en er was een geluidsinstallatie aanwezig waarmee het geheel van toepasselijke muziek werd voorzien.

De meeste voorbijgangers reageerden positief op de actie, een aantal mensen kwam een praatje maken en extra uitleg vragen nadat ze de flyer gelezen hadden.

Eerst was er heel veel politie aanwezig, wel half zo veel als actievoerders, ze waren heel nieuwsgierig naar wat er op de spandoeken stond (dat werd dan meteen ook even doorgebeld, om te checken of het wel "mocht") Na een kwartiertje vertrokken de meesten en bleven er nog maar een paar fietsagenten staan.

De hele actie verliep in een gemoedelijke sfeer en toen het consulaat dicht ging en het personeel op weekend vertrok werd ook de actie afgeblazen en trok iedereen weer naar huis.

Meer informatie over de Green Scare:
http://freefreenow.org/
http://greenscare.org/
http://www.ecoprisoners.org/

De tekst van de flyer:

Steun de eco-gevangenen in de Verenigde Staten

Vandaag is internationale aktiedag voor de actievoerders in de Verenigde Staten die
vervolgd worden omdat ze directe milieu-acties gevoerd hebben.

In Nederland heeft het schandalig weinig aandacht gekregen dat actievoerders in de VS
de laatste tijd tot verbijsterende straffen veroordeeld worden, terwijl bij hun acties geen
enkel persoonlijk letsel veroorzaakt werd.

Vandaag is het precies 6 jaar geleden dat Jeffrey Luers uit Eugene, Oregon, tot 22 jaar
en 8 maanden veroordeeld werd. Sindsdien zit hij vast, zonder vooruitzicht ooit
voorwaardelijke vrijstelling te krijgen. Zijn daad: hij heeft met een vriend drie SUV's
(4wheeldrives, van die PCHooft-traktors) vernield bij een dealer. Er raakte niemand bij
gewond. Jeffrey werd even later gepakt en veroordeeld tot een straf waar mensen die
veel ergere misdaden begaan nooit bang voor hoeven te zijn. Het is duidelijk dat het hier
om politieke rechtspraak gaat.

Eind vorig jaar werden plotseling nog veel meer mensen opgepakt of aangeklaagd die
beschuldigd worden van deelname aan acties van het Earth Liberation Front en/of
Animal Liberation Front. Velen van hen zitten vast, anderen zijn op borgtocht vrij in
afwachting van hun proces, en een lange lijst anderen kunnen elk moment vervolging
verwachten. Een van de arrestanten, Bill Rodgers, heeft kort na zijn arrestatie zelfmoord
gepleegd in de cel. Wederom geldt voor alle acties dat er geen gewonden (laat staan
doden) bij gevallen zijn, maar dat zeer zware straffen verwacht worden. Denk
bijvoorbeeld aan levenslang plus nog een paar honderd jaar. Dat lijkt om te lachen, maar
in de VS is dat helaas de werkelijkheid. Anti-terrorisme-wetgeving wordt gebruikt om de
radicale politieke oppositie de kop in te drukken. Ook mensen die weigeren te getuigen
voor een zogeheten Grand Jury Tribunaal (dat vooronderzoek doet naar verdachten)
worden in toenemede mate opgesloten. Deze repressiegolf is de Green Scare gaan
heten.

Natuurlijk kunnen we dit niet zomaar langs ons heen laten glijden. We moeten doen wat
we kunnen om deze eco-activisten te ondersteunen. Dat kan heel praktisch door ze te
schrijven of geld te sturen voor hun processen. Maar minstens zo belangrijk is om
politieke druk uit te oefenen op de VS om ze daar aan hun verstand te peuteren dat ze
het niet kunnen maken om mensen die strijden tegen onrecht en milieuvernietiging zo te
mishandelen. Vandaar dat we eisen:

Stop de politieke vervolging van eco-activisten! Stop de Grand Jury rechtspraak! Vrijheid
voor Jeffrey Luers!

Voor alle achtergrondinformatie: www.freefreenow.org http://greenscare.org/
http://www.ecoprisoners.org/

http://www.indymedia.nl/nl/2006/06/36864.shtml

____

GreenScare Awareness in Belgium

Can anyone translate?

(pictures at original site)

De USA PATRIOT Act
De USA PATRIOT Act is een afkorting voor “Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism” (H.R. 3162, the "USA PATRIOT Act") Het voornaamste probleem met de Patriot Act is dat veel te veel opengelaten wordt voor interpretatie. De manier waarop ze geschreven is maakt het mogelijk om alle politieke activiteiten als illegaal te beschouwen, naargelang wie de act interpreteert.
De definitie van “Domestic Terrorism”:
Sectie 802 van de USA PATRIOT Act maakt terroristen van betogers wanneer de betogers zich gedragen op een manier die “mensenlevens in gevaar brengt” met als doel “het beïnvloeden van het beleid van de regering door intimidatie of dwang” of het “intimideren van burgers”. Dit kan breed genoeg geïnterpreteerd worden om tegen groepen zoals Greenpeace gebruikt te worden. Onder de USA Patriot Act wordt het ook strafbaar om logement of andere hulp aan te bieden aan activisten die zich zo gedragen.
Deze wetgeving geeft ook de macht aan de attorney general en de secretary of state om vreemdelingen aan te houden en te deporteren wanneer ze lid zijn van bepaalde organisaties die als ‘terroristisch’ beschouwen worden.
De USA PATRIOT Act veranderd de definitie van terrorisme zodat het nu ook “het gebruik van een wapen of gevaarlijke voorwerp met als doel het vernieling van eigendom” inhoud.
Onderzoekingen en bezitnemingen:
De Patriot Act breid uit de mogelijkheden tot geheime huiszoekingen, afluisteren van telefoongesprekken en het volgen van correspondentie (internet gebruik, emails, breiven). Het FBI krijgt ook onbeperkt toezicht op persoonlijke gegevens, zoals medische en financiële gegevens. Onder Sectie 215 moeten alle documenten met informatie over de activiteiten van een individu in bezit van een derde partij afgegeven worden op vraag van de FBI. Ook doktors, boekenwinkels, universiteiten en internet service providers zijn verplicht om alle gevraagde informatie door te geven aan het FBI. Het FBI moet alleen verklaren, maar niet bewijzen, dat dit deel uitmaakt van een onderzoek naar terroristische activiteiten. Deze onderzoeksdaden mogen niet gemeld worden aan de persoon die onderzocht wordt. Zo kunnen de mensen die onderzocht worden zichzelf daar niet tegen verdedigen.
Het in bezit nemen van eigendom wordt ook veel gemakkelijker onder de USA Patriot Act. Sectie 806 zou het mogelijk maken om de goederen van een individu of een organisatie in bezit te nemen zonder een verhoor en zonder dat de persoon schuldig gevonden wordt van een misdaad. Dit wordt door de American Civil Liberties Union beschreven als de meest belangrijk verandering in de wetgeving voor politieke organisaties omdat het als gevolg heeft dat de overheid alle bezit zou kunnen afnemen van een organisatie of een individu die betrokken is bij een actie of die steun toont voor een actie dat door het FBI als terrorisme beschouwt wordt. Deze in bezitneming vind plaats zonder dat de organisatie of persoon eerst verwittigt wordt.
Onbeperkt Hechtenis:
Onder de USA Patriot Act mogen migranten ook onbeperkt vastgehouden worden en gedeporteerd worden. Als de persoon geen land heeft waar hij of zij terug naartoe kan keren, dan kan hij of zij onbeperkt vastgehouden worden zonder ooit een proces te krijgen. Onder de nieuwe USA Patriot Act II die nu besproken wordt in de VSA zou dit ook voor Amerikaanse burgers mogelijk zijn. Ze zouden hun burgerschap afgenomen worden en onbeperkt vastgehouden kunnen worden zonder eerst of ooit een proces te krijgen.
Democratie in de VS Steeds Meer Onder Vuur
Op 20 januari heeft het FBI een officiële beschuldiging (indictment) van 65 punten uitgevaardigd waarin 12 mensen beschuldigd worden van betrokkenheid bij acties van het Earth Liberation Front (ELF) en het Animal Liberation Front (ALF) in de periode tussen 1996 en 2001. Sindsdien zijn nog vier personen beschuldigd en het FBI laat de mogelijkheid open dat nog meer mensen bij de zaak zullen betrokken worden. Als resultaat van het Grand Jury onderzoek in Eugene, Oregon, worden de verdachten aangeklaagd wegens 17 gevallen van brandstichting en sabotage tegen federale en private instellingen in vijf deelstaten. Veel van de aanklachten stonden op het punt van te verjaren. Niettegenstaande bijna al de beschuldigden hun onschuld in publiek uitroepen en niemand gewond raakte bij de acties riskeren ze levenslange gevangenisstraffen (of langer, dat kan in de VS). Om het nog erger te maken, wordt een eerlijk proces ook onmogelijk doordat de regering en de pers deze mensen beschrijven als “eco-terroristen”.
Zulke extreme straffen voor brandstichting waren tot vijf jaar geleden ongekend in de VS. Maar vandaag maken ze deel uit van een groeiend tendens onder nieuwe anti-terreur wetgeving. Activisten in de VS spreken over een zogenaamde “Green Scare”, genoemd naar de vroegere “Red Scare” wanneer senator McCarthy en het “House of Un-American Affairs” (HUAC) propaganda en bedreigingen gebruikte om politieke weerstand te breken. De landelijke arrestatieoperatie, die 'Operation Backfire' is gedoopt, is door het FBI uitgelegd als een grote slag tegen milieuactivisten die betrokken zijn bij vernieling van eigendom. Velen verklaren echter dat de arrestatiegolf vooral te plaatsen is in de jarenlange praktijk van het FBI van geheime operaties gericht op het verstoren en in diskrediet brengen van politieke bewegingen. De omstandigheden rond deze zaak vertonen sterke overeenkomsten met eerdere FBI operaties zoals het bekende COINTELPRO (Counter Intelligence Program) waarbij de FBI sinds de jaren '60 betrokken was bij binnenlandse infiltratieactiviteiten en op valse gronden aanvallen van politieke activisten.
Voor meer achtergrond stuur een mail naar: nograndjury@riseup.net of zie:
Green Scare:
http://www.greenscare.org
http://www.ecoprisoners.org
http://portland.indymedia.org/en/topic/greenscare/
USA PATRIOT ACT:
http://www.aclu.org/safefree/resources/17343res20031114.html

COINTELPRO:
http://www.whatreallyhappened.com/RANCHO/POLITICS/COINTELPRO/gjp3.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COINTELPRO

*) Daniel McGowan, een actievoerder voor milieu en sociale rechtvaardigheid uit New York. Daniel is een actief lid van de gemeenschap en was onder andere betrokken bij demonstraties tegen de Republikeinse Conventie, de campagne Really Really Free Markets en steuncampagnes voor politieke gevangenen als Jeff 'Free' Luers. Daniel was student met een opleiding in acupunctuur en werkte bij Women's Law, een stichting die vrouwen helpt die te maken hebben met huiselijk geweld om zich juridisch te verdedigen. Daniel pleit onschuldig maar zou mogelijk levenslang plus 335 jaar celstraf krijgen als alle klachten doorgezet worden. Zie: http://www.supportdaniel.org
*) Nathan Frazer Block. Schrijf brieven naar:
Nathan Fraser Block # 1663667, Lane County Adult Corrections, 101 W 5th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401, USA
*) Joyanna Zacher: Schrijf brieven naar:
Joyanna Zacher #1662550, Lane County Adult Corrections, 101 W 5th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401, USA
Nathan and Joyanna zouden minstens levenslang plus 235 jaar celstraf krijgen indien alle klachten doorgezet worden.
supportersofnathanandjoyanna@gmail.com
*) Briana Waters, een lieve moeder die houd van muziek maken en vioolles geeft. Haar arrestatie kwam als een grote schok voor de mensen die haar kenden en niemand gelooft dat ze iets te maken heeft met de haar ten laste gelegde feiten. Ze pleit onschuldig maar indien veroordeeld riskeert ze tot 35 jaar celstraf. Zie: http://www.supportbriana.org
*) Jeffrey Hogg, in hechtenis omdat hij weigerde te getuigen voor de Grand Jury.
Jeffrey Hogg #1065518, Lane County Jail, 101 W 5th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401, USA
*) Darren Todd Thurston, een bekende Canadese activist die zich grote zorgen maakt over zijn kans op een eerlijk proces als een Canadees die in de VS vastgehouden wordt. Zie: http://www.freedarren.org. Stuur brieven naar:
Darren Thurston #701415, Multnomah County Inverness Jail, 11540 NE Inverness Dr., Portland, OR 97220, USA
*) Bill Rodgers wordt nog steeds als 'niet aangeklaagde medesamenspanner' beschouwd nadat hij in gevangenschap om het leven kwam door een vermoedelijke zelfmoord tijdens de Winter Solstice. Bill was een bekende gemeenschapsactivist in Arizona die vanuit zijn eigen huis de Catalyst info-shop organiseerde. http://www.catalystinfoshop.org/bill/

Ambassade van de Verenigde Staten van Amerika
Flyer-actie tegen de Green Scare in de VS: enkele foto's

door Guido Sunday, Jun. 11, 2006 at 10:55 AM
Guido@stopimperialism.be

Gisteren was er een flyeractie tegen de Greenscare in de VS aan de ingang van het Gentse St-Pieterstation, enkele mensen hielden een spandoek vast, anderen deelden flyers uit aan de voorbijgangers, de actie begon rond 14u en een uur later waren er 400 flyers uitgedeeld, hieronder wat meer info:

Z. E. de heer Tom C. Korologos
Ambassadeur van de VSA
Regentlaan 27
1000 Brussel

(Plaats, datum)

Excellentie,

Ik schrijf u naar aanleiding van de aanklacht tegen …. Samen met een aantal andere personen wordt hij/zij er van beschuldigd vernielingen te hebben toegebracht aan privé eigendommen. Nochtans pleit … , even als de andere beklaagden die voor vergelijkbare feiten aangeklaagd worden, onschuldig, en is de reële bewijslast miniem. Bovendien wordt er tegen hem/haar levenslang geëist, wat een straf buiten iedere redelijke proportie is.
De zaak van … is een gevolg van een FBI onderzoek, “Operation Backfire” genoemd. Bij deze operatie werden vooral milieuactivisten geviseerd. Bovendien wordt er in de aanklacht tegen … gebruik gemaakt van de nieuwe antiterreurwetgeving, alhoewel de hem/haar ten laste gelegde feiten van voor het tot stand komen van deze wetten dateren. Net zoals bij de andere beklaagden hangt … een excessief zware straf boven het hoofd en kijkt hij/zij aan tegen enorm hoge proceskosten. Verder maakt het feit dat hij/zij als terrorist gebrandmerkt wordt een eerlijk proces onmogelijk.
Daarom wil ik u beleefd vragen om er bij de bevoegde instanties op aan te dringen dat … een eerlijk proces zou krijgen op basis van reële feiten. Bovendien wil ik wijzen op het juridisch gevaar van het retroactief gebruik van wetten. Tot slot zou ik u met aandrang willen vragen om aan de overheden van uw land de boodschap over te brengen zeer voorzichtig om te springen met antiterreurwetten die de vrijheden van burgers aantasten en dergelijke wetten zeker niet te gebruiken tegen burgerbewegingen die juist zo belangrijk zijn in een democratie.

Met meeste hoogachting,

(Naam, adres, handtekening)

http://ovl.indymedia.org/news/2006/06/11143.php

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Greenspan Sounds Alarm on Oil Supply

2006-06-10T11:25:54Z

Greenspan Sounds Alarm on Oil Supply

[“It’s official. Peak Oil hits the marketplace.” – Michael C. Ruppert]

article:

Greenspan Sounds Alarm on Oil Supply

Reuters
Washington
Wednesday, June 7, 2006
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/06/07/business/gspan.php
In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.
Alan Greenspan, the former Federal Reserve chairman, offered a grim view on Wednesday of the world's rising vulnerability to high crude oil prices, saying he was skeptical that oil producers could pump enough crude to meet future demand.
Since the 1940s, U.S. consumers have shown an uncanny ability to shoulder rising energy prices, but consumers' immunity to oil price shocks was running out, Greenspan said.
"The United States, especially, has been able to absorb the huge implicit tax of rising oil prices so far," Greenspan told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in his first congressional testimony since leaving the U.S. central bank earlier this year. "However, recent data indicate we may finally be experiencing some impact."
Greenspan was appointed Fed chairman by President Ronald Reagan in 1987, and served until Jan. 31 of this year.
Lawmakers would occasionally call on Greenspan to speak on energy issues when he was chairman, but his views were still highly sought on Capitol Hill.
Since 2004, crude oil prices have doubled. Since the start of 2002, the cost of a barrel of oil has soared by $50.
Crude oil prices have stubbornly stayed above $70 a barrel despite OPEC and other world producers pumping to capacity. Prices are still within striking distance of the $75.35 a barrel record set in U.S. futures in April.
Greenspan warned that a big oil price increase could spur "a significant contraction in the economy."
Greenspan said that few of the world's dominant producers, aside from Saudi Arabia, see the danger that rising crude oil prices pose to the economy, and to their sustained ability to sell oil.
Saudi Arabia is the only country with enough untapped reserves to meet future short-term energy crunches, and has unveiled a $50 billion plan to lift output capacity by 1.5 million barrels per day by 2009.
Greenspan said while U.S. businesses had so far been able to improve productivity to compensate for costly energy, households were suffering from higher gasoline prices.
"Current oil prices over time should lower to some extent our worrisome dependence on petroleum," said Greenspan, who now runs a private consultancy. "Still higher oil prices will inevitably move vehicle transportation to hybrids, and despite the inconvenience, plug-in hybrids."
Greenspan warned that the buffer between supply and demand was extraordinarily thin and that price spikes were a risk.
"The balance of world oil supply and demand has become so precarious that even small acts of sabotage or local insurrection have a significant impact on oil prices," he said, adding that global refining capacity was still too limited.

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Green Scare Resources

2006-06-09T22:23:09Z

Green Scare Resources
author: havetheirbacks
this is a list of online resources for greenscare info . . .
GREEN SCARE RESOURCES

Civil Liberties Defense Center: excellent archive of legal papers, updates on indictments.
http://www.cldc.org

Portland Independent Media Center [IMC] Green Scare page
http://portland.indymedia.org/en/topic/greenscare/

Green Scare informational website
http://www.greenscare.org

Wikipedias pages on:
Green Scare:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Scare

Operation Backfire http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Backfire_%28FBI%29

Green is the new Red
http://www.greenisthenewred.com/blog/

Providence Green Scare
http://www.myspace.com/greenscarepvd

Media:

BOOM! Who are the real terrorists? BY ALAN PITTMAN
Eugene Weekly, March 9, 2006
http://www.eugeneweekly.com/2006/03/09/coverstory.html

Sourcecodes ..1 Terrorist Threat?
Download Quicktime movie below
http://sourcecode.freespeech.org/sc302EcotageDL

Operational Backfire: Criminalizing Dissent By MICHAEL DONNELLY
Counterpunch.org
http://www.counterpunch.org/donnelly05242006.html

War on the First Amendment
The Great Green Scare By BEN ROSENFELD
Counterpunch.org
http://www.counterpunch.org/rosenfeld03102006.html

The Green Scare by Karen Pickett
http://shiftshapers.gnn.tv/blogs/13536/The_Green_Scare

found at http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2006/05/340003.shtml

posted in EcoEducators - 4 replies

some personal notes on Bioregionalism

2006-06-04T01:01:02Z

some personal notes on Bioregionalism

here are some notes I wrote day over the past few weeks..... it started off one
morning while walking to my classes to teach.. I literally had to stop the class
and write one down before it disappeared... just some notes to ponder (sure
they are small but think about them):

Bioregionalism (short definition) is:
The conscousness or awareness of the interconnectedness of the water-life
cycle within a given region.

Hence a bioregionalist is one that advocates for the awakening in
conscousness and the protection of the water-life cycle.

Even of the driest of deserts a bioregion is defined by its water-life cycle no
matter how long and seemingly sparse of a cycle that is.

The great water-life cycles are actually the generation and transfer of energy.

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

What eco-job do you have?

2006-05-29T18:53:05Z

I am planning on moving back to SF in August to attend SFSU's environmental studies program.

I am kinda wondering... what sort of jobs do you all hold in the ecological and environmental sector? I am not sure exactly what I want to do with that degree plan yet, tho I have some ideas rattling around in my head. Part of me wants to work with kids and part of me wants to help ppl convert their new or existing homes into ecologically friendly places. To that end, I am going to be taking some extracurricular courses in sustainable bldg, etc. But I'd love to hear what other folks do to make the planet a better place.

posted in EcoEducators - 20 replies

Help Save South Central Farm!!!

2006-05-28T02:22:26Z

Julia Butterfly Is At It Again...South Central LA Tree
Sit

Julia Butterfly Hill, Joan Baez, Darryl Hannah and
John Quigley on the Scene in South Central LA

As many of you have already heard…she’s at it again!
Julia is sitting in a tree along with fellow
treesitter, John Quigley and folk singer and activist
superstar Joan Baez.

Read on for more info here or at www.circleoflife.org,
but NOW what you can do is:

1. Go to the FARM NOW for tonight's vigil. For address
and info see: www.southcentralfarmers.com.

We have heard that tomorrow morning the LA Sheriff's
Department will enter the farm and need community
support tonight. Please forward this info to anyone
you know in Los Angeles.

2. Call Mayor Villaraigosa and tell him that you want
the City of Los Angeles to buy the farm back from the
developer and give it in perpetuity to the South
Central Farmers. (213) 978-0600

3. Make a donation to the South Central Farmers
(http://www.southcentralfarmers.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=114&Itemid=32)
to help buy back the farm.

Julia is asking for every person to give at least $1
towards this historic farm. Together we can make the
difference. Donate NOW at www.southcentralfarmers.com

Here's the story:

Just about one week ago, Julia walked into the Circle
of Life office and told us that while she hoped it did
not come down to the need for her to do direct action
to save the South Central Farm in Los Angeles—she
would be up in a tree soon if there was a need. On
Tuesday, May 23 Julia stationed herself in the
“community watchtower”- a 3 story high walnut tree on
the 14 acre South Central Farm. She joins in
solidarity with 350 poor working class families who
use the farm to grow organic food for themselves and
their community.

Fourteen years ago, this spot was a wasteland- and in
the wake of the 1992 LA uprising then-Mayor Bradley
and Doris Block of the L.A. Regional Food Bank made a
handshake deal to allow it to be used for a community
farm. Today, after thousands and thousands of hours of
sweat and labor, the South Central Farm is the largest
urban farm in the nation. The 350 families who use the
farming plots are low?income and depend heavily
upon the food they grow to feed themselves. In
addition to growing food for themselves, the people
involved with the community garden hold Farmers'
Markets, festivals and other cultural events for the
public at large.

In a backroom deal in 1996, the 14 acre farm was
offered to a developer at a discount, but the deal was
never approved by the City Council. In 2002, the
developers sued the City and a settlement was reached
giving the farm to the developers for a significantly
below-market price. To repurchase the farm, the
developer is insisting on over $16 million (they paid
just over $5 million for it four years ago) and $6
million has already been raised by the South Central
Farmers. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has the ability to
pay the rest of selling price from the City budget, or
further challenge the original sale. However, he has
done neither.

“This is the Promised Land”, community leader Dele
Ailemen emphatically stated on the encampment’s first
day. “It was land that was promised to this community
by the Mayor of Los Angeles after the 1992 uprising.”
“It will not be taken away by broken political
promises.”

Friday, 26 May 2006
An URGENT update from Tezo, spokesperson for the South Central Farmers!
Greetings to all our supporters and allies and thank you so much for your support.
We have information from reliable sources that the Sheriff's Department will be evicting the farmers and supporters on site by 7am tomorrow (Saturday), and today we had an overwhelming presence of police helicopters circling in what appears to be their preparations for the eviction. The only way to prevent this is to grow the numbers of supporters both inside and outside the farm gates.
We are asking everyone here in Los Angeles to come down to the farm and stand with us in solidarity!!!
Please join us for the 7pm candle light vigil tonight, followed by an all night vigil and pajama party with music and community.
Come down and bring food, water, candles, flashlights and your passion for the largest urban farm in the United States!
If you can't join us please spread the word to everyone you know. Create phone trees and email blasts and remind everyone that if every Los Angelino just gave $1 we could save this place.
In the last 24 hours hundreds of thousands of dollars has been committed by so many of you to help save the South Central Farm, but unfortunately we are still far short of the amount we need. What we really need is time, and we are running out of that too.
Contribute at http://www.southcentralfarmers.org/ or http://www.southcentralfarmers.com/ NOW! And stay up to date by calling the HOTLINE at (866) SCFARM1
There is still time for a miracle! Let's save this national treasure!
In solidarity,
Tezo, for the community of South Central Farmers
The Farm is located at 41st Street and Alameda in Los Angeles.
For more info on actions, refer to our Red Alert communication.

SOUTH CENTRAL FARM NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!

3 HOURS IS ALL IT TAKES TO SAVE THE FARM!!!

As you know the South Central Farmers are currently on red alert. The sheriffs have the eviction notice and can come in at any time. We are asking you to help the cause by being here, but we also acknowledge your busy schedule. So, we would like you to commit to 2-3 hours for as many days as you can (more hours are welcomed and you are also welcomed to spend the night). We want to save the farm, but we cannot do it without you. Please choose one of the following shifts (you can choose more than one). If you cannot commit to a whole shift, any help is appreciated.

Shifts:
Morning to Noon
Noon to Evening

12am-3am 12pm-3pm
3am-6am 3pm-6pm
6am-9am 6pm-9pm
9am-12pm 9pm-12am

DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS EMAIL. If you can help, email your contact info, shift availability, and days available to friendsofthefarm@mail.com . We need your help starting now!

RED ALERT! Encampment and tree sit to resist the eviction and save the South Central Farm has begun!

User Rating: / 11
PoorBest
Contributed by Fernando Flores
Wednesday, 24 May 2006
Red Alert!!!! Red Alert!!!! Red Alert!!!!
Encampment and tree sit to resist the eviction and save the South Central Farm has begun!! The L.A. County Sheriffs Department has received notice to execute the eviction of the farmers and supporters at the South Central Farm. The Farm and farmers need your help now!! Red Alert!!!! Red Alert!!!! Red Alert!!!!
Encampment and tree sit to resist the eviction and save the South Central Farm has begun!! The L.A. County Sheriffs Department has received notice to execute the eviction of the farmers and supporters at the South Central Farm. The Farm and farmers need your help now!!

If you are willing to encamp with us our legal team will offer counsel and you will also be given a, "Know Your Rights" Training as you will be risking arrest. There is a also Unity Principles form which all participants in the encampment must sign in order to be part of the community tree sit/ encampment. The greater the numbers encamped increases our chances of success. Those who cannot stay in the farm can still help us with by coming to daily vigils, becoming legal observers and bringing supplies to those inside. Bring a chair or anything you would need to be an active witness.

The time has come to show the politicians, developer and global community that we are serious about environmental justice in South Central Los Angeles. The greening of L.A. starts with the preservation of the South Central Farm. Bombard the local officials with calls and emails to save this oasis. We want a livable city!! We want the Farm!!

FYI: The Trust for Public Land is no longer fundraising for us. The contract has expired and we are once again standing alone defending our dignity.

How can you help??????

Send a letter to the politicians from our site:
http://www.southcentralfarmers.com/politicianform.php

Or you can contact them through the information below.

Contact information for Los Angeles City Mayor and Council:
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa:
mayor@lacity.org

or call (213)978-0600
Mayor’s Mansión: The Getty House @ Windsor Square
605 S. Irving blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90005
8 blocks west of Western (off Wilshire)
Council Meetings are held on the 3rd floor in the John Ferraro Council Chamber at Los Angeles City Hall:
200 N. Spring St. Los Angeles, CA Every Tue, Wed & Fri at 10:00am.
District 1 Ed Reyes: (213)-473-7001 councilmember.reyes@lacity.org
District 2 Wendy Greuel: (213)-473-7002 councilmember.greuel@lacity.org
District 3 Dennis P. Zine: (213)-473-7003 councilmember.zine@lacity.org
District 4 Tom LaBonge: (213)-473-7004 Labonge@lacity.org
District 5 Jack Weiss: (213)-473-7005 councilmember.weiss@lacity.org
District 6 Tony Cardenas: (213)-473-7006 councilman.cardenas@lacity.org
District 7 Alex Padilla: (213)-473-7007 councilmember.padilla@lacity.org
District 8 Bernard Parks: (213)-473-7008 councilmember.parks@lacity.org
District 9 Jan Perry: (213)-473-7009 councilmember.perry@lacity.org
District 10 Herb J. Wesson, Jr.: (213)-473-7010 councilmember.wesson@lacity.org
District 11 Bill Rosendahl: (213)-473-7011 councilman.rosendahl@lacity.org
District 12 Greig Smith: (213)-473-7012 councilmember.smith@lacity.org
District 13 Eric Garcetti: (213)-473-7013 councilmember.garcetti@lacity.org
District 14 José Huizar: (213)-473-7014 councilmember.huizar@lacity.org
District 15 Janice Hahn: (213)-473-7015 councilmember.hahn@lacity.org

Office of Ralph Horowitz(developer evicting the families):
11911 San Vicente Blvd, Ste. 310
Los Angeles, Ca 90049
Intersection of San Vicente and Montana
Phone: (310) 440-7878

Info Hotline!! If you need any information please call our info hotline
1-866-SCFARM1

Also, don't forget to sign in to text mob for up to date information and upcoming actions.
1) go to http://www.txtmob.com/
2) go to Standard Login, then New Member Login
3) remember to enter your phone number in too, and it will send you a text message with a code you'll use to complete your login
4) go to Join Groups
5) check the box next to the "SouthCentralFarm" group and click Submit at the bottom of the page
...and you're in the group.

Remember check http://www.southcentralfarmers.com/ on a daily basis for updates.

Supplies Needed:
Tents
Sleeping Bags
Propane Tanks
Gasoline
Firewood
Water(preferably in gallons)
Food (non perishable)
Batteries
Flashlights
Toiletries
Tools
And anything else you may feel necessary to endure this struggle to save the South Central Farm.

The Struggle continues…

SCF
The Farm is located at 41st Street and Alameda in Los Angeles

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 24 May 2006 )
< Prev Next >

Latest Events
Fri, May 26th, 2006, @8:00pm- 10:00pm
Reggae Night
Fri, May 26th, 2006, @8:00am- 5:00pm
Press Conference at 11:00am
Fri, May 26th, 2006, @8:00am- 5:00pm
Candle Light Vigil @ the Farm 7:00pm
Fri, May 26th, 2006, @8:00am- 5:00pm
Raise Your Voice to Save the Farm
Sat, May 27th, 2006, @7:00pm- 8:00pm
Candlelight Vigil @ the Farm 7:00pm
Sat, May 27th, 2006, @11:00am- 12:00pm
Did we Survive the Night???
Sat, May 27th, 2006, @8:00am- 5:00pm
The Other Concert/ El Otro Concierto
Sat, May 27th, 2006, @8:00am- 5:00pm
Raise Your Voice to Save the Farm
Sun, May 28th, 2006, @7:00pm- 8:00pm
Candlelight Vigil @ the Farm 7:00pm
Sun, May 28th, 2006, @8:00am- 5:00pm
Farmers Market???

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Escaping the Malthusian Trap

2006-05-09T18:41:23Z

Principle of population (from wikipedia)

Malthus's views were largely developed in reaction to the optimistic views of his father and his associates, notably Rousseau and William Godwin. In An Essay on the Principle of Population, first published in 1798, Malthus made the famous prediction that population would outrun food supply, leading to a decrease in food per person. (Case & Fair, 1999: 790).

"The power of population is so superior to the power of the earth to produce subsistence for man, that premature death must in some shape or other visit the human race. The vices of mankind are active and able ministers of depopulation. They are the precursors in the great army of destruction; and often finish the dreadful work themselves. But should they fail in this war of extermination, sickly seasons, epidemics, pestilence, and plague, advance in terrific array, and sweep off their thousands and tens of thousands. Should success be still incomplete, gigantic inevitable famine stalks in the rear, and with one mighty blow levels the population with the food of the world."

This Principle of Population was based on the idea that population if unchecked increases at a geometric rate (i.e. 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, etc.) whereas the food supply grows at an arithmetic rate (i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc.).

Only natural causes (eg. accidents and old age), misery (war, pestilence, and above all famine), moral restraint and vice (which for Malthus included infanticide, murder, contraception and homosexuality) could check excessive population growth. See Malthusian catastrophe for more information.

Malthus favoured moral restraint (including late marriage and sexual abstinence) as a check on population growth. However, it is worth noting that Malthus proposed this only for the working and poor classes. Thus, the lower social classes took a great deal of responsibility for societal ills, according to his theory. Essentially what this resulted in was the promotion of legislation which some claim degenerated the conditions of the poor in England, but may have discouraged increases in poverty.

Malthus himself noted that many people misrepresented his theory, and took pains to point out that he did not just predict future catastrophe. He argued "...this constantly subsisting cause of periodical misery has existed ever since we have had any histories of mankind, does exist at present, and will for ever continue to exist, unless some decided change takes place in the physical constitution of our nature."

Thus, Malthus regarded his Principle of Population as an explanation of the past and the present situation of humanity, as well as a prediction of our future.

Additionally, many have argued that Malthus did not recognise the human capacity to increase our food supply. On this subject Malthus wrote "The main peculiarity which distinguishes man from other animals, is the means of his support, is the power which he possesses of very greatly increasing these means."

(full article @ link below)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Malthus

Unfortunately, the "green" revolution and industrial agriculture require huge energy inputs, mostly from fossil fuels. Many planners express the traditional Malthusian fears that the earth’s ability to feed, clothe, and provide other necessities of life for humanity’s growing numbers will soon be surpassed. This is because our population growth was created by energy from fossil fuel. Even if we create a new way to produce more food, what happens when we can't supply energy at the same rate as population growth?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malthusian_catastrophe

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Permaculture Education idea

2006-04-30T04:01:34Z

I've noticed a lot of scholarships popping up to help subsidize the PDC course for those who may not otherwise be able to afford it, and while I applaud the effort, I think there's a better way to "reinvest the surplus".

The course typically costs $1,000+, so rather than paying for the tuition for students to attend the PDC training, why not pay for the expenses and instructors instead?

Thoughts?

posted in EcoEducators - 1 reply

Earth Day activity?

2006-04-18T02:37:44Z

Anyone know of a good, simple low-materials Earth Day activity? Something meaningful that gets a point across but still manages to be fun in its own right? Also, it has to be a self-contained sort of activity that can ocur in one session.

I'll be competing against a lot of big draws on that day (boatrides, hay rides, face-painting, fishing, etc)... unfortunately a big public event at my park is planned that does not emphasize Earth Day per se.

posted in EcoEducators - 8 replies

New Tribe: Education for Liberation

2006-04-12T17:39:14Z

I have just started a new tribe called Education for Liberation hoping to discuss education for change and empowerment. This tribe is open to ALL and intended for those interested in using education as a vehicle for transforming and liberating the world. This tribe is highly inspired by the work of Paulo Freire and is not only for educators, but for all who live and learn.

Check it out:
tribes.tribe.net/education4liberation

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Looking for Ideas for Nature Center in NYC

2006-04-11T22:44:56Z

Does anyone have any ideas for where I might find free materials to enliven a dull looking nature center in the south bronx? i'm looking for coloful stuff, posters, decorations, art, etc.

Also, can anyone recommend any online sites specializing in easy (as in, light on materials), activity-oriented lesson plans for environmental educators? Or does anyone have a few successful ideas to throw out?

posted in EcoEducators - 13 replies

AEOE conference in Malibu with Richard Louv

2006-04-03T19:21:44Z

Dear Educators,

The early registration postmark deadline for the AEOE conference has been
extended one week to April 8th! We actually expect the conference to fill,
but we wanted to be fair to Northern AEOE members who just received their
newsletters due to an unexpected delay. All other registration deadlines
will stay the same. If possible, please register by April 1st so that we
can process the paperwork sooner rather than later. Scholarships are
available, and the postmark application deadline remains April 1st. Check
out the AEOE website at http://www.aeoe.org for full conference details,
workshop descriptions, and registration forms, or contact Helen de la Maza
if you have any unanswered registration concerns: delamazah@earthlink.net.
Read on for more conference updates.

1. List of Some Conference Highlights
2. New Conference Tshirt Information
3. Skit Contest/Talent Show
4. Auction Donations/Scholarships
5. Volunteering
6. Meals
7. Job Fair
8. Green Conference

We hope to see you April 28-30 at Camp Hess Kramer in Malibu! Please share
information with your coworkers and friends.

Happy spring,

Michael Charnofsky
AEOE Public Relations/Outreach Coordinator

1. List of Some Conference Highlights
85+ workshops; Richard Louv's keynote; Jacque Nuñez's Opening Ceremony;
Friday night contra dancing with the Swamp Mamas; Saturday night's band
Delta Nove; Skit Contest/Talent Show; Job Fair; nighttime astronomy session;
great food; auctions and merchandise; networking; professional development
credit; Photo Contest; Acorn Naturalists tables; AEOE History Display;
beautiful area--tidepools, beach, riparian mountain canyon; nice camp
facilities.

2. Conference Tshirt Information
To preorder a shirt, you can check out the design at
http://www.aeoe.org/conference/spring/2006/info/teeshirt.html before you
register. Only a few extra will be available for purchase at the
conference. Julie Tosten's beautiful artwork will be printed on Patagonia
organic short sleeve cotton shirts in these styles and colors:
Men's ringspun black in S, M, L, XL (ringspun is an "extra-high-quality"
fabric)
Men's ringspun natural in M, L
Women's scoop neck ringspun black in S, M
Women's slim fit green tea in M, L

3. Register for the Skit Contest and Talent Show by April 17th at
http://www.aeoe.org/conference/spring/2006/events/skitcontest.html .

4. Auction Donations/Scholarships: The past few years AEOE has awarded up to
$2,000 in conference scholarships to people who could not otherwise afford
to attend. The more high quality donations we receive that can be
auctioned, the more money we will have for next year's Joie's Daisies
Scholarship Fund. For more information about donating items, please email
Tara Murgatroyd at tmurgatroyd@ymca.org. Scholarships are available up to
$100, applications are due April 1st! For more information go to
http://www.aeoe.org/conference/spring/2006/scholarship/index.html.

5. Volunteering: AEOE loves volunteers and we would not exist as an
organization without them. If you are interested in helping out at the
conference, please contact Jason Westfall at jwestfall15@hotmail.com.

6. Meals: Vegetarian meals this year will be served buffet style with
separate meat or vegan options available only to those who sign up in
advance on the registration form.

7. Updated Job Fair information and registration is now available online:
http://aeoe.org/conference/spring/2006/info/jobfair.html.

8. Green Conference: AEOE takes pride in its "green conference practices."
We use recycled paper; we compost and recycle everything possible; we
encourage carpooling (email mandlville@comcast.net if you need a ride or can
offer one); we serve vegetarian meals with some organic ingredients and
organic, shade grown, fair trade coffee; we reuse nametags; we print on
organic cotton shirts and tote bags.

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Common Vision Benefit- Santa Cruz

2006-03-18T20:31:13Z

Hi friends! Please see below info for our upcoming benefit show this week in Santa Cruz. If you can make it, I'd love to see you there! If you're coming to the benefit, bring friends! Or forward this flyer to anyone you feel might be interested. thanks.

Check out the website at www.commonvision.org
Blessings all,
Brenda

Common Vision Benenfit, Santa Cruz

March 24 at 8:00 PM
Location:
418 Front St
Santa Cruz, CA
$10

Common Vision, a non-profit group that plants fruit trees at schools, plays west african drums and dance, from San Diego to Nevada City from February to April on our annual Fruit Tree Tour, is having a benefit concert and community art auction in Santa Cruz on 3-24-06.
The event will be held at 418 Front St at 8 pm. This is an all ages event with a 10 dollar admission fee, but free admission for an art donation that can be auctioned in our silent art auction. Art submissions must be turned in by 5pm and ready for display. The theme of the art show this year is "Fruit Trees."
We will have some awesome guest performances including:

Don Woulila
West African Drum and Dance
featuring master drummer
Bolokada Konde from Guinea

Common Vision
featuring the Fruit Tree Tour '06 crew
a multicultural educational performance
with storytelling, drumming, dancing, hip hop, and so much more!

Living Alliance of Love
an infusion of hip hop, trance, and dub music
featuring Johnny Dutro

Galactic Dub Council
featuring a slew of hip hoppers (Resonant Sun, Smiles a Lot, SUP126, Cerberus, Kalimama, Luke D, and more)
with integrated beats and live music!
break dancers and belly dancers, too!

Amber and Molly
Hip hop set with members Santa Cruz's Goddess Funk

There will also be a parade from Pacific Ave with the Santa Cruz Trash Orkestra

Please come and show your support!
This is your chance to donate some beautiful art or $ for a great cause, and shake your boooty!
more info at
http://www.commonvision.org/

Peace and love!

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Urban Farm needs help

2006-03-10T13:29:06Z

The South Central Farm is a very special place, providing fresh food and community for more than 350 low income families in south central Los Angeles. People of all ages gather there and share diverse traditions, seeds, music. They are in grave danger of losing their land. To bulldoze these 14 verdant acres and put in a cement warehouse is insane. Please lend your support in this crucial week.
If you live in LA - come down to the farm or go to City Hall (especially on Friday morning). If you don't you can still write a letter and/or make a donation (paypal link at www.southcentralfarmers.com).

Thanks,
Jennifer

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
"Aqui Estamos y No Nos Vamos!"
with the South Central Farmers Support Coalition

Schedule of Actions for the week of 3/7/06-3/11/06

A revised eviction notice was posted on the gates of the South Central Farm by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department March 2, 2006. According to the notice the 14 acre farm (the largest urban farm in the nation) needs to be vacated by TODAY, Tuesday March 7, 2006.

Until the end of that day, it will still be legal for the farmers to remain on the land. The farmers are undertaking the necessary process to halt this eviction through legal appeals. To our knowledge, we can only be guaranteed to stall the eviction for days. This week will be critical in the history and fate of the farm. The farmers have been keeping up this fight for three years, but its victory is in the hands of the people.

-We're asking everyone to participate in these actions organized for the week:

Tuesday, March 7:
1. Attend City Council Public Comments.
9am @ Los Angeles City Hall.
Wear Green!
2. Art Party/ Paper Mache mask making 7pm @ the Farm
3. Flood the offices of the Mayor and Council Representative Jan Perry via telephone, email & fax. Demand a town hall meeting to intervene with the eviction and to be responsible to their community!!!
*Mayor Villaraigosa: Email: mayor@lacity.org Phone: (213)978-0600
*Council Representative Jan Perry: Email councilmember.perry@lacity.org Phone: (213)473-7009

Wednesday, March 8:
1. Attend City Council Public Comments.
9am @ Los Angeles City Hall.
Wear Green!
2. "Mr. Horowitz, Do the Right Thing!"
Candlelight Vigil in support of the Farmers at 7pm.
Intersection of: N. Woodburn Drive and W. Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90049

Thursday, March 9:
1. Drum Circle at the Mayor's House; 7pm
The Getty House @ Windsor Square
605 S. Irving blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90005
8 blocks west of Western (off Wilshire)
www.metro.net for public transport to area

Friday, March 10:
1. Community Support Demonstration and Community Voicing during City Council meeting's public comments.
Los Angeles City Hall 9am
200 N. Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Saturday/Sunday:
1. Concerts at the Farm!! Details TBA.

-Interested in camping at the farm with the campesinos?
Contact Brenda at brendaealvarez@msn.com to coordinate days &times.

-For info regarding the scheduled events, please contact Rosa @ (310)867-0696

-The farmers are continuing their 24 hour vigil to protect the farm which started in July of 2006. Please bring supplies of food, water, flashlights, batteries, firewood, sleeping bags, blankets, tarps, tents and anything else we may need in the days to come.

-For information on the South Central Farmers visit www.southcentralfarmers.com
-You may contact us through our website or contact Fernando @ (909)605-3136 southcentralfarmers@yahoo.com

Please Forward Widely!!!!

posted in EcoEducators - 1 reply

Micro/Nomadic EcoDesigns

2006-02-16T15:39:53Z

http://www.sustain.ca

This is my friend Andy's site which features micro shelters that I feel have a great potential to assist people in forming eco-villages and lessening their ecological footprint. What do people here think?

posted in EcoEducators - 1 reply

youth film festival

2006-02-07T17:14:33Z

Hey everyone,

I'm putting on a touring youth film festival this spring and was wondering if any of you are connected to youth or youth organizations with films to contribute.

There is a people's choice award for the best film promoting environmental awareness.

check out www.reelyouth.ca for more info.

:) Mark.

posted in EcoEducators - 1 reply

Cool "Drive Hybrids" t-shirt

2006-02-07T00:40:31Z

Good way to express support for and educate others in the benefits of hybrid ehicles and their environmental, economic, etc. benefits:

http://membership.conservationvalue.org/catalog.php?act=view_prod_info&id_prod=19205&i=&l=&sid=3411V5BTBS0R031

I have one and they are sweet--VERY soft cotton.

I'll be psyched for a biodiesel version too

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

super website

2006-01-14T08:54:36Z

Hi y'all,
i just felt like posting this in here. this website is the site of my old partner, we used to make documentaries and videos on global climate change and our focus was on solutions. Now he's got a brilliant blog journal on the web, which i think you'll find inspiring as i have!
All the best and much love and peace for 2006!
semira
here's the link: http://www.livejournal.com/users/scalarparty/
looking forward to see your comments on this site!

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Wombat Lessons

2006-01-14T04:44:30Z

http://www.globalcommunity.org/flash/wombat.shtml

posted in EcoEducators - 2 replies

Teaching Physics

2006-01-13T21:25:30Z

I teach at a school where the students in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Systems and Physics must study 'something'. In the past it has been 'study the environment', but physics is often left out in the cold. Last year we succumbed to the physics teacher and moved the project inside. Biology and Environmental systems were at a loss.

The purpose of the event is to teach teamwork between the sciences. For those familiar with IB, this is the IB Group 4 project. From a teaching perspective it is pretty amazing, the students get very little guidance, and as teams that consista of a handful of bio, chem, env. sys, and physics students, they come up with a plan.

So, now that I've rambled enough, does anyone have any ideas for physics. In the past the biology kids have done small (humane) mammal traps, fresh water invertebrates. System kids have done tree biodiversity, leaf litter biodiversity, soil analysis. Chem kids have done water chemistry, soil chemistry. And Physics have been left out in the cold. Some of the stuff they've done in the past, which I thought was pretty cool, has been stream velocity, wind direction and velocity, insolation and angles of insolation.

Thanks for reading this, and thanks for any input.

posted in EcoEducators - 1 reply

New tribe for Outdoor Educators

2006-01-13T06:20:21Z

I've just started my first new tribe - "Outdoor Educators", a place to share resources, ideas, inspiring and/or amusing anecdotes - all so we can learn to do what we love to do even better! Anyone involved in environmental/outdoor/experiential/adventure ed - anyone who gets kids outdoors - is welcome.

http://tribes.tribe.net/outdooreducators?_click_path=Application%5Btribe%5D.Tribe%5B3a95e939-c843-4579-b2a2-e8cb7e01be78%5D

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

The Solar Living Institute Needs Your Help!

2006-01-06T02:27:45Z

Volunteers and Donations Needed for Flood Damage Repair!

The Solar Living Institute and Real Goods Trading Company, in Hopland Ca, on Hwy. 101, about 2 hours North of S.F., was ostensibly destroyed on Dec. 31st, by the flooding in the area. The Geodesic dome which housed their interns was burnt to the ground and much of the Institutes' installations, equipment and grounds are buried under 3+ feet of mud and muck. The 2006 workshop program was thankfully relatively unharmed and will continue operation, but most of the SolFest materials, the natural buildings on site, the tools, supplies, and grounds themselves all received considerable damage.

In addition to volunteer help cleaning up, they are trying to raise $150,000 to cover the damage and repair.

We're planning a clean-up party this Saturday, Jan. 7th and could use as many volunteers as we can get. If you would like to help, know somone else that may be available, or know of any other Tribes that might have members interested in lending a hand, PLEASE, repost, cross-post and disseminate this call for help far and wide.

Location, directions and more information can be found here:

www.solarliving.org/index.cfm

Thank you for taking the time to read this post.

With Love, Light, Laughter & Peace...

Blessings,
Pepita

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Workshop tool box

2005-12-21T01:50:53Z

hello

I am running some workshops on Climate Change and Sustainable living. I already have the workshops created, however I am wondering what other activities have worked well for others on these topics. The participants are high school students.

Thanks,
T

posted in EcoEducators - 2 replies

Environmental Ed Job

2005-12-06T07:23:55Z

FIELD NATURALIST
INSIDE THE OUTDOORS

SALARY: $10.00 per hour

FINAL FILING DATE: Open until filled

The Orange County Department of Education is accepting applications for the position of Field Naturalist for the Inside the Outdoors Field Program. These positions have a work schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday for full time; part time positions are also available.

Inside the Outdoors Field Program has three major goals:
- Encourage students' awareness and appreciation of the environment.
- Broaden the students' knowledge of science concepts.
- Foster students' commitment to the protection of the natural environment.

The Inside the Outdoors program provides one and two-day science field trips for kindergarten through seventh grade students. The students spend the day at one of thirteen sites in Orange County. Students will study tidepool, chaparral, riparian (stream), and estuary ecosystems. Information on Native American lifestyles is integrated into the program, as well as geology.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES
* Conduct natural science activities in a variety of ecosystems for a group of 15-20 students and participating classroom teachers.
* Hike on trails for up to one mile, and traverse stairs and uneven terrain while carrying equipment.

Successful Job Performance Requires Ability and Skill to:
* Instruct and supervise elementary-age children (grades K-7) in an outdoor setting.
* Communicate effectively in the English language, in both oral and written forms.
* Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university with major course work in the natural sciences or related field, OR three years of related experience, training or equivalent combination.
* Must possess and maintain a valid California driver's license.
* Current Red Cross CPR and First Aid Certificates are required within two months of employment.
Physical Ability to Meet the Following Requirements:
* Ability to move up to fifty pounds, load and unload supplies, and set up equipment.
* Lead or help students on hikes to the various teaching stations.
* Work outside in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures from September through June.
* Shift requirements are normally from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, as needed. Weekend programs are sometimes available.

For complete responsibilities, please see job flyer at www.insidetheoutdoors.org
Apply online at www.ocde.us
Call (714) 708-3893 with questions.
Tell them Spencer sent you.

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Support Sustainability With Amazon Purchases

2005-11-30T19:09:08Z

Happy Holidays--
When you make your gift (and other) purchases at Amazon.com this holiday season, please consider entering Amazon through one of the links off of www.ConservationValue.org/holid...ng.asp

That is all you have to do and a portion of proceeds from sales will be donated to the organization's work helping consumers, companies and government agencies find ways to save money and improve their health and quality fo life while also benefiting the environment.

There are also some outstanding sustainability education resources on the Education and Outreach Page: http://www.conservationvalue.org/eo.asp#6

If you'd like to give sombody a sustainable gift--a solar flash light or cell
phone charger, organic cotton clothing and much more, you can find thousands of such items via the links on the Green Products page,
www.conservationvalue.org/smc.asp.

If you find good links to add, please send them to info@conservationvalue.org

Please spread the word, sign the mailing list, and help support a 'The Little Engine That Could' approach to communicating the importance of sustainability, (as opposed to a 'Chicken Little' approach)--hope, not fear!

Thanks and Happy Holidays to you and your families.

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Permaculture Cert. and training...after the PDC

2005-11-26T01:45:50Z

I would appreciate any information anyone may have regarding the next step in certification after the Permaculture Design Certificate.

I have found a few teacher training programs but they seem few and far between. Nevertheless if anyone knows of any, please post them. How about a Masters in Permaculture? Any programs like that?

I am interested from multiple perspectives, as I am studying the PC ed. system for a research project, and I am interested in continuing my permaculture training.

thanks in advance,

in bounty and abundance,

Jason

posted in EcoEducators - 1 reply

redefining eco-educators

2005-10-02T18:06:13Z

A lot of things are going on in our country and there is a great need for us to converge to something greater, to collaborate, to utilize what we know and create...more. I feel it is my duty to continue to pass this message around to all my families, and to not let us forget that there is a need for us all to be acting at our highest potential, not just sit and become complacent to whats REALLY going on...until its too late, and we can't remember what it is we are really called to do...
take some time and check out this thread...
actionhero.tribe.net/thread/...a1d2612f

posted in EcoEducators - 1 reply

Any southern universities with good Eco Programs?

2005-09-08T20:16:35Z

Does anybody know of any colleges/universities in the Mississippi Valley area with a decent reputation for environmental programs? Possibly wildlife conservation or water testing (that might be more about chemistry...)

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Council of All Beings

2005-08-19T09:44:52Z

This weekend i am participating in another Council of All Beings as a facilitator. This will be the second one I have participated with and it is always deepening. Have any of you been involved in this deep ecology process before? Interested to hear accounts from anyone who has. Here's the plug for it that my roomie wrote:

A Council of All Beings, Now August 21-23.
Coming up fast .:.

this will be my last chance to connect with friends
before i take off for question mark time to ontario
registration is $13-20 for the weekend, or trade
i need some people to help me with the site

find out everything you could want to know
about this sacred opportunity for evolution
at http://www.geocities.com/deep_council

widening the circles of life
awakening the heart
remembering ourselves as one

we are that part of the rainforest which has recently learned to build culture, speak in languages, harness technology, and has the power to seed our own future, as all of life on this planet.

this summer, a circle of souls will gather to awaken the ancient memory of our long evolutionary lineage from the beginning of life on earth, and even further back to the beginning of time.

taking from the powerful field of deep ecology, we will empower ourselves into deep awareness, deep time, and deep caring for this world that we are. opening wide in authentic empowerment.

check in here for details on this upcoming event.

namaste .:. lyoness Bijour

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

food diversion

2005-08-18T23:19:12Z

Just wondering if anyone knows anyone who does or is interested in food
diversion...

thnx

posted in EcoEducators - 3 replies

check out SOuLFEST

2005-08-18T07:37:24Z

SOLfest!!!
August 20 and 21, Solar Living Institute a 12 acre solar-powered demonstration site will be a hotbed of education and world-class entertainment, as a benefit for the non-profit Solar Living Institute.
we have speaker including Amy Goodman (Democracy Now! Radio), Richard Heinberg (author of Powerdown and The Party's Over), Michael Toms (New Dimensions World Broadcasting Network), Mike Ruppert (author of Crossing the Rubicon), Derrick Jensen (Culture of Make Believe), and others, as well as world-class entertainment, including folk-legend Holly Near and Grammy-nominated acoustic guitar wizard Alex de Grassi and his trio. Admission includes access to dozens of informative workshops.

Educational topics at this year's SolFest will include solar power, composting, green farming, home-brewing Biodiesel, and much, much more. Attendees will also be able to partake in book signings with world-famous authors, and browse over 190 green exhibitors and vendors.

chek it out....

www.solarliving.org

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Cool Sustainability Web Site

2005-07-29T04:24:05Z

Conservation Value
www.ConservationValue.org

LOT of information on there--good stuff!

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

A Classroom in the Forest

2005-07-02T05:44:34Z

A Classroom in the Forest
by Kathryn Haines- Yes Magazine

School kids and would-be MBAs learn how to do their part in caring for the environment amidst hemlocks and sword ferns, wetlands and living machines

Filling the forest amphitheater to overflowing, 100 fourth- and fifth-graders drown out the sounds of birds and wind with their own song.

“Predator and prey, producer and decay, are in the food chain, ch-chain, chain…”

Like all good camp songs, the tune is infectious, and the story vivid: Rabbit nibbles on a plant and then is caught by Coyote, who leaves her scat on the trail for the insects to turn into plant food.

It’s the final gathering at the Friendship Circle for the kids of John Muir Elementary, and they sum up their four days of environmental education at IslandWood with gusto:

“The cycle never ends, it just begins again, in the food chain, ch-chain, chain.
So eat your food, my friend, but remember where it’s been, in the food chain, ch-chain, chain.”

For the previous group of students to hold classes here, the tune may not have been as catchy, but the tenor of the lesson was much the same.

“While every supply chain is trying to get more efficient, a values chain goes far beyond that.”
It’s Management 509, Sustainable Operations, and the second-year Masters of Business Administration students from the Bainbridge Graduate Institute (BGI) are tackling supply–chain management.

With an occasional pause to flash a flowchart on the classroom’s large flat-panel display, instructors Dennis Gawlik and Dwight Collins outline the traditional manufacturing process. At the same time, they insist something more is possible: a production cycle that more fully accounts for its social and environmental impact. In that model, businesses can be “eco-friendly” and increase efficiency by harnessing the by-products that industry traditionally ignores. “That’s where this revolution, this notion of sustainability, starts—by looking into the life of the product,” Dennis tells the class.

It’s the business version of a healthy food chain: using the scat to nurture something green. And it offers a fair notion of the values that have made both IslandWood and BGI pioneers in the field of “sustainability education.”

The two start-up schools—both based on Bainbridge Island, a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle—teamed up last fall when BGI moved its business classes and lectures to IslandWood’s campus. “(BGI is) teaching current leaders, we’re teaching future leaders,” says IslandWood’s executive director Ben Klasky.

Sustainability made visible
For IslandWood founders Paul and Debbi Brainerd, the seed of sustainability-based education sent up its first shoots in 1997, when they purchased property on the forested slopes of south-central Bainbridge.

Their vision of an environmental learning center was grand from the get-go: an education facility combining nature, art, science, and technology that would set children on a path to environmental and community stewardship.

Grand, and timely: the state of Washington mandates environmental education across the K-12 curriculum. Motivating that mandate is a growing body of research on the benefits of environmental education, including higher scores on standardized tests and improved overall academic performance.

Now in its third full year of operations, IslandWood has seen 10,000 school children from more than 100 schools in the region participate in its programs, many from the urban schools of Seattle. Most take part in the center’s flagship program, a four-day residential learning experience for fourth- and fifth-graders.

As a site to learn about biodiversity, the 255-acre center is an educator’s dream, encompassing six different ecosystems and a nearly complete watershed. Trails wind from a cattail marsh and natural bog, descending through pockets of second-growth forest to a fern-blanketed ravine. From a four-acre freshwater pond, a historic salmon stream flows down to public park land and the Port Blakely estuary, where timbers from the Port Blakely Mill, once the largest sawmill in the world, still remain.

For naturalist Karen Salsbury, every step through the site offers her 10 student charges a new experience. Calling Team Marsh to a halt, the IslandWood naturalist urges them to listen for the red-winged blackbirds they heard the day before. Further down the trail, she plucks up some Gallium ssp., “velcro plant,” and hands it around for the group to feel its sticky, burr-like surface. “I have a hard time not stopping every 50 feet,” she confesses.

Still, she sets a brisk pace for this morning’s mission: the Tree House. Twenty five feet up the bole of a Douglas fir, the group gets a birds-eye view of the bog. Karen points to a stubby cluster of hemlocks in the distance. “How old do you think those trees are?” As old, she tells them, as those in the surrounding forest. “It’s like orange juice down there, very acidic. And those trees are stunted by the acidic environment. Why are they still growing? Because they’ve adapted.”

IslandWood’s lessons are not just about the world outdoors; the school has earned national attention for its focus on what IslandWood’s technology coordinator, Clancy Wolf, calls “the built environment.”

“This campus makes a lot of principles very visible,” he says. “These buildings have a huge potential for teaching.”

From its composting toilets to its solar-paneled rooftops, IslandWood is a showcase of sustainable design and construction. In the classrooms, every surface is a demonstration of recycled and renewable material, from countertops made of soybean shells and recycled yogurt containers to floors covered in cork and bamboo. In the art studio, a window wows students with a view inside the plaster-covered walls, where straw bales hold up the roof.

Textured, tactile, and visually interesting, the structures are nothing like the standard school room—“just enough out of whack,” Clancy says, “to create a little cognitive dissonance, to challenge our assumptions.”

This comprehensive effort to reduce its ecological footprint and put sustainable practices on display earned IslandWood and Mithun, the architectural firm which designed the campus, a coveted Gold-level certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The campus has become a classroom for architects nationwide, and its appeal has drawn new revenue which, along with donations, enables IslandWood to subsidize the school visits. A glimpse at next month’s schedule shows a prominent area politician and a multinational coffee company bringing groups to the center, and weekends filled with nature and art classes.

Daring to live your values
When IslandWood’s neighbor, the Bainbridge Graduate Institute, found its offices bursting at the seams with eager MBAs, the IslandWood campus presented an ideal solution.

As much as BGI’s co-founder Gifford Pinchot believes in conservation, he’s adamant that some of what we’ve inherited shouldn’t be conserved for future generations. Topping the list is the idea that business and morality are mutually exclusive.

“Society has been rigged in such a way that people think they dare not live their values,” he says. “[BGI] was an opportunity to see just how much the chance to live those values can add.”

Scarcely three years since its founding in early 2002, the school is flourishing, offering two- and three-year MBAs in Sustainable Business, as well as a two-year certificate program.

Their curriculum—though not their success—flies in the face of what BGI calls the “Friedman Principle,” after influential free-market economist Milton Friedman, which dictates that market value for stockholders trumps all other considerations. “Traditionally, taking responsibility for environmental or social impact is considered irresponsible in business,” explains Rick Bunch, BGI executive director. Or, as Gifford puts it: in business as usual, it’s immoral to be moral.

Increasingly, though, corporations are becoming convinced that their future success demands a different strategy. Under the aegis of “ethical business,” “corporate responsibility,” and “sustainable development,” firms are coming around to the idea that environmentally sound and socially just behavior can be profitable.

“Sustainability is the next big trend in business,” says Kevin Hagen, principal of Shuksan Energy Consultants. “Huge corporations are in the process of transitioning to more sustainable business models—within the next five years, I think MBAs trained in sustainability will become mission-critical employees.”

It’s a belief that brought Kevin, already a seasoned entrepreneur in the field of renewable energy, back to the classroom two years ago as part of BGI’s second crop of MBAs. Since then, the school’s enrollment has doubled, and doubled again with the incoming class numbering over 50.

That growth speaks to the huge, unmet demand for sustainable business education. Its principles have already entered the corporate mainstream—83 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs believe sustainable development offers “real business value” to their firms, according to a 1998 survey. But the concepts of sustainability have been slower to gain ground in major business schools. Absent from core curricula are such key concepts as “the triple bottom line” (measuring profit for business, society, and the environment), and full-cost accounting (including the costs of business choices to society and the environment).

The lagging commitment to sustainability at other schools has led world-class educators—among them living systems theorist Elisabet Sahtouris, alternative energy guru Amory Lovins, and industrial ecology pioneer John Ehrenfeld—to join BGI’s list of visiting faculty. And the demand for MBAs trained in sustainable business strategies has CEOs like Patagonia’s Michael Crooke and Gene Kahn, vice president of Sustainable Development at General Mills, lining up to speak (and scout) at the school. These luminaries, enough to make any b-school shine, are only part of the appeal of BGI’s program, which infuses sustainability into every aspect of the curriculum.

Intensives
“One of the key mythologies is that growth is good, and that more growth is better,” Mark Anielski is telling his Sustainable Economics class. “And that growth will solve all the problems in the world, including poverty.” As an example, he displays a graph of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product, the standard indicator of economic vitality, which has sloped resolutely upward for the past few decades. For contrast, he shows another measure, the Genuine Progress Index, which accounts for change in social and environmental assets, as well as economic ones. That slope is nearly flat, with a disturbing downtick in recent years.

While GDP is standard macroeconomics fare; GPI certainly isn’t. These students will learn both. The school’s credibility depends on challenging contemporary views of business while still covering the territory an MBA is expected to traverse. “If they leave here without being able to read a balance sheet, we’re in trouble,” jokes Gifford.

That’s not likely to happen. Although the program is part-time, designed to meet the needs of work and family, the course load is demanding. The four-day residential sessions held each month are filled to the brim with six hours of classes a day, plus meetings, study groups, and lectures. “They call them ‘intensives’ for a reason,” says Ann Brudno fortifying herself with a handful of almonds as she waits for classes to begin again.

It’s in the intensives that much of the work of building sustainable business models takes place—the face-to-face inquiry, the push and pull of competing values and ideas, the creation of a collective understanding among individuals with notably diverse backgrounds. Oil industry and high-tech execs rub shoulders and toss frisbees with entrepreneurs in organic foods and cooperative housing—a mix of experience that’s as integral to BGI as the coursework itself. “The school encourages students to use their real life circumstances as part of class work—which is not only more relevant, it helps share rich experience and real-life situations,” confirms Kevin Hagen.

Buoying students and staff is a sense of camaraderie that underlies all of BGI’s lessons in sustainability—what student Sarah Miller describes as “an entire community of like-minded people, each of us dedicated to making a difference in the world.”

It’s a feeling that the move to IslandWood has strengthened—both through the sustainable practices that pervade the campus, and the social connections that living and working together can foster.

“The students are learning a lot about creating a community with a common purpose,” Rick says. “We want them not only to hear that there is a different way of doing things, but to experience it. Now they know it is entirely feasible.”

For its part, IslandWood has benefited from the exposure BGI’s presence has brought, and from having business leaders regularly visiting campus. And there’s talk of joint programming in the future. As BGI grads become successful parents and IslandWood’s elementary schoolers sprout into MBAs, sustainable education promises to become a virtuous and lifelong cycle.

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Bridging the Watershed

2005-06-29T20:35:14Z

Not sure if any of you guys are in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, but Virginia passed a new law that students must have a 'meaningful watershed experience.'

I am taking a course through an organization called Bridging the Watershed, and it is phenomenal. I encourage anyone in the Chesapeake Bay area to take this course.

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Green Teaching Resources

2005-06-26T04:25:31Z

http://newvillage.net/Journal/Issue3/3ecoschoolyards.html

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Ecological Economics conference

2005-06-23T04:40:35Z

I really have little choice but to go to this. Its only 175 US for
students. Ill sleep in my car if I have to.

http://www.ussee.org/index.html

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

A NEW ALTERNATIVE & ECOLOGICAL CANADIAN UNIVERSITY

2005-06-21T07:31:40Z

<<< Call for Participants >>>

A NEW ALTERNATIVE & ECOLOGICAL
CANADIAN UNIVERSITY

Founding Meeting
Sat Aug 27 to Mon Aug 29, 2005
Arundel, Quebec, Canada

Founding meeting for an alternative and ecological
Canadian University, August 27-29 2005, Arundel,
Quebec.

- Are you interested in ecological education?
- Are you concerned about the rising costs of
post-secondary education?
- Would you like to help found a small innovative
university in Canada that is based on principles of
sustainability and social justice?

This August a group of academics, students and professors
from across the country are coming together to create the
foundations for an affordable and progressive Canadian
university, that demonstrates a unique curriculum and
vision based on principles of sustainability, affordability,
and social justice.

The project is inspired by many different models from
around the world, including Schumacher College in Britain,
The International Center for Sustainable Living in India,
United World Colleges, Ecoversity, Goddard College, and
many others.

If you are an ecological educator, a professor, or if you
have valuable organisational and fundraising skills, please
come to Quebec to help make the dream of an accessible
and ecological university in Canada a reality.

Registration forms are available on the website,
http://www.newuniversity.net , and the registration
deadline is August 10th, 2005.

Some travel subsidies may be available.

When: Sat Aug 27 to Mon Aug 29, 2005
Where: Arundel Natural Science Centre, Arundel, Quebec, Canada.
Price: Sliding scale $30-$50

For more information . . .

Contact: Laird Herbert
Phone: 250-832-5012 (Pacific Time)
E-mail: lherbert@riseup.net

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[GoodWork Editor adds... topical links, resources & opportunities:

A New University in Canada
http://www.newuniversity.net

Meeting location: Arundel Natural Science Centre
http://www.swlauriersb.qc.ca/schools/ansc/
Map/directions to Arundel, Quebec
http://www.swlauriersb.qc.ca/schools/ansc/maps.htm
http://www.bonjourquebec.com/anglais/transport/cartes_routieres.html

Environmental Education in Canada & beyond - links, schools, programmes
(primary, secondary & post-secondary)
http://www.newuniversity.net/background.htm
http://www.planetfriendly.net/learn.html#ee
Eco-Learning Centres & Places across North America
http://www.planetfriendly.net/learn.html

Activist Education - Guides, Tips, Resources, Courses...
http://www.planetfriendly.net/active.html
Democracy School
http://www.democracyschool.ca
The Free University (Toronto)
http://www.freeuoft.org

Corporatization & Commercialization of Education
"Don't call it 'Corporate Welfare'... call it 'Public-Private Partnerships'"
http://www.education-action.net/eng/corporateu.htm
http://www.corpwatch.org/issues/PII.jsp?topicid=115
http://www.corporations.org/democracy/nike.html
http://www.wlu.ca/~wwwpress/jrls/cjc/BackIssues/23.1/newson.html
http://www.google.com/search?q=university+corporatization
http://www.google.com/search?q=corporatization+university
http://www.google.com/search?q=university+privatisation
http://directory.google.com/Top/Society/Issues/Education/Commercialism/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Privatization
http://www.google.com/Top/Society/Issues/Economic/Privatization/
Questioning Business http://www.planetfriendly.net/business.html

Students, Youth & Environment
http://www.thegreenpages.ca/web_resources/links.asp?termsID=82
Youth Environmental Network http://www.yen-rej.org/
Sierra Youth Coalition http://www.syc-cjs.org/
Youth Action Network http://www.youthactionnetwork.org
Env. Jeunesse (Quebec) http://www.enjeu.qc.ca
Env. Youth Alliance http://www.eya.ca
http://directory.google.com/Top/Society/Organizations/Student/Environment/

Other Student & Youth Organizations
Cdn. Fed. of Students http://www.cfs-fcee.ca/html/english/home/
http://directory.google.com/Top/Society/Organizations/Student/Rights/
http://directory.google.com/Top/Society/Organizations/Student/Political/
http://www.google.com/Top/Society/People/Youth/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youth

What is a University?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University
http://www.google.ca/search?q=define%3Auniversity
http://www.google.com/Top/Reference/Education/Colleges_and_Universities/

]

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

greenfire invitation

2005-05-19T17:55:56Z

We are sending the below invitation to Tribe members and we would love it if you could forward it to all your friends and tribes as well - Green Fire's main website is now ready for some serious migration....

In Lake'ch
Darlene Loyd

Greetings Earth Stewards, Kin and Tribe

You are invited to bring your torch of vision to the website of Green Fire - 7 Generations Ministry - a non-denominational ministry based on the principles of Deep Ecology and the Earth Charter that functions within the framework of the Mayan Sacred Tzolkin Calendar. www.greenfireministry.org

Green Fire is in strategic alliance with great organizations like the Bioneers, Alliance for Sustainability and the Earth Charter Initiative.

Do you have a vision you would like to see developed into a project that could receive funding from your new Green Fire church? Check out our programs at www.greenfireministry.org/Programs.htm

Got little children you are stewarding? Check out the Earth Scouts in our Children’s Program www.greenfireministry.org/earth...ts.htm and join our Troop 13:20 for the annual World Wildlife Fund Pennies for the Planet campaign and other great activities that we are developing www.greenfireministry.org/troop1320.htm

Would you like to learn about the Mayan Calendar? Check out our ever growing Mayan Zone www.greenfireministry.org/mayazone.htm

Participate in helping to save the rainforests of South America www.greenfireministry.org/ERamazon.htm or develop projects that can be funded through the church in our Earth Relief Program www.greenfireministry.org/ERProgram.htm

Join the new sacred “Order of the Treekeepers” and commit to the full moon lunar giving to the Trees www.greenfireministry.org/treek...rs.htm or develop your own Circle within the sanctuary of Green Fire www.greenfireministry.org/gfcircles.htm

Become a member now – you need only be a person devoted to a peaceful existence and a healthy planet to join – no membership fees but you are free to donate at any time to keep the fires burning. www.greenfireministry.org/membership.htm The website is under constant development and we are working on making it more navigation friendly. Please introduce yourself in our forums and feel free to start a string or request a special category you would like to see developed…..

Forward this email to all your tribe/friends/family and help co-create this exciting and visionary new spherically structured ministry.

In Lake’ch (Mayan = “I am another you”)

Rev. Lewie Pell – Pastor
Rev. Darlene Loyd – Founder/President
Rev. Dennis FourWinds – Co-Founder/Vice President
Rev. Micah Green – Founder
Rev. Cat O’Shenachie – Treasurer
Rev. Prema Joy Dancing – Secretary
Rev. Davi’d Crooker – Co-Founder
Charlie Logan – Director
Lisa Oliveri – Director/Project Administrator
Lance Brown – Director
Rick Korosteshevsky – Director/Project Administrator
Kevin Hoeke - Director

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Earth Day Art project for kids ideas??

2005-04-15T18:44:59Z

Hi.. I teach art at my daughter's school...anyone have any amazing eco-art ideas for earth day.. (1st graders!)

Thanks folks!!

posted in EcoEducators - 2 replies

Earth Day is coming up!

2005-04-15T17:54:29Z

Hey there! My favorite holiday of the year is coming up, next Sat we are having our annual Earth Day celebration.

www.cityrepair.org/EarthDay

Our annual Earth Day Celebration is Sat. April 23rd in Portland, OR at the Sunnyside Environmental School SE 34th/ Yamhill. Creating culture pf cooperation and weaving the community web. Thousands of people come to this free gathering, and gain many connections.

For the latest opportunities for involvement, to volunteer contact katrina@cityrepair.org or call our office: 503-235-8946
**************************************************
Love~ a benifit for the Earth Day celebration

We are having an amazing fundraiser this Sat. April 16th at the Fez Ballroom from 10:00 pm - 4:30 am; Portland, OR "LOVE"

This is a great way to help us raise funds for City Repair's Earth Day celebration (april 23) by participating in this event.

Featuring:
March Fourth Marching Band
Jujuba
Break Beat Buddha
Mamosa
Ravi
Dj Layla
Michael Manahan

come early for Didjerido sound circles (bring your didj).
Hope to see ya there* and keep on dancing!

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Universidad Mamallacta

2005-03-26T01:27:22Z

This is what I am helping organize in Ecuador.

We want to network all over.

UNIVERSIDAD MAMALLACTA

* OVERVIEW *

The Universidad Mamallacta is an indigenous-run educational center being developed by Napo Runa Indians of the Ecuadorean Amazon, to help them keep their endangered traditional knowledge and rainforest way of life alive and to bring them the skills they want to have to deal with the modern world.

Teaching and learning will take place not only in classroom settings but out on the earth, in the real forest, and in real gardens, learning from local elders and teachers -- hands-on learning in indigenous forest practices, indigenous permaculture, medicinal plants, raising native rainforest animals, and practicing indigenous crafts, music and dance. The land itself will be a living classroom.

The Universidad Mamallacta will also teach skills of the modern world, such as computers and accounting, that local people want in order to manage local community-based ecotourism and other sustainable community enterprises. Having their own economic alternatives enables communities resist the pressure to cut down the forest for cattle raising or to sell out to petroleum companies.

The classrooms will be traditional Amazonian structures, circular in shape, with woven palm roofs and open walls that will be surrounded by flowering bushes designed to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Students and teachers will sit in a sharing circle, surrounded by the sight and sound of the natural world.

The vision of the Universidad Mamallacta originated with the Mamallacta family, a family of traditional shamans. They say that the Indian people should not have to choose between traditional culture and modern technology -- that the tools of the modern world should not have to replace their culture, but rather could help them to defend their culture.

They also feel that their culture has much to offer to the outside world, and they want their school to be open to outside students, including students from other countries, who can teach their own skills in exchange for learning about the way of life of the Napo Runa.

The word "mamallacta" is not only the name of a family. The literal translation is "mother community." In modern Kichwa it means "country" or "nation," while to the Mamallacta family the true meaning of their name is "Mother Earth," since the Earth is the great Mother Community of life. Although other families and villages are involved, "Mamallacta" was a natural and appropriate choice for the name of this indigenous university.

* CULTURAL AND HISTORIC BACKGROUND *

THE NAPO RUNA PEOPLE

The Upper Napo area is within sight of the foothills of the Andes and several nearby volcanoes. It lies below a mountain pass where, in pre-Conquest times, highland Indians and rainforest Indians met to trade. Through that trade the Napo Runa have absorbed some highland Andean influence into their culture, including music and the Kichwa language. They have also absorbed the remnants of other Amazonian Indian tribes of the region who are otherwise extinct. This makes Napo Runa culture extraordinarily rich and varied.

The Upper Napo region is the most accessible part of the entire Amazon Basin. It was the first area of the Amazon penetrated by Europeans, and ancestors of the Napo Runa were the first Amazonian Indians to meet Europeans.

However, although the Napo Runa people have been in contact with Western society since the 1500s, their culture and their rainforest way of life was not significantly altered until the 1960s and 1970s. In those decades the Amazon region of Ecuador experienced a double blow: a government program that defined the Amazon rainforest as "unused" and encouraged colonization and deforestation by granting land title to any settler who came in and cut down the forest and put in cattle, and the discovery of petroleum in the Amazon and the beginning of oil exploitation. The destruction of the rainforest by colonists and oil companies, and the accompanying invasion of the rainforest by large numbers of non-Indian people, has had a tremendous impact on the last two generations of Napo Runa people. The younger generations are rapidly losing their culture and traditional knowledge.

That knowledge includes highly sophisticated traditional eco-human sciences. Like most Amazonian indigenous peoples, the Napo Runa are shifting horticulturalists, traditionally clearing a small area for gardening, cultivating it for a few years, and then reforesting the plot and clearing a new garden. The indigenous gardens themselves utilize sophisticated knowledge of companion planting -- which to western eyes, accustomed to mono cropping, appears "messy" and "unkempt." In reforesting, they take advantage of the increased sunlight to introduce plants that otherwise could not grow under the dense canopy of old-growth forest. They plant fruit and nut trees, medicinal plants, food for animals. Then as the jungle retakes the plot, it is rich with "wild" foods and medicines for humans and animals alike. There is a shifting cycle of old growth and various stages of secondary forest, creating maximum "edge effect," which promotes the richness and variety of ecosystems within an area. The traditional Amazonian way of cultivating the forest has been one of working in partnership with ecosystems rather than forcing something upon them. It is designed to increase the life-supporting capacity of the rainforest and enrich the biodiversity rather than to reduce it. Thus, the Amazon rainforest is a "cultivated forest," an ecosystem which since the Ice Age has been shaped by human participation and which would be very different without it. These ways were so effective that when the Europeans saw this rainforest that had been cultivated for thousand of years, they considered it as "virgin forest," "untouched by the hand of man."

Among the indigenous peoples of the Upper Amazon, the Napo Runa in particular are especially renowned for their extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and their uses. Many anthropologists believe that this is because, as one of the first Amazonian groups ever to come into contact with Europeans, the Napo Runa were among the first peoples to be exposed to Western diseases, and so they had to quickly discover new plants and treatments for the new diseases. Today, other Amazonian peoples who are coming into contact with non-Indians and new diseases for the first time depend on the Napo Runa for help.

But how did the Napo Runa learn these plants? How did they learn the ways of working in cooperation with the forest? The people of the Upper Amazon, and especially the Napo Runa people, are a people for whom plant
spirits are central. Shamanic healing with medicinal plants involves communicating with the plant spirits and understanding the plant's personality as well as with the personality of the sick person.

Vision plants such as Ayahuasca are consulted for healing and guidance, and the vision plants guide the healers to new healing plants. Shamans spend years learning many different levels of knowledge needed for many different levels of spiritual and physical healing.

THE CHALLENGE TODAY

This rainforest, this culture and this great body of spiritual and practical knowledge are now threatened. As the rainforest is destroyed by oil companies and colonists, its power places and its medicine plants are lost, and shamanic practice becomes impossible. The new influx of outside influences, and of schools that bring the message that Western culture contains all knowledge of value and that indigenous knowledge is useless, has caused a generational rift in the Napo Runa people.

When the government declared in the 1960s that the Amazon region was an unoccupied region and up for grabs, and that title would go to those who cleared the forest to raise cattle or sugar cane, the Upper Napo region was impacted earliest, because it is the most accessible part of the entire Amazon Basin. Many Napo Runa found themselves forced to adopt the practices the government required for land title -- deforestation for cattle -- in order to protect their own rights to their land,

Now cattle raising is being abandoned because the cattle pastures soon turn into swamps, and second-growth forest is taking over much of the formerly deforested areas. But now, two generations of Napo Runa people have grown up with a different way of life. The younger generations are losing their culture and identity, and are being taught by the schools, missionaries, and other institutions that their culture is inferior and has no value except as "folklore."

This story of cultural loss is familiar to most indigenous peoples. But unlike North American Indians, the Napo Runa people are only two generations removed from the generation that still lived the traditional way. And, like other Amazonian Indians who have come into contact with North American Indians, they recognize that the cultural destruction that has happened to North American people represents their own future. But those who know the value of their culture, such as the Mamallacta family, want to take the steps now to strengthen their people and culture so that they do not follow the same path to destruction.

* EXPECTED IMPACTS OF UNIVERSIDAD MAMALLACTA *

Community-controlled education strengthens the ability of indigenous peoples to determine their own future. Universidad Mamallacta will be a prototype for indigenous-controlled education that is firmly rooted in indigenous culture, values, and spirituality, that allows indigenous people to choose for themselves what knowledges from the outside world are valuable to them, and that allows indigenous people to exchange knowledge with the Western world on a mutually respectful, equal basis. It is "educacion para defender la cultura, no para deshacer la cultura" -- education to defend the culture, not undo the culture.

Expected impacts -- short and long-term -- include:

ECOLOGICAL

Promoting recovery of damaged forest

Developing teaching models of indigenous gardening in cooperation with nature, known in the modern world as "permaculture"

Training in the raising of native Amazonian animals such as tapir and capybara, which thrive in intact rainforest, as an alternative to cattle, which require deforestation to create pasture. These animals were traditionally hunted for meat, but have been depopulated due to colonization and habitat destruction,

Developing projects to repopulated endangered wildlife, such as macaws.

Creating economic rewards for resisting deforestation, by developing export markets for rainforest herbs and by increasing ecotourism in the area

ECONOMIC

Helping communities that are developing community based ecotourism programs by offering training in Accounting and Small Business Management

Developing export markets for Amazonian crafts, medicinal herbs, chonta flour and other rainforest products.

Increasing tourism as an economic base in the Archidona area.

MODERN TECHNOLOGY

Giving indigenous young people access to computers and computing skills.

Offering a living demonstration of eco-friendly technology such as solar panels, mini-hydroelectric generators and composting toilets, in beautiful buildings based on traditional Amazonian architecture.

Developing indigenous-controlled media by training indigenous people in the making of videos and creation of radio programs.

TRADITIONAL TECHNOLOGY

Helping the traditional sustainable ways of cultivating the forest survive to the next generations

Passing on the knowledge and active use of medicinal plants

Keeping Amazonian shamanism alive

MODERN SKILLS

Providing basic skills in literacy and arithmetic for indigenous people of all ages who desire them

Giving local carpenters and mechanics the opportunity to share their skills

Providing tutoring support for students in area primary and secondary schools

Preparing talented young people for higher education in Ecuador and abroad

ART

Revitalizing traditional crafts that use all natural materials, such as traditional ceramics, fiber weaving and seed crafts

Developing new traditions such as painting with natural plant pigments.

Revitalizing traditional music and dance

Creating galleries for indigenous artists.

Giving local guitarists, keyboard artists, flutists and drummers the opportunity to teach others

WOMEN

Helping women of several villages develop women's healing and midwifery centers, or "Hambi Wasi"

Supporting women's traditional arts, such as ceramics and women's medicinal gardens

Helping women develop leadership and visibility

PEDAGOGICAL INSTITUTE

Developing bilingual/bicultural materials and programs for use in local primary and secondary schools,

Training indigenous teachers to work in their own communities, offering quality education to children that will both respect and nurture their own culture and equip them to deal with the outside world.

LANGUAGE INSTITUTE

Working in partnership with an indigenous-run institute of languages that is independently being started nearby. The institute plans to teach all indigenous languages of Ecuador, plus Spanish and English.

INTERNATIONAL

Strengthening networks with indigenous people of other regions and other countries, by offering them the opportunities to come to Ecuador to study and to teach about their own cultures at Universidad Mamallacta.

Offering the opportunity to for international students to learn about Amazonian Indian history, culture, and science, to live in Napo Runa villages and experience the Napo Runa way of life, and to share their own skills with those who want to learn them.

Creating an international model of indigenous community-controlled education that exchanges knowledge with the outside world on a basis of mutual respect and equality.

PUBLICATIONS

The Napo Runa people and their neighbors have great desire to document their culture and create their own publications, and the Universidad Mamallacta will give them the opportunity to do it. We plan to tape classes, and then transcribe and edit the lectures into publishable form

We will be contracting with students to do research projects within their own communities (or, in the case of foreign students, within their homestay communities). Students will be learning from their own elders, and helping bring their wisdom to the rest of the world.

This documentation will be the foundation for constantly expanding curricula for the Universidad, for bilingual/ bicultural curricula for the local schools, and it will serve as a resource for foreign students and for international scholars in fields such as anthropology, biology, and sustainable development.

The documentation will also help us to make the case that non-indigenous colonists don't need to destroy the forest in order to live here. The colonists should have to learn from the ancient and successful practices of sustainability of indigenous people in order to be able to come live in the rainforest.

The documentation of indigenous sciences will also help to communicate to the younger generation that their own ancestral culture contains knowledge that are vitally important to the world.

The knowledge that is documented, and its benefits both material and nonmaterial, will belong entirely to the people from whom it comes. Since the Universidad will be under local indigenous control, all published materials that it produces will remain under local indigenous control.

SIZE

Universidad Mamallacta will begin on a 9-acre site. It will have one administration building (a secure modern building with solar power) and eight circular, open-walled classrooms with woven palm roofs and open walls that will be surrounded by flowering bushes designed to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Students and teachers will sit in a sharing circle, surrounded by the sight and sound of the natural world.

The land itself will be a living classroom. Like much of the region, this site has in the past been deforested for cattle pasture. It will be used for model reforestation projects, for growing the medicinal plants which the students will learn, for the practice of traditional Indian gardening techniques, and for pilot projects of raising native Amazonian animals such as tapirs and capybaras.

STUDENTS

For the first three years we anticipate an average of 50 students per term from the local area, and 10 to 20 foreign students. Enrollment will grow as the capacity grows.

In addition, we will be offering support (tutoring, computers, etc.) to indigenous students who are attending other high schools, and we will be working with area primary schools to help them to introduce more indigenous culture into their curriculums.

* DEPARTMENTS *

Each department will have a chair who will contract with knowledgeable elders from the local communities, outside instructors, and others to teach courses in their areas of expertise. All of these subject areas have possible teachers available.

The Director of Research, Documentation, Publications and Curriculum Development will contract with researchers, including students at the Universidad, to do specific research projects for publication and curriculum development.

DEPARTMENT OF INDIGENOUS COSMOVISION AND HISTORY

Amazonian Cosmovision / Philosophy
Amazonian History
Amazonian Anthropology
Comparative Amazonian and Asian Philosophies
Andean Cosmovision / Philosophy
Andean History
Andean Anthropology
North American Indian Cosmovision / Philosophy
North American Indian History
North American Indian Anthropology
Indigenous History of the Americas

DEPARTMENT OF INDIGENOUS FINE ARTS

Napo Runa Dance
Napo Runa Music
Napo Runa Crafts
Amazonian Architecture
Painting with Natural Plant Pigments
Pastaza Runa Ceramics
Pastaza Runa Wood Scupture

DEPARTMENT OF INDIGENOUS ECOHUMAN SCIENCES

Rainforest Biology
Indigenous Gardening / Permaculture
Indigenous Reforestation Techniques
Raising Native Amazonian Animals

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HEALING

Medicinal Plants
Human Anatomy
Midwifery and Women's Reproductive Care
Shamanic Healing

DEPARTMENT OF MODERN EDUCATION

Literacy
Mathematics
Computers
Accounting and Small Business Management
Carpentry
General Mechanics: Motors
General Mechanics: Electronics
Guitar
Keyboard
Photography
Video Production and Editing
Acupuncture
Fish Farming
World Geography
Tutoring (for students in other area primary and secondary schools)

* LOGISTICS *

MARIPOSA VILLAGE

Universidad Mamallacta will have its center about 1 mile from the town of Archidona, in the Napo Runa village of Mariposa. Mariposa is not on the map, as it is a quaint and traditional village of about 50 people. It is the home of Elias, Ramon, Mercedes and Rita Mamallacta, all members of the founding board, and other members of the Mamallacta family.

ARCHIDONA

Archidona (population 8,000), in Napo province, is a quiet, old town located about 10 miles north of the provincial capital of Tena (pop 60,000). It was founded in 1538 as a Catholic mission. Until 1920, Archidona was the capital of the entire Ecuadorean Amazon. Today, Archidona serves as a center for the indigenous villages of western Napo province. Despite the influx of non-Indian settlers since the 1960s, the town's population is still about 80% Indian. It takes its name from the Kichwa phrase "alchi runa," meaning "people who heal."

Archidona is well served by buses. A bus trip from the national capital of Quito to Archidona takes about five hours. There are a few hostel options for travelers, numerous local restaurants and small grocery stores.

Archidona is almost unknown to tourists, though it has many potential tourist attractions and there is much tourist traffic in the nearby towns of Tena and Misahualli.

Communication

Postal service is unavailable in Archidona. Postal deliveries can be received in nearby Tena, but postal service should be assumed to be unreliable throughout Ecuador and private parcel services are preferable. While phone service is available in Archidona, it is a luxury. Internet provider services have recently become available in Archidona, and we hope to establish an internet cafe in the town, as an auxiliary to the Universidad Mamallacta.

Transportation

There is direct bus service from Quito to Archidona, a trip of about five hours, and frequent buses from Archidona to the provincial capital of Tena, a trip of about twenty minutes. From Archidona, one may walk to the village center of Mariposa, or hire a taxi.

(See my profile for pictures from the region.)

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

PSU's wonderful graduate program

2005-03-26T01:23:20Z

I am in a wonderful interdisciplinary grad program at PSU that will be giving me a master's degree for the work I am doing in Ecuador helping the Napo Runa Indians to organize an indigenous-run educational center.

from the program's web page at www.piiecl.pdx.edu :

The Portland International Initiative for Leadership in Ecology, Culture and Learning (PIIECL) prepares future educators and leaders who are dedicated to creating a world that is livable, ecologically sustainable, bio-culturally diverse and socially just.

PIIECL is part of an emergent story that brings to light the possibility of creating a sustainable society and learning accordingly. This story is unfolding in Portland, the Pacific Northwest and globally. Portland is vibrant with ecological diversity initiatives and demonstrates great dedication to civic engagement for pursuing bottom-up strategies to create social change.

We offer an interdisciplinary degree program at Portland State University (PSU) called Leadership in Ecology, Culture and Learning (LECL). PIIECL is also an active research and community outreach initiative.

posted in EcoEducators - 1 reply

a model summer camp-like program

2005-03-25T00:49:03Z

Hey beautiful people....!

SoloMAX here in SF. I’m working on a Black Rock Arts Grant... seeking people interested in gathering in Mexico next winter holidays to develop a model summer camp-like program that will be shared through the web and touring schools with a team.

My goal in life is to make public schools more like summer camps. The method is mission-oriented education, which makes the process of learning an exciting journey into the unknown. Instead of filling heads with information, students seek to discover their powers and find applications for knowledge. The stress of testing and pressure to find a career is replaced by developing passions and building relationships. The reward is a real effect on the community, not just a letter grade. I believe everyone has an action hero in them, and an action hero needs a mission.

The Action Hero Network has formed to foster this education model by providing inspiration, information and helping organize cultural exchange opportunities. Visit www.actionheronetwork.net and look at http://actionhero.tribe.net/ …to see what you have to offer and gain.

Over the past five years, I've been developing a Cultural Exchange Community Center in Mexico and have a great relationship with a very special community that has adopted me like family. This is a unique opportunity that I have been blessed with... and these sweet people are looking forward to meeting you too. visit: www.solomax.com/roblito.html

This place, Roblito, Nayarit, on the Central Pacific coast just south of Mazatlan, has many adventure opportunities: Water(estuary and ocean) for surfing and water skiing, mountains for hiking, horses to ride, fishing, biking... just about anything.... and lots of land to build on for the future.

I visited Roblito again last winter holidays and have images from the trip on my site, starting at: http://www.solomax.com/dec.27.4.html

Getting there is super cheap to fly or bus... costing around $200 from southern US states.
We can stay in the village community or 4km away in our very private camping area. Also, there is a semi-abandoned hotel on a near-by beach that an old lady looks after, and we could rent for almost nothing and use to party like there's no tomorrow.

What I'm looking for.... are other people interested in developing a summer camp program-- the Action Hero Training Camp. Burning Man and Rainbow gatherings are already the most bad ass summer camps.... and the energy from these is changing the world for the better, but there is so much going on at these events... it is hard to focus on creating a program. So... imagine taking the best of Burning Man and Rainbow to Roblito... when the north is cold and wet in the winter... to create a summer camp... where it is warm and we can play on a playa with waves.

The intention is to create annual Action Hero Training Camp from Christmas to March Break, and have it open to families, schools, corporate folk.... anyone who wants to get there freak on and discover their mission. Then... we can get paid to do our thing. But, we need to start somewhere, and that is here and now. If you are interested.... speak up, so I can put your name in the grant. The grant is due Mar. 31, so get back to me ASAP!

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

LA County SAT Farm Work Party: Reggae, Drums, Dance

2005-02-24T04:12:43Z

YOU ARE INVITED:
to...
this coming
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 26th, ECOFUNKY FARM PARTY!

12-4PM WORK PARTY
4PM-6PM DINNER POTLUCK

5PM-8PM LIVE MUSIC!! Reggae/World/Eastern Chant band: ARJUN AND GUARDIANS
8PM-10PM DJ BABA SET with BUTOH DANCE!
(Asian Underground/Drum and Bass/Hip-Hop)

Pomona College Organic Farm in Claremont, California, hosts a very special
event heralding the arrival of Common Vison's FRUIT TREE TOUR!

Directions:
The Farm is located on the SE corner of the Pomona College Campus in
Claremont. from the 10 fwy take the Indian Hill Exit and go North. turn
right at the light that is Bonita Ave. Go Straight crossing over College
Ave, taking Bonita to its very end and turn Right. The gate to the Farm is
at the far side of the parking lot.

Details Below:

NOON-4:00PM WORK PARTY!
Spring Planting!
Earthen Dome Building!
West African Drumming and Dancing with COMMON VISION!
Children are invited to attend with their families and work alongside
students from the 5 Claremont Colleges.

4:00-6:00PM DINNER POTLUCK!
Please bring food to share if you can, as well as your own plate/bowl with
eating utensil and drinking vessel.
Please label food dishes in terms of vegan/vegetarian or not.

5:00PM LIVE MUSIC!!!
ARJUN AND GUARDIANS: ROOTS REGGAE/World Music/EASTERN CHANTS
Arjun's voice has been likened by reviewers to Ben Harper (Metro Santa
Cruz) and Bob Marley (Chicago Journal). His high-energy devotional
chanting has earned him a place among the top 5 bhajan/kiertan singers in
the west named by Jivamukti Yoga.
ARJUN and GUARDIANS have shared the stage with such acts as... Michael
Franti and Spearhead, Sound Tribe Sector 9, Israel Vibrations, Midnite,
The Abyssinians, Scientist, President Brown, Melvin Seals and the Jerry
Garcia Band, Derek Trucks Band, Pato Banton, The Congos, Clinton Fearon,
Soul Asylum, Jefferson Starship, Lost at Last, Hamsa Lila, Krishna Das,
Bhagwan Das, Jah Levi, Scott Huckabay, Joules Graves, Shimshai, Sasha, and
John Brown's Body.
For complete bio, pictures, and music samples: www.arjunandguardians.com

8:00PM DJ SET: DJ BABA with live JAPANESE BUTOH DANCE!
DJ Set of Asian Underground, Drum and Bass, and Hip-Hop music.
Japanese Butoh Dance is a contemporary improvisational dance bearing
witness to a full range of human and ecological suffering.
Butoh is performed in white body paint, it is meditational, slow-motion,
and not to be missed.

SEE YOU AT THE FARM!!
Please forward widely to friends, families, music fans....

ALSO PLEASE NOTE:
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 27TH 7-9PM
KIERTAN BENEFIT CONCERT:
for Fruit Trees in Schools and Tsunami Relief
at the Quaker Friends Meeting on Harrison Avenue Claremont, CA.
Kiertan is Devotional chanting in the Yoga tradition.
Call-and-Response Audience Participation, no experience necessary. ARJUN
and guests play on harmonium and tabla.
100% of proceeds to benefit 2 causes:
COMMON VISION's FRUIT TREE TOUR
and AMMA's HUMANITARIAN FUNDS FOR TSUNAMI DISASTER RELIEF.
Sliding scale: $18-$108, no one turned away for lack of funds.

*COMMON VISION is a non-profit arts and earth education organization,
*planting fruit trees in city schools from Southern to Northern California
*including two Claremont elementary schools: Vista and Oakmont.
*
*COMMON VISION offers a full- or half-day program to schoolchildren,
*involving students in West African Agricultural Rhythms, planting fruit
*trees, and kinesthetic movement exercises: teaching about the Earth by
*engaging a variety of learning styles and experiences.
*
*COMMON VISION travels in veggie-oil fueled vehicles with an all-volunteer
*crew sustained entirely by donations for food, fruit trees and soil. *
*Volunteer and internship positions are available.
*Donations are gratefully accepted.
*
*For more information, please contact:
*Common Vision Coordinator, Xylem Larla Dey: xylem@riseup.net
*Common Vision's website: www.commonvision.org

************************************************************
And even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would
still plant my apple tree. - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage --- Anais Nin
************************************************************

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

fun workshop ideas please

2005-02-01T21:43:35Z

Hey

I will be runing a workshop on how to make positive changes in your life that also make positive changes for the earth. I am using the info from the One - Tonne Challenge program ( www.co2zilla.ca ). Mainly because that is how we got funding. I am looking for ideas for how to relate this info in a fun and interactive way to youth between the ages of 15 - 30. Any ideas?

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Global Relocalization – A Call to Action

2005-01-06T06:46:37Z

Join this very important call to action!

"The imminent peaking of global oil production and the fact that natural gas production has already peaked in North America could be the catalyst for positive transformation of industrial society. It could also be a recipe for disaster...
"...seeking like-minded organizations, volunteers, and activists to create a coalition to support community relocalization projects and experiments, as well as online database access and community tools that can help streamline the relocalization process. We are also organizing conferences and creating a speakers bureau with energy, biosphere, and localization experts to help spread the word."

Check this link for full article and a list of ways you can get involved!
http://www.postcarbon.org/index.php?page=relocalization

posted in EcoEducators - 1 reply

Dragonfly Workshop and Innerspace Travel Agent slideshow

2005-01-05T00:20:19Z

Join Cory Richardson, the Dragonfly Therapist, at Sacred Space healing and retreat center (776 Haight @ Scott in San Fran) 1pm-5pm Friday, oct 8th for an afternoon of creative self-exploration in the garden.

The dragonfly is symbolic of transformation. It spends the first two years of life under water as a nymph, bogged down in the bog, and looks nothing like the beautiful being it will become. Not until it has developed is it free to fly.

Before a person has a passion through which to focus energy, or a mission that provides a sense of purpose, they may find themselves feeling bored in school, working an unsatisfying job, struggling with an addiction or even locked in a cell. The problem is often not a lack of intelligence or physical ability, but simply not seeing a clear picture of their potential or believing they can attain it.

To gain a sense of direction and positive self-image, it is helpful to have a clear vision. Take time to view your inner landscape. Slow down. Be still. Gaze inward. Listen to your heart. Take stock of your values, interests, relationships, and skills both acquired and desired. What do you want to know? What do you love to do? What do you want your life to look like? How will you spread your wings and fly?

The Dragonfly Workshop is much more than an exercise that creates a beautiful art object, participants weave meaning into their creation and bead a spell that facilitates a journey of self-exploration resulting in a powerful symbolic reminder of one’s potential life path.

To help guide the participant on this inward journey, they will answer questions uncovering clues to their destination, read messages left by other travelers offering insightful views, pick up keys leading to exciting opportunities, and write journal entries to record their findings.

This work shop is $15 (materials included). Visit www.solomax.com/dlfys.html to see examples of the dragonlfies and call Cory if you have any questions 818-331-9707.

----

Also... later that night...

To learn a lot... go where you know nothing!

Be inspired and entertained... Join SoloMAX on an kayak journey from Vancouver to Central Mexico... through a mosaic of captivating images corresponding to music and poetic narration sharing experiences and insights focused on personal goal setting and environmental awareness. It's a trip!

9pm, friday. Admission free, donations please.
Sacred Space healing and retreat center, 776 haight st. @ Scott

Visit: www.solomax.com/slideshow.html

"Your world is only as big as you know. Open your mind by expanding the horizon. Step away from society’s noise and haste. Free yourself from cages of steel, concrete and glass. Go slow, get close, you’ll see more. Go FAR OUT into open spaces to gain a wider perspective."

Then afterward... join Anusha and friends for a Massage, Sauna and Hot Tub Party.
Come in and enjoy the gorgeous Garden Sauna two 15 min Massage samples
for only $25. The Hot Tub will also be available for $10 extra. The sauna is the nicest in San Francisco, it is both a wet and dry sauna
and is complete with internet streaming audio. The Hot Tub is probably
the only chemical Free ( Ozone, ionized copper and enzymes) Hot Tub in
San Francisco. Sun Charged Water and treats will be available.

posted in EcoEducators - 1 reply

Is there a World EcoEducator Organization?

2004-12-29T10:00:25Z

I think if there's a forum/location for ecoeducators from around the world to meet/learn from each other, it would be a great event.

posted in EcoEducators - 1 reply

FAERY ZINE

2004-11-28T03:35:25Z

I am currently working on a piece of creative art in the form of a ZINE. The topic is Nature Spirits/Faeries/Devas...whatever word(s) you wish to use. So I am looking for submissions for my zine...anything: stories, essays, poems, pictures, inspiration, art, abstract...whatever...It`s black and white photocopy style
I am especially looking for people`s personal definitions of what a faerie/nature spirit/deva is...what do YOU call them...how do you connect with them...why...what does/do your relationship(s) with them mean? What impact does it have on you?

This isn`t limited in any way to the non-human kind of faeries...

you can also tell me what it means for YOU to be a faery/fairy (if that`s how you identify yourself)...really i`ll look at anything you wanna give me that is remotely related to the topic of faeries.

what is a FAERY??

All submissions will be recieved and responded to. I will give credit to you in my zine if your work is featured and I will also send you a free copy of it when it is done!

I plan to distribute this zine to anyone who wants it...

you can contact me via tribe...or email imakestirfry@hotmail.com

thanks :)

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Required doing?

2004-11-25T01:56:43Z

If there is required reading - always a good idea - are there any ideas for required doing?

(Which I know, by the way is a slippery slope...)

As an EcoEducator, food is one of the main places to base a lesson, and reach out from to draw in the other elements of EcoEducation - social connectivity, disparate but connected communities, water systems, transporation, etc.. So, a food meditation:

Take an orange, let's say (could be any other fruit). Split the sections apart and have one in each hand. Eat the first one. Then, waiting a moment, take the second one, look at it closely...the little packages of juice and flavour. Perhpas meditate on how this fruit and flavour delivery system came to be this way. Then, as you put the section in second of the two sections in your mouth, and begin to chew, think of how the orange tree grew, from the soil. Picture it in your mind. Think of the rain on that soil, and the tree growing, it's new leaves and buds, their fresh green colour... the fruit developing. The levels and directions in which this meditation can go are many.

It doesn't matter which hand you eat from first.

I find it makes the fruit taste a bit better.

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Proposed budget cuts education and environmental funds. Full info withheld by Bush!

2004-11-19T19:59:26Z

The 2005 Budget submitted by the president last week only contained partial information for spending over the next 5 years. The spending proposals for specific programs are contained in a 1,000+ page Office of Management and Budget (OMB) computer run that was provided to some members of Congress, but was not included in the budget documents originally made available to the public.

Among the programs or program areas that would be cut are the following:

* Education for the Disadvantaged: By 2009, Title I funding (funding for school districts to improve educational outcomes for low-income and other disadvantaged children) would fall $660 million below the 2004 level adjusted for inflation.

* Environment: In 2005, funding for the Clean Water Act State Revolving Fund, which loans money to states to pay for sewage treatment plants, would be cut 37 percent below the 2004 level adjusted for inflation. The budget calls for even deeper cuts in this area by 2009.

* Veterans Health Benefits: Funding for veteran ’s health services in 2009 would fall 17 percent —or $5.7 billion —below the 2004 level, adjusted for inflation.

* Housing Assistance: Under the President ’s budget, funding for the housing voucher program, the nation ’s principal low-income housing assistance program would be cut sharply. By 2009, state and local housing agencies would be forced to reduce the number of low-income families and elderly and disabled households assisted by 600,000 —or 30 percent —or to reduce sharply the level of assistance provided to voucher tenants by raising the rents these families pay by an average of $2,000 a year. Most of these families live below the poverty line.

* Head Start and WIC: Head Start funding would fall 7 percent below baseline levels in 2009, resulting in an estimated reduction of 62,000 in the number of children able to participate in Head Start programs. In the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, funding cuts would cause the number of low-income pregnant women and young children at nutritional risk that the programs serves to be cut by approximately 450,000 by 2009.

For more info, try these links:
www.cbpp.org/2-27-04bud2.htm
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...icles/A17315-2004Feb5.html
www.cbpp.org/2-5-04bud.htm
www.ombwatch.org/article/a...leprint/2046/-1/18

Speak Out:
action.ourfuture.org/action/index.asp

posted in EcoEducators - 1 reply

New movement to co-opt corporations for change

2004-11-14T14:09:18Z

I have a passion for life - for my life, my kids ’lives, and all of our lives …so I have to share my passion and my vision (that follows) with you …hoping that it might lead you to more hope-filled, joyful and sustainable lives.

First, for perspective, the next paragraph is the important part of world history in a single paragraph. Then, I hope to enlist you in joining the Aikido Activism Movement, a movement that can face today ’s deepest challenges with the most empowered approach to change.

THE IMPORTANT PART OF WORLD HISTORY IN A PARAGRAPH
Humanity has passed from a first great era of primarily physically-mediated conflict to one today of primarily economically-mediated conflict (see for example, Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, by John Perkins - http://www.tinyurl.com/4tebc or http://www.tinyurl.com/5t8j9 ) and NOW we can and must advance to an era of primarily reason-mediated conflict. In each of the earlier eras people by and large did the best they could with what they had (as they will today and in the future only now with much better tools for communication which MUST be used for increased understanding, which -- fortunately -- can naturally translate to caring). The problem of capitalism today was less a problem when it was invented as a solution to feudal imperialism (with regular physical conflict). Economic imperialism has yet further removed the suffering from view of the beneficiaries of economic imperialism; but, in order to link with economic subjects, a global network has been built that can actually be used to bring people together -- and while inter-tribal, international, and intercorporate engagements in ages of primarily physically-mediated and primarily economically-mediated conflict have a history of being quite exploitive (if not deadly), engagements in the dawning age of reason can evolve to be much more like a dance, yet still a dance of joy or survival depending on one's viewpoint. The key should be seeing the power of inclusion, which can bring joy and unity -- replacing profit maximization with fruition maximization as a necessity for sustainability/survival and joy in a globalizing era.

My passions have been channeled into writing about a systematic solution to this systemic problem of today: that corporations do both the most good and the most bad, but it is their ability to hide bad things in the complexity of corporate behavior and in the popular but treacherous myth they promulgate -- "greed is good" -- that has led to essentially all major world problems.

Efforts to overpower corporations with grass roots public fervor or death-of-their-excesses by a thousand cuts from non-profits or NGOs appear to be having little effect, so why not turn the tools of corporations (and their economic might) against their regressive practices? This is Aikido Activism, my passion that I hope will become yours in a budding movement that everyone should want to join - and that anyone and everyone with a computer and Internet access is empowered to advance by sharing parts of the puzzle (how Aikido Activism can be applied in their field and applying it), supporting other Aikido Activists, getting the word out electronically, etc.

Change is possible. Find out who some Aikido Activists are who are working for progressive transformation of outworn social traditions –and please share any comments, ideas, connections, at the new wiki-website http://aikidoactivism.xwiki.com/ where there is a growing amount of information begun to be collected and organized online to advance the Aikido Progressive Movement – to understand our past and build a promising opportunity for our future.

Spidey

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

Teaching Ecology for real understanding

2004-11-04T04:34:37Z

Hey all, I'm about to embark on an ecology unit with my AP Environmental Science students. Ecology is one of my favorite subjects and I'm excited to put a lot of permaculture into what we do but am feeling a bit nerve wracked about also making sure they are all cramed full of info for the AP exam.
Any AP ES teachers out there with any advice/info? Share lesson plans?
I'm also working on a unit for later on water - hoping to put in a small model wetland in the little neglected pond that's outside my new classroom. Anyone with good water curriculum to share?

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

seeking eco-educators

2004-10-23T22:58:48Z

LaunchPad, a new space in NW Oakland, will host workshops/classes in a variety of fields.
http://launchpad.tribe.net

we're also looking for sustainable roomies!

posted in EcoEducators - 0 replies

ECOVISUAL COMPETITION

2004-10-21T04:33:23Z

This looked good, and I thought I'd pass it on:

ECOVISUAL COMPETITION
London Photographic Awards in Association with Green Alliance

This brief asks photographers from all four corners of the globe to identify
where people are taking positive action to change our environment for the
better.
Show the places, the faces, the energy, the commitment, the aspirations,
the social implications, the hope for better understanding.

Final Deadline for entries is 31 March 2004.

Full information
http://www.london-photographic-awards.com/lpa-environmental/ev_brief.html

posted in EcoEducators - 1 reply

documentaries about the environment

2004-10-21T04:31:42Z

Hello,

I am interested in documentaries about environmental issues. My biggest interest is in those that are about business and lifestyle strategies that are good for the environment. I was wondering if people on this listserv had seen any documentaries of this kind (or about environmental issues in general) that they recommend. I showed my mom Bill McDonough
and Michael Braungart's "The Next Industrial Revolution" documentary. She told me afterwards that she thought McDonough was a little cocky and she did not like his bowtie but that he explained things very clearly and that the film really made her understand some of the ideas I had told her about that I study! In this era of Michael Moore (whether you like him or hate him) and other such actors documentary films seem especially revelavent.

Some films I have seen are below. Please add to the list if you know of
good ones...

1. The Next Industrial Revolution (www.thenextindustrialrevolution.org/)
2. Biomimicry
3. The Corporation
4. Exporting Harm (documentary about e-waste in China)

check it out (unrelated) - www.tsdesigns.com - organic cotton apparel that is grown COLORED (Sally Fox's breed); the company uses a worker's cooperative, uses solar power for their offices and uses fast food grease to run their cars

thanks!

Matt

Matt de la Houssaye
Masters Candidate
The International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics
(IIIEE)
PO Box 196
SE-221 00 Lund (I am from the US)
Tegnersplatsen 4
www.iiiee.lu.se
cell +46 0709546235

posted in EcoEducators - 5 replies