Here at the Neahtawanta Center we are focusing on things we can control, or at least influence, in a positive way. We are excited to be co-sponsoring the 3rd Great Lakes Bioneers Conference, along with our sister organization, SEEDS, as a vehicle for exploring positive solutions and hope for the future. We will hear from the plenary speakers from the big Bioneers Conference in California via satellite link, which will be shown on the big screen in the Milliken Auditorium. A sampling of the speakers includes: Jay Harman who will discuss scientific breakthroughs in the use of biomimicry to address reducing energy consumption and pollution for industry; Ladonna Redmond will speak about extending the “green” movement to people of color and low income folks in inner city Chicago; cutting edge physicist, Amory Lovins will outline his innovative scheme for a prosperous, sustainable post-pertroleum economy; Wanjira Mathai, from the Green Belt Movement of Kenya, will share her experience as a leader in the ecological and community restoration work in Africa. There are eleven other speakers, each equally inspiring, that we will hear from over the course of the 3-day conference.
In addition, we offer 26 practical, solution-oriented workshops led by mostly local and regional presenters on a variety of topics, including: water, farming, fair trade, sustainable business, integrative medicine, independent media, green building, and more.
We are thrilled to announce that we have a very special keynote speaker scheduled for Saturday afternoon right before the plenaries. She is Grace Boggs, activist of over sixty years from Detroit, who will speak about revitalizing democracy on the local level.
We hope that many of you will take advantage of this unique opportunity for education, growth and inspiration by attending the 3rd Great Lakes Bioneers Conference.
In this issue of Gatherings, we report on several other projects and ideas that are generating hope. Plans continue for our very own local currency in the Traverse Area, Bay Bucks. Brad Kik reports on a recent conference he attended and includes a brief update on the local currency project.
Several other presenters at this year’s GL Bioneers Conference have written about their current projects: Dave Dempsey makes a heartfelt appeal for citizen involvement in the struggle to protect the Great Lakes; and, longtime activist, David Haenke, from the Ozarks Bioregion, compares the destructive practices of industrial forestry with the sustainable system of eco-forestry.
Bob Russell discusses independent media and the Internet, using the example of the recent protest in Traverse City when Bush visited.
And, finally, we include an update on Sisters Ardeth, Carol and Jackie, who are STILL in prison for their non-violent action in Colorado Springs in October, 2002. “Why is that hopeful?” you might be asking. Please read excerpts of several letters from these courageous and inspiring women, and you will understand why we regard their lives as signs of hope.
How can we remain hopeful in the face of war, eco-destruction and widespread apathy? I think hope comes from illuminating the positive solutions and attitudes that are cropping up everywhere. Please spread the word.