The rapidly changing technology of communication is the topic of articles by Bob Russell, Ron Choura and Dirk Koning. All of these articles raise more questions then they answer, and I'd better warn you, they are NOT light reading. But the larger questions of who controls information, who has access to it, and how communication technology will change our society are questions we cannot ignore.

Laura DeLind, who is becoming a regular Synapse writer (fortunately), also addresses societal questions in her article, Rethinking Our Organic Roots. She describes a set of principles for living that accompany organic farming, and debunks some of the existing myths that connect the back to the land movement with fundamentalism and terrorism.

As we careen into the Information Age, one of the most critical and recurring questions is: who controls the information? We include a piece which reports on the People's Communication Charter, an international effort to ensure the free flow of information to all people.

Several articles address communication on the personal level. Tom Shea reflects upon the path that led him to his work in communication and what he feels is most critical in successful one-on-one communication. And, we have reprinted an article, Communication, Control and Choice, which addresses the importance of attempting better communication with severely disabled people.

Be sure to check out the calendar of events, an update on the Clean Water Act, and our latest news from the Neahtawanta Inn and the Neahtawanta Center. Because we are going to be preoccupied with finishing the renovation of the Inn to become barrier-free in the fall, we are only offering one workshop which will be held at a larger facility near Traverse City. We are very excited to be bringing Ubaka Hill here from New York for a drumming workshop. A local event commemorating the 50th anniversary of Hiroshima/Nagasaki is detailed here.

The work at the Neahtawanta Center continues to evolve and grow organically. We are a reflection and product of all of you-our community of kindred spirits. We invite you to participate in whatever ways you can to work for a healthy, sustainable world. We have no paid staff; your donations pay for our operating costs. In an issue which is focused on communication, we would be remiss if we didn't communicate to you our need-and appreciation-of your continued support.

--Sally Van Vleck

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