Winter - Spring 2009: Sustainable Neighborhoods Organizing Meetings

Over the winter, a number of community leaders are organizing neighborhood conversations by residents to establish sustainable neighborhoods working groups, as part of local and global movements towards "the new localism."  

While these projects build on the experience of community organizing efforts of the past generation, there are also significant differences of values, strategy and democratic process for this new generation of organizers. 

To learn more about some of these efforts and to start or attend conversations please visit the Sustainable Neighborhoods website.

Sustainable Neighborhoods Organizing Workshop November 16, 2 PM 2008 @ Brickhouse

WHAT IS SUSTAINABILITY AND HOW DO WE GET THERE?

NEIGHBORHOOD SUSTAINABILITY WITH PROCESS IN MIND.

The Brick House community center, in conjunction with a number of community partners and organizations, is hosting a workshop on neighborhood sustainability and urban ecovillage organizing

Sunday, November 16th
2pm
@ The Brick House
1101 S. 2nd Street, Louisville, Ky, 40208

John Baker, Clifton Community Council

Kelly Fowler, Metro United Way (invited)

Mark Isaacs, AIA, Legacy Homes (invited)

John Gilderbloom, Ph.D., Sustainable Urban Neighborhoods, University of Louisville

Shameka Parry - Community Activist, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth

David W. Silverman - Executive Director, Adena Institute

Jack Trawick, APA, Executive Director, Center for Neighborhoods

For more information: 502 619 4352
www.brickhouse.cc
www.sustainableneighborhoods.blogspot.com
www.centerforneighborhoods.org

(Organizational Info for Identification)

About the workshop:

We are moving towards ecological societies, with great opportunities to build a positive future:

Neighborhood democracy, renewable energy, real economic development, sustainable businesses, healthy local food, stronger families and social connections, and ways to act locally and globally everyday for a world that works for everyone.

• What are your challenges in greening your neighborhood?
• How are you and your neighbors crafting neighborhood sustainability?
• How do we create urban ecovillages now?

This is an action-learning workshop, so we will have an opportunity to collaborate on real issues in Louisville neighborhoods. Participants will have the opportunity to work in groups on sustainability organizing and urban ecovillage planning for your block or neighborhood. Click Here to read more and RSVP

The workshop will highlight sustainability theory and organizing strategies, with brief case studies from Louisville and around the world, exploring the following questions and opportunities for action:

• How have successful sustainable community organizers changed their neighborhoods for the better?
• What are the challenges raised by the transition to sustainable societies?
• How does sustainability organizing differ from and connect with traditional neighborhood organizing?
• How do neighborhood ecovillages grow?
• How do we measure our sustainability successes and failures?
• How do we collaborate effectively and keep learning and action moving forward?
• What resources are available to support neighborhoods moving towards sustainability?

Not only is this a discussion, it is a forum for all those who are interested, as well as a springboard for project-oriented groups to come together and actually achieve realistic goals.

Please attend, bring a friend or colleague, forward this announcement, and join us in exploring how to support community efforts to green our neighborhoods.

Free and open to the public.

Donations Welcome! Donations to the Sustainable Neighborhoods Workshop will go to support the sustainability efforts of Brickhouse and the Adena Institute.

Worldview Creation Spirituality Class

Meister Eckhart said, "Every creature is a word of God

 and a book about God," capturing the essence of what contemporary theologian Matthew Fox has termed, "Creation Spirituality”.

Beginning Wednesday September 17, 2008, Sustainable Clift*n and partner community organizations will offer a free five week course exploring the Creation Spirituality tradition and its fourfold path. The class will be facilitated each Wednesday evening, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, by Rev. Todd F. Eklof, the minister at Clifton Universalist Unitarian Church. Rev. Eklof studied three years under Matthew Fox at the University of Creation Spirituality in Oakland, CA, is the Worldview chair on the Sustainable Clift*n Committee, and a local environmental activist.

The class is free and open to anyone in the Louisville area, but its size may become limited, so if you're interested in attending, please contact Rev. Eklof at 895-3189 or office@cliftonuu.org to register. The class will take place at Clifton UU Church, located at 2231 Payne Street. It's recommended, though not necessary, that you read "Original Blessing" and/or "Creation Spirituality" by Matthew Fox before the course begins. 

Community Sustainability & Ecovillage Design Education credits are available. If you would like to get Community Sustainability credit towards the UN Sustainable Settlements Design Certificate, please take a look at theProgram in Community Sustainability page of the Adena Center. 

Please contact adena.center AT gmail.com or ask Rev Eklof for more information.  

Learning and Sharing Scholarship Opportunity: Powers of the Universe Study Group

This class is being offered right here in Clifton (Clifton Neighborhood, Louisville, Ky, USA). It's a great opportunity to expand our awareness and knowledge of the Gaia Education, Worldview Domain.

Scholarships and a stipend are available through Sustainable Clifton.
Contact: johnbaker@bellsouth.net to sign-up. Participants in this study group will be awarded 24 Continuing Education Units toward certification in Ecovillage Design Education/Sustainable Settlements Certification.

Powers of the Universe Study Group

The Powers of the Universe with Brian Swimme
An exploration of the powers coursing through the Universe
and each of us

This 11 week study/process group based on Brian Swimme’s expansive teachings exploring the magnificent creativity of the universe and our opportunity to carry that creativity forward as we work to build a sustainable society.

Seamlessness, Centration,
Allurement, Emergence,
Homeostasis, Cataclysm,
Synergy, Transmutation,
Transformation, Interrelatedness,
Radiance

We will spend one evening exploring each of these amazing powers first through viewing Brian’s video presentation and then in a variety of processes ranging from reflection to ritual, from discussion to music, from art to journaling.

Facilitated by Marilyn Stoner and Mark Steiner

these sessions will be held at
James Lees Presbyterian Church
(1741 Frankfort Avenue at the corner of William Street)

Tuesday evenings from 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
beginning August 19 (Sessions will meet on the following Tuesdays: 8/19, 8/26, 9/2, 9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/14, 10/21, and 10/28.

Suggested Donation $10 per session (Sustainable Clifton scholarships and stipend available)

To register or for more information contact marilynstoner@fastmail.fm (502) 456-1502 or mark@interfaithrelations.org (502) 583-3100

Sponsored by The Center for Interfaith Relations, Cultivating Connections and James Lees Presbyterian Church

Brian Swimme is a mathematical cosmologist on the graduate faculty of the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. His published work includes The Universe is a Green Dragon, The Universe Story (with Fr. Thomas Berry), and the Hidden Heart of the Cosmos. His other video series are Canticle to the Cosmos and Earth’s Imagination. His views on the human’s role in shaping the future of life on planet earth are featured on the website global-mindshift.org.

Planting for Hotter Times: Planting in Anticipation

Planting for Hotter Times: Planting in Anticipation 

"There's no doubt about it, the eart is getting hotter.  Learn how landscaping with pre-colonial native plants can help avoid some of the potentially catastrophic consequences of peak oil and climate change.  Some of the topics will include site analysis, designing your space, seed and  plant choices, working around problem spots, water conservation strategies, 
biodiversity enhancement techniques, rain gardens, permaculture, the importance of community organization and resources for further study. 
Regardless of your age or experience level, this is a class you won't want to miss!" 

Thursday, May 15 
6:30 pm 

Rainbow Blossom St. Matthews, 

3738 Lexington Rd. Louisville, KY 40207, KY, USA, 

502 896 0189 

www.rainbowblossom.com

is located in one of the sister neighborhoods of the Sustainable Clifton project. Participants are encouraged to visit the event.

Please take a look at the event and program details at the links below if you are interested in participating in the Sustainability Studies Certification or participating in related community learning initiatives through affiliate projects such as Sustainable Clifton, Sustainable Louisville, Sustainable Business Network, Gaia Ecovillage Design Education and the Adena Center for Sustainability, Communications and Transformational Change.

www.sustainabilityeducation.blogspot.com
www.adenacenter.blogspot.com
www.sustainablebusinessnetworks.blogspot.com

Straw Bale Building Workshop (finishing) May 17-18

 Straw Bale Building Workshop (finishing) 

By Louisville-Green-Guide 
On May 17th, 2008 the last stage of Jefferson Counties first straw 
bale building will take place.  this is the opportunity for anyone 
interested in learning about, or just taking a look to see stage one 
of what will be a community oriented building process in action. The 
actual building workshop is complete, and the building has been 
erected, but we will be adding the final layer of Earth Plastering on 
Saturday the 17th, and having the christening party on Sunday the 
18th, as well as watching a local artist paint the Mural inside the 
building. 
Party Hours are from 10am - 5pm both days. 

We request anyone attending RSVP to growinglouisvillegr...@gmail.com 
www.enpoweredhome.com 
www.growinglouisvillegreen.com

is located in one of the sister neighborhoods of the Sustainable Clifton project. Participants are encouraged to visit the event.

Please take a look at the event and program details at the links below if you are interested in participating in the Sustainability Studies Certification or participating in related community learning initiatives through affiliate projects such as Sustainable Clifton, Sustainable Louisville, Sustainable Business Network, Gaia Ecovillage Design Education and the Adena Center for Sustainability, Communications and Transformational Change.

www.sustainabilityeducation.blogspot.com
www.adenacenter.blogspot.com
www.sustainablebusinessnetworks.blogspot.com

World Fair Trade Day, May 10: Artisan Visit@ Just Creations and Learning Opportunities through Adena and Open Learning

World Fair Trade Day:

ARTISAN VISIT
Saturday, May 10
(See learning opportunities, below)

This Fair Trade Day, Just Creations is excited to host Carlos Guerrero, a glass artisan from Chile. Carlos and his wife, Jessica Palacios, own the 'Oh What a Moon' jewelry workshop in Limache, Chile. Together they employ 10 artisans to create our bestselling line of glass jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, bracelets and barrettes (see picture to the right). This event will feature discussions on the benefits of Fair Trade for Carlos and the other artisans, as well as demonstrations of his craft.

In-store Demos - 11:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.
_______________________________________
WORLD FAIR TRADE DAY

Everyday is Fair Trade Day at Just Creations, but once a year we mark World Fair Trade Day to celebrate the people who make our products. Fair Trade improves lives through:
- fair wages
- long term partnerships
- environmental stewardship
- democratic decision-making
- cultural connections

Thank you for your continued support!


Store Hours:
Monday - Saturday
10:00 am-6:00 pm

Just Creations
2722 Frankfort Ave
Louisville, KY 40206
502-897-7319

www.justcreations.org

The program above is eligible for Sustainability Learning continuing education credit. See http://sustainabilityeducation.blogspot.com/2007/11/sustainability-certification.html

Just Creations is located in one of the sister neighborhoods of the Sustainable Clifton project. Participants are encouraged to visit the event.

Please take a look at the event and program details at the links below if you are interested in participating in the Sustainability Studies Certification or participating in related community learning initiatives through affiliate projects such as Sustainable Clifton, Sustainable Louisville, Sustainable Business Network, Gaia Ecovillage Design Education and the Adena Center for Sustainability, Communications and Transformational Change.

www.sustainabilityeducation.blogspot.com
www.adenacenter.blogspot.com
www.sustainablebusinessnetworks.blogspot.com

Green Alternatives for Louisville: From Straw Bale and Natural Building to Zoning Reform and Green Politics. A Lunch and Learn Event

What: Green Alternatives for Louisville:

From Straw Bale and Natural Building to Zoning Reform and Green Politics - A Lunch and Learn Event

When: Thursday, March 27, Noon to 2 PM.

Who: Matt Martin of Alternative Green Solutions

Where: Adena Center  Louisville, KY

Campus Directions: I-71 Exit 2, Zorn Ave. @ River Rd behind BP to the Galen Buiding, Second Floor. (Map)

Cost: Free and open to the public. Donations welcome. $5 requested for a light lunch buffet.

Please RSVP: To 502 410-2786, communitybiz@yahoo.com

Or online at: http://www.webster.edu/louisville/CERegister.html

• How can owners and builders successfully adopt low-cost natural building techniques such as straw bale?
• What changes in state and local building and zoning law are needed to support straw bale and other natural building techniques? We'll get an up-date on the progress of these measures in the 2008 Kentucky legislative session.
• What can citizens do to learn to work together for green and sustainable practices and politics in our community?

Matt Martin is the co-founder of Alternative Green Solutions, a green building and energy company, and Growing Louisville Green, a community networking project on green policy and practice.

Alternative Green Solutions is also sponsoring a series of hands-on straw bale building workshops in March and April, 2008. Participants in these workshops are eligible for continuing education credit though the Sustainability Studies program of the Adena Center. Students enrolled in the Adena Sustainability Studies Program will get scholarship support and are eligible for a 50% discount on the course cost. www.sustainabilityeducation.blogspot.com
Links:

www.enpoweredhome.com
www.growinglouisvillegreen.com
Sustainable Business Networks www.sustainablebusinessnetworks.blogspot.com
Adena Center www.adenacenter.blogspot.com

Interested in learning more about local sustainability? Join the conversation! Go to http://groups.google.com/group/sustainabilityeducation and sign up for regular news and discussion on how to "go green" in Louisville and beyond.

This Workshop qualifies for CEU credit for the Program in Sustainability Studies of the Adena Center. If you would like to apply for CEU credit for this course or for the Certificate in Sustainability, please contact adena.center@gmail.com
More Information: www.sustainabilityeducation.blogspot.com

About the Living and Learning for Sustainability series

This event is sponsored by the Sustainable Business Networks project, helping to build the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies www.livingeconomies.org. Join us for Earth Week with Judy Wicks and the Second Annual Green and Local Business Conference, April 20 and 21, 2008!

Straw Bale Home Workshop

Green Go Construction-Straw Bale Building Workshop

Who should attend?

Anyone interested in learning more about Green Housing options

Architects, builders, sustainability educators, and green enthusiasts in general. Attendees with participate in all aspects of construction, but workload is designated around physical ability.

Session Activity Weekend Schedule:

One: March 29-30 Foundation and drainage

Two: April 5-6 Wall construction, door and window detail

Three: April 12-13 Roof construction and assembly

Four: April 19-20 Earth plaster and stucco

Cost $400 per person/ $500 per couple for entire workshop

$125 per single weekend/ $200 per couple

Foxhollow workshop upcoming in 2008

Location:

2700 Hillside Terrace

Louisville, KY 40206

*Spring follow up-" Design and interior finishing" to be announced

For more information:

http://www.enpoweredhome.com/Events.html

This Workshop qualifies for CEU credit for the Program in Sustainability Studies of the Adena Center.  Students

participating in the Adena Sustainability Studies Program and partner community projects such as Sustainable Clift*n, Sustainable Business Networks and Sustainable Louisville are eligible for scholarship support for a 50% discount on the course cost. If you would like to apply for CEU credit for this course or for the Certificate in Sustainability, please contact adena.center@gmail.com

More Information: www.adenacenter.blogspot.com

Workshop preview co-sponsored by Sustainable Business Networks.

Sustainable City Series: Local Food & Agriculture

From the Urban Design Studio www.uds.louisville.edu

Sustainable City Series: Local Food & Agriculture

Local Food & Agriculture

Date & Time:	Tuesday, 25 March 2008, 06:00 PM — 08:30 PM
Location:	Glassworks 815 W Market Street Map Louisville, KY 40202

We are excited to present the next forum in our Sustainable City Series - Local Food & Agriculture. This event is sure to be a hit with foodies, farmers, health nuts, sustainability advocates and many others. We have a great lineup of speakers including: Susan Hamilton of Louisville Metro's Economic Development Department, Ivor Chodkowski owner of Grasshoppers and member of Community Farm Alliance, Bill Huston of Urban Fresh, and Chef Mark Williams - Executive Chef at Bourbon Street Cafe and local Slow Food movement advocate Slow Food Bluegrass.

Click here to register for this free event. Space is limited.

You can download the PDF version of the flyer and spread the word by clicking here .