[ESSP] Fwd: Living Routes Sustainability eNews - Spring 2004
Vanessa Paulman
vpaulman at hampshire.edu
Wed Mar 31 08:48:43 EST 2004
>
> Living Routes Study Abroad for Sustainability eNews
> (Spring '04)
> http://www.LivingRoutes.org
>
>CONTENTS:
> 1. Welcome!
> 2. What Is Sustainability, Anyway?
> 3. Practicing What We Teach: Inspiring Change in Findhorn, Scotland
> 4. Heat Up Your Summer with Permaculture Design in MA & Brazil
> 5. From the Weblog. Latest entries from our online student journals
> 6. Focus on Auroville, India, "a City the Earth Needs!"
> 7. Are Scholarships available? Can I Still Apply for Summer & Fall?
> 8. Walk Your Talk: Alumni in Action
> 8. Subscription and Contact Information
>
>Please...
>
>Forward this newsletter to a friend.
>Call us (toll free at 888-515-7333) or email us with any questions.
>Ask for one or more copies of our Brochure or Program Info Sheets.
>Check out our new and improved website! Going live this Spring.
>
>----------------------------------------------------
>
>1. WELCOME to Living Routes' second eNewsletter!
> You are receiving this eNewsletter because you expressed
>interest in or have some connection to Living Routes and studying
>abroad. If you would like to unsubscribe, please see below. We plan
>on publishing about three times a year -- to discuss ideas about
>sustainability, community and news about our ecological study abroad
>programs. The newsletter is in development and, in future issues,
>will include more commentary and news from the field. We also want
>to hear from you and cover topics of specific interest. Please
>contact the Editor, Gregg Orifici at Gregg at LivingRoutes.org with
>suggestions.
>
>
>2. ECOVILLAGES ARE EXPERIMENTING WITH SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES!
> We are living in a unique time - not only in human history - but
>in planetary history. Never before has one species exceeded the
>carrying capacity of the entire world. This changes everything! We
>need to find new ways of doing business, new forms of governance,
>and new models of education that honor and promote sustainable
>relationships with all living beings.
> Living Routes is developing one new educational model by basing
>its programs in ecovillages around the world. Ecovillages are
>cutting-edge ecological communities that are ideal 'campuses' for
>sustainability and social justice education. They are not utopias,
>but these socially diverse and ecological communities are living
>laboratories for a sustainable way of life. The movement to live,
>learn and work in harmony with local environments is growing
>worldwide. Living Routes partners with Ecovillages on 5 continents
>to provide a students with unique and vital academic experiences of
>sustainable living.
>
>
>3. CREATING CHANGE AND LIVING SUSTAINABLY AT FINDHORN
> The program at Findhorn is very strong on exploring
>interpersonal dynamics and facilitating change. The whole village at
>Findhorn is evolving a decentralisation of power and authority, from
>the original Foundation to smaller groups like the College and the
>Community Assocation. They have much experience of how that process
>works, and the joys and pitfalls of becoming a new organization that
>has to deal with friends and community members on both a personal
>and a business level.
>
>The community is full of individuals who have started their own
>organizations, and also people who have started new journals.
>Everyone here - all the organizations - have societal change as
>their aim, though they may approach it in very different ways -
>through food, recycling, spirituality, ecotech and building,
>conservation projects and cooperative business.
>
>In the Psychology:Group Dynamics course (one of the four in the
>program), we look at the psychology of change in the individual and
>how that relates to change in groups and then in society. There is
>examination of the role of constructive conflict in change. This and
>the other courses are well-integrated to provide students with the
>maximum exposure to ideas of what is possible and how new ideas can
>become reality.
>
>Here's what recent alumni got out of studying abroad in Findhorn:
>
>"I've learned more outside of the classroom than I've learned in all
>of my university so far. Much more!"
>
>"I've learned a lot about what it means to give 100%. Effort and
>willingness are contagious! This semester has made me want to try
>much harder to improve my community!"
>
>"I am engaged, active and open on all levels. I think before the
>semester, I hadn't really encountered or understood community. I am
>coming out of my shell."
>
>"I can honestly say that this experience has unequivocally been a
>life changing experience - not just in terms of my "map of
>the world" or unforgettable experiences, but in my new understanding
>of the many layers of life, my self - and my true Self."
>
>
>More>> http://www.livingroutes.org/programdetails/findhorn/overview
>Apply>> http://www.livingroutes.org/programdetails/findhorn/applicationinfo
>
>
>4. SUMMER 2004 PROGRAMS in BRAZIL AND USA
> Why spend Summer at that same dead-end job or back with the folks when
>you can learn about sustainable community development and ecological
>design in tropical Brazil or scenic western Massachussetts?! Earn 4
>transferable credits from UMass and change your life! Applications
>are currently being accepted.
>
>BRAZIL: Permaculture at Ecoversidade (3 weeks: June 28 - July 19)
>
>Investigate new ways of creating sustainable human habitats at
>Ecoversidade - a grassroots ecological institute in tropical central
>Brazil. Learn permaculture principles as you examine sustainable
>lifestyle choices and participate in community-based activities
>including Capoeira, a native mix of acrobatics, sacred dance, tai
>chi, and self-defense. Create your own unique ecological design and
>become a Certified Permaculture Apprentice. Optional Portuguese
>language and extra week to attend Bioconstrunido - a renowned
>natural building conference.
>
>More>> http://www.livingroutes.org/programdetails/northamer/overview
>
>Apply>> http://www.livingroutes.org/admissions
>
>
>
>USA: Permaculture at Sirius (3 weeks: July 23 - August 13)
>
>Learn how to integrate plants, animals, buildings, people, and
>communities in a design for ecological living at Sirius - an
>educational and spiritual Ecovillage in scenic western
>Massachusetts. Study the inter-relationships between personal,
>social, and ecological sustainability and create your own ecological
>design. Become a Certified Permaculture Apprentice as you immerse
>yourself in the richness of one of North America's most dynamic
>ecological communities. Visit old-growth forests,
>community-supported agricultural projects, eco-homesteads as you
>study topics including: Reading the Landscape, Water in the
>Landscape, Building a Healthy Soil, The Cultivated Ecosystem: Urban
>Renewal Strategies, Community Support Systems
>
>More>> http://www.livingroutes.org/programdetails/summerinst/overview
>
>Apply>> http://www.livingroutes.org/admissions
>
>
>
>5. CHECK OUT THE LIVING ROUTES WEBLOG!
> Want to know what it's really like on a Living Routes program?
>Want to hear what faculty have to say about their students, the
>curriculum and field excursions? Check out the Weblog for India:
>Auroville for up-to-the-minute pics and
>comments/thoughts/experiences/hopes and dreams from current students
>studying abroad.
>
>http://www.livingroutes.org/weblogs/weblogs/auroville/2004_sprng/auroville_2004_sprng.php
>
>One entry about Auroville revealed (March 11, 6:21 am):
>
> "Solitude farm is unusual because the people there are
>experimenting with Nature farming. This means that they do not use
>fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and no plowing in an effort to
>grow food with the patterns of nature..."
>
>
>
>6. WHAT'S HAPPENING AT AUROVILLE, INDIA?
> Auroville, India, is a great place to build ecological skills
>and learn about habitat protection and Indian culture. It has been
>called "the city the earth needs" because - with its mission of
>peace and unity, members from over 40 nations, and over 30 years
>experimenting with sustainable technologies and ecological urban and
>rural planning- it serves a s model for true harmonious and
>sustainable development for the future.
>
>Community Highlights: Even over the course of a semester, students
>will only scratch the surface of what Auroville has to offer. Some
>features include:
>
>15 farms-400 acres under experimental ecological agriculture-- great
>internship opportunities for students
>Over 100 green small-scale industries, which employ 4,000 villagers
>and serve as internship sites for Living Routes students.
>Women's groups and youth groups
>Land, soil and water protection groups, including a register to
>document traditional knowledge of medicinal plants
>Sports including tennis, basketball, volleyball, and soccer
>A wide variety of restaurants serving Indian and western cuisine
>Classes on everything from Balkan Dancing and Aerobics to Reiki and Aikido
>Holistic health services including massage, homeopathy and acupuncture
>Cultural activities such as live music and theater, art galleries,
>and independent video. There are over 60 resident practicing artists
>and writers!
>Community celebrations such as Auroville's anniversary on February 28th.
>Seeking silence in the Matrimandir, a stunning meditation sanctuary
>in the center of Auroville
>
>Regional Highlights:
>
>Nearby Pondicherry with the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, bookstores, and
>great restaurants
>Repos Beach where Aurovillians often go to swim and relax
>Historical sites and 4-billion-year-old exposed rock formations in
>beautiful Hampi
>Early morning boat ride looking for elephants in the Periyar
>Wildlife Sanctuary
>Darshan at Mata Amritanandamayi Devi's Ashram on an island in the backwaters
>Mitraniketan, a Gandhian community in Kerala
>
>Internship Opportunities: All students choose an internship that
>meets their interests. Internship opportunities abound and have
>included:
>
>Organic farms; botancal gardens; biomass, wind and solar energy
>production; cottage industries such as fiber arts and textiles;
>indigenous use of medicinal plants; teaching in schools and
>educational outreach; composting and eco-waste treatment; and
>women's health , welfare, and civic participation
>
>
>Links and Resources:
>
>Auroville Ecovillage http://www.auroville.org
>
>To learn more about the academic course and program dates:
>http://www.livingroutes.org/programdetails/geo/overview.html
>
>There is still time to apply for the Fall '04 semester program. To
>download an application: http://www.livingroutes.org/admissions.html
>
>
>
>7. SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID:
> Yes, Living Routes offers need-based scholarships (typically in
>the range $250-1,000). In addition, students can apply much of their
>financial aid packages to Living Routes programs. Contact Living
>Routes for more info. Academic credit for Living Routes programs is
>provided by our partners -- University of Massachussetts, University
>of New Hampshire and Pacific Lutheran University, and is
>transferable to colleges and universities around the country.
>Download a F.A. application at
>http://www.livingroutes.org/admissions.html. For more info on
>scholarships and financial aid, call us at (888)-515-7333. We are
>currently accepting applications for all Summer and Fall programs.
>
>
>8. ALUMNI WALKING THEIR TALK:
> After a semester abroad, students return to their home
>colleges and universities with new direction, intense focus and a
>motivation to make a difference. Here's what a few of Living Routes
>alumni of the Fall 2003 India/Auroville program are up to:
>
>"Working hard on a "Going Sustainable" proposal for the summer camp
>where I have been working for the past few years."
>"What I'm creating here is still in its beginnings, living simply
>and eatingwell, I plan to volunteer at the justice and peace center,
>a transitional housing for homeless people, and tutor recently
>immigrated youth. I also plan to take a permaculture course and i'm
>busy with lectures and workshops and presentations that are all
>either actively useful in creating the being i want to be in this
>life or just interesting pieces oflife to learn from. Oh, and I'm
>becoming active in my school's fair trade coffee co-op and i'm
>hoping to help in our community garden here but that wont start for
>a bit--I'm also working on a proposal for my thesis which will
>hopefully be rooted in the ecovillage movement because i want my
>school, people here, to be more aware of the inspiring realities
>that truly do exist on this planet."
>"I have been having an incredible time in the woods, as i'm
>beginning to uncover the mystery that they hold. It's all a part of
>the naturalist training (kamana) i'm doing as an independent study.
>It's about becoming aware through all your senses, so each day I
>work on something, whether it's noticing details or taking note of
>the many forms of life I might not initially notice... plus, as part
>of it, I spend time in one spot in the woods (almost) every day and
>just sit quietly and pay attention... I'm learning a lot."
>"I'm trying to do an independent study in alternative education for
>children where I learn about lots of alternative educational
>settings. And work with a local high school "the School Without
>Walls" doing integral peace themed education. I'm taking a class
>called Gandhi's critique of modernity and a class called third world
>development: grassroots perspectives, which both feel very relevant
>and are allowing me to concretize some knowledge that I know is
>important for me to have. There's more of course. Wonderful yoga,
>wonderful children... I miss our community from the program. The
>amazing support. The amazing depth of exploration. I'm trying to
>create it here but I miss all the emphasis and support on exploring
>life with a spiritual emphasis; where I was totally encouraged to
>make my decisions based on the deepest part of my self."
>
>
>9. SUBSCRIPTION AND CONTACT INFORMATION:
>
>If you would like more information about Living Routes Study Abroad
>programs, go to http://www.LivingRoutes.org, call (888) 515-7333, or
>email us with your questions.
>To unsubscribe, simply press reply and write "unsubscribe" in the
>subject line.
>Thanks for reading and supporting us in building a more sustainable
>future. If you would like to support us with a financial
>contribution, please contact us about giving.
>If you know someone or a group that would be interested in
>college-level programs dealing with and sustainability and the
>environment, please send us their address or forward this email to
>them. Thanks!
>
>--
>Gregg Orifici
>Director of Marketing and Admissions
>Living Routes - Study Abroad in Ecovillages Worldwide
>79 S. Pleasant Street, Suite 302, Amherst, MA 01002
>(888) 515-7333 or (413) 259-0025
>http://www.LivingRoutes.org
>--
--
Vanessa Paulman
Science Outreach Coordinator
Center for Science Exploration
Hampshire College
phone: (413) 559-5792
fax: (413) 559-5438
Adele Simmons Hall #132
http://ScienceExploration.hampshire.edu
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://lists.hampshire.edu/pipermail/essp/attachments/20040331/a7c43d68/attachment.htm>
More information about the ESSP
mailing list