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2004</title></head><body>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite"
cite> <i><b
>Living Routes Study Abroad for Sustainability
eNews</b></i></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite"
cite
> <span
></span
> <span
></span>
(Spring '04)</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite"
cite
> <span
></span
> <span
></span> http://www.LivingRoutes.org</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><b>CONTENTS</b>:</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> 1. Welcome!</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> 2.<b> What Is
Sustainability</b>, Anyway?</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> 3. Practicing What We Teach:
Inspiring Change in<b> Findhorn</b>, Scotland</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> 4. Heat Up Your Summer
with<b> Permaculture Design</b> in MA & Brazil</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> 5. From the<b> Weblog</b>.
Latest entries from our online student journals</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> 6. Focus on<b> Auroville,
India</b>, "a City the Earth Needs!"</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> 7. Are Scholarships
available?<b> Can I Still Apply</b> for Summer &
Fall?</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> 8.<b> Walk Your Talk</b>:
Alumni in Action</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> 8. Subscription and Contact
Information</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><b>Please...</b><br>
</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>
<ul>
<li>Forward this newsletter to a friend.
<li>Call us (toll free at 888-515-7333) or email us with any
questions.
<li>Ask for one or more copies of our Brochure or Program Info Sheets.
<li>Check out our new and improved website! Going live this
Spring.</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite"
cite>----------------------------------------------------</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><b>1. WELCOME to Living Routes' second
eNewsletter!</b></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> 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@LivingRoutes.org with suggestions.</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><b>2. ECOVILLAGES ARE EXPERIMENTING WITH
SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES!</b></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> 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.</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> 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.</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><b>3. CREATING CHANGE AND LIVING
SUSTAINABLY AT FINDHORN</b></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> 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.</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>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.</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>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.</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>Here's what recent alumni got out of
studying abroad in Findhorn:</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br>
<blockquote>"I've learned more outside of the classroom than I've
learned in all of my university so far. Much more!"<br>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>"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!"<br>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>"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."<br>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>"I can honestly say that this experience has
unequivocally been a life<x-tab>
</x-tab><x-tab>
</x-tab>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."<br>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>More>><x-tab>
</x-tab
>http://www.livingroutes.org/programdetails/findhorn/overview</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>Apply>>
http://www.livingroutes.org/programdetails/findhorn/applicationinfo</blockquote
>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><b>4. SUMMER 2004 PROGRAMS in BRAZIL AND
USA</b></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> Why spend Summer
at that same dead-end job or back with the folks when</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>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.</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br>
<blockquote><b>BRAZIL: Permaculture at Ecoversidade</b> (3
weeks: June 28 - July 19)<br>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>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.<br>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>More>>
http://www.livingroutes.org/programdetails/northamer/overview<br>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>Apply>> http://www.livingroutes.org/admissions<br>
</blockquote>
<blockquote> <br>
</blockquote>
<blockquote><b>USA: Permaculture at Sirius </b> (3 weeks: July 23
- August 13)<br>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>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<br>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>More>>
http://www.livingroutes.org/programdetails/summerinst/overview<br>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>Apply>> http://www.livingroutes.org/admissions<br>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><b>5. CHECK OUT THE LIVING ROUTES
WEBLOG!</b></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> 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.</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite"
cite
>http://www.livingroutes.org/weblogs/weblogs/auroville/2004_sprng/aur<span
></span>oville_2004_sprng.php</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>One entry about Auroville revealed (March
11, 6:21 am):</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br>
<blockquote> "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..."<br>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><b>6. WHAT'S HAPPENING AT AUROVILLE,
INDIA?</b></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> <b> Auroville, India,
is a great place</b> 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.</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br>
<blockquote><b>Community Highlights</b>: Even over the course of a
semester, students will only scratch the surface of what Auroville has
to offer. Some features include:<br>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>
<ul>
<li>15 farms-400 acres under experimental ecological agriculture--
great internship opportunities for students
<li>Over 100 green small-scale industries, which employ 4,000
villagers and serve as internship sites for Living Routes students.
<li>Women's groups and youth groups
<li>Land, soil and water protection groups, including a register to
document traditional knowledge of medicinal plants
<li>Sports including tennis, basketball, volleyball, and soccer
<li>A wide variety of restaurants serving Indian and western cuisine
<li>Classes on everything from Balkan Dancing and Aerobics to Reiki
and Aikido
<li>Holistic health services including massage, homeopathy and
acupuncture
<li>Cultural activities such as live music and theater, art galleries,
and independent video. There are over 60 resident practicing artists
and writers!
<li>Community celebrations such as Auroville's anniversary on February
28th.
<li>Seeking silence in the Matrimandir, a stunning meditation
sanctuary in the center of Auroville</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br>
<blockquote><b>Regional Highlights</b>:<br>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>
<ul>
<li>Nearby Pondicherry with the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, bookstores, and
great restaurants
<li>Repos Beach where Aurovillians often go to swim and relax
<li>Historical sites and 4-billion-year-old exposed rock formations in
beautiful Hampi
<li>Early morning boat ride looking for elephants in the Periyar
Wildlife Sanctuary
<li>Darshan at Mata Amritanandamayi Devi's Ashram on an island in the
backwaters
<li>Mitraniketan, a Gandhian community in Kerala</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br>
<blockquote><b>Internship Opportunities</b>: All students choose an
internship that meets their interests. Internship opportunities
abound and have included:<x-tab> </x-tab><br>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>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<br>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br>
<blockquote><b>Links and Resources</b>:<br>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>Auroville Ecovillage http://www.auroville.org<br>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>To learn more about the academic course and program dates:
http://www.livingroutes.org/programdetails/geo/overview.html<br>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>There is<b> still time to apply for the Fall '04 semester
program</b>. To download an application:
http://www.livingroutes.org/admissions.html<br>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><b>7. SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL
AID:</b></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> 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.<b> We are
currently accepting applications for all Summer and Fall
programs.</b></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><b>8. ALUMNI WALKING THEIR
TALK:</b></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite"
cite><x-tab> </x-tab>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:</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>
<ul>
<li>"Working hard on a "Going Sustainable" proposal for
the summer camp where I have been working for the past few years."
<li>"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."
<li>"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."
<li>"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."</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><b>9. SUBSCRIPTION AND CONTACT
INFORMATION:</b><br>
</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>
<ul>
<li>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.
<li>To unsubscribe, simply press reply and write
"unsubscribe" in the subject line.
<li>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.
<li>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!</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>--</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>Gregg Orifici<br>
Director of Marketing and Admissions<br>
Living Routes - Study Abroad in Ecovillages Worldwide<br>
79 S. Pleasant Street, Suite 302, Amherst, MA 01002<br>
(888) 515-7333 or (413) 259-0025</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>http://www.LivingRoutes.org</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><tt>--</tt></blockquote>
<div><br></div>
<div><br></div>
<x-sigsep><pre>--
</pre></x-sigsep>
<div><font color="#000000">Vanessa Paulman <font
size="-1"> </font></font></div>
<div><font color="#000000">Science Outreach Coordinator</font></div>
<div><font color="#000000">Center for Science Exploration</font></div>
<div><font color="#000000">Hampshire College</font></div>
<div><font color="#000000"><br></font></div>
<div><font color="#000000">phone: (413) 559-5792</font></div>
<div><font color="#000000">fax: (413) 559-5438</font></div>
<div><font color="#000000">Adele Simmons Hall #132</font></div>
<div><font color="#000000"><br></font></div>
<div><font
color="#000000">http://ScienceExploration.hampshire.edu</font></div>
<div><font size="-1" color="#000000"><br></font></div>
<div><font size="-1" color="#000000"><br></font></div>
<div><font size="-1" color="#000000"><br></font></div>
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