permaculture

[kevin s <k.skvorak@verizon.net>]

hey folks,

my last request to this list was a question about any interest by 
permies in attending the US Social Forum.

The USSF is meant to be the first gathering of its kind in the US, 
based on the principles of the ongoing World Social Forum gatherings.

I know some of the organizers, and i know they have an interest in 
Permaculture, and how it might apply to a range of concerns that 
folks active in social justice efforts face everyday:  toxic 
environments, safe affordable food, housing, health needs etc etc

There is especially an interest it seems these days in some sort of 
organized (or even un-organized) Permaculture response network (s) to 
esp to respond to events like Katrina,  but the need goes much deeper 
of course.  This idea has been perculating around for awhile, and 
there are some folks doing something like this locally in NYC. (see 
below)

My intention was to go to the USSF and talk to other activists there 
and at least see how many local activist organizations feel they 
might have a need for either more permaculture skills themselves, of 
at least having the ability to call on like minded permaculturalists 
when needed.

I know that some of this is happening already in an informal way on a 
local level, and i am wondering if there are others out there that 
think it might be something that could be organized in a more 
effective way?

For instance, i could imagine at the very least a kind of network 
that new PDC grads with a social conscience could plug into, and 
spend some time at different locations helping meet the permaculture 
needs of local folks engaged in these struggles.  (like what happened 
at Common Ground in N.O.)

Are other folks already doing this?

The USSF might be a really great place to jumpstart something like 
this. The need and interest is definitely there.

http://www.ussf2007.org/

best,
kevin






fwd:

The Aftershock Action Alliance is a radical, NYC,
grassroots emergency/disaster project. It draws and
expands on the lessons radicals learned from Katrina
and other crises. Aftershock Action Alliance seeks to
create revolutionary grassroots communities dedicated
to responding to disasters and crises. Aftershock
seeks to create a mobile and flexible emergency
response network to counter the ineffectual FEMA and
bureaucratic relief organizations. We seek out skills
and resources that will not only provide support to
those affected by disasters but ways to use crises to
challenge the status quo. We are proponents of
sustainable, decentralized and self-organizing models
for dealing with disasters that leave local
communities empowered while challenging state power.
If you are interested in joining this project go to
our website or e-mail us.

September 11th wasn't first and Katrina wasn't the
last. Capitalism, Nation states and a culture of
consumerism have conspired to make our planet more and
more unstable. The fear inspired by disasters plays
into the hands of those destroying people, animals and
the planet for profit. Our governments (technologies,
religious leaders, etc.) can not protect us but they
can certainly get us killed. The time is now to
organize to protect our friends, neighborhoods, and
our planet. We have to be smart and prepared if we are
to protect ourselves and challenge these forces that
only seek power and profit.

If you want more information or wish to join check us
out at:

Web:
http://aftershockaction.blogspot.com/2007/04/insurrectionary-mutual-aid.html
e-mail:  greenapplecollective@yahoo.com