permaculture

[Michael Burns <michael@fingerlakespermaculture.org>]

2007 NORTHEASTERN PERMACULTURE SUMMER CONVERGENCE

http://www.fingerlakespermaculture.org/2007nepcsummerconvergence.htm

Cayuga Nature Center - Ithaca, NY

July 6 - 8

WHO?

Since January 2005, permaculture activists throughout the Northeast  
have been meeting and actively creating a network for mutually  
supporting each other and advancing permaculture solutions among the  
wider public in our area.

As permaculture designers we strive to recognize existing resources  
and create beneficial relationships between them. Farmers, teachers,  
designers, authors, researchers, extension agents, and other pc  
enthusiasts have all met face-to-face or otherwise communicated to  
collectively envision a complex mutualism where we share experiences,  
information, and resources, identify and meet each other’s needs, and  
recognize and advance permaculture skills and ethics as a new  
cultural paradigm.

WHAT?

Our mission for the 2007 NEPC Convergence is to stimulate the network  
by focusing on local and regional connections, sharing resources, and  
continuing to define the structure, function, and organization of the  
group.

We intend to create an open and inclusive atmosphere that is a well  
balanced experience of interactive presentation, roundtable  
discussion, and skill sharing mixed with healthy local food, music,  
and ample social time.

WHERE?

We are hosting the gathering in the beautiful Finger Lakes Region of  
New York State. Ithaca has long been known for its progressive  
politics and pursuits of alternative living.

The site is 130+ acres of farm, field and forest operated by Cayuga  
Nature Center, the parent organization for the Finger Lakes  
Permaculture Institute. We are currently engaged in several designs  
and implementions of permaculture on the property, including  
extensive gardens, a keyline project at our farm, and the beginnings  
of a forestry program.

See www.cayuganaturecenter.org for more information.

WHEN?

The convergence will take place from Friday, July 6 through Sunday,  
July 8.

On Friday we will gather, share a potluck meal, and open an exhibit  
which will showcase permaculture projects from around the northeast  
(including yours!) The evening will culminate with the first NEPC  
Talent Show. We invite you to show us your favorite talent. Are you a  
bowling ball juggler or contortionist? Flamenco dancer or Poet?  
Permaculture Stand-Up comedian or Permie Punk Rocker? Please share  
with the northeast crew your songs and stylings.

On Saturday we will focus on understanding and developing the  
permaculture movement. Several sessions will focus on various  
elements of permaculture with a focus on "making connections" and  
sharing ideas. Concurrently, a permaculture fundamentals course will  
be offered by emerging teachers to those who are new to the  
discipline. In the evening, we will gather as a community to  
articulate our goals for NEPC before kicking off our shoes and  
enjoing live music and discussion 'round the fire.

On Sunday the emphasis will be on "skill sharing," where folks will  
demonstrate concrete skills for participants, from a medicianl plant  
walk to "hot box" cooking technology. There will be a fundraising  
brunch for Cayuga Nature Center from 10 - 12, featuring organic &  
local foods. (Suggested donation $6 - $20) We will close the  
convergence with a circle to offer our thanks and set intentions for  
the coming year.

visit http://www.fingerlakespermaculture.org/ 
2007nepcsummerconvergence.htm for a complete schedule.

WHY?

Climate change, peak oil, an unstable food system, violence, and  
social justice are all reasons to develop a movement which addresses  
the needs of both humans and the environment. We are faced with  
unprecedented challenges and need discussion, support, and good  
organizing if we hope to overcome them. Permaculture has been a  
source of positive, solution-oriented thinking that has proven to  
restore ecosystems, increase diversity, and improve the qualilty of  
living for thousands of people around the world.


HOW?

These gatherings are made by the participants. (YOU!) The steering  
committee is focused on ensuring that the logistics and mechanisms to  
achieve our stated goals (above) are functional, and we are asking  
everyone to read below and get involved!

*We are now accepting registrations and proposals for interactive  
workshops, roundtable discussions, and skill shares, as well as  
entries for the project exhibit and talent show!*

The cost is sliding scale $25 - $100. This includes breakfast, lunch,  
and dinner on Saturday.

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION:  
http://www.fingerlakespermaculture.org/2007nepcsummerconvergence.htm

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Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute, Summer '07
June 13-17 -- ADVANCED PERMACULTURE DESIGN SEMINAR with Dave Jacke &  
Jono Neiger
June 18-23 -- WATER FOR EVERT FARM: KEYLINE DESIGN with Darren Doherty
July 6-8 -- 2007 NORTHEASTERN PERMACULTURE CONVERGENCE
August 3-19 -- PERMACULTURE DESIGN CERTIFICATION COURSE
http://www.fingerlakespermaculture.org
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