is an open community event where you can come and hear speakers and participate on themes relevant to the creation of personal and community sustainability.

These events will be happening most Tuesday evenings from June to August

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June 1, 2010  7 pm

in the Yurt at O.U.R. Ecovillage

The Living Building Challenge

with Andrew MacKinnon on

• to all design professionals, contractors and building owners to create the foundation for a sustainable future in the fabric of our communities.

• to politicians and government officials to remove barriers to systemic change, and to realign incentives and market signals that truly protect the health, safety and welfare of people and all beings.

• to all of humanity to reconcile the built environment with the natural environment, into a civilization that creates greater biodiversity, resilience and opportunities for life with each adaptation and development.

The purpose of the Living Building Challenge is straightforward – it defines the most advanced measure of sustainability in the built environment possible today and acts to diminish the gap between current limits and ideal solutions. This certification program covers all building at all scales and is a unified tool for transformative design, allowing us to envision a future that is Socially Just, Culturally Rich and Ecologically Benign.

Whether your project is a single building, a park, a college campus or even a complete neighborhood community, Living Building Challenge provides a framework for design, construction and the symbiotic relationship between people and all aspects of the built environment.

Admission by donation  RSVP 250-743-3067

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June 8, 2010  7 pm in the Sanctuary at O.U.R. Ecovillage

The Way of Council

with Lori Austein

• Personal Truth and Self-realization

• Enrich relationships

• Practice heartfelt expression and attentive listening

• Collective Wisdom

The ancient practice of council is being re-membered in many dialogical practices today. I invite you to experience a council in which we will take up the question of authenticity and community, service to self and service to others. What contributes to individual and community well being? Be prepared to play, listen with compassion and speak from your heart.

Admission by donation  RSVP 250-743-3067

coming up:

The Way of Council Training at OUR Ecovillage, June 26-27

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June 15, 2010  7 pm in the Sanctuary at O.U.R. Ecovillage

Food, Consciousness and Genetic Expression

with Daniel Gilfix

Throughout his 10 year quest for optimal health and vitality Daniel has retained an astonishing amount of information on a wide range of subjects. This will be an opportunity for all to share where they are at in their journey and learn from the collective experience.

Admission by donation  RSVP 250-743-3067

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June 16, 7 pm O.U.R. Ecovillage Yurt or Sanctuary (depending on numbers)

The Myths of Modern Building and Principles of Building Biology

With Paula Baker -Laporte

Up until the 20^th century, and stretching back for thousands of years, mankind has built shelter, with varying degrees of comfort and sophistication, in harmony with nature, with the materials at hand…sustainably…..More here

Admission is by donation: call 250-743 3067

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June 22nd, 2010  7 pm in the Sanctuary at O.U.R. Ecovillage

with Lynn Weaver.

Creativity brings our gifts to fruition

Join Lynn Weaver for an experiential evening exploring arts as a powerful community building tool. Arts as invitation to dialogue, and inspiration for transformation.
www.MoonDanceArts.ca
www.Matoto.org

Lynn will also be leading the Earth Dance Kids Camp at OUR Ecovillage, 12-15 July

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June 29, 2010  7 pm in the Sanctuary at O.U.R. Ecovillage

with Aaron Banfield

Self Acupressure

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Postponed – new date coming soon!

July 6, 2010  7 pm in the Sanctuary at O.U.R. Ecovillage

with Sarah Juliusson

Making Room for Yes

Are you good at saying “yes”? There are just so many wonderful things to get involved in, help out with, contribute to… Too often we are over-committed and engaged in projects that we should have turned away in the first place. Together we will explorethe myriad of ways that we can approach saying “no”, and how, despite our best judgment, our “no” sometimes unwittingly becomes a “yes.”You will learn practical tips to set limits in a way that is both respectful of your own needs and the person asking.

Ultimately, cultivating our capacity to say “no” is what supports us to say “yes” when the time is right.

Sarah Juliusson of Island Mother (www.islandmother.com) & Mama Renew (www.mamarenew.ca). Sarah blogs & facilitates workshops on identity, self-care & balance for mothers.  She is an expert & guest blogger for Mothering Magazine.

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July 13, 2010  7 pm in the Sanctuary at O.U.R. Ecovillage

with Anita Wolfe

Somatic Embodying

Somatics is the discipline of bringing mind, body and spirit into your leadership presence. If we are to move with presence, on purpose, we each need the skills to access our presence even in the face of the multiple distractions of our daily lives (email, childcare, colleague requests, meetings etc.). In this interactive session we will introduce somatic practices to stay present during those distractions. This experiential session is for anyone who wants to be a leader in their own lives personally and professionally.

Anita has practiced somatic leadership with the Strozzi Institute. She is also a Certified Coach (Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara, and is a member of the International Coaching Federation and Vancouver Island Professional Coaching Association. She is also a faculty member for Sustainability, Leadership, and Building Sustainable Communities at Royal Roads University.

Admission by donation  RSVP 250-743-3067

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July 20, 2010  7 pm in the Sanctuary at O.U.R. Ecovillage

Food, Consciousness and Genetic Expression

with Daniel Gilfix

Throughout his 10 year quest for optimal health and vitality Daniel has retained an astonishing amount of information on a wide range of subjects. This will be an opportunity for all to share where they are at in their journey and learn from the collective experience.

Admission by donation  RSVP 250-743-3067

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July 27, 2010  7 pm in the Sanctuary at O.U.R. Ecovillage

with Elke Cole

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Stay tuned for more..!

Facilities for Participants

O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE program participants live in personal tents in our camp area. We have outdoor solar showers and a washing station as well as several compost toilets. Our outdoor kitchen serves  food with daily input from the garden. The menu always offers vegetarian options.  A cob oven is also available for bread baking and pizza. Meals are provided – breakfast is self serve, lunch and dinner are prepared by our cooks. In previous years Skillbuilders built the “Chillage,” our hang-out space for participants near the kitchen area with a Rumford fireplace and and a big cob bench. The chillage is used as classroom, cyber cafe and gathering space and offers shelter on rainy days. The big yurt on the property is used for gatherings, council, celebrations and presentations….and our library. Right outside the yurt is our open meadow with room for soccer games. The upstairs of our Art Studio offers quiet study/research space and classroom.The Healing Sanctuary will be available according to summer schedules.

A word on electronics: In the commons near the office and kitchen you have access to wireless internet. Please bring your own laptop- we do not provide public computers. Cellular phone reception is good – we ask for respectful use (keep it turned off during your work/program time and step out of the group when you use your phone)

When you live in community there comes a time for solitude- our 25 acres have walking paths and quiet places in the woods to wander and wonder.

View Larger Map

Surrounding area and extended community

O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE is situated near Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island.

The immediate area invites hiking, boating, cycling, and swimming (good to consider bringing a bike for local trips). Weekend trips can reach Strathcona Park, the west coast of the island, the Gulf islands, Victoria and Vancouver. The closest communities for shopping and services are Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cobble Hill and the town of Duncan.  Public transport reaches as close as Shawnigan Lake, approx. 45 Minutes walking distance from O.U.R.ECOVILLAGE. Our climate has a dry season from June to October. Temperatures reach upper 20s Celsius in summer, but cool down at night.

DATE: June 26-27, 2010

LOCATION: O.U.R. Ecovillage

FACILITATORS: Lori Austein and Hilary Leighton.

This course is designed for those who have experience in facilitating Council circles or other forms of circle work or those who have completed The Way of Council – Level I.

During this weekend course, we will explore the importance of working with the “shadow.” We have to allow ourselves to be disturbed, to be moved, to get out of our “comfort zone.” Then the circle becomes alive. Sometimes powerful energies are released and the challenge for the facilitator is how to serve the circle so that it remains safe and the energies contained. When this occurs, magic happens.

We will also explore the specific forms of Council for varied situations and the challenges of bringing Council into the different parts of our lives. We will share stories, light and dark, of the subtleties in the roles of Witness and Facilitator. Leadership and challenging situations are also on the menu. And, by the way, we will also have some fun together by using exercises, games and other practices that contribute to council!

Lori Austein is an educator, lawyer and mediator, as well as a trainer and facilitator of the Council process. After spending five years working with the  Council program at Palms Middle School in Los Angeles, the last two as co-coordinator, Lori is very experienced in the uses of council in education. She has led student rites of passage retreats at the Ojai Foundation and has cofacilitated both Council and Council for Educators trainings. Lori is a member of the Leadership Circle of the Ojai Foundation’s Center for Council Training. She is currently introducing Council to Vancouver Island, her new home. Devoted to increasing the use of Council, she eagerly strives to live in The Way of Council.

Hilary Leighton’s early deep and vivid resonance of living processes and universal patterns in wild nature rooted in her a belief that all teaching is an act of love and remembering – this infuses her writing, teaching and learning She is a natural educator, a perennial learner, a tireless advocate for well-being and a wild poet at heart! Hilary holds a MEd, Curriculum and Instruction from SFU, has studied Ecopsychology (EP) at Naropa University, and is completing a three year program in Integrated Body Psychotherapy Practitioner Training, and not least of all embarking on a doctoral program in EP. She is a certified Laughter Yoga Leader, a certified Myers-Briggs facilitator, and although she spends most of her days imagining and designing ways to bring pedagogical spaces of possibility as the Director of Continuing Studies at Royal Roads University, Hilary derives the most satisfaction from the generosity of teaching and encouraging others out on the land.

Register for Council II with Royal Roads

Dates: March 20/21

Time: Sat. 9:00- 5:00 and Sun. 9:00-4:00

Location: O.U.R. Ecovillage

Facilitators: Lori Austein and Hilary Leighton

Info: please email

Course Description

The ancient council practice of sitting in a circle, speaking and listening from the heart can enrich any relationship – at home, in school, in the workplace, in community. Council is widely used in public and private schools, business organizations and communities around the world. This is a lively weekend for educators, therapists, business people, couples and others to enable you to integrate council into your personal and professional lives. Together we will explore open, heartfelt expression and attentive listening gateways to deeper communication, intercultural understanding and the non-violent exploration of conflict. Council inspires a non-hierarchical form of deep communication that reveals a group’s vision and purpose. By matching an intention of open hearted acceptance with full and authentic speaking, we move toward the possibility of true community and a wholeness of spirit.

Facilitators: Lori Austein is an educator, lawyer and mediator, as well as a trainer and facilitator of the Council process. After spending five years working with the Council program at Palms Middle School in Los Angeles, the last two as co-coordinator, Lori is very experienced in the uses of council in education. She has led student rites of passage retreats at the Ojai Foundation and has cofacilitated both Council and Council for Educators trainings. Lori is a member of the Leadership Circle of the Ojai Foundation’s Center for Council Training. She is currently introducing Council to Vancouver Island, her new home. Devoted to increasing the use of Council, she eagerly strives to live in The Way of Council.

Hilary Leighton’s early deep and vivid resonance of living processes and universal patterns in wild nature rooted in her a belief that all teaching is an act of love and remembering – this infuses her writing, teaching and learning She is a natural educator, a perennial learner, a tireless advocate for well-being and a wild poet at heart! Hilary holds a MEd, Curriculum and Instruction from SFU, has studied Ecopsychology (EP) at Naropa University, and is completing a three year program in Integrated Body Psychotherapy Practitioner Training, and not least of all embarking on a doctoral program in EP. She is a certified Laughter Yoga Leader, a certified Myers-Briggs facilitator, and although she spends most of her days imagining and designing ways to bring pedagogical spaces of possibility as the Director of Continuing Studies at Royal Roads University, Hilary derives the most satisfaction from the generosity of teaching and encouraging others out on the land.

Cost: $ 225 + GST

Please register through Royal Roads University here

“Grow Island Grow: Sustainable/Secure Food Production Training for New Generation Farmers”…using Permaculture Design to support regeneration of food production and food economy

3- or 6 month residential program

Description:

O.U.R. “Grow Island Grow 2010 Program” is for participants who wish to learn the art of Sustainable Food Production in relation to organic practices, biodynamics, edible landscaping, bio-intensive, and Permaculture….with a foundational focus on starting your own small business/income production. This unique program offers a range of new growers the opportunity to have a base camp/learning community at O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE but also to work with a wide variety of different farmers/producers/growers throughout the Cowichan Valley. This program is about empowering a new generation of farmers to understand the rigors of farming and challenges of generating income. We explore a variety of practices and techniques of growing and work with others in a cooperative and outcome focused team. It is O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE’s hope that we can help create a further pool of inspired, committed, and skilled food producers for local food security. We are connecting with our local farming community and honor our local farmers as teachers through hands-on learning modules on their farm. Together we can market the Cowichan as a new slow-food movement capital, and provide a forum for secure/sustainable food production education.

The Sustainable Food Production Skillbuilder Program offers:

• Permaculture Design Certification.
• Organic Master Gardener Certification (Gaia College).
• Sustainable Food as a platform for Community Development and multi-stakeholder cooperation.
• Interface with a diverse range of Cowichan’s finest food security folks.
• Support with business plan development and marketing for your own enterprise.
• Daily reflection/relationship with producing food, being in the rhythm of a garden with full hands-on production.
• Biodynamic Farming
• Orcharding
• Irrigation.
• Council Training
• Community life: all participants live on site for the duration of the program. Daily involvement in chores, community meetings, celebrations, seasonal ritual and other community events become part of the stay.

Program outline

The program begins with a one week “permaculturalization”- group building and establishing learning community ethics in connection with everyone on the land. This will also include hands-on activities.  Expect to spend 6-8 hrs daily on site, or at other farm sites, with one partial afternoon open for theory. Weekends are generally personal time, except that there is always someone on the team who works the ‘watering shift’ and involves themselves with visitors/programs that may be involved in a ‘hands-on’ learning project (we all take turns at this).

This program contains learning projects at different local farms with a diversity of perspectives. One day per week will be spent with a presentation and then a full hands-on focus on these farms. Each farm has been chosen because they stand out in the work of sustainable production….with their product, the process they partake in the wider community of the Cowichan, their political knowledge of food security issues, and their specializations.

This course is designed to provide a real life forum for the challenges and work involved in full food production. Functioning as a team player, accountability to your own goals/team goals, and a clear motivation towards learning is the key to the learning journey.

Core Curriculum

The Sustainable Food Production Skillbuilder program is part of TOPIA: the Sustainable Learning Community Institute. Our core curriculum  will be available to participants of all programs, regardless of their focus. Topics include community building, human development, compassionate communication/council circles, decision-making processes, personal leadership, local indigenous wisdom, whole systems design, natural building, stone wall crafting, Spiritual Eldering, and permaculture .

Important aspects of our programs are the learning experiences that come with the immersion in the “living and learning community” model at O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE. Within this environment there is a necessary focus on group process and the human/social facets of sustaining community, personal journey, leadership and community governance processes become a focus through personal learning goals and group agreements which form part of the program.

The Learning Community is made up of all program coordinators and full time teachers, participants of all programs taking place on site, guest instructors, residents and staff.

It is important to recognize that there is also an onsite residential community developing who will always be the HearthKeepers for O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE COOPERATIVE (Inc. 2007). For the past 8 years of legal & political work O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE has not had housing to support more than a few full time residents onsite. Many people over the last 8 years have attached themselves to O.U.R. space and consider this their community but you will not necessarily see them on any regular basis – especially with the busyness of the summer where space is at a premium. O.U.R. Co-op and O.U.R. COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (Reg. Non-Profit S41542 – Inc. 2005) are the hosts for the summer program temporary community and as such need to be respected for the role of keeping the overall vision, tasks and process of O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE alive in the year round and ongoing sense of community. We welcome the Learning Community onsite in a participatory decision-making role yet obviously not as a full authority in design or decision making. O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE asks only that participants agree to contribute the same level of responsibility as the level of investment (worktrade contract) agrees to.

Ecovillage activities

Spending 3-6 months at O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE gives everyone opportunity to participate in a diverse offering of activities. Garden, greenhouses, forest and open spaces offer walks, quiet time, change in pace and other learning. Our connection with the Cowichan First Nations Community brings cultural awareness and integration of practices in our daily lives.

Shared meals are at the core of community life and everyone participates in meal preparation and care of the common space chores.

Facilities and camp

* O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE program participants live in personal tents in our camp area. We have outdoor solar showers and washing station as well as several compost toilets.

* O.U.R. outdoor kitchen…now O.U.R. “Zero Mile Meal Bistro”,  serves mostlyvegetarian food with daily input from the garden  A cob oven is also available for bread baking and pizza.

* Meals are provided – breakfast is self serve, lunch and dinner are prepared by our cook.

* Previous years Skillbuilders built the “Chillage,” our hang-out space for participants adjacent to the kitchen area with a Rumford fireplace, wireless internet and storage spaces for personal items.

* The big yurt on the property is used for gatherings, council, celebrations and presentations….and OUR library.

* The Healing Sanctuary will be available according to summer schedules.

Surrounding area & extended community

O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE is situated near Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island. The immediate area invites hiking, boating, cycling, and swimming (good to consider bringing a bike for local trips). Weekend trips can reach Strathcona Park, the west coast of the island, the Gulf islands, Victoria and Vancouver.

The closest communities for shopping and services are Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cobble Hill and the town of Duncan. Public transport reaches as close as Shawnigan Lake, appr.30 Minutes walking distance from O.U.R.ECOVILLAGE.

Our climate has a dry season from June to October. Temperatures reach upper 20s Celsius but cool down at night.

Internship Cost:

3 months: $3900

May 25^th to August 22^nd, 2010 or

August 2^nd to October 31^st, 2010

6 months: negotiated individually

$100 registration fee

• This cost is to cover all camp, meals, cook, and general site costs (upkeep and maintenance of common space used by apprentices)
• Your 2 main certification courses: 1) The Organic Master Gardener and 2) The Permaculture Design Certificate.

• tuition, all on-site workshops, teachers , special guest presenters and field trips are covered by the worktrade Internship option.

This program may be for you if:

• You want to learn sustainable food production hands-on within incredible contributors/teachers who bring their own experience.
• You want to experience community living (though we will contract with offsite participants in some cases).
• You are mature, know your learning style, have good work ethics, are physically fit (not necessarily young), are willing to be personally involved with others and practice good communication,
• You are tolerant, take responsibility, and generally enjoy life.

How to apply:

Please send us:

* Your resume/ curriculum vitae

* A vision statement talking about your intent for the program and how it relates to your life path

* $100 processing fee (non refundable)

* (canadian cheque or international money order in canadian funds payable to O.U.R. Community Association)

* Your completed Workshop Registration Form

Please print and send your application material to the snail-mail address below. If you can make a .pdf file of it, you may also e-mail it to info@ourecovillage.org

Our mailing Address is:

O.U.R.ECOVILLAGE

Att.: Sustainable Food Production Skillbuilder

Box 530

Shawnigan Lake, BC

V0R2W0

Canada

Workshops 2010 at O.U.R.Ecovillage and Partner Locations at a glance:

this list does not include our Natural Building Workshops

Explore new ideas, practice other ways of interacting, take a personal retreat: there are many reasons to join us for one of our workshops. You will find descriptions and registration info when you follow the links. We look forward to hearing from you!

ROYAL ROADS UNIVERSITY & O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE

have partnered to offer the following courses:

NATURAL FINISHES

for a healthy, beautiful home.

DATE: October 1-3, 2010 Friday evening, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-4

LOCATION: O.U.R.Ecovillage

FACILITATOR: Elke Cole/ TBA

find out more here

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ECOSYSTEM-BASED LIVING:

Real Life Systems Thinking Stewardship

DATE: Oct  30th, 2010  1-day

LOCATION:  OUR ECOVILLAGE (*lunch available onsite by reservation)

FACILITATOR: Brandy Gallagher, BSW, MA, is one of the original founders and developers of O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE, Shawnigan Lake (Vancouver Island) BC.  She is also the Executive Director of O.U.R. Community Association, a non-profit society dedicated to outreach projects (local and International), and the development of O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE as a demonstration/model sustainable village.  Her sustainable land management planning and ecological design work has made her the main proponent behind the Canadian precedent-setting rezoning which has allowed for the legal/political/community framework containing multi-use allowances for ecovillages and shared land projects across Canada.  She is also the developer of TOPIA:  The Sustainable Learning Community Institute which operates onsite at OUR ECOVILLAGE. With a deep compassion for people and place Brandy works with other communities/projects to find their way through regulatory and legal processes which challenge the development of legitimate models of land use, alternative building, ownership and governance.  The intention to have individuals & communities step aside from their rank & roles to enter into a more connected sense of community building is at the heart of her work.  Her most recently published work is the documentary, “Creating TOPIA: The Journey of Developing a School of Sustainable Community Building.”

Ecosystem-based living will be a day of exploring collective wisdom and taking ‘theory to practice’. In the spirit of systems theory, integral theory, and Permaculture design – this course offers an opportunity to take a personal journey into how our individual footprint makes an impact in both challenging and positive ways. Topics include ‘what is a sustainable community’, ‘design for a sustainable life’, and personal/community based well-being. Let’s transform talk to action and put our hand to something real with a short practice of hands-on learning projects/service learning. Wonderful examples of real life stewardship models as learners are in an immersed learning environment and able to talk with a variety of stewards who ‘live their learning’.

Course fee: $ 95 CAD (tax exempt)

Register here

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SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DESIGN

A Narrative Tour of Innovative Sustainability Projects

DATE: Nov 4th, 2010  7-9pm

LOCATION: at Royal Roads University (tba)

FACILITATOR: Brandy Gallagher, BSW, MA

An evening of creative dialogue which focuses in on sustainable design methodologies. Whether you are interested in ‘triple bottom line’ accountability for large scale design or simply developing a lifestyle choice that fits with where you wish to live- the principles are the same. With a particular focus on the barriers that have been historically faced within Regulatory Authority processes, user friendly cost analysis, and innovation challenges….this course is meant to look at the main issues and potential solutions which face our communities as we work towards sustainable design. Consider this as a personal or professional opportunity as we all look at ways in which we can build community capacity.

Course fee: $ 35 CAD (plus applicable taxe)

Register here

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BUILDING AS IF PEOPLE MATTERED 2011

A day in the company of local leaders in sustainable development and construction

DATES: March 5th, 2011 9am-5pm

LOCATION: at Royal Roads University

FACILITATORS: Elke Cole, Brandy Gallagher, and an Interdisciplinary Team of local Green Builders, LEED Project Developers, Alternative Energy and Systems designers, Futurists…and you!

Imagine tomorrow’s town or village built in a way that supports people’s needs: houses that connect with nature and provide healthy and beautiful shelter, lively streets where people spend time in community, gardens rich with food. A dream?

Pieces of this dream are already happening powered by the vision and drive of a handful of leaders in our communities.

There are ecovillages, Co-housing communities, and other forms of development that pay attention to the relationships at play where humans settle: relationship between our built and natural environment, between occupants, and the impact on our larger community.

• What does the settlement of tomorrow look like?
• What’s the difference between an Ecovillage, a Housing COOP, and a Cohousing development?
• Who are the leaders in sustainable development in our area?
• How can we integrate natural building methods like cob and strawbale into our housing developments?
• What are good solutions for wastewater water?
• How much can we gain or save by using alternative energy?

This one-day conference and networking event will provide insight into these questions. Short presentations of local demonstration sites set the stage for the conversation. Creators of inspiring designs, innovative technologies and alternative systems share their insights and experience .

A panel discussion will follow, where your questions, concerns and input determine content.

• Where do you experience blocks to sustainable development?
• How does relationship with local government work?
• What are the steps to make new technologies available?
• How can we work together for a better future?

Enjoy a day of connection away from the busy-ness of your work place and explore ideas with your peers. Introduce yourself to the circle of like-minded members of our community.

Do you provide a service to developers, landowners or the building industry?

Are you developing land and looking for a holistic plan?

This invitation goes out to you!

………………………

Course fee: $ 65 CAD (tax exempt)

Register here

****************************************************************************

INTRODUCTION TO COUNCIL

DATES: November 6-7, 2010 9am-4pm

LOCATION:  OUR ECOVILLAGE (*lunch available onsite by reservation)

FACILITATORS: Lori Austein with Hilary Leighton - Lori Austein is an educator, lawyer and mediator, as well as a trainer and facilitator of the Council process. She has ten years’ experience bringing Council to schools and comm unity organizations and has led workshops throughout the Western United States and Canada. Hilary Leighton, Director of Continuing Studies at Royal Roads University, is a certified Laughter Yoga Leader and a certified Myers-Briggs facilitator. She is natural educator, a perennial learner, a tireless advocate for well-being and a wild poet at heart!

The ancient council practice of sitting in a circle, speaking and listening from the heart, can enrich any relationship—at home, in school, in the workplace, in community. Council is widely used in public and private schools, business organizations and communities around the world.

We will also explore the specific forms of Council for varied situations and the challenges of bringing Council into the different parts of our lives. We will share stories, light and dark, of the subtleties in the roles of Witness and Facilitator. Leadership and challenging situations are also on the menu. And, by the way, we will also have some fun together by using exercises, games and other practices that contribute to council!

Lori Austein is an educator, lawyer and mediator, as well as a trainer and facilitator of the Council process. After spending five years working with the  Council program at Palms Middle School in Los Angeles, the last two as co-coordinator, Lori is very experienced in the uses of council in education. She has led student rites of passage retreats at the Ojai Foundation and has cofacilitated both Council and Council for Educators trainings. Lori is a member of the Leadership Circle of the Ojai Foundation’s Center for Council Training. She is currently introducing Council to Vancouver Island, her new home. Devoted to increasing the use of Council, she eagerly strives to live in The Way of Council.

Hilary Leighton’s early deep and vivid resonance of living processes and universal patterns in wild nature rooted in her a belief that all teaching is an act of love and remembering – this infuses her writing, teaching and learning She is a natural educator, a perennial learner, a tireless advocate for well-being and a wild poet at heart! Hilary holds a MEd, Curriculum and Instruction from SFU, has studied Ecopsychology (EP) at Naropa University, and is completing a three year program in Integrated Body Psychotherapy Practitioner Training, and not least of all embarking on a doctoral program in EP. She is a certified Laughter Yoga Leader, a certified Myers-Briggs facilitator, and although she spends most of her days imagining and designing ways to bring pedagogical spaces of possibility as the Director of Continuing Studies at Royal Roads University, Hilary derives the most satisfaction from the generosity of teaching and encouraging others out on the land.

Register for Council II with Royal Roads

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“Grow Cowichan Grow: Sustainable/Secure Food Production Training for New Generation Farmers”

This program allows for either a 3 or 6 month option

**Throughout the summer there is also a series of learning modules on sustainable/organic production topics which are provided through a one day, few day, or even few week format. Participants may chose this shorter format and pay just for the time they can attend – and now have opportunity to utilize the frequent grower program (higher percentage discount with each additional course you register for – please contact us for more information)

Description:

O.U.R. “Grow Cowichan Grow 2009 Program” is a re-newed concept of Internship for O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE. This Program is for participants who wish to learn the art of Sustainable Food Production in relation to organic practices, biodynamics, edible landscaping, bio-intensive, and Permaculture….with a foundational focus on starting your own small business/income production. This unique program offers a range of new growers the opportunity to have a base camp/learning community at O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE but also to work with a wide variety of different farmers/producers/growers throughout the Cowichan Valley. This program is about empowering a new generation farmers in the attempt to understand the rigors of farming, the challenges of perhaps having your own income producing practice, education as a basis for working with others in a cooperative and outcome focused team, and a variety of practices and techniques for working within food production. It is O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE’s hope that we can help create a further pool of inspired, committed, and skilled food producers who will widen the circle of people who are working within the field of cooperative food security models. Though always on the edge of new innovations, and testing new opportunities, it is O.U.R. primary interest to bring together many stakeholders in a community development focused program which honors our local farmers as teachers (and supports their need for hands-on learning shared projects), markets the Cowichan as a new slow-food movement capital, and provides a forum for secure/sustainable food production education and a related demonstration site of this principals through Permaculture Design methods.

Farmers in the Cowichan Valley are incredibly skilled in Sustainable Food Production and many are willing to share their expertise and practices. This program will provide participants the opportunity to have weekly learning projects at a diversity of farms with a diversity of perspectives. One whole day per week will be spent with a presentation and then a full hands-on focus on these farms. Each farm has been chosen because they stand out in the work of sustainable production….with their product, the process they partake in the wider community of the Cowichan, their political knowledge of food security issues, and their specializations. Typically these types of farms are far too busy to open themselves to sharing discussion circles, providing tours, and teaching a variety of practices yet in this case honorariums will be paid to create a sustainable process for all involved and to open up an incredible opportunity.

In past years the Skillbuilder Programs have been designed so that participants can pay for their teachers and facilitators (all participant site costs, project materials, etc have been created through fundraising). As the programs are educational in focus, and not an income producing business, there is no payment towards Apprentices who take this program. New this year… O.U.R. Non-Profit is partnering with community organizations and agencies to provide a worktrade Internship program. This means participants will only pay their site costs (see below) or a minimal registration if they are living off-site. In order to participate in the worktrade Internship program you will need to contract with 1) O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE for your Worktrade Internship, and 2) with a sponsoring organization that you regularly report to (this can either be a viable organization of your choice or if needed one which we will link you with/local to your home town). Funders for this program are providing this financial incentive in order to support the establishment of a new generation of food producers who will demonstrate commitment, accountability, purpose and a desire to see food security education and healthy food production business shared far and wide.

Participants learn predominantly through hands-on practice in the garden setting (with a variety of different teachers), but are also supported by presentations, learning goals and learning projects, personal study and discussions of related topics.

The Sustainable Food Production Skillbuilder Program offers:

· Permaculture Design Certification.
· Sustainable Food as a platform for Community Development and multi-stakeholder cooperation.
· Interface with a diverse range of Cowichan’s finest food security folks.
· Support with business plan development and marketing for your own enterprise.
· Daily reflection/relationship with producing food, being in the rhythm of a garden with full hands-on production.
· Biodynamic Farming
· Orcharding
· Irrigation.
· Council Training
· Community life: all participants live on site for the duration of the program. Daily involvement in chores, community meetings, celebrations, seasonal ritual and other community events become part of the stay.

Program outline

The program begins with a one week “permaculturalization”- group building and establishing learning community ethics in connection with everyone on the land. This will also include hands-on activities.  Expect to spend 6-8 hrs daily on site, or at other farm sites, with one partial afternoon open for theory. Weekends are generally personal time, except that there is always someone on the team who works the ‘watering shift’ and involves themselves with visitors/programs that may be involved in a ‘hands-on’ learning project (we all take turns at this).

This course is designed to provide a real life forum for the challenges and work involved in full food production. Functioning as a team player, accountability to your own goals/team goals, and a clear motivation towards learning is the key to the learning journey.

Core Curriculum

The Sustainable Food Production Skillbuilder program is part of TOPIA: the Sustainable Learning Community Institute. We are creating a core curriculum that will be available to participants of all programs, regardless of their focus. These curriculum topics include community building, human development, compassionate communication/council circles, decision-making processes, personal leadership, local indigenous wisdom, whole systems design, natural building, stone wall crafting, Spiritual Eldering, and permaculture basics.

An important aspect of our programs are the learning experiences that come with the immersion in the “living and learning community” model at O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE. Within this environment there is a necessary focus on group process and the human/social facets of sustaining community, personal journey, leadership and community governance processes become a focus through personal learning goals and group agreements which form part of the program.

The Learning Community is made up of all program coordinators and full time teachers, participants of all programs taking place on site, guest instructors, and staff.

It is important to recognize that there is also an onsite residential community developing who will always be the HearthKeepers for O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE COOPERATIVE (Inc. 2007). For the past 8 years of legal & political work O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE has not had housing to support more than a few full time residents onsite. Many people over the last 8 years have attached themselves to O.U.R. space and consider this their community but you will not necessarily see them on any regular basis – especially with the busyness of the summer where space is at a premium. O.U.R. Co-op and O.U.R. COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (Reg. Non-Profit S41542 – Inc. 2005) are the hosts for the summer program temporary community and as such need to be respected for the role of keeping the overall vision, tasks and process of O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE alive in the year round and ongoing sense of community. We welcome the Learning Community onsite in a participatory decision-making role yet obviously not as a full authority in design or decision making. O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE asks only that participants agree to contribute the same level of responsibility as the level of investment (worktrade contract) agrees to.

Ecovillage activities

Spending 3-6 months at O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE gives everyone opportunity to participate in a diverse offering of activities. Garden, greenhouses, forest and open spaces offer walks, quiet time, change in pace and other learning. Our connection with the Cowichan First Nations Community brings cultural awareness and integration of practices in our daily lives. This year is the celebration of The North American Indigenous Games being held right here in The Cowichan Valley!
Shared meals are at the core of community life and everyone participates in meal preparation and care of the common space chores.

Facilities and camp

• O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE program participants live in personal tents in our camp area. We have outdoor solar showers and washing station as well as several compost toilets.
• O.U.R. outdoor kitchen serves vegetarian food with daily input from the garden. A cob oven is also available for bread baking and pizza.
• Meals are provided – breakfast is self serve, lunch and dinner are prepared by our cook.
• Previous years Skillbuilders built the “Chillage,” our hang-out space for participants adjacent to the kitchen area with a Rumford fireplace and storage spaces for personal items.
• The big yurt on the property is used for gatherings, council, celebrations and presentations….and OUR library.
• The Healing Sanctuary will be available according to summer schedules.

Find out more about being on site here

Surrounding area & extended community

O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE is situated near Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island. The immediate area invites hiking, boating, cycling, and swimming (good to consider bringing a bike for local trips). Weekend trips can reach Strathcona Park, the west coast of the island, the Gulf islands, Victoria and Vancouver.
The closest communities for shopping and services are Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cobble Hill and the town of Duncan. Public transport reaches as close as Shawnigan Lake, appr.30 Minutes walking distance from O.U.R.ECOVILLAGE.
Our climate has a dry season from June to October. Temperatures reach upper 20s Celsius but cool down at night.

Worktrade Internship Cost:

$1500 – 3 month program onsite ($1000 for whole 3 months if living offsite)
$3000 – 6 month program onsite ($2000 for whole 3 months if living offsite)
$100 registration fee
· This cost is to cover all camp, meals, cook, and general site costs (upkeep and maintenance of common space used by apprentices)
· tuition, all on-site workshops, teachers , special guest presenters and field trips are covered by the worktrade Internship option.

This program may be for you if:

· You want to learn sustainable food production hands-on within incredible contributors/teachers who bring their own experience.
· You want to experience community living (though we will contract with offsite participants in some cases).
· You are mature, know your learning style, have good work ethics, are physically fit (not necessarily young), are willing to be personally involved with others and practice good communication,
· You are tolerant, take responsibility, and generally enjoy life.

How to apply:

Please send us:

• Your resume/ curriculum vitae
• A vision statement talking about your intent for the program and how it relates to your life path
• $100 processing fee (non refundable)
• (canadian cheque or international money order in canadian funds payable to O.U.R. Community Association)
• Your completed Workshop Registration Form

Please print and send your application material to the snail-mail address below. If you can make a .pdf file of it, you may also e-mail it to ourbrandy@shaw.ca & elke@cobworks.com.

Our mailing Address is:

Guidelines For Visitors At O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE

Please do not bring any pets onsite.

Staff person responsible: see office to confirm who is on duty that day. Please let the staff know one week in advance and they will advise the cooks if meals are needed.

During summer programs, visiting family and friends are always welcome as long as it does not impact on maximum numbers already onsite, the cooks, or the work projects. Students are responsible to put information on the visitor board, introduce his/her guest at the community circle, provide guests with a tour of the ECOVILLAGE and show them O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE procedures for chores, dishwashing, the community process, etc. If they would like a comprehensive tour let us know and the office folks will organize a time/date.

Work site visitors checking out education programs through ‘TOPIA: The Sustainable Learning Community Institute’ may be welcomed to participate in the onsite work if it is feasible for the team.  Until folks have a necessary level of training they will need to work with others on the site and often will participate in less specialized tasks. The teachers/facilitators/participants need to be informed ahead of time so that they can decide how to use the energy, the numbers of people, as well as have time to nominate a project leader to oversee the volunteers and do quality control. ‘Skillbuilder’ participants (see ‘Programs/Events’ page for more info on these programs) must supervise their own friends and/or family members if they are helping on site. A staff person will clear volunteers with the designated site leader before giving them the go ahead. The site leader, and any other needs of the week, will be determined at the first Community Meeting of the week.

WORK PARTIES happen on Friday afternoons in the summer – please call or email ahead to confirm O.U.R. schedule.

Skillbuilder classes are primarily for apprentices and participants enrolled in focused educational programs…if someone is wishing to attend a topic class please make this request to the Program Coordinator for the School (check with the office who this is).

Community Meetings are a daily way for visitors to introduce themselves and become part of the overall group process and understanding of O.U.R. Community.  We ask that recognition is given to the work and challenges which have already been experienced within the summer, and that participation in the community meeting is supportive of the folks who live/work onsite on an ongoing basis.

Generally O.U.R. Council Meetings (also known as The Heart Circle) are open to folks only if they are planning to be here a minimum of one month. If other facilitators/guests/teachers wish to participate, please contact a regular council member in advance of the meeting.

Children are a welcome part of O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE.  We ask that the parent/guardian take full responsibility and supervision for their kids while on site. The building sites, woodworking shop, and gardens are potentially dangerous areas and children must have adult supervision at all times in these areas.

Waiver: All residents and visitors must sign a waiver when arriving and before working anywhere onsite.  If you are completing volunteer, staff, or resident agreement, the waiver is included on those forms.

DRUG, ALCOHOL, AND TOBACCO POLICY

O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE is a high visibility demonstration space; we also support folks to be fully present to themselves and to all other relationships.  We therefore do not allow illegal drugs or their use on O.U.R. Property.

Tobacco use is allowed in designated areas, which will be shown to you during a tour of the property.  If you are unsure, please ask.

Alcohol use is permitted on site only after work hours.  It is not permitted during working hours and can be grounds for dismissal.

Please also have a look at O.U.R. Information Handbook & Visitor’s Guide (PDF 1MB)

(Please note that we are currently updating this document, so prices and some few other elements are out of date.)