[FLPERMACULTURE] Designer's circles and beyond

[Joshua Dolan]

Hello permies.

So we had our first designer's circle on Sunday and
although a small gathering, it was very productive. 
We seemed to acheive some clarity on our goals as well
as our role in the local permaculture community.  Here
are my notes.

We realized that what we are actually trying to create
here is a permaculture guild.  As far as who should be
involved, we thought that it should be self selecting,
but folks should be dedicated to implimenting
permaculture as a lifeway, whether or not they are a
certified designer.  Goals for the guild would include
promoting permaculture in the area beyond education,
expanding the aplications of permaculture locally, and
setting standards for local permaculture
practitioners.  This would include pricing, quality
and professionalism.  We also want to expand the list
of known permaculture demonstration sites in the area
and increasing public awareness of this work.

More than a professional organization, we felt that a
permaculture guild should be about community and
mutual aid.  It should be design oriented, but we
realize the need for emotional and spiritual support
within our circles.  During our dicussion we heard
again and again that folks are feeling extremely
driven by their permaculture work but economic reality
is a constant barrier to achieving the type of
lifestyle we truely want for ourselves.  Regualr
social gatherings can be a forum to discuss these
issues and brainstorm as a group on how to get past
those obstacles.

Design circles will at least initially be our primary
forum for acheiving these goals.  These gatherings
will consist an optional lunch potluck, followed by a
check in period for chatting about issues and updating
the community about our work.  We will then focus on a
site specific design issue and a work project to round
out the event.  We want these events to be totally fun
and social.  

Our next gathering will be on Sunday, February 4th at
438 N. Geneva St., second floor apartment.  Those who
want can meet at 1pm for a potluck lunch and the
official gathering will be from 2-5pm and will focus
on an urban garden within a neighborhood context. 
Remember, this is a self selecting group, so even if
you are not a designer but feel strongly about
applying permaculture in your life, please feel free
to come.  If you want to come but can't make it on the
first Sunday of the month, please let us know if there
is a weekend day that would be better for you. 

Josh

"Vast tasks, calling for all the courage, discipline, dedication, and ingenuity commonly associated with war, will have to be carried out if the majority of humankind are to survive and enjoy a tolerable future"   ---Robert Hart


 
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