[SustainableTompkins] One week until the NEPC convergence!

[Steve Gabriel]

2007 NORTHEASTERN PERMACULTURE SUMMER CONVERGENCE
http://www.fingerlakespermaculture.org/2007nepcsummerconvergence.htm
Cayuga Nature Center - Ithaca, NY
July 6 - 8

*ONLY ONE WEEK UNTIL THE CONVERGENCE....REGISTER NOW!*
http://www.fingerlakespermaculture.org/nepcregistration.htm

*We need your help!*
The convergence is a product of everyone in attendance. We are still 
looking for assistance in the following areas:
- Presentations
- Skill Shares
- Project exhibits
- Cooperative Child Care
- Talent Show

visit 
http://www.fingerlakespermaculture.org/2007nepcsummerconvergence.htm for 
more details and a full schedule.

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, long 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 quality 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