Thanks to all who gave so generously at our
recent fundraising party and event!
- We had a very special evening with
African influenced food by Carrie Clough of Manzanita, authentic Ghana
African music by Mike, and beer donated by Telegraph Brewing Co. It was a
warm balmy evening, surrounded by friends, we shared an evening of food,
music, fun, and even outdoor movies!
- We have raised $1600 so far to help send Ed Mendoza of
Permaculture de Atzlan, and Peter Murage of Mt.Kenya Organic Farms
(MOOF), in Kenya to the International Permaculture Convergence (IPC9)
in Africa, November 2009. Thanks for your generosity of heart in
sharing, even in difficult economic times.
- Our fundraising is ongoing, so please feel free to check our website
(
www.sbpermaculture.org) to learn more about Ed and Peter, and
contact info if you would like to contribute, $2500 is needed for each to
attend. The two people we have selected to help are the most
worthy we could have possibly chosen. Peter continues to work
at his Center in Nanyuki, Kenya without salary, his commitment to his
community and permaculture and what it can do that strong. Ed
grows, and teaches to indigenous communities in southern Arizona, Baja
and beyond, funded mainly by his own efforts. They have much to
teach us and the world.
- The exchange of experience gathered from actual permaculture
projects around the world is pivotal to all Convergences, and
with ever evolving techniques, but also world changes, such as climate
change, it is essential that permaculture practioners come together
every few years to share and strategize. This cannot be done on a
virtual level. Convergences are not conferences, they are not for
those just learning about permaculture, but for those who are already
knowledgeable and practicing. It is a chance for activists,
practioners, and teachers to learn more from each other, sharing an
incredible body of on the ground experience.
- The IPC9 website
(www.ipc9.org) will
have a blog for those not able to attend to follow what is being
learned and shared. There was an attempt to provide "live
interactive broadcast" so even the most remote locations could
participate with only the use of a laptop, but the Malawi bandwidth for
upload not quite up to the task yet. Technology is wonderful, but
not always ready for all our dreams. We will try again for the next
IPC so all may be included. Jill Cloutier of Sustainable World
Radio, has offered to do interviews from Africa, via Skype, and will
be on her podcast radio program at
www.sustainableworldradio.com, thank you Jill!
- Let's learn about the world, our very connected world, through
these Convergences, they are a wonderful opportunity. Thanks again
for your generosity, we appreciate it very much.
Margie Bushman & Wes Roe,
IPC9 Support Committee
Santa Barbara Permaculture Network
www.sbpermaculture.org
IPC9 Conference & Convergence November 2-6, Malawi,
Africa
Santa Barbara Permaculture Network
an educational
non-profit since 2000
(805) 962-2571
P.O. Box 92156, Santa Barbara, CA 93190
margie@sbpermaculture.org
www.sbpermaculture.org
"We are like trees,
we must create new leaves, in new directions, in order to grow." -
Anonymous