[Ccpg] Sustainable Vocations for Young People course in Ojai CA July 2011

[Quail Springs Admin]

Dearest Friends of Quail Springs ?

We are pleased to announce the third year of our renowned Sustainable  
Vocations (http://www.sustainablevocations.org) program. This timely  
program prepares youth (ages 15 ? 24) for diverse leadership roles  
that integrate sustainability into their lives and communities while  
providing a hands-on introduction to the expanding green job market.  
The 3-week residential program also represents a unique opportunity to  
live in a community setting that highlights the immense value of  
relationships and a collective spirit. Students graduate with the  
practical skills, inspiration and empowerment to enhance their  
employment opportunities and life path while helping to create a more  
sustainable future for us all.

At its core, Sustainable Vocations provides an introduction to the  
various tenets of environmental stewardship and sustainable living.   
While expansive in scope, specific topics include:  ecological design,  
alternative energy systems, conservation and restoration, sustainable  
agriculture and food systems, natural building, greywater design and  
rainwater harvesting, ecological literacy and nature awareness.   
Additionally, students earn a recognized Permaculture Design  
Certification that creates additional, post-graduate opportunities.  
Permaculture represents an integrative design science for the creation  
of sustainable human settlements. Its holistic, systems-based  
principles can be applied to all settings, and permaculture represents  
a growing profession worldwide.

In addition to learning these hands-on skills, Sustainable Vocations  
also addresses the less tangible qualities that encompass leadership.   
Through sensory-based experiences, Council and collective sharing, we  
explore the nature of relationships and how they reside at the heart  
of sustainability.  We passionately believe our relationships to each  
other and the earth are interconnected and, ultimately, a reflection  
of ourselves.  In this light, the program?s purpose is to empower  
participants to be well-equipped, holistic leaders that fully honor  
nature and integrate sustainability into every component of their  
life. This program goal is reflected in the origin of the word  
vocation that refers to one?s calling.

Sustainable Vocations achieves its goals by offering a diversity of  
voices and perspectives.  Led by Warren Brush  
(http://www.permaculturedesign.us), Executive Director and Co-founder  
of Quail Springs (http://www.quailsprings.org), the program?s staff is  
comprised of teachers and mentors with substantial experience in  
nature-based education for youth.  In addition, Sustainable Vocations  
leverages the vast sustainability-based resources of our community.   
Prominent professionals serve as guest speakers and share their own  
experience as examples for students.  We also visit local  
eco-businesses and projects to witness sustainability in action.

As a strengthening component to this year?s offering, we are also  
excited to announce a new partnership with The Ojai Foundation  
(http://www.ojaifoundation.org/). For over 30 years, The Ojai  
Foundation has modeled living lightly on the earth and served as a  
living laboratory of sustainability. Integrating permaculture into its  
design, the 40-acres of semi-wilderness feature solar electrical  
systems, a living roof, and a diversity of natural building  
techniques.  This inspiring setting will afford new learning  
opportunities due to the different landscape, and the partnership will  
also add a deeper program layer to Sustainable Vocations.   
Specifically, The Ojai Foundation is renowned for its pioneering work  
in the practice of Council that facilitates mindful communication,  
authentic connection and a deep respect for all relationships. This  
weaves beautifully into the existing framework of Sustainable  
Vocations and its inclusion will inevitably create a rich experience  
for this year?s participants.

Lastly, we would be grateful if you conveyed information about  
Sustainable Vocations to any green-minded/hearted youth that hopes to  
create meaningful change in their lives and communities.

With respect and love for the emerging generations,

The Quail Springs Family

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SUSTAINABLE VOCATIONS
a Quail Springs' program in partnership with The Ojai Foundation

When: July 10-30, 2011

Registering NOW !

Priority Application due date: June 6, 2011

applications accepted until July 1st or until program is filled

Download application here  
(http://www.sustainablevocations.org/media/AA/AE/sustainablevocations-org/downloads/145641/Application_Summer_2011_Final.pdf)

Where: Hosted at The Ojai Foundation (http://www.ojaifoundation.org/)  
in Ojai, CA

Cost: $1,500-2,500, sliding scale tuition. Includes education, meals &  
accommodations (yurts and domes). Scholarships are available for  
low-income youth and families thanks to the generosity of our  
scholarship fund sponsors.   Sustainable Vocations is committed to  
program accessibility, and we offer creative strategies for those in  
need of assistance. Diverse youth and families are passionately  
encouraged to inquire.

Learn more at www.sustainablevocations.org  
(http://www.sustainablevocations.org/)

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INVITING SUSTAINABLE VOCATIONS PARTNERS AND SPONSORS!

Are you a Social/Eco Mission-Driven Business, Individual, or  
Foundation seeking to invest in healthy communities, economies, and a  
revitalized planet?

Are you associated with a Youth Group, School, or Community  
Organization that would like to be involved with Sustainable Vocations?

Please contact Tynes Viar, Sustainable Vocations Co-Director at  
805-886-7239 or tynes at quailsprings.org (mailto:tynes at quailsprings.org)  
to learn more.
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