|
COURSE OVERVIEW
The course is a very 'grounded' programme, and is quite unique as it is taught by people who have actually designed, developed, and lived in ecovillages - people who have brought projects from concept to completion, not just talked about it. It is a residential course taught in a functioning ecovillage co-designed and developed by one of the teachers. We provide comprehensive printed notes, in depth tours, and interaction with many ecovillage residents. Participants see working examples of sustainable design and living practices, theory applied, and ecological, economic, and social infrastructure solutions.
This Ecovillage Design Education (EDE) Course will provide a strong theoretical and experiential base in the design and development of ecologically designed settlements in rural or urban settings. The course will focus on the Ecological, Economic, Social, and Worldview (spiritual) keys which underpin both successful village design AND ongoing habitation. It includes ecologically sustainable design (ESD) principles and processes, techniques and tools, project assessment and management, financing options, legal possibilities, working with Council, community building, skills required in starting such a project (and bringing it to a positive and profitable conclusion!), in-depth tours of Crystal Waters, local and international case studies - and much more...
COURSE THEMES
Key 1: World View
Module 1: Holistic Worldview.
A group discussion to develop an understanding of invisible patterns, the connections of science and the unknown, personal stories, experiences.
Module 2: Listening to and Reconnecting with nature.
Examples from around the world. Case studies from around the world.
Module 3: Awakening and Transformation of Consciousness
We believe that this theme should run through the full course. Meditation, quiet time, sharing’s will be regular activities. The course at Crystal Waters is held during our mild winter season which allows for particularly comfortable outdoor activities.
Module 4: Celebrating Life: Creativity and Art
Participants will be introduced to a variety of art in community as appropriate at the time: sculpture work, model making, drawing, playing musical instruments.
Module 5: Socially Engaged Spirituality.
As part of this course, we will be spending some time in a rainforest and in reforestation areas. We will draw on examples from the region: Sulak, Sarvodaya, Vandana, Ghandi.
Key 2: Social
Module 1: Building Community and Embracing Diversity
In this module we will be looking at a number of examples of successful ecovillage buildings including the process applied at Crystal Waters.
Also : A checklist to assess the land’s ability to support people; Community Glue; The impact/influence of group size to group dynamics
Module 2: Communication Skills: Conflict, Facilitation and Decision Making.
Governance and Ecovillages - From GT to MO
The Pro’s and Con’s of Consensus
Facilitating Meetings Successfully
Design = 80% Communication
Ways to deal with conflict
Working together - making group decisions
Module 3: Personal Empowerment and Leadership
This module is a continuation of Module 2 but is looking at our role as an individual as part of a group.
Making I statements.
Recognising strengths and weaknesses
Empowerment - the combination of authority and responsibility
Facilitation at work - Respecting a line of command
Module 4: Health and Healing
What is health?
Health - food - soil
Healing traditions in Australia and around the world - The Quacks and the Cures
Alternative health care
Do I have to become a vegan?
Appropriate diet
Module 5: Local, Bio Regional and Global Outreach Don’t build a village on the bones of the Elders
What is a bio-region?
Maleny, Cooperatives and the 21st Century
Designing for change - No straw hats for sale!
Working with authority, including neighbours in the win
Celebrating the new and old - case studies to become one
GEN - international outreach
Key 3: Economic
Module 1: Shifting the Global Economy to Sustainability
From Communism to Capitalism
What is Globalisation - What are the consequences?
Is it broken? Can we fix it?
Ecological footprint explained
Module 2: Right Livelihood
Voluntary simplicity explained
Meaningful activities or paid work?
Right livelihood - It can work! Case studies
Fair Trade
Module 3: Social Enterprises
Which businesses are likely to succeed in Ecovillages?
Which business first?
Owner operated, worker owned and social enterprises
Module 4: Community Banks and Currencies
LETS, Green Dollars - How does it work
Credit Unions and Community Banks
Beyond LETS
Module 5: Legal and Financial Issues
How to finance an Ecovillage (and how not to)
Case studies from around the world
Reducing risk - Working towards profit
Legal models which work
Tender processes - tender assessment
Key 4: Ecological
Module 1: Green Building and Retrofitting
Design for climate, comfort, budget and health
What is "adequate" housing?
Healthy Buildings
Module 2: Local Food
The politics of food
42 square metres and independence
An introduction to soil, diet and health
From gardens to orchard to animal husbandry
Module 3: Appropriate Technology
Appropriate technology:
Energy - beyond peak oil
Water for life
From waste to NEW
Module 4: Restoring Nature and Rebuilding After Disaster
Fundamentals of ecology - Natural Systems
What has gone wrong and tools to fix it: From salination to soil erosion
People first - compromise and success after disaster
Module 5: Integrated Ecovillage Design Project
Design approach and methodology
Observation and research
Design consideration
Infrastructure: Design goals and aims
This module involves the design of a site as an Ecovillage or retrofit of existing village or Co-housing project. It will bring together many of the skills learned in previous modules. Close supervision and opportunities to 'take risks' are to be balanced.
COURSE STRUCTURE
Whilst this is an intensive course, it is structured so as to offer a balance between formal class sessions and seminars, experiential hands-on sessions, informal discussion time, community-building work, free time, and a realistic team-based design project.
A typical day might consist of:
- 5 hours theory (includes slides, video, symposia, discussions)
- 3 hours practical work (applying theory, community time)
- 4 hours self structured (meditation, dance, song, yoga, private time, hygiene, walks, sports, games etc)
- 3 hours meals and casual conversation
In addition to theory and practical classes, each week will contain:
- Daily time set aside for silence/meditation, checking in, sharing
- Two or three sessions of Routine Work to build "muscle memory". This may include ecological restoration and maintenance or harvesting of gardens. The work will always be matched to your physical capacity.
- Two sessions set aside for personal reflection - to let it all sink in.
- A half day of work with members of the Crystal Waters community. We call this work "Shramadama", meaning enlightenment through work.
Other than scheduled tours weekends during the course are free time. Your course fee covers accommodation and meals (breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner) over these weekends. You may like to take the opportunity to walk around the property and/or talk to residents, or go to the Sunshine Coast or hinterland regions on a sightseeing trip. Please note that unscheduled weekend activities are not covered by the programme fee.
ADVANTAGES
- Learn from world leaders in sustainable development — people who have not only designed award winning ecovillages and other sustainable projects, but have over 25 years of practical, hands-on development experience.
- The benefits of learning about the decisions made and techniques used in ecovillage design whilst living in an established ecovillage cannot be duplicated in a classroom situation. This immersion experience allows participants to ‘feel in their bones’ what the principles of an ecovillage mean, and see how ecological solutions work — or, sometimes, don’t!
- Possibly the biggest benefit of the course is to learn from people who have the practical experience of having selected and assessed land, designed concepts and infrastructures, supervised construction, organised financing (indeed, made a profit!), and marketed lots. This is a rare opportunity to learn from people who have done the work — not just theorised about it!
TESTIMONIALS
"Fantastic. I don’t think I have seen more inspirational and motivated people in a real long time!"
"The whole course was a great learning experience. The walks and talks with Crystal Waters residents were extremely insightful."
"You guys are really great teachers. Thanks for all your insight."
"It will take me a life time to explore all the resources that were available to the course. Thank you for sharing them so freely."
"I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this course, content, food, group, teachers, camping and Crystal Waters. Thanks so much for the sharing of your knowledge."
COURSE PRESENTERS
The core presenters will be Max Lindegger, Lloyd Williams and Jill Jordan.
Max Lindegger, the ELS Programme Director, is a professional ecovillage consultant, who has worked on projects in many countries around the world. He is the co-designer and developer of Crystal Waters, and as such has an unsurpassed understanding of the village design, structure and the concepts and rationales used in the design process. Having lived here since the village was developed, he also has first hand experience of the stages that such a settlement goes through as it grows. In addition, as a consultant and teacher in international demand, and a co-founder of the Global Ecovillage Network, he has visited, consulted and taught at a huge number of ecological settlements and intentional communities around the world.
Jill Jordan is well known internationally for initiating the Maleny LETS (local energy trading system), the Maleny Credit Union, and the Maleny Organic Co-operative, and is in great demand as a workshop leader and presenter both here and overseas. Jill is experienced with working within and in consultation with Government, Councils and community groups.
See FACULTY for more information.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
COURSE FEE
AU$3,250 Early-bird discount: Register by May 31st, 2006 and pay $2,990!
NOTE: The course starts at 9 am on Monday July 31st, 2006 and finishes at approximately 4.30 pm on Friday August 25th, 2006. Delicious meals are provided from Monday Lunch on first day to Friday Dinner on the last day. Participants will be catered for (breakfast, packed lunch and dinner) on the weekends. Accommodation is from the night of Monday July 31 to the night of Friday August 25. If participants wish to arrive at Crystal Waters prior to July 31 or stay after the course ends, we are able to assist by providing accommodation at cost. Please note that this will incur an extra charge, and that those arriving early or staying on after the course will need to cater for their own food requirements .
Fee includes:
· Tuition by professional and experienced ecovillage designers/developers and eco-design teachers
· Extensive printed course notes and all course materials
· Three delicious and healthy meals a day plus morning and afternoon tea
· Accommodation in the Crystal Waters Bunkhouse (upgrades available with surcharge)
· Access to extensive library of books, videos and journals
· Extensive in-depth tours of the Crystal Waters Permaculture Village - including visits to private properties not usually open to the public, and off-site field trips
· Practical field work
· Hands-on design experience - guided by people who not only have created and implemented designs, but also have lived or are living in ecovillages
· The opportunity to stay in an award-winning and world renowned ecovillage
· GST (Goods and Services Tax)
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
- Assistance in arranging excursions on weekends between modules - to Maleny, Sunshine Coast beaches, National Parks and tourist destinations.
- Transport to/from nearest railway station or airport.
- Videos and DVDs are available in Crystal Waters for a low per night hiring fee.
- We sell telephone cards which allow card holders to make phone calls cheaply and easily in Australia and to overseas destinations.
- A faxing facility is available in the office for a small charge.
- A variety of books, foods, materials, gardening equipment, t shirts, arts and crafts are for sale at Crystal Waters.
- A range of complementary health services
HOW TO REGISTER
To ensure a place on this course, please return the registration form to EcoLogical Solutions with your deposit of AU$200*. Confirmation of your successful application will be sent with a receipt, information about what to bring and how to get here. This course is limited to the first 15 people who register with a deposit of AU$200, so please book early to avoid disappointment. We appreciate early registrations as it assists greatly with our planning. Thank you!
*Please note that all prices are quoted in Australian Dollars and that all payments need to be made in AUSTRALIAN DOLLARS.
Deposit Policy *
While the deposit is not refundable, you can transfer it to another course offered by EcoLogical Solutions, except the EcoLogical Solutions University Programmes. In the unlikely event that the course is cancelled by us, your full deposit will be returned.
MEALS
Each day you will be served three deliciously healthy meals sourced as much as possible from GMO free and locally grown produce. Morning and afternoon teas will also be provided. Meat and vegetarian option will always be available. Our experienced resident catering staff can cater for most special dietary requirements.
ACCOMMODATION
The fee includes Bunkhouse Cabin shared accommodation in the Crystal Waters Visitors Area. Each room sleeps up to 6 people. The Visitors Area is located in a beautiful natural setting in the centre of Crystal Waters, close to the EcoCentre and dining facilities. Both the bunkhouse and camping sites have access to modern amenities, washing machines, and driers. A kitchenette is also available with tea-making facilities and a fridge.
Accommodation upgrades are available (surcharge applies). Please ensure that you note your preference on the registration form.
Upgrade options include: Self-contained cabins, Guesthouse, B&B and Home stays in the residential areas. Prices start from an additional $10 per night per person. Please ask for more details, prices and availability.
EcoLogical Solutions is the fund earning arm of the non profit NGO, the Global Ecovillage Network Oceania/Asia (GENOA) Inc.
For more information, please contact us at EcoLogical Solutions, 59 Crystal Waters, 65 Kilcoy Lane, Conondale QLD 4552, Australia.
Email: study@ecologicalsolutions.com.au ...Tel: +61 7 5494 4741 ...Fax: +61 7 5494 4578
Website: http://www.ecologicalsolutions.com.au
ABN 48 003 023 667.
|
