Community!
· Connecting with people, making friends, creating ties between neighbors
· Building strong local economies made up of conscientious independent businesses that care about their employees and the community
· Building a sustainable food system… buying local, eating seasonally… farmer’s markets, community gardens, neighborhood gardening, pollinator gardens… restaurants that buy local ingredients… composting, growing own food
· Seeing that the natural world is part of the community… maintaining natural areas full of native plants and animals… learning, discovery, wonder… parks, greenspaces, watersheds, involvement, local interest of residents … making decisions that are in the best interest of the whole community
· Bicycling, walking, public transportation… drying clothes on a clothesline… staying healthy, living simply, enjoying life
Want to learn about projects that are making a real difference in their communities? Here are some of my favorites...
South Central Farm
The Small Potatoes Gleaning Project , in Bellingham, Washington was built on a simple idea: fruit and vegetables that are left on the trees and in the fields could be used to feed those without food. It's really that simple. Volunteers pick these crops which would otherwise go to waste and donate them to the local food bank. A simple idea, a bunch of volunteers, yet the difference they are making in the community is huge, they gleaned nearly 42 tons of produce in 2006.
Growing Gardens in Portland, Oregon has a different approach to providing the community with fresh produce. They provide low-income community members with what they need to grow their own produce. The non-profit and volunteers from the community help build garden beds, provide seeds, and provide gardening expertise through a garden mentoring program.
The
North Portland Tool Library in Portland, Oregon was created by a bunch of residents of North Portland so that people living in the area could check out tools like they check out books from a library.
Sustainable South Bronx is a non-profit dedicated to environmental justice in the South Bronx, founded by resident Majora Carter. Listen to her speak about the group's efforts, her life, and the positive potential of communities at the TED (Technology, Entertainment, and Design) Conference (~20 minutes)...
People who are interested in building community, making a difference in the world and pursuing their passions.
Darcy Myers.
Featured Films
Story of Sacco and Vanzetti
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Sundance Film Festival Shorts
Films from independent filmmakers shown at the Sundance Film Festival.
Amazing Nature Clips
Lyre Bird- Imitating Sounds
David Attenborough, BBC (~4 minutes)
Murrelet Chicks
David Attenborough, BBC (~3 minutes)
Acrobalance
The strength and skills of these individuals makes it so that they can move in ways that just don't seem possible.
Acrobalance: at Guanajuato Cervantino
Acrobalance: Mark and Emma Adagio
Acrobalance: Martin Alvez Hand to Hand Act
The Daily Show
A comedic take on the daily news infused with critical thinking and sarcasm.
The Resident
A web broadcast alternative NYC television show.