1	Permaculture, Experiential Learning, Nonviolent Communication Kelle Kersten, Bob Flatley, Samatman
2	Rethinking EE “Do not listen to me…I do not know how to live here sustainably. I do not know how to live sustainably at all. If you want to know what to do, go to the nearest river, the nearest mountain, the nearest native tree, the nearest native soil, and ask it what it needs. Ask it to teach you. It knows how to live there. It has lived there a very long time. It will teach you. All you need to do is ask, and ask again, and ask again.” – Derek Jensen
3	Ahimsa Village
4	A little background Located in Centre County (near State College) Part of the School of Living – pioneered the concept of community land trust. Neighbors to Julian Woods Community – a 30+ year old intentional community. Founded in 2005 68 Acres of land (part of a 320 Acre Land Trust).
5	Vision Ahimsa refers to the practice of causing no intentional harm to others through thought, speech, or action. Our vision is to create a space that exemplifies the joyfulness of life while serving as an educational center for sustainable and compassionate living. We strive to develop functional and resilient ecological systems that support living in the midst of change.
6	Core Values Compassionate living with all beings. Stewardship of nature using permaculture systems Education and empowerment Model of positive change
7	The School of Living Founded 1934 by Dr. Ralph Borsodi Pioneering organization for ways of holding land in common, organic farming, “back to the land” movement, alternative economics, and alternative education. AERO Conference – June 25-28, 2009. 7 land trust properties in PA, MD, VA.
8	Educational Philosophy We strive to create a deeper understanding and concern for the natural world through a program that stresses enjoyable and active, hands-on learning. We believe that experiential learning will enable people to make intelligent decisions relating to the future of our planet. We value life-long learning and the renewing aspects of nature.
9	Educational Philosophy
10	Educational Program Permaculture Nonviolent Communication Summer camp Friday Night Meetings Workshops Fresh Air
11	Permaculture Permaculture (PC) is the conscious design of sustainable human habitats…rooted in the careful observation of natural patterns characteristic of a particular site. PC applies techniques and principles from ecology, cooperative economics, appropriate technology, and sustainable agriculture with the wisdom of indigenous peoples to heal the earth and ourselves. It’s a powerful tool for redesigning our lives as well as our landscapes. – Karen Stupski, PC teacher
12	Ahimsa’s view of PC Usually associated with the physical environment. We feel its equally if not more important to develop sustainable personal and interpersonal relationships. Committed to practices that promote this view.
13	Permaculture
14	Nonviolent Communication Developed by Marshall Rosenberg, a psychologist. The purpose of NVC is to create human connections that empower compassionate giving and receiving. Focus is on connecting empathetically with other people’s needs and emotions based on the realization that we all have common emotions/needs.
15	NVC Basic Training – June, 2008
16	Summer Camp
17	Friday Night Meetings
18	Workshops
19	Fresh Air Program
20	New Directions Collaboration with Zen Peacemaker Order Shared Self Community
21	Zen Peacemaker Order Based in Montague, MA. Engaged Buddhist focus Appalachian Zen House Earth Education Program at Ahimsa
22	Shared Self Community Inadequacies of current EE paradigm. We are nature, current EE focus is on taking care of “nature” for human needs. The real teacher is nature, not humans who think they know about nature, but nature herself. We are experimenting with practices to awaken the awareness that we are one with all beings and to learn to live with that awareness in everything we do. This is co-creative work, please contact us if interested!
23	Resources Eisenstein, Charles. The Ascent of Humanity. Harrisburg, Penn: Panenthea Press, 1994. Hemenway, Toby. Gaia's Garden: A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture. White River Junction, Vt: Chelsea Green Pub. Co, 2001. Jensen, Derrick. A Language Older Than Words. New York: Context Books, 2000. Rosenberg, Marshall B. Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life. Encinitas, CA: PuddleDancer Press, 2003 Van Matre, Steve. Earth Education: A New Beginning. Greenville, W. Va., U.S.A.: Institute for Earth Education, 1990. Whitefield, Patrick. Permaculture in a Nutshell. Clanfield: Permanent, 1993. Zen Peacemaker Order - http://www.zenpeacemakers.org/
24	Finally… “We will not heal our hurting planet nor will we help any living soul by denying ourselves. Quite the opposite, our true nature denied – separation from who we are – is what has caused our present crisis to begin with.” --- Charles Eisenstein
25	Questions/Comments???? This presentation at: www.ahimsavillage.org