September Roundup of What's Happening out in the World of Transition...
Above photo: 2012 Transition Network Conference in London, UK
Building on the monthly "Roundup of What's Happening in the World of Transiton" pulled together over at Transition Culture, here are some highlights of what's keeping Transition Initiatives busy across the US..
"Relocalizing" art and entertainment in California > Transition Santa Cruz is holding their biennial event: Sharing our Stories -- "Twice a year we have a night of song, story, and drama, featuring ALL OF US." The theme this time: Reaching "across the aisle" -- they are asking residents how they have bridged the gap to explain their perspective on our changing world to others who may or may not share that perspective. "Bring your own story or song. It doesn't have to be polished or even entertaining -- you can just share something from your experience. Anything heartfelt and true has the ability to motivate and inspire others."
Meanwhile in Sonoma County, Transition Sonoma Valley, Transition Cotati and others have been collaborating with Daily Acts for the 100 Greywater System Challenge. In Cotati, several Laundry-to-Landscape systems have been installed and workshops are being held across the county. Learn more about the challenge here.
Celebrating a Pedal Power Parade and Transition Festival in New York > Transition Woodstock is organizing their first Woodstock Transition Festival for September 22, 2012. "The goal of this event and this movement is to celebrate and strengthen our local community. The Festival will showcase volunteer organizations as we assess our local resources. We will create new ways to leverage what we have to increase our town's resilience." The event kicks off with a Pedal Power Parade and Pageant with transition themed costumes and puppets! Watch this two-minute video for more info.
Kickstarting educational gardens in Rhode Island > After a successful "Fruit for Thought" Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, Revive the Roots is creating an Edible Forest Garden at Smithfield High school. Revive the Roots was initiated by students of the Smithfield High School who, after graduating in 2008, brought together their passion for sustainability and formed a non-profit society, with a focus on creating educational opportunities for the next generation. "Part of the core mission of Revive the Roots is to make sustainability education not just available but personally engaging. Students, faculty, and community members can see the theory in practice and apply it to their lives as the concept of sustainable living goes viral. We are doing that by planting edible Forest Gardens at educational institutions while integrating accredited classes and programs into its creation." Their mission of giving back is certainly shared as the final contributions to tip the scale of their fundrasing campaign came from the Smithfield High School Class of 2012! (Photos below by Chas Dodd of their first garden project)
Coming together for a special Film Festival in Vermont > Transition Town Manchester is planning their our upcoming film series which they are calling the Rachel Carson Film Festival to honor the fiftieth anniversary of the September 1962 release of Silent Spring, arguably one of the most influential environmental books of the past century.
Connecting beekeepers in Massachusetts > Transition Wayland became the 122nd official initiative in the US and in the past year they have been putting down powerful manifestations of the future they want to see. They planted a permaculture garden in Wayland's most popular playground and are in the midst of the Solarize Massachusetts program, through which their town will gain over 250 kW of small residential solar with the goal of producing half a megaWatt. "We are helping to make a master map of all of Wayland's waterways and nature trails. We started a beekeepers group that in its first season helped six new beekeepers get started - so far BEElievers have harvested over 100 lb of Wayland honey. In the future we see close collaborations with other groups to show movies to keep re-sparking the conversation, to get solar on our municipal buildings, to start a community farm and a farm stand..." writes Kaat Vander Straeten. Keep an eye out for Transition Wayland!
Hosting a Community Harvest Celebration in Michigan > Transition Cadillac is getting set to celebrate local food at their 2nd Annual Community Harvest Celebration. The celebration will include a Fun(d)-Raising Dinner & OOOOBY (Out Of Our Own Backyards) Potluck, and they'll be putting together a cookbook of recipes using local ingredients!
Showcasing solar energy projects in Kentucky > Sustainable Berea is celebrating their 7th Annual Berea Solar Tour, showcasing what their town has done. On October 6th, Berea homes and businesses will open their doors for the public to view photovoltaic, solar hot water, and other solar applications. A map and guidebook will show the tour open houses.
Building connections between habitat protection and the local economy in Washington > Friday Creek Habitat Stewards, the Skagit Conservation District, and Chuckanut Transition hosted the Samish Watershed Garden Tour, highlighting where local economy and conservation meet! "This free event was a prime example of what is possible when citizens unite. There was a blend of gardens that provide income for their owners while protecting habitat, as well as gardens designed for beauty and habitat protection." Janet McKinney, a member of Chuckanut Transition says “It’s a great fit. Chuckanut Transition encourages creating a local, shared economy. And Friday Creek Habitat Stewards support building a community that preserves our native habitat.” Next up: Saturday, October 27th, Chuckanut Transition’s Annual Food Swap will be held, inviting folks to bring their surplus produce and preserved food to swap.
Upcoming Regional Gatherings
Northern California Regional Transition Conference
Saturday, October 6, 2012 - 10:00am - 7:00pm
Richmond, CA
All Transition participants from all Transition initiatives are invited to attend this first ever all-day regional Nor Cal Transition gathering. Join people from across Northern California for a day of learning, storytelling, connecting, and organizing. Contact Scott McKeown for details: scott@transitionus.org.
New England Transition and Resilience Gathering
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Jamaica Plain, Boston, MA
How might we increase the effectiveness of our work by connecting with one another? Please join us as we consider this exciting possibility. You’ll have the chance to meet folks from across New England, share stories, think systemically about the region, and consider next steps. There will be plenty of opportunities for informal conversation and connection. Contact Sarah Byrnes for more info: sarah@localcircles.org.
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Submit your news to be included in the next roundup! email stories@transitionus.org.
Stay tuned for our September Newsletter the last week of the month, focusing on upcoming
webinars, tools and resources for building community resilience.
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