ARE THERE POSSIBILITIES FOR CO-OPTING MAINSTREAM MEDICINE
Gaianne, converning, Estela, Ethan , Fred, Jim, Sarah, Terry.
The idea of the topic was to bring mainstream medical people over to transition.
Some might be half-way there already, midwives being an example, also perhaps nurses, dental hygienists, and technicians at fairly basic levels of training.
Related: What will doctors do when they are out of work? Also, how can the medical system be "backed down?"
We drifted off topic:
Keeping well will be a more prominent part of medicine; more general knowledge of basics--wounds, broken bones, fever, and herbs needed.
Superbugs are already out of medical control: Learn from AIDS about coping in the absence of mainstream remedies.
Clean water is the single most important aspect of community health.
TO RETURN: We need to INVITE medical people into transition.
Biking For Personal and Community Well-Being (& Fun)
Convener: Aaron Goode, aaron.goode@gmail.com
Participants: Roger Uihlein, Maria Pinango, Bernard Brennan, Sara K., Ethan D., Randy D., Marion Gehlker
Questions raised: How do we get more people to become riders? (Carrot and stick approach of eliminating obstacles as well as providing incentives). How do we encourage commuting to work and school? (Addressing safety issues, neighborhood schools, making transportation inter-modal). What are some of the positive developments in our bioregion with respect to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure? (Elm City Cycling advocacy work at city and state level, SeeClickFix, New Haven's Department of Transportation initiatives to add bike lanes, sharrows, traffic-calming devices, etc.). What are areas that need improvement? (Linking bike infrastructure together to create safe routes, selective enforcement of laws). What are ways that we can limit the expense of bicycling through collaboration and mutual aid? (New Haven Bike Collective, bike-sharing).
Useful links:
Elm City Cycling
SeeClickFix
New Haven Bike Collective
Bike Walk CT (formerly Central CT Bicycle Alliance)
Yale Transportation Options
City of New Haven Dept. of Transportation "Bike New Haven" website
Google Maps Bike Directions
National Bike Month 2010
Participants: Roger Uihlein, Maria Pinango, Bernard Brennan, Sara K., Ethan D., Randy D., Marion Gehlker
Questions raised: How do we get more people to become riders? (Carrot and stick approach of eliminating obstacles as well as providing incentives). How do we encourage commuting to work and school? (Addressing safety issues, neighborhood schools, making transportation inter-modal). What are some of the positive developments in our bioregion with respect to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure? (Elm City Cycling advocacy work at city and state level, SeeClickFix, New Haven's Department of Transportation initiatives to add bike lanes, sharrows, traffic-calming devices, etc.). What are areas that need improvement? (Linking bike infrastructure together to create safe routes, selective enforcement of laws). What are ways that we can limit the expense of bicycling through collaboration and mutual aid? (New Haven Bike Collective, bike-sharing).
Useful links:
Elm City Cycling
SeeClickFix
New Haven Bike Collective
Bike Walk CT (formerly Central CT Bicycle Alliance)
Yale Transportation Options
City of New Haven Dept. of Transportation "Bike New Haven" website
Google Maps Bike Directions
National Bike Month 2010
CommunityWell-Being - how do we create it and sustain it?
Convener: Catherine Bradshaw, cbradshaw@cadence-consulting.com
Participants: Bernard Brennan, Allan Brison, Terry Halwes, Moses, Maria Tupper, Meg, Maria Pinango, Randy, Fred Cervin, Marge Allende, Sara Kirschner, Ethan Drozd, Marion Gehlker (others came and went)
Started by asking "What is Community?"
Repeated, positive, mutually supporting, easy access to each other, proximity, shared values and ideals, shared circumstances...
We have concentric circles of community - family, neighborhood, school, religious group, town, etc.
How can we foster community?
In an economic downturn, will community happen naturally, or will people feel pitted against each other for limited resources?
Community is something that comes naturally to us as human beings but there are barriers that get in the way of it. If you leave people alone, they'll build community.
Obstacle: fast-paced life - we're coerced into doing things to survive such as hold down a job so we can pay the rent and buy insurance, etc. - this robs us of time that could be put toward building community
Obstacle: have to contend with people who live by survival of the fittest
But we want to have choices - the choice to have a car, etc.
Choices set up momentum - you have a child and that leads to material needs that require a certain income, etc., etc.
There's wealth in creating time to do things like building community - different kind of wealth than monetary wealth, but perhaps just as or more valuable
We need to get down to scale of neighborhoods/blocks so that we're connected to those around us for mutual dependence and support.
But we're residentially segregated by class and we know that diversity is a strength. In dire economic circumstances, post-peak oil world, the privileged will no longer be privileged and will need the wisdom and skills of those who were low-income to survive. People in poverty already know how to do more with less.
How can we start to build the resilience of stronger community so that we'll be ready when the dire circumstances are upon us?
Create eco-villages, or co-housing arrangements, cooperative houses - neighborhoods on purpose.
But so far, those involved in New Haven co-housing are white, educated, middle-class, middle-aged, financially comfortable (these are the people who have the time and resources to pull such a project together). When a site is chosen, they expect younger and more diverse families will join.
Research showed that 90% of attempts at forming intential communities failed; 75% of co-housing projects failed (from Creating a Life Together, by Diana Leafe Christian.)
Those that survive are good at consensus decision-making. C.T. Butler wrote the book on formal consensus, Conflict and Consensus. Start by agreeing on a common vision.
One idea is to map out the assets of a neighborhood, including the skills, talents of the individual members. Bob Francis is a local expert with this - lives in Bridgeport area. Catherine Bradshaw can contact him.
Other ideas:
Community Yard Farm sharing - people in a neighborhood growing various things and sharing among each other
Tool library - people in a neighborhood owning a set of tools together that they share among themselves.
Does the city of New Haven support communities in forming neighborhood groups?
Those that are active seem to have sprung up on their own.
We can learn from those that have been successful about what's helped them do what they do
The example of Cuba when it lost the Soviet support -- The Power of Community (movie and web site) -- the whole country switched to labor-intensive organic agriculture.
Participants: Bernard Brennan, Allan Brison, Terry Halwes, Moses, Maria Tupper, Meg, Maria Pinango, Randy, Fred Cervin, Marge Allende, Sara Kirschner, Ethan Drozd, Marion Gehlker (others came and went)
Started by asking "What is Community?"
Repeated, positive, mutually supporting, easy access to each other, proximity, shared values and ideals, shared circumstances...
We have concentric circles of community - family, neighborhood, school, religious group, town, etc.
How can we foster community?
In an economic downturn, will community happen naturally, or will people feel pitted against each other for limited resources?
Community is something that comes naturally to us as human beings but there are barriers that get in the way of it. If you leave people alone, they'll build community.
Obstacle: fast-paced life - we're coerced into doing things to survive such as hold down a job so we can pay the rent and buy insurance, etc. - this robs us of time that could be put toward building community
Obstacle: have to contend with people who live by survival of the fittest
But we want to have choices - the choice to have a car, etc.
Choices set up momentum - you have a child and that leads to material needs that require a certain income, etc., etc.
There's wealth in creating time to do things like building community - different kind of wealth than monetary wealth, but perhaps just as or more valuable
We need to get down to scale of neighborhoods/blocks so that we're connected to those around us for mutual dependence and support.
But we're residentially segregated by class and we know that diversity is a strength. In dire economic circumstances, post-peak oil world, the privileged will no longer be privileged and will need the wisdom and skills of those who were low-income to survive. People in poverty already know how to do more with less.
How can we start to build the resilience of stronger community so that we'll be ready when the dire circumstances are upon us?
Create eco-villages, or co-housing arrangements, cooperative houses - neighborhoods on purpose.
But so far, those involved in New Haven co-housing are white, educated, middle-class, middle-aged, financially comfortable (these are the people who have the time and resources to pull such a project together). When a site is chosen, they expect younger and more diverse families will join.
Research showed that 90% of attempts at forming intential communities failed; 75% of co-housing projects failed (from Creating a Life Together, by Diana Leafe Christian.)
Those that survive are good at consensus decision-making. C.T. Butler wrote the book on formal consensus, Conflict and Consensus. Start by agreeing on a common vision.
One idea is to map out the assets of a neighborhood, including the skills, talents of the individual members. Bob Francis is a local expert with this - lives in Bridgeport area. Catherine Bradshaw can contact him.
Other ideas:
Community Yard Farm sharing - people in a neighborhood growing various things and sharing among each other
Tool library - people in a neighborhood owning a set of tools together that they share among themselves.
Does the city of New Haven support communities in forming neighborhood groups?
Those that are active seem to have sprung up on their own.
We can learn from those that have been successful about what's helped them do what they do
The example of Cuba when it lost the Soviet support -- The Power of Community (movie and web site) -- the whole country switched to labor-intensive organic agriculture.
LOVE: Tolerance and patience for people in crisis
SESSION II: 1:00 - 2:30
Convened by Siobhan
siobhanolivia@gmail.com
Gaianne, Aaron, Theresa, Estela, Sara, Ethan, Ben, Roger were in attendance.
The topic emerged because of the approaching group of crises facing our nation and world. When more and more people begin losing jobs, housing, families, etc., the number of folks experiencing crisis will likely increase. And this number of people will most likely overwhelm current mental health clinics and professionals. What kind of response can we give to individuals in our lives having meltdowns. What about strangers?
Acceptance - Lifestyle crash can happen to anyone anywhere anytime.
Listening - Acknowledgement of anger and pain in individuals can help relieve anguish.
Boundaries - How much involvement is appropriate? Whom can we touch? When? Where? Why? How?
Generally, the response to those suffering has been aloofness. Isolation precedes negative manifestations of inner turmoil. Human divorcement from the natural world prevents us from applying ourselves to situations. Density of persons affected by a meltdown influences the likelihood that action will be taken. "Someone else must surely be doing something."
Public "leadership" has no response to societal malfunction. Vulnerable, marginalized people must go away. USA! Everything's OK! Except not really.
How afraid should we be?
How do we become worthy constituents of a human community?
How do we prevent the distressed person from feeling they're falling off the edge of the world?
Nature and community
Fresh air and sunshine
Activity vs anxiety
The consensus was, yes, we do have responsibilities to other humans. Viewing the person in crisis with compassion, allowing that it could easily be ourselves, while maintaining personal boundaries. In Open Space terms - The amount you can give is the right amount. Encourage human interaction and participation to alleviate stress, self-destructive behavior
Convened by Siobhan
siobhanolivia@gmail.com
Gaianne, Aaron, Theresa, Estela, Sara, Ethan, Ben, Roger were in attendance.
The topic emerged because of the approaching group of crises facing our nation and world. When more and more people begin losing jobs, housing, families, etc., the number of folks experiencing crisis will likely increase. And this number of people will most likely overwhelm current mental health clinics and professionals. What kind of response can we give to individuals in our lives having meltdowns. What about strangers?
Acceptance - Lifestyle crash can happen to anyone anywhere anytime.
Listening - Acknowledgement of anger and pain in individuals can help relieve anguish.
Boundaries - How much involvement is appropriate? Whom can we touch? When? Where? Why? How?
Generally, the response to those suffering has been aloofness. Isolation precedes negative manifestations of inner turmoil. Human divorcement from the natural world prevents us from applying ourselves to situations. Density of persons affected by a meltdown influences the likelihood that action will be taken. "Someone else must surely be doing something."
Public "leadership" has no response to societal malfunction. Vulnerable, marginalized people must go away. USA! Everything's OK! Except not really.
How afraid should we be?
How do we become worthy constituents of a human community?
How do we prevent the distressed person from feeling they're falling off the edge of the world?
Nature and community
Fresh air and sunshine
Activity vs anxiety
The consensus was, yes, we do have responsibilities to other humans. Viewing the person in crisis with compassion, allowing that it could easily be ourselves, while maintaining personal boundaries. In Open Space terms - The amount you can give is the right amount. Encourage human interaction and participation to alleviate stress, self-destructive behavior
Raising Chi Through Creative Play
Session II: 1:00-2:30
Convener: Shula
Participants
Shula
Roger
Ben
Avi
Discussion
Creative play and well-being happened
Convener: Shula
Participants
Shula
Roger
Ben
Avi
Discussion
Creative play and well-being happened
Childhood Trauma and Abuse and As It Relates to Adult Healthcare Costs
Convener: Joe Lesiak
List of participants: Maria, Jim, Aaron, Siobhan
Discussion:
Began by examining the study,” The Relationship of Adverse Childhood Experiences to Adult Medical Disease, Psychiatric Disorders, and Sexual Behavior: Implications for Healthcare”
The study showed that, “Many of our most intractable public health problems are the result of compensatory behavior like smoking, overeating, and alcohol and drug use which act as short-term solutions to the emotional problems caused by traumatic childhood experiences.”
The study showed if these experiences were addressed, in this case by a questionnaire, medical visits were generally reduced by the patients in the study. Or by their conclusion, “provide[d] a credible basis for a new paradigm of primary care medical practice that would start with comprehensive biopsychological evaluation of all patients at the outset of medical care.”
We discussed that many of these “intractable” health problems are often the result compensatory behaviors. As the study showed, and as we have seen by our own experiences, these traumatic events which are unrecognized and unacknowledged causes health problems later in life.
The conversation expanded into addressing it in the larger context of community (schools, neighborhoods, families, friends, etc.)
How do communities address issues of traumatic experiences for children?
Justice vs. Truth: does our current system resolve these issues or do they perpetuate them even further?
Community response: working on creating a framework for the community to address and deal with traumatic experiences
Concluding points:
1. Acknowledge and address that their experiences exist and the amount or extent of the experience are greater than thought or appreciated.
2. Our current medical system address symptoms rather underlying framework for the symptoms
3. Shame, secrecy and taboos prevent acknowledgment and actions to remedy those underlying causes
Reference:
Vincent J. Felitti, MD and Robert F. Anda, MD, MS. The Relationship of Adverse Childhood Experiences to Adult Medical Disease, Psychiatric Disorders, and Sexual Behavior: Implications for Healthcare. from The Hidden Epidemic: The Impact of Early Life Trauma on Health and Disease. Cambridge Unversity Press, 2009.
List of participants: Maria, Jim, Aaron, Siobhan
Discussion:
Began by examining the study,” The Relationship of Adverse Childhood Experiences to Adult Medical Disease, Psychiatric Disorders, and Sexual Behavior: Implications for Healthcare”
The study showed that, “Many of our most intractable public health problems are the result of compensatory behavior like smoking, overeating, and alcohol and drug use which act as short-term solutions to the emotional problems caused by traumatic childhood experiences.”
The study showed if these experiences were addressed, in this case by a questionnaire, medical visits were generally reduced by the patients in the study. Or by their conclusion, “provide[d] a credible basis for a new paradigm of primary care medical practice that would start with comprehensive biopsychological evaluation of all patients at the outset of medical care.”
We discussed that many of these “intractable” health problems are often the result compensatory behaviors. As the study showed, and as we have seen by our own experiences, these traumatic events which are unrecognized and unacknowledged causes health problems later in life.
The conversation expanded into addressing it in the larger context of community (schools, neighborhoods, families, friends, etc.)
How do communities address issues of traumatic experiences for children?
Justice vs. Truth: does our current system resolve these issues or do they perpetuate them even further?
Community response: working on creating a framework for the community to address and deal with traumatic experiences
Concluding points:
1. Acknowledge and address that their experiences exist and the amount or extent of the experience are greater than thought or appreciated.
2. Our current medical system address symptoms rather underlying framework for the symptoms
3. Shame, secrecy and taboos prevent acknowledgment and actions to remedy those underlying causes
Reference:
Vincent J. Felitti, MD and Robert F. Anda, MD, MS. The Relationship of Adverse Childhood Experiences to Adult Medical Disease, Psychiatric Disorders, and Sexual Behavior: Implications for Healthcare. from The Hidden Epidemic: The Impact of Early Life Trauma on Health and Disease. Cambridge Unversity Press, 2009.
How can we support and nurture the development of a mentally healthy community?
Session 1: 11 - 12:30
Convener: Marge Allende - mafellowship@yahoo.com
Participants: Moses Boone, Bernard Brennan, Allan Brison, Randy Domina, Sara Kirschner, Estela Lopez, Meg Rudne, Theresa Burgher, Terry Hawles, Maria Tupper, Chris Zurcher, Ethan Drozd
Discussion and recommendations:
Discussion centered on ways to bring people together in mutually supportive, interactive ways.
Recommendations were numerous, some of which are as follows:
Developing a mutual aid culture
Establish a wide variety of exercise outlets that encourage community involvement (eg. grinding grain, biking, walking, gardening, mow lawn on own steam, sports related pick-up games, etc,) and find way to list meeting times and places so people have interactive choices
Find ways to increase awareness of outdoor places of "beauty" in one's own community
Start a Walker's Club and advertise it in the Advocate
Support development of mental health services that include both Western and Eastern types of "medicine" and "treatments"
Create "healthy spaces" (ie. places where people of all ages can gather with others who are looking for safe, interesting, educational, recreational, etc. activities and/or opportunities for interaction
Develop "Discover your city" activities
Find ways to cultivate community motivation to interact
Establish "Supper clubs" for the purpose of eating and talking together
Set up "Walking tours" (to learn about own community/ nature areas/ revisit familiar places and observe changes/ nature in general)
Find ways to encourage curiosity about information nature provides (eg. knowledge about birds could replace the need for a calendar - How? Come and find out)
Share skills - Tap into community "genius"
Get the Q House opened again
Promote block parties and intergenerational gatherings (paper airplane contests, pick-up games, dances hire local bands, pot lucks)
Advertise where/when activities are happening
Decrease isolation by emphasizing the importance of relationships to others and self
Convener: Marge Allende - mafellowship@yahoo.com
Participants: Moses Boone, Bernard Brennan, Allan Brison, Randy Domina, Sara Kirschner, Estela Lopez, Meg Rudne, Theresa Burgher, Terry Hawles, Maria Tupper, Chris Zurcher, Ethan Drozd
Discussion and recommendations:
Discussion centered on ways to bring people together in mutually supportive, interactive ways.
Recommendations were numerous, some of which are as follows:
Developing a mutual aid culture
Establish a wide variety of exercise outlets that encourage community involvement (eg. grinding grain, biking, walking, gardening, mow lawn on own steam, sports related pick-up games, etc,) and find way to list meeting times and places so people have interactive choices
Find ways to increase awareness of outdoor places of "beauty" in one's own community
Start a Walker's Club and advertise it in the Advocate
Support development of mental health services that include both Western and Eastern types of "medicine" and "treatments"
Create "healthy spaces" (ie. places where people of all ages can gather with others who are looking for safe, interesting, educational, recreational, etc. activities and/or opportunities for interaction
Develop "Discover your city" activities
Find ways to cultivate community motivation to interact
Establish "Supper clubs" for the purpose of eating and talking together
Set up "Walking tours" (to learn about own community/ nature areas/ revisit familiar places and observe changes/ nature in general)
Find ways to encourage curiosity about information nature provides (eg. knowledge about birds could replace the need for a calendar - How? Come and find out)
Share skills - Tap into community "genius"
Get the Q House opened again
Promote block parties and intergenerational gatherings (paper airplane contests, pick-up games, dances hire local bands, pot lucks)
Advertise where/when activities are happening
Decrease isolation by emphasizing the importance of relationships to others and self
Growing a Medicinal Herbal Garden
Convener: Marion Gehlker (marion.gehlker@yale.edu)
Present:
Shula Weinstein: ebenross@yahoo, Catherine Brockshaw: cbradshae@cadence-consulting.com
Gaianne Jenkins: newhavenuu@sbcglobal.net , Bernard Brennan: Bernard86@mac.com
We discussed various (wild) herbal plants that can be used for medicinal purposes:
St. John's Wart, mugwart, valerian, skull-cap, echinecea, comfry, rose-hip, lemon balm, camomile, peppermint, garlic, ginger, jewel weed (for poison oak), hot spices etc.
and their effects, such as anti-psychotic, anti-depressive, sedative etc.
We have anecdotal knowledge but need to consolidate it,
find an expert who could do a presentation on medicinal herbs grown locally.
Interestingly, a lot of the herbs we discussed seem to be regarded as weeds, or at least easily proliferate
Questions:
- how to find plants, grow them (unlike veggies that may have to be stressed to produce better fruit), use them
- is there a difference between medicinal vs. culinary herbs, e.g. garlic, parsley, thyme, oregano etc.
Suggested readings:
Back to Eden (by a Vermont doctor)
Penelope Ody: The Complete Medicinal Herbal
Tammy Hartung: Growing 101 Herbs That Heal
The Complete Home Healer
Other suggestions welcome.
www.ctherb.org, with links to herbal resources, events: herb fest, rosmary roast,
herb fest June 5, 2010
Action items:
consolidate knowledge, organize skill-share/presentation, book club/suggested readings,
create experimental medicinal herbal garden:
possible locations: UU, Commond Ground (Joe said it's in the making),
community gardens/NH Land Trust (Maria T. said she is not aware of any but perhaps the Latino community has such gardens)
contact people and/or places:
natural food stores:
Edge of the Woods, Thyme & Season, Foodworks
NOFA
Justin (Two Coyotes)
Zack (He did a presentation on mushrooms; Meg has his address)
colleges:
Gateway Community College, Southern, Yale: Rudd Center, Divinity School, Sustainable Farm
Present:
Shula Weinstein: ebenross@yahoo, Catherine Brockshaw: cbradshae@cadence-consulting.com
Gaianne Jenkins: newhavenuu@sbcglobal.net , Bernard Brennan: Bernard86@mac.com
We discussed various (wild) herbal plants that can be used for medicinal purposes:
St. John's Wart, mugwart, valerian, skull-cap, echinecea, comfry, rose-hip, lemon balm, camomile, peppermint, garlic, ginger, jewel weed (for poison oak), hot spices etc.
and their effects, such as anti-psychotic, anti-depressive, sedative etc.
We have anecdotal knowledge but need to consolidate it,
find an expert who could do a presentation on medicinal herbs grown locally.
Interestingly, a lot of the herbs we discussed seem to be regarded as weeds, or at least easily proliferate
Questions:
- how to find plants, grow them (unlike veggies that may have to be stressed to produce better fruit), use them
- is there a difference between medicinal vs. culinary herbs, e.g. garlic, parsley, thyme, oregano etc.
Suggested readings:
Back to Eden (by a Vermont doctor)
Penelope Ody: The Complete Medicinal Herbal
Tammy Hartung: Growing 101 Herbs That Heal
The Complete Home Healer
Other suggestions welcome.
www.ctherb.org, with links to herbal resources, events: herb fest, rosmary roast,
herb fest June 5, 2010
Action items:
consolidate knowledge, organize skill-share/presentation, book club/suggested readings,
create experimental medicinal herbal garden:
possible locations: UU, Commond Ground (Joe said it's in the making),
community gardens/NH Land Trust (Maria T. said she is not aware of any but perhaps the Latino community has such gardens)
contact people and/or places:
natural food stores:
Edge of the Woods, Thyme & Season, Foodworks
NOFA
Justin (Two Coyotes)
Zack (He did a presentation on mushrooms; Meg has his address)
colleges:
Gateway Community College, Southern, Yale: Rudd Center, Divinity School, Sustainable Farm
End of Life- - - - Wellbeing
Session I 11-1230
Ben Ross
ebenross@yahoo.com
Enroue e.halfkenny@gmail.com
Arron Goode aaron.goode@gmail.com
Fred Cervin fred.cervin@sbcglobal.net
Roger
We discussed the connection between the socalled american culture and our visions of the .meaning of death , sickness and dealing with our remains.
* Euthanisa and
medical procedures for very old and very sick ...with little or no chance of recovery;
* Nurse's ....polled and saying cancer was a prefered way to go...allows a chance of adjustment *After bural, as a familyn ritual, the realization 'who's next.
* Invites the question ..."how are we going to live"
instead of media hype/midlife crisus/ choices informed by community and goals of connection.
* Hope is restoritive
* the book Grave Matters brings up the questions of toxic chem's from embalming fluid and
creamation....wood bural offered as alternative.
looking at death and our remains as part of our ecology
* Living Will.....possable
*
*
Ben Ross
ebenross@yahoo.com
Enroue e.halfkenny@gmail.com
Arron Goode aaron.goode@gmail.com
Fred Cervin fred.cervin@sbcglobal.net
Roger
We discussed the connection between the socalled american culture and our visions of the .meaning of death , sickness and dealing with our remains.
* Euthanisa and
medical procedures for very old and very sick ...with little or no chance of recovery;
* Nurse's ....polled and saying cancer was a prefered way to go...allows a chance of adjustment *After bural, as a familyn ritual, the realization 'who's next.
* Invites the question ..."how are we going to live"
instead of media hype/midlife crisus/ choices informed by community and goals of connection.
* Hope is restoritive
* the book Grave Matters brings up the questions of toxic chem's from embalming fluid and
creamation....wood bural offered as alternative.
looking at death and our remains as part of our ecology
* Living Will.....possable
*
*
Does a low energy future mean a significantly lower population?
We started off by discussing whether or not houses can easily be de-constructed, and which materials would be useful/valuable.
We then discussed what the remaining population would do with those recently de-constructed houses, the materials available, and the land on which they were built.
Next we discussed whether we would see a population growth or decline, and why people would choose to live in one area instead of another, and if that decision might be based on the jobs available.
We asked whether or not the land from the now empty lots would be viable for becoming places where food could be grown. We decided that it would be possible with a lot of work. The real life situation of Cuba was discussed, where they have actually torn down some structures to turn them into small food lots.
The idea came up that many of the materials from the older houses being deconstructed would be used to repair the homes that are still being occupied.
We then discussed what the remaining population would do with those recently de-constructed houses, the materials available, and the land on which they were built.
Next we discussed whether we would see a population growth or decline, and why people would choose to live in one area instead of another, and if that decision might be based on the jobs available.
We asked whether or not the land from the now empty lots would be viable for becoming places where food could be grown. We decided that it would be possible with a lot of work. The real life situation of Cuba was discussed, where they have actually torn down some structures to turn them into small food lots.
The idea came up that many of the materials from the older houses being deconstructed would be used to repair the homes that are still being occupied.
In a "jobless economy" what do home and workplace look like?
Convener: Gaianne
Contact: newhavenuu@sbcglobal.net
Participants: Dave, Fred, Sara, also Bernard
Discussion and recommendations:
The idea was to imagine what is likely--and also desirable--in a general way, on the topic of a roof overhead. My idea in posing the question is that when jobs go away, so does the house-and-commute-to-work. What happens instead?
Of course, nobody knows. But the discussion that spun off this question was wide-ranging and fun. Joblessness and or homelessness is already not a hypothetical for some of us, so there was interest in practical skills.
In looking for a new workskill, what to look for? Simple, practical, locally useful seems good. Can timebanking and the coming LETS sytem be of help for connecting skills and needs? Tax issues exist, but are still manageable.
When one thinks of crafts people, one thinks of working at home, which implies having a home. This is not impossible as in some cases banks are not evicting people for fear of vandalism to empty properties.
If you are already homeless and don't know where you will be each night, what can you do? How can you keep or practice a trade? Finding a niche is needful. In this context we should remember the UXA which existed during the Great Depression in Oakland California and had eventually 1500 members living outside the above-ground economy through mutual help.
Are we too high tech? How do you step back to a simpler, more reliable technology?
Dimitri Orlov's writings on the collapse of the Soviet Union are one of our main guides. In the US however, we can expect an attempt to segregate the jobless from the "still okay." So we will have to deal with that. But it may or may not work.
Project A: Build a cob structure, for reskilling and community utility.
Project B: Learn skills of salvage, scavange, and repair.
Project A has already attracted some interest, and will probably happen. Project B is currently still theoretical.
--Gaianne
Contact: newhavenuu@sbcglobal.net
Participants: Dave, Fred, Sara, also Bernard
Discussion and recommendations:
The idea was to imagine what is likely--and also desirable--in a general way, on the topic of a roof overhead. My idea in posing the question is that when jobs go away, so does the house-and-commute-to-work. What happens instead?
Of course, nobody knows. But the discussion that spun off this question was wide-ranging and fun. Joblessness and or homelessness is already not a hypothetical for some of us, so there was interest in practical skills.
In looking for a new workskill, what to look for? Simple, practical, locally useful seems good. Can timebanking and the coming LETS sytem be of help for connecting skills and needs? Tax issues exist, but are still manageable.
When one thinks of crafts people, one thinks of working at home, which implies having a home. This is not impossible as in some cases banks are not evicting people for fear of vandalism to empty properties.
If you are already homeless and don't know where you will be each night, what can you do? How can you keep or practice a trade? Finding a niche is needful. In this context we should remember the UXA which existed during the Great Depression in Oakland California and had eventually 1500 members living outside the above-ground economy through mutual help.
Are we too high tech? How do you step back to a simpler, more reliable technology?
Dimitri Orlov's writings on the collapse of the Soviet Union are one of our main guides. In the US however, we can expect an attempt to segregate the jobless from the "still okay." So we will have to deal with that. But it may or may not work.
Project A: Build a cob structure, for reskilling and community utility.
Project B: Learn skills of salvage, scavange, and repair.
Project A has already attracted some interest, and will probably happen. Project B is currently still theoretical.
--Gaianne
ABANDONED BUILDINGS/HOMELESS PEOPLE
Session 2 1:00 - 2:30
Convened by Dave Taylor
Len, Dave, Sara, Siobhan, Tony, Bernard, and Meg all contributed to the discussion
In any community, there are buildings and houses that are boarded up or otherwise abandoned. Likewise, many folks are homeless or living on the fringes.
It seems like there should be some kind of solution.
Multiple reasons and causes for homelessness - jobs disappearing, illness, drugs/alcohol, overpriced real estate.
What is housing: legal requirements, politics, shelters
Historical perspective - Tony reminded us that "in his day" there were in any downtown area residential hotels where transients or day laboreres could have a room, place for the night.
Modern Real Estate trends have made downtowns too expensive for this model.
Expensive real estate is its own god.
Housing as a basic right; hole in the safety net, families split up because of problems with affordability, irresponsible leadership has twisted priorities.
In europe, 40% of housing is socialized - the state ensures homes as a human right.
USA functions like a rich man's club. Affordable housing is socialism, and socialism is bad.
Squatting - risky because the gov't don't like it/won't permit it.
Probably get kicked out. An illegitimate solution.
Laws money neighborhoods - housing a social construct.
No institutional support for the homeless.
The gov't should put more money into housing for the poor and homeless.
Partial potential solution-
manufacturing facilities that have fallen into disuse probably won't be used for production again.
An albatross on the shoulders of the owner - make available for a new kind of residential hotel.
Not-for-profit development co.
Getting variances on zoning regulations.
Informal boarding house model.
Mixed sizes/ mixed incomes for converting industrial units.
Public safety issues.
ACTIONS:
Open letter to mayors to make properties available for conversion/re-use.
Open bidding process on city owned properties to individuals.
Find a building that has fallen into disuse and is tax delinquent. Pressurize the deed holder to allow conversion, re-zoning.
HOUSES FOR A DOLLAR!
Convened by Dave Taylor
Len, Dave, Sara, Siobhan, Tony, Bernard, and Meg all contributed to the discussion
In any community, there are buildings and houses that are boarded up or otherwise abandoned. Likewise, many folks are homeless or living on the fringes.
It seems like there should be some kind of solution.
Multiple reasons and causes for homelessness - jobs disappearing, illness, drugs/alcohol, overpriced real estate.
What is housing: legal requirements, politics, shelters
Historical perspective - Tony reminded us that "in his day" there were in any downtown area residential hotels where transients or day laboreres could have a room, place for the night.
Modern Real Estate trends have made downtowns too expensive for this model.
Expensive real estate is its own god.
Housing as a basic right; hole in the safety net, families split up because of problems with affordability, irresponsible leadership has twisted priorities.
In europe, 40% of housing is socialized - the state ensures homes as a human right.
USA functions like a rich man's club. Affordable housing is socialism, and socialism is bad.
Squatting - risky because the gov't don't like it/won't permit it.
Probably get kicked out. An illegitimate solution.
Laws money neighborhoods - housing a social construct.
No institutional support for the homeless.
The gov't should put more money into housing for the poor and homeless.
Partial potential solution-
manufacturing facilities that have fallen into disuse probably won't be used for production again.
An albatross on the shoulders of the owner - make available for a new kind of residential hotel.
Not-for-profit development co.
Getting variances on zoning regulations.
Informal boarding house model.
Mixed sizes/ mixed incomes for converting industrial units.
Public safety issues.
ACTIONS:
Open letter to mayors to make properties available for conversion/re-use.
Open bidding process on city owned properties to individuals.
Find a building that has fallen into disuse and is tax delinquent. Pressurize the deed holder to allow conversion, re-zoning.
HOUSES FOR A DOLLAR!
What are new ideas/models for Care/Housing for us when elderly/ inferm / demented in New Haven ?
Session 1
Leader: Janet Brodie (jbrodie@snet.net)
Particapants: Nate Bixby, Marie Pulito, Terry Halwes, Bob Cat, Dave Taylor, Maria Tupper.
What can we do when we need assisted living when we are older. Will we end up in something that looks like the assisted living places of today that look like a hotel with plastic flowers, or will we end up locked in a nursing home?
Co-housing is an option, where a community of people with some common interests are able to determined amounts of resources, such as a shared nurse, recreation director, or shared cooking. To be able to age at home while combining resources of our community.
Some of us are concerned that we will not be taken care of by our children (note some of us have no children).
The choices from Medicaid will provide us with some tough choices. Someone with alzheimers may have to choose to live at home with a single 24/7 live in assistant (who will need to leave), yet still require the household to be run, or to choose an assisted living facility.
More of us will be Getting Alzheimers, especially in the next 20 or 30 years as the boomers get older. Can we have some different options than the ones we have now?
Do we really want to live in a nursing home, where the rooms have no doors?
Not only do we need to keep ourselves physically and mentally fit, but we are also social creatures, and need community.
When the system steps in, will we get what we want? What if we end up abandoned and die? Can we have any hope for our future? Do we have the inner fortitude to stand up to our future adversities?
Some transition words that were heard were Faith, Plan and Dream. Can we be an agent for a potential Dream?
Why not extend our family (say becoming uncle and nephew) so that we can have a larger group of people that care for us and we care for (reference Native people traditions). We can develop our honoring.
At a time of low resources, how will altheimers be handled? Will the decision making processes be taken out of our hands?
If we are not healthy, will we want to take the resources from other people? The native Americans had the elderly (choose?) to spend their last year outside. How can we choose our own death?
Often needy are considered garbage, and the wages for caring for them are low and getting lower. Needs can bring out the compassion in people which makes a more loving community/society.
We often confuse physical disability with mental disability. When someone is mentally capable, but physically disables, they are often treated as totally incapable. Someone in a nursing home may not be allowed to go out on their own, but will be required by a doctor to have 15 minutes of exercise twice a day. This becomes expensive when there are requirements for an aid to always be present, and prevents the person from getting exercise.
Why not use something like a franchise or non profit support system for Alzheimers or housing issues for elders.
Because people with Alzheimers are extremely in the present, Buddhist caregivers are very understanding and appreciative.
Caring is a good thing that comes out of community. There can be a kind of synchrocity when people are together. Someone by themself will be less likely to cook for themself. Community is a great way for people to look out for one another.
We are concerned about what will happen when resources are reduced. The $ for health car will likely go down. Time banking, community groups, family extending, and a more general caring for one another will be options.
It was good to talk about aging issues, and it should be done more.
Happiness correlates with age, possibly because we are wiser and understand ourselves and our needs better, we become more compassionate to ourselves and we have more patience with ourselves.
Too soon old, too soon late.
There are fears about what will happen to us as we get older (such as the symptoms of ALS), and maybe it will not be so bad.
It is an act of generocity to accept the generocity of others.
ACTION PLAN
Continue with formal or informal communication on aging / death issues (aging is related to death).
Start a study group.
RESOURCES
The green house concept: www.ncbcapitalimpact.org
The eden alternative: www.edenalt.org
A new model for Elder Care: www.prospect.org
Dave Taylor
Leader: Janet Brodie (jbrodie@snet.net)
Particapants: Nate Bixby, Marie Pulito, Terry Halwes, Bob Cat, Dave Taylor, Maria Tupper.
What can we do when we need assisted living when we are older. Will we end up in something that looks like the assisted living places of today that look like a hotel with plastic flowers, or will we end up locked in a nursing home?
Co-housing is an option, where a community of people with some common interests are able to determined amounts of resources, such as a shared nurse, recreation director, or shared cooking. To be able to age at home while combining resources of our community.
Some of us are concerned that we will not be taken care of by our children (note some of us have no children).
The choices from Medicaid will provide us with some tough choices. Someone with alzheimers may have to choose to live at home with a single 24/7 live in assistant (who will need to leave), yet still require the household to be run, or to choose an assisted living facility.
More of us will be Getting Alzheimers, especially in the next 20 or 30 years as the boomers get older. Can we have some different options than the ones we have now?
Do we really want to live in a nursing home, where the rooms have no doors?
Not only do we need to keep ourselves physically and mentally fit, but we are also social creatures, and need community.
When the system steps in, will we get what we want? What if we end up abandoned and die? Can we have any hope for our future? Do we have the inner fortitude to stand up to our future adversities?
Some transition words that were heard were Faith, Plan and Dream. Can we be an agent for a potential Dream?
Why not extend our family (say becoming uncle and nephew) so that we can have a larger group of people that care for us and we care for (reference Native people traditions). We can develop our honoring.
At a time of low resources, how will altheimers be handled? Will the decision making processes be taken out of our hands?
If we are not healthy, will we want to take the resources from other people? The native Americans had the elderly (choose?) to spend their last year outside. How can we choose our own death?
Often needy are considered garbage, and the wages for caring for them are low and getting lower. Needs can bring out the compassion in people which makes a more loving community/society.
We often confuse physical disability with mental disability. When someone is mentally capable, but physically disables, they are often treated as totally incapable. Someone in a nursing home may not be allowed to go out on their own, but will be required by a doctor to have 15 minutes of exercise twice a day. This becomes expensive when there are requirements for an aid to always be present, and prevents the person from getting exercise.
Why not use something like a franchise or non profit support system for Alzheimers or housing issues for elders.
Because people with Alzheimers are extremely in the present, Buddhist caregivers are very understanding and appreciative.
Caring is a good thing that comes out of community. There can be a kind of synchrocity when people are together. Someone by themself will be less likely to cook for themself. Community is a great way for people to look out for one another.
We are concerned about what will happen when resources are reduced. The $ for health car will likely go down. Time banking, community groups, family extending, and a more general caring for one another will be options.
It was good to talk about aging issues, and it should be done more.
Happiness correlates with age, possibly because we are wiser and understand ourselves and our needs better, we become more compassionate to ourselves and we have more patience with ourselves.
Too soon old, too soon late.
There are fears about what will happen to us as we get older (such as the symptoms of ALS), and maybe it will not be so bad.
It is an act of generocity to accept the generocity of others.
ACTION PLAN
Continue with formal or informal communication on aging / death issues (aging is related to death).
Start a study group.
RESOURCES
The green house concept: www.ncbcapitalimpact.org
The eden alternative: www.edenalt.org
A new model for Elder Care: www.prospect.org
Dave Taylor
HOW DO WE PLAN, FINANCE AND EXECUTE GREEN HOME RETROFITS.
SESSION 1: 11:00-12:30
CONVENOR: Tony Dominski, adominski@aol.com
PARTICIPANTS
Lynne Bonnet
Tod Wormell
Tony Dominski
Patty Krafcik
Terry Halwes
Meg Rudne
Marion Gehlker
DISCUSSION:
Energy efficency ceates housing security by lowering maintenance cost and inreasing enertgy security.
Group participants had an active interest in upgrading their homes and apartments. Energy conservation measures: air leak sealing, attic insulation, hot water heating,heat pumps, concrete thermal mass and solar panels were discussed.
Recommendation: Make an appointment to have a utility-sponsored home energy audit done. Insulate attick, add insulating around electric sockets.
ACTION ITEMS
1. Plan a skills workshop on home energy conservation at the unitarian Universalist building with the Skillshare Coordinating Crew (contact Meg)
whitney Avenue, New Haven.
2. Contact New Haven Office of Sustainability to determine their resources in home energy retrofits.
CONVENOR: Tony Dominski, adominski@aol.com
PARTICIPANTS
Lynne Bonnet
Tod Wormell
Tony Dominski
Patty Krafcik
Terry Halwes
Meg Rudne
Marion Gehlker
DISCUSSION:
Energy efficency ceates housing security by lowering maintenance cost and inreasing enertgy security.
Group participants had an active interest in upgrading their homes and apartments. Energy conservation measures: air leak sealing, attic insulation, hot water heating,heat pumps, concrete thermal mass and solar panels were discussed.
Recommendation: Make an appointment to have a utility-sponsored home energy audit done. Insulate attick, add insulating around electric sockets.
ACTION ITEMS
1. Plan a skills workshop on home energy conservation at the unitarian Universalist building with the Skillshare Coordinating Crew (contact Meg)
whitney Avenue, New Haven.
2. Contact New Haven Office of Sustainability to determine their resources in home energy retrofits.
How do we change building regulations so we can live more sustainable?
Convener: Marie Pulito
Participants: Lynne Bonnett, Marion Gehlker, Terry Halwes, Maria Tupper, Randy Domina, Bernard Brennan,Adam Wascholl
Discussion and Recommendations: There are national building regulations that states and towns adopt. In addition towns or neighborhoods or condo communities add "covenants" that are even more restrictive (minimum square footage, maximum occupancy, no clotheslines, etc.). States like Maine (WA, AR, LO, Ga) have no or more lax building regulations. Not CT!! We are concerned about values of our homes and properties. Building regulations "protect us".Discussed compost toilets. Aren't water toilets the holy grail of our western civilization? Composting toilets are used in rest stops, Hamonassette Beach, Cape Cod. We can learn from their practices. Like peak oil there is peak potash - this could come from human waste. In Seattle, "clean human waste" is bagged and sold as compost. In CT, sewage plants cannot bag and sell waste by law. Building with cobb or straw bales: cobb would need engineering approval stamp and then a variance, straw bale is used for isulating outside walls over wood framing so would be more permitable.
Plan: Research info from Germany where they are building truly passive houses that need no heat source because they are tight and highly insulated. Human bodies, hot water and stoves plus passive solar provide heat.
Look at Fine Homebuilding and Journal of Light Construction.
Work at change at town level where you own property. Or run for office for building and zoning with progressive ideas.
Straw bale for all!! It's renewable and local and non-petroleum based.
Add a building focus to Action Group. Skill sharing as individuals get variances for their own projects. Networking with other residents of your town.
Participants: Lynne Bonnett, Marion Gehlker, Terry Halwes, Maria Tupper, Randy Domina, Bernard Brennan,Adam Wascholl
Discussion and Recommendations: There are national building regulations that states and towns adopt. In addition towns or neighborhoods or condo communities add "covenants" that are even more restrictive (minimum square footage, maximum occupancy, no clotheslines, etc.). States like Maine (WA, AR, LO, Ga) have no or more lax building regulations. Not CT!! We are concerned about values of our homes and properties. Building regulations "protect us".Discussed compost toilets. Aren't water toilets the holy grail of our western civilization? Composting toilets are used in rest stops, Hamonassette Beach, Cape Cod. We can learn from their practices. Like peak oil there is peak potash - this could come from human waste. In Seattle, "clean human waste" is bagged and sold as compost. In CT, sewage plants cannot bag and sell waste by law. Building with cobb or straw bales: cobb would need engineering approval stamp and then a variance, straw bale is used for isulating outside walls over wood framing so would be more permitable.
Plan: Research info from Germany where they are building truly passive houses that need no heat source because they are tight and highly insulated. Human bodies, hot water and stoves plus passive solar provide heat.
Look at Fine Homebuilding and Journal of Light Construction.
Work at change at town level where you own property. Or run for office for building and zoning with progressive ideas.
Straw bale for all!! It's renewable and local and non-petroleum based.
Add a building focus to Action Group. Skill sharing as individuals get variances for their own projects. Networking with other residents of your town.
What does a month without electricity look like?
Session I: What does a month without electricity look like?
Convened by Randy Domina
Attended by Fred, Gaianne, Bernard, Nick, Tisha, Siobhan, Sara, Len, Roger.
What started as a practical discussion of the immediate consequences of loss of power evolved into ideas about the process of change on the personal and the community level.
What started as a practical discussion of the immediate consequences of loss of power evolved into ideas about the process of change on the personal and the community level.
Practically speaking...
What happens if you prepare for disaster expertly, but when shit hits, you are surrounded by many un(der)prepared neighbors? At what point will your self-sufficiency be compromised?
- KNOW OUR HOME SYSTEMS: For example, how gas is distributed through a home, how gas is delivered to homes from a central source, how to bypass automated systems like electric-starter gas heaters.
- WHAT IS ESSENTIAL ABOUT POWER, AND WHAT IS NOT? What rapidly deteriorates our life quality? Food preservation, heat, sanitation systems, water, cooking.
- IF ELECTRICITY GOES OFF FOR A MONTH, IS IT GONNA COME BACK ON? What does it say about our situation if a month-long power outage is allowed to happen?
- WHAT DOES A LOW-ENERGY FUTURE LOOK LIKE?
- LOOKING AT OURSELVES: HOW CAN WE PROVIDE FOR OUR COMMUNITY? Can immediately volunteer skills and resources to neighbors. Teach others how to do what you do: use a solar oven, preserve food, etc.
- RESILIENCE APPROACH: Take many different approaches, and see what works.
- PLAN B: Not just a backup plan, but integrated into our daily lives. What we should be doing anyway.
What happens if you prepare for disaster expertly, but when shit hits, you are surrounded by many un(der)prepared neighbors? At what point will your self-sufficiency be compromised?
As far as behavior and social interactions go...
ACTION ITEMS
RESOURCES, FURTHER READING
Independence Days, by Sharon Astik
Small Is Beautiful, by E.F. Schumacher
Costanza, author
Herman Daly, author
- HOW TO LIVE IN COMMUNITIES? What will people do if there was no electricity, no TV, no computer? What if we don't like our neighbors? What if you can't just get in your car and drive away? (We currently live in a society where luxury is the norm, which is dislocating, disconnecting, detaching. Leads to an avoidance of reality.)
- HOW DO WE, AS A COMMUNITY, CREATE RESILIENCY? Smaller than a town, larger than a neighborhood. Food production, common resources, shared skills. The Commons.
- 12-STEP PROGRAMS designed to aid in recovery from addiction offer an interesting parallel to the crisis we face. Our society is addicted to oil, shopping, screens, cars. Like in addiction to drugs, only the people who seek change are willing to accept help. Some conventional people may indeed have to hit rock bottom before they will accept a low-energy future and talking with their neighbors. Some people will not be 'saved.' You come to realize that you can't help everyone recover from addiction, and that some people would rather die before they give up their addiction.
- PLANT THE SEED and let it go/let it grow. It's all you can do.
- BUILD A NEW SOCIETY IN THE SHELL OF THE OLD: it really will be a cultural shift to learn to operate on the basis of interdependence and giving/contributing/trading rather than taking.
- ENTICE PEOPLE: The organic, local food movement provides a great illustration of playing off people's ideals. We can make transition and barter, etc., into something people can aspire to, rather than an ultimatum, which is more likely to scare folks back into their socially sanctioned creature comfort zones.
- Form "unplug clubs", where a group of people commit to supporting each other in overcoming a destructive habit. Give up TV for 2 weeks, for example. Get together and make lists of alternative sources of information, fun activities, etc. Discuss successes and pitfalls, learn from one another, support each other, and build community.
- Heart and Soul Groups - A more long term discussion and support group. "We're gonna walk this path together, support each other." Share our joys and concerns.
- Skillsharing practical things, like rain barrels, gardening, bike repair, food preservation, anything. Either teach each other, or find instructors. Try to keep money out of the interaction.
- Live your truth. Plant the seeds without the expectation that the other person will change immediately (how Zen of you). Walk the talk (set an example), then talk the walk (answer questions, have discussions, engage curious people who see your example).
RESOURCES, FURTHER READING
Independence Days, by Sharon Astik
Small Is Beautiful, by E.F. Schumacher
Costanza, author
Herman Daly, author
How does one live without a house?
Session: 1-2:30pm
Convener: Bobcat Carruthers
Convener's contact information: 860-575-9385
List of Participants: Bobcat, Todd Wormell, Fred Cervin, Gaianne Jenkins, Maria Pinango, Meg, Bernard, Patty, Sarah Kirshner
Discussion and Recommendations
Discussion
-This might be an approach when you cannot afford rent
ways: Wigman, Car, public spaces (lounges), joining a tent city....
-Homelessness can result in a lack of sleep
-Sleep and rest are not human rights, so need for camouflage
-Need for safety
-What do you need to live without a house?
-protection from water
-protection from wind
-access to warmth
-access to water
-access to facilities (bathroom, shower.....)
-access to fuel and energy sources(propane, gasoline, wood, solar panels)
-access to food
-ways to keep animals out of your food (metal cans, prepare what you will eat and no more(no waste!)
-Perks to living "outside"? --> Connection to natural world, a simpler life (simpler solutions to everyday problems, and you tend to always have what you need provided you are off-grid) save money, get more exercise, a slower life.
-Connection to transition?
--> must commute to towns for resources (health care, friends....)
--> in general it is a more sustainable lifestyle
So: how does one live without a house? answer: like a happy dog.
Dogs are happy when: they have food they like, warmth, a pack to hang out with, a warm body to lean on, and the open air (long walks) (Diogenes the Cynic)
Recommendations:
- Choose to live below the limit of your economic ability (leads to sustainability)
- Start small
- Identify your needs (need to be in touch? get a cell-phone)
- Try to get an idea of where your goals are and make small steps in that direction.
Convener: Bobcat Carruthers
Convener's contact information: 860-575-9385
List of Participants: Bobcat, Todd Wormell, Fred Cervin, Gaianne Jenkins, Maria Pinango, Meg, Bernard, Patty, Sarah Kirshner
Discussion and Recommendations
Discussion
-This might be an approach when you cannot afford rent
ways: Wigman, Car, public spaces (lounges), joining a tent city....
-Homelessness can result in a lack of sleep
-Sleep and rest are not human rights, so need for camouflage
-Need for safety
-What do you need to live without a house?
-protection from water
-protection from wind
-access to warmth
-access to water
-access to facilities (bathroom, shower.....)
-access to fuel and energy sources(propane, gasoline, wood, solar panels)
-access to food
-ways to keep animals out of your food (metal cans, prepare what you will eat and no more(no waste!)
-Perks to living "outside"? --> Connection to natural world, a simpler life (simpler solutions to everyday problems, and you tend to always have what you need provided you are off-grid) save money, get more exercise, a slower life.
-Connection to transition?
--> must commute to towns for resources (health care, friends....)
--> in general it is a more sustainable lifestyle
So: how does one live without a house? answer: like a happy dog.
Dogs are happy when: they have food they like, warmth, a pack to hang out with, a warm body to lean on, and the open air (long walks) (Diogenes the Cynic)
Recommendations:
- Choose to live below the limit of your economic ability (leads to sustainability)
- Start small
- Identify your needs (need to be in touch? get a cell-phone)
- Try to get an idea of where your goals are and make small steps in that direction.
How to form an ongoing local economy & livelihood action group
Session III: 2:30-4:00
Convener: Terry
How to form an ongoing local economy & livelihood action group
Including smallmart revolution, local business thriving, local economy to realize self as viable entity
The other two subtopics are important aspects of this
Convener: Claudette
With the local economy, how can we support a local infrastructure?
Take wealth-creation out of the tax system
What are the consequences?
How does a local, place-based system pick up the slack?
Social services: education, welfare
Convener: Adam
Follow-up of Session I: concept of alternative currencies
Application, action items
Working group
Participants
Terry, Jen, Kimberly, Claudette, Adam, Dick, Patty, Bernard, Roger, Adam W., Joe L., Domingo
Discussion & Recommendations
- What are assumptions behind strengthening a local economy
- We are a specialized society
- Goods & services that we don’t generate, we get elsewhere with money
- If we cannot provide the most basic services/goods, what are the implications
- We don’t provide for our own basic needs
- Having an awareness of the limits of our local economy
- We can bring external resources in & provide goods/services in exchange
- Establish links between needs & ways to meet those needs
- One group looking at our needs
o Food, energy, health, transportation, housing, currency/economy
- What is the structure in which these groups can exist?
- Competitive government agencies that accept community currencies
- Alternative currencies: any information form that facilitates exchange of goods & services, the environment, our health, our communities, public resources
- What is real wealth? We are deeply confused about wealth & money
- Gross National Happiness vs. Gross National Product
- Conceptual problems: war is peace
- We are so dependent on money & oil, we are highly vulnerable until we provide for our own needs, generating our own goods & services
- We know that the system is doomed, but we’re in denial
- Increase media presence of our projects
Alternative Currency Action Group: Adam, Terry, Patty, Claudette
- The group turned to discussing decriminalizing recreational marijuana as a way to keep local resources from flowing out of the community. The best paying cash crop in the US since the 60s.
How do we get local corporations or larger businesses in the New Haven community to buy local?
Convener/Leader: Marie Pulito (mariebrenda@sbcglobal.net)
Paticipants: Marie, Jim, Marion, Maria T.
Our larger employers in the New Haven area are the universities and colleges, hopsitals, UI. If they are outsourcing some of their work and buying supplies/food from non-local sources, then they are not fostering our local economy.
We discussed Yale-New Haven hospital as an example. They used to cook their own food for the patients and the cafeteria. They used to have their own laundry service. Now they outsource for packaged foods, laundry. They purchase from outside the local area.
Discussion included ideas from other sources: Yale Sustainable Garden, New Haven schools using local produce or growing own, Sharon CT. Hospital cooking with local produce. Southern CT State U claims to use and buy local but are they really? or how much are they?
Action/links:
1) Grassroots employee actions within the institutions to push for change. "Local" is so attractive today that it could be used as publicity for the institution.
2) Food Action Group as a source of energy/ideas for getting universities and hospitals to use local food.
3)Marydale Dubar from Sharon CT Hospital is an administrator who has brought locally produced fresh foods into the hospital. Contact her as an example and for assistance in approaching Yale-New Haven or St Raphael's to do the same.
Paticipants: Marie, Jim, Marion, Maria T.
Our larger employers in the New Haven area are the universities and colleges, hopsitals, UI. If they are outsourcing some of their work and buying supplies/food from non-local sources, then they are not fostering our local economy.
We discussed Yale-New Haven hospital as an example. They used to cook their own food for the patients and the cafeteria. They used to have their own laundry service. Now they outsource for packaged foods, laundry. They purchase from outside the local area.
Discussion included ideas from other sources: Yale Sustainable Garden, New Haven schools using local produce or growing own, Sharon CT. Hospital cooking with local produce. Southern CT State U claims to use and buy local but are they really? or how much are they?
Action/links:
1) Grassroots employee actions within the institutions to push for change. "Local" is so attractive today that it could be used as publicity for the institution.
2) Food Action Group as a source of energy/ideas for getting universities and hospitals to use local food.
3)Marydale Dubar from Sharon CT Hospital is an administrator who has brought locally produced fresh foods into the hospital. Contact her as an example and for assistance in approaching Yale-New Haven or St Raphael's to do the same.
How can we raise capital to start local enterprises
Session III; Room 1
Convener: Fred Cervin; fred.cervin@SBCglolbal.net
Alan Brison, Richard Thomas, Justin Pegnataro, Fred Cervin, Randy Inway, Jonathon Parizer, Jaz Lin, Doug Peterson
Credit is hard to come by in the present economic climate and may become even more scarce in future. Our ability to cope in an energy deprived future may require that we ramp up many new productive enterprises locally as globalization unwinds. Startup costs will need to be borne by those who live in this area.
A number of suggestions were made for how this might be done. If a business is viable because it provides something people really need and want. Question: What are our real, basic needs? E.g., water, shelter, food, clothing, etc. Rainwater recovery systems in case the water company lapses. We will have forms of wealth other than money after collapse, which we might share as a kind of capital.
Hard to get credit if you have no track record. Community supported business similar to community supported agriculture. Encourage` local lending by local banks. Coop banks = credit unions. There are investment companies that invest in local enterprises, especially nonprofits.
Capital may become less important in the future.
"Primary productivity" is that which comes from the sunlight and soil of a particular area. We need to live on this current natural income. At present cities may use many times as much.
Outside lenders might be interested on the basis of local collateral not in use, such as streets after we run out of gas.
When the current system ends, people will organize themselves to take care of business.
Convener: Fred Cervin; fred.cervin@SBCglolbal.net
Alan Brison, Richard Thomas, Justin Pegnataro, Fred Cervin, Randy Inway, Jonathon Parizer, Jaz Lin, Doug Peterson
Credit is hard to come by in the present economic climate and may become even more scarce in future. Our ability to cope in an energy deprived future may require that we ramp up many new productive enterprises locally as globalization unwinds. Startup costs will need to be borne by those who live in this area.
A number of suggestions were made for how this might be done. If a business is viable because it provides something people really need and want. Question: What are our real, basic needs? E.g., water, shelter, food, clothing, etc. Rainwater recovery systems in case the water company lapses. We will have forms of wealth other than money after collapse, which we might share as a kind of capital.
Hard to get credit if you have no track record. Community supported business similar to community supported agriculture. Encourage` local lending by local banks. Coop banks = credit unions. There are investment companies that invest in local enterprises, especially nonprofits.
Capital may become less important in the future.
"Primary productivity" is that which comes from the sunlight and soil of a particular area. We need to live on this current natural income. At present cities may use many times as much.
Outside lenders might be interested on the basis of local collateral not in use, such as streets after we run out of gas.
When the current system ends, people will organize themselves to take care of business.
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