09/11/2009 - SEEDS 2009 Weekend Workshops
The radical and comprehensive approach of social ecology has much to offer those attempting to respond to the triple crises of peak oil/rapid climate change/economic instability and inequity. Thus far, the responses have generally been too little and too late, if not entirely in the wrong direction--as with the diversion of corn crops to ethanol production.

At the same time, our current notions of “development” both in this country and internationally, have led to increasing poverty, hunger, disparity and oppression, as well as increasing environmental degradation.

This year SEEDS has brought its weekend workshops together around two interrelated but distinct issue areas, in the form of two day-long programs. The first program, which begins on Saturday, Sept. 12, focuses on the way in which social ecology may further develop and inform activism within the growing climate justice movement. The second program, on Sunday, Sept. 13, is focused on a redefinition of community development that culminates with a roundtable discussion on community self-management.

This year SEEDS is also expanding its workshop offerings by presenting a day-long program entitled Vision for Vashon and Beyond that highlights community transition and transformation, grass-roots sustainability efforts, and organizing skills. These presentations draw from a variety of sources, including social ecology work in communities, Transition Initiatives, Do it Yourself actions designed by the Trapeze Collective, radical sustainability approaches developed by the Rhizome Collective, and organizing strategies and tactics developed by the Ruckus Society and the Backbone Campaign. The Friday, Sept. 11 program is also intended as a follow-up event to the Vision for Vashon Process.