March 9-11 event at the Powderhorn-Village
Happy Spring!
Thanks everyone who came to the Walker meeting last night. We had a great discussion about a range of topics, and it feels as though we are beginning to distill our mission and contribution to Occupy and the larger community.
Recap of last night's meeting:
Based on the success of the March 9-11 "Powderhorn-Village"-Event, there was agreement that there's something very special about being in the Ger/Yurt, that's different than, say, meeting inside cafe's or basements or skyways. Why? Some responses:
- It's hand-built = a sense of possibility, that we can do things ourselves. A "fort-like" quality that makes it a good place for visioning and imagining. There's an elegance to it that's different than a tent. Being inside someone's creation. A crafted space.
- It's temporary = in many possible locations, there's no need to arrange for special permits... just consent of the homeowners and/or permission from the neighbors. There's a sense of "now's the time", because it is a special event. There's a curiosity from the neighborhood, and a certain amount of draw, just because people want to check it out.
- It's circular = a family-like feeling. A sense of inclusion. Energy gathers, and it's easier to focus (vs. meeting in places that are noisy, have other people's energy in them, as in cafe's or skyways.) It's easier to hear.
- It's outside but inside = connection to earth means more grounded conversation, and easier to focus than being under the sky or in a park. Plus you can make plans to meet without worrying about rain.
- Security and Agreements are possible = There is a clear boundary around the space. By entering the space, people are agreeing to be sober and respectful. There is a feeling of sanctuary, calm, and welcome.
We also began to clarify our mission, in terms of hosting gatherings of people for the following purposes (this list can be added to:)
- Raising Awareness. Skill-shares, Teach-ins, Discussions. Education seems to be a critical point for many of the issues we are facing as a community, locally, regionally, nationally. Information is one of the best tools we have, for dismantling oppression (including the ways we unconsciously oppress ourselves and others), and gaining allies in our work.
- Relationship-Deepening. Learning and practicing methods like Compassionate Communication, Transformative Conflict, and other ways of building our listening-skills with each other, to actively work through some of our differences and barriers within our communities. Also, letting connections form over casual, fun events like movie nights or pancake breakfasts.
- Healing and Processing Trauma: The Ger/Yurt-space could serve as a station for bodywork, meditation or movement practice, an herbal-tea "clinic", ceremonial smudging, or other forms of healing and wellness. Post-action trauma is very real, and can damage people's physical, mental, and energetic health.
I, Malia, and housemate are willing to continue having the Ger in our backyard, all through April & until the MayDay Parade on May 6. Last night, we talked about creating a schedule of offerings, hosted by the core-village team. These would be recurring events (for example, a film-screening and discussion every Friday night). We can offer whatever we want, and put it on the schedule. We also discussed having one weekend a month, for a more continuous/extended event.
Next week we can talk about agreements, and perhaps begin piecing together a schedule, that can be posted and distributed.
Other projects:
Little Earth: I've been having communication difficulties with the Women's Environmental Institute contact. It seems as though connections here are best to go slow and one step at a time. There's some talk of offering to do a "work-project" day to help them out with the gardens, and just start to be around and helping out, getting to know people already working on the Urban Farm there. (more information as it comes...)
MayDay Parade and Festival: I have been attending meetings about the "Transition Town" space being planned for Powderhorn Park on May 6. From what I could tell, the organizers seem to be approaching this as an "info-fair" of sorts. At the last meeting, we spoke a bit about how the Whealthy Human Village could add a "heart" element to this event, by setting up the Ger/Yurt and having a schedule of offerings throughout the day, on different topics. We can either move the Powderhorn-Ger across the street, or build another and set that one up. Anyone want to be on a Ger-building team?
Next Meetings:
Keep your eye on the Facebook site (http://www.facebook.com/whealthyhumanvillage) for information. If you'd like to be on our email list, please contact : whealthyhumanvillage@gmail.com
That's it for now! Thanks all for your continued enthusiasm and support for this project! We are doing good work.
All you need is WHuV,
Malia
