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Looking Back on 2009...
2009 has been a year of incredible growth and new direction for Gaia University and its Associates.
Early in the year, twenty-five Associates and organizers came together at the Huehuecoytl Ecovillage in Mexico to share their goals and dreams for the project and strategize about ways to bring them to fruition. We are happy to announce that many of the visions that sprung from this gather-in have been manifested, including the creation of this monthly newsletter, which is meant to inform, inspire and connect the Gaia U network as well as bring news of Gaia U activities and developments to the public at large.
Another goal set at the Huehue gather-in was the development of ‘operating manuals’ for new Associates, Advisors and Regional Organizing Circles. These manuals provide guidelines and helpful advice for those working at all levels within Gaia U. The manuals are in the final stages of production, so keep your ears open for news of their launch in the near future!
Both of Gaia U’s current regional centers, Gaia Deutschland in Germany and Gaia Southeast in Tennesse, U.S.,have continued to grow and blossom this year.
In August, Gaia Deutschland organized a meeting for current and potential members of the GU advisory board. People from seven countries were present and many valuable connections were made. One particularly significant partnership that developed from the meeting is with the organization People of the Internet Union (POiU). Gaia U is now supporting POiU in its creation of a complementary currency system. POiU has awarded a half-scholarship to one of Gaia U’s Masters candidates, Trent Rhode. More information in our February Newsletter.
Parallel to this partnership Gaia U has set up an online complementary currency system where members can exchange ‘Amates’ with other people participating in the network. The system is based on the Local Exchange Trading System (LETS) model. This is the first step in realizing yet another goal set at the Huehue gather-in. The Amate system is still in the germination stage and is currently only open to the Gaia U network. The ultimate goal is to open it up to a broader public.
Gaia U Southeast has been involved in a variety of new projects this year, including the Financial Permaculture Summit in Hohenwald, TN. The Financial Permaculture Institute, co-founded by Gaia U advisor and graduate Jennifer English, launched a trial version of its first certified training in Financial Permaculture this fall. The largest Gaia U graduation thus far was held at The Farm in Tennessee in October 2010, just prior to the very successful 10th Continental Bioregional Congress.
There have also been some exciting new developments towards the establishment of new Regional Centers in the U.S. Virgin Islands and in Portland, Oregon. A new degree pathway will be launched in May in partnership with the City Repair Project of Portland, offering training from the City Repair team.
From December 1 - 13, the first orientation at the Virgin Islands Sustainable Farms Institute (VISFI) was held. The orientation was a huge success, with 27 Associates, advisors and Regional Organizers in attendance. A more detailed report can be found here.
Over the course of this year Gaia University further developed its connection with Transition U.S. and is exploring the potential for a degree pathway that focuses on Transition Town development. Additionally, Gaia U has been supporting the establishment of an English language Diploma of Applied Permaculture Design (DAPD). Find out more on the Earth Action Mentor website.
2010 promises to be full of even more opportunities for growth. We look forward to sharing new developments as they unfold.
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