Sustainability Conference

Here's a generous plug for a conference planned for October 26-28 in
Cedar Rapids.  It's called “Sustainable Living, Renewable Resources and
the Future,” and will focus on local foods, green building, renewable
fuels and grassroots political organizing.

This is the inaugural
conference of what organizers plan to make a twenty-year event in the
belief that we need a deep-rooted, systemic paradigm shift in the way
we think and act within our communities.  To that end, a cluster of
historic buildings in the New Bohemia Art and Cultural District will
serve as the conference campus.  The area is a prime example of urban
revitalization and it is pedestrian-friendly.  Abandoned lots have been
reclaimed for new construction and older buildings retrofitted to use
solar energy.

Consistent with the philosophy of relying on local
resources, most of the presenters are Iowans.  Lynn and I are on the
program, as are many others wh ose expertise and wisdom we respect
deeply.

One notable out-of-state expert is Ken Meter, from
Minnesota.  I've heard Ken speak twice and he's a gem.  His analysis
includes “asset based development,” and he talks about how to help our
local businesses and food producers thrive.  Ken contends that for
economic development to actually work, you must first identify a
community's assets BEFORE assessing its needs.  Furthermore, it's
essential to study an area's existing economy before trying to develop
it.  These points may sound obvious, but it's amazing how frequently
they are overlooked by conventional experts who come in to “save” an
impoverished area using standardized approaches that may work
somewhere, but rarely work in most places.  (I offer the city of Des
Moines' failed attempt at urban revitalization in my old neighborhood
at 6th and University as an example — after $7 million in
taxpayer-financed incentives all that the neighborhood has is a
sprawling McDonalds and a vacant grocery store to show for it.)

For an example of Ken's work, I'd suggest visiting the following electronic slide presentation: http://www.obesityprevention.umn.edu/img/assets/10681//meter.pdf.

But
let's get back to the conference, which starts Friday at 6:30 p.m. with
a presentation by Ken, followed at 8:00 by a “Harvest Moon Dance
Party.”  Saturday workshops will run from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
followed by an Art Bike Rally and Kids' Bike Rodeo, a community
celebration and then dinner.  Sunday morning features an ecumenical
convocation, involving Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu leaders.

The
cost of admission is $25 per person if you register by October 15, or
$35 after the 15th.  There's a $100 charge for organizations wanting
table space to display an exhibit.  For more information, visit http://www.resourcesforlife.com/groups/seed-iowa/, and you can call (319) 363-1774.

Thanks, and I hope to see you there.

Ed Fallon


Other Upcoming Events

Tuesday, October 9 (Iowa City)

Public Lecture: Native to Nowhere
Featuring author Timothy Beatley
(Note: The author will be featured at two other events on the 8th and 9th as well)
1505 Seamens Center for Engineering Arts and Science
Contact Tom at (319) 335-1995 or thomas-k-dean@uiowa.edu.

Wednesday, October 10 (Des Moines

National Seven-Straight-Nights-for-Equal-Rights Campaign
West Terrace of the State Capitol Building, 5:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Speakers, music and the movie, “Mr. and Mrs. Loving”
Also, a closing candlelight ceremony
Co-sponsored by the Interfaith Allia nce, Soulforce and Atticus' Circle
Contact Phylllis at phyllisetc@aol.com

Thursday, October 11 (Des Moines)

Meet Ben Cohen, hosted by Tom Vilsack and Fred & Charlotte Hubbell
The Hubbell Homes, 2300 Terrace Road, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Contributions to Iowans for Sensible Priorities welcome.  RSVP by October 9
Contact Peggy at (515) 244-1207 or Peggy@sensiblepriorities.org

Tuesday, October 16 (Iowa City)

Concert for human rights and justice with Anne Feeney from Pittsburgh, PA
Uptown Bill's Small Mall, 401 S. Gilbert St., 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $5 – 10, sliding cover charge
Contact Jamie at jfred@avalon.net

Wednesday, October 17 (Des Moines)

Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield speak about federal budget priorities
(Note: They're the founders of Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream, and you can eat some for free!)
Iowa Historical Building, 600 E. Locust, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Also, tour the new caucus exhibit and get a preview of “Caucus: The Musical”
Sponsored by Iowans for Sensible Priorities
Contact Peggy at (515) 244-1207 or Peggy@sensiblepriorities.org