Marion Institute Blog
Dave Jacke has been a student of ecology and design since the 1970s, and has run his own ecological design firm—Dynamics Ecological Design—since 1984. Dave is an engaging and passionate teacher of ecological design and permaculture, and a meticulous designer. He has consulted on, designed, built, and planted landscapes, homes, farms, and communities in the many parts of the United States, as well as overseas, but mainly in the Northeast. A cofounder of Land Trust at Gap Mountain in Jaffrey, NH, he homesteaded there for a number of years. He holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Simon’s Rock College (1980) and a M.A. in Landscape Design from the Conway School of Landscape Design (1984). He is the primary author of “Edible Forest Gardens” .
carboneconomyseries.com
Dave speaks with Joanna about the ecology of roots; designing forest gardening; paying attention to needs and context; self-hatred: separation from nature; the crucial difference between observation & interpretation; Nature meditation; learning through play; understanding concepts of forest gardening; fire as an ally.
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This is a new episode in our monthly podcast series, Upaya Conversations, a collaboration with Upaya Zen Center.
Stephen Batchelor is a contemporary Buddhist teacher and writer, best known for his secular or agnostic approach to Buddhism. Stephen considers Buddhism to be a constantly evolving culture of awakening rather than a religious system based on immutable dogmas and beliefs. Through his writings, translations and teaching, Stephen engages in a critical exploration of Buddhism’s role in the modern world.
He is the translator and author of various books and articles on Buddhism, including the bestselling “Buddhism Without Beliefs” (Riverhead 1997) and “Living with the Devil: A Meditation on Good and Evil” (Riverhead, 2004). His most recent publication is “Confession of a Buddhist Atheist” (Spiegel&Grau, 2010).
http://www.stephenbatchelor.org/index.php/en/
Stephen speaks with Joanna about “confession of a Buddhist atheist”; a Buddhist way of life; a middle road between religion and secularism; ethics & contemplation without metaphysical beliefs; the Dharma in a global culture; “Buddhism 2.0″; a plurality of discourses: the mythical and the historical; Keats and Zen…
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Hillary Keeney, Ph.D., is a distinguished scholar, author, and practitioner of creative transformation and improvisational performance. Co-Founder and Director of THE KEENEY CENTER FOR SEIKI JUTSU, she is presently Distinguished Visiting Professor in Psychology, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Mexico and Adjunct Faculty in the Creative Systemic Studies doctoral concentration at the University of Louisiana. Having begun her career in the non-profit sector doing community and social justice work, she now advances the art of change in a wide variety of venues, from the therapeutic clinic to the social service agency, classroom, and theatre. Hillary’s most recent books (co-authored with Bradford Keeney) include “Circular Therapeutics: Giving Therapy a Healing Heart”, “A Master Class in the Art of Performing Change”, and “Creative Therapeutic Technique”.
Bradford Keeney, Ph.D., is an internationally renowned traditional healer, creative therapist, cybernetician, anthropologist of cultural healing traditions, and improvisational performer. He is presently Professor and Hanna Spyker Eminent Scholars Chair, University of Louisiana, Monroe, and has served as a professor, founder, and director of clinical doctoral programs in numerous universities. He is the originator of several orientations to psychotherapy including improvisational therapy, resource focused therapy, and creative therapy. He is the author of 40 books including THE BUSHMAN WAY OF TRACKING GOD, which won the prestigious Silver Nautilus national book award.
Hillary and Brad Keeney speak with Joanna with open-hearted, contagious enthusiasm about their book “Circular Therapeutics: Giving Therapy a Healing Heart”, the upcoming two-year mentorship dedicated to promoting and advancing the wisdom of the world’s oldest ways of spiritual healing and renewal, and the open mysteries of the soulful Life Force.
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This poem was written by poet, Everett Hoagland, for the Marion Institute and Connecting for Change.
Through the shape-shifting lens
of sea water we only see the top side
of a starfish, and we are awed
by how it eyelessly seems to see
and glide across the bottom
of the tide pool. As much as anything
else may be, it is the image of the shape-
shifting regenerative five-fingered hand
of What created it, you, me.
Though it does not twinkle
as it dines on, lives on dead fish
and opens, eats mussels, oysters
in the shallows, today we should make a wish
upon it anyway, for it, for all of us,
and our deep, life-giving, ever-surface-changing,
salty, liquid Common Source, our ocean,
by way of something good for our consciousness,
good for our souls: a Connecting For Change
Bioneers Sunday pilgrimage, not just to this venue,
but also in person to the beach at our own nearby scenic bay
to look for, connect with the seemingly shimmering starfish
and other mundane miracles among its shoals.
Everett Hoagland
2012
The Marion Institute (MI) (www.marioninstitute.org) seeks a Bookkeeper, Human Resources Manager and Connecting for Change Family Program Coordinator to join the Executive Director and MI team. We are looking for a motivated team player and self-starter who would like a varied, interesting work environment, and able to work on a number of exciting projects at the same time.
Founded in 1993, The Marion Institute is a non-profit that acts as an incubator for a diverse array of Programs and Serendipity Projects that seek to find a solution to the root cause of an issue in the realms of sustainability and social justice. The three tenants that thread our work together are accessibility, diversity and root cause solutions.
Description:
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Accounts Payable
- Process all accounts payable in a timely manner and properly record all invoices and other items for payment in Quickbooks
- Process all wire transfers
- Process sales tax payments quarterly via the internet
Finances/Reporting
- Responsible for ensuring finances are accurate and up-to-date
- Manage cash flow
- Reconcile all investments accounts
- Reconcile petty cash
- Manage inventory
- Prepare and manage Program budgets and give regular budget updates to Program Directors
- Assist in creating and managing event budgets when needed
- Prepare, review and be accountable for all Board required reporting
- Draft other financial reports as requested
- Manage annual audit and collaborate with Financial Services, Executive Director and the auditor in approval of yearend financial statements and audit reporting
- Liaison between all programs/projects and MI relative to financial reporting
HUMAN RESOURCES
- Review all insurance policies prior to renewal and make periodic updates/changes when necessary
- Process and enter into Quickbooks biweekly payroll, payroll taxes and employee health insurance contributions
- Prepare monthly pension report and submit payment
- Review plans and rates prior to open enrollment for Dental, Health, Life & Disability Insurance
- Manage Section 125, Healthcare Reimbursement and Dependent Care Arrangement Accounts
- Process quarterly HIRD reporting
- Manage 403b plan and process required annual Form 5500 reporting
- Periodic review of all benefits with emphasis on cost/value and if they reflect MI’s values of sustainability
- Assist the Executive Director with staff reviews, hiring and terminating personnel
- Ensure all employee files are complete and up to date
- Update Employee Handbook when needed
- Manage all employee time logs
- Help create independent consultant contracts when necessary
- Prepare and process W2’s and 1099’s
- Process workers’ comp annual audit
- Assist in administrative problem solving, program/project planning, development, and execution of stated goals and objectives (when necessary)
LEGAL
- Ensure required non-profit documents are in place [e.g. D&O Insurance, state registration for fundraising, etc.]
- Seek counsel from legal counsel on any legal questions and issues regarding MI
- Assist Executive Director in review and execution of legal contracts/agreements
CONNECTING FOR CHANGE CONFERENCE
- Family Program Coordinator: responsible for implementing Family Workshops, ongoing interactive space and childcare
- Help manage Green Space
- Coordinate breakfast, snack and VIP dinner donations
- Coordinate breakfasts and snacks
- Mentor, train and manage an AmeriCorps volunteer for two months
- Assist with other event related duties [when necessary]
Requirements/Skills:
- Knowledge of non-profit financial budgeting and planning
- Working knowledge of Quickbooks
- Excellent computer and organizational skills
- Detail-oriented with the ability to summarize information
- Ability to multitask and work well under pressure
Compensation:
Salary commensurate with experience.
How to Apply:
Please send cover letter, resume, professional references, salary requirement and a writing sample by May 24, 2013 to:
Lena Grima, Human Resources
The Marion Institute
202 Spring Street
Marion, MA 02738
lgrima@marioninstitute.org
Interested parties are encouraged to apply via electronic mail.
MI is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks a diverse pool of candidates in this search.
www.marioninstitute.org
Title: Store Manager
at How On Earth
Salary Position
We are a small store and local foods restaurant serving seasonal farm to table fare and sourcing many seasonal grocery and locally and organically produced grocery products. We are seeking a Store Manager who will develop our grocery, educational and prepared kitchen program. The Store Manager is 100% responsible for all areas of the operation. In addition to daily ordering, costing out of items, and menu development in collaboration with the stores Head Chef, you will have the opportunity to develop our sustainability initiatives and direct innovative store management systems that embody the sustainable foods movement.
The right candidate for this position is positive, extremely hard working, knowledgeable, and independent. You know the facts behind the food and products: where it comes from, how it was grown, what its impact is, why it is good for you, and how much it costs. You have a true passion for local, sustainable agriculture and strive to make the best choices in the store 100% of the time. You are well versed in the topics of grass fed vs. grain fed meats, GMO’S, the importance of anti-biotic and hormone free meats/dairy, and other sustainable food system issues. You are driven to learn and teach staff, customers, and community members about local, sustainable, foods.
The right candidate for this position will recognize this as a very unique opportunity to have creative design of store programs, and innovative food systems; to network with local farmers and local foods activists; and work with an amazing team of truly passionate people.
You lead and motivate the How on Earth Team, organize all aspects of How on Earth’s functionality as a business and educational model, and perform all the behind-the-scenes tasks, which create a seamless flow of service, sustainability, and education to everyone who walks in the door.
General:
• Oversee all aspects of How on Earth and make final decisions on matters of importance.
Personnel:
• Direct hiring, training, and scheduling of all employees.
• Maintain an accurate and up-to-date plan of store staffing needs. Prepare schedules and ensure all shifts are covered.
• Develop team member skills by providing feedback, establishing performance expectations, and by conducting employee reviews and providing employee incentives. Revise and adapt employee job descriptions and protocols when necessary.
• Empower team members through job training workshops and skills development.
• Ensure all team members have knowledge and skills to provide customers with excellent customer service.
• Assist all team members when needed.
• Delegate weekly tasks when needed.
Financial:
• Ensure that all financial (invoices, reporting) and personnel/ payroll related administrative duties are completed accurately and on time.
• Monitor and be accountable for financial transactions, including buying of inventory, day-to-day costs, and major expenses.
• Sole purchaser of store inventory.
• Work with accounting personnel on monthly basis to ensure profitability and ensure that costs are being cut when applicable.
• Collaborate with Kitchen Manager to complete budgets.
• Direct the creation of a business plan, which reflects the How on Earth mission, vision, and values.
• Ensure all How on Earth practices are legal.
Food Safety and Planning:
• Be servsafe certified. Ensure sanitary practices for food handling, cleanliness and maintenance of kitchen and dining areas.
• Be knowledgeable and comply with all health and safety regulations.
• Work with Kitchen Manager to plan prepared foods products, order accurately, minimize waste, and monitor food costs.
• Supervise portion control and quantities for preparation to minimize waste.
• Work with Kitchen Manager to revise food sources for sustainability.
• Ensure all certified kitchen users have adequate paper work and forms on file.
• Provide kitchen users with proper information on using kitchen
• Schedule kitchen users accurately.
Customer Service:
• Ensure customer service in all areas.
• Seek and respond to customer feedback for products and services.
• Respond to any and all complaints, taking any and all appropriate actions to turn dissatisfied customers into return guests.
• Keep records of customer feedback.
• Direct team training in sales and customer service.
Education and Sustainability:
• Direct and develop educational materials for staff and customers.
• Ensure that all aspects of our products and services are in line with the How on Earth vision, mission, and values statements.
• Develop new and innovative programs, workshops, services, or events, to educate staff and customers about sustainability issues and create a friendly atmosphere of community involvement.
• Develop goals and visions for the future of How on Earth.
• Provide strong presence in local community and high level of community involvement by team members.
Operational Responsibilities
• Ensure all store equipment and building are maintained to the highest capacity.
• Estimate needs for supplies, inventory and store items and ensure they are stocked. Keep inventory records at all times
• Direct creative, efficient, and productive advertising campaigns.
• Close out cash box when nightly or monitor team members doing so.
• Create protocols and systems for catering.
• Cerate and direct email blasts, manage listserve.
• Check First Aid box monthly for supplies.
Please send resume and cover letter to the email address along with answers to the following questions to thestore@howonearth.net. What interests you most in the Store Manager Position at How on Earth? How are you committed to the local sustainable food movement? In what ways do you live sustainably?
Interviews will be conducted starting June 1st. Position to being Late July- Early April.
Learn More about How On Earth
Email Your Cover Letter & Resume
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