March 2012
In February, Cambodian Living Arts (CLA) started leading the “Association of Young Artists Building Cambodia’s Future Cultural Industries” project, initiated by the Italian association CIAI (Centro Italiano Aiuti all’Infanzia). In collaboration with CIAI and the Child Rights Foundation, we want to create an association for graduated students of the School of Arts in Siem Reap, where they will be given opportunities to create shows by themselves, strengthen their network, and learn about their rights as young citizens and artists. This project is important to CLA as we want to facilitate constructive actions in the arts field and initiate an arts network in Cambodia. The project will last one year and we are currently building the association.
Cambodian genocide survivor speaks at DSLC
By Kaitlyn Rabach
Photo courtesy of Hannah Zeigeler
To kick off the Saint Mary’s Diverse Students’ Leadership Conference (DSLC), Cambodian genocide survivor Arn Chorn Pond shared his story of survival and healing under the rule of the Khmer Rouge.
“When I was just nine years old the Communists took over the country,” Pond said. “My parents were executed and I was forced to watch my siblings crawl … to a death of starvation. It was very hard for me to feel so powerless and know that I could not help them.”
While in the camps, soldiers forced Pond to partake in some of the murders.
“Sometimes they would force me to help them out,” Pond said. “I was a prisoner, and they could force me to push others into the graves. If I showed any emotion with the victims I would have been killed.”
Pond said his love for traditional Cambodian music, specifically the flute, helped him through his difficult experiences. He and four other prisoners in the camp started a music group; only two members of that group are alive today.
“Music got me through,” Pond said. “Even today, it still helps me to heal.”
In 1980, after living several months alone in the Cambodian jungle, Pond was rescued and adopted by Reverend Peter L. Pond who brought him back to New Hampshire.
“I felt very lucky, but very scared at the same time,” Pond said. “It seemed as though no one in the United States understood me or where I came from.”
After coming to the U.S., Pond said he felt anger, depression, resentment and even suicidal at times. His adopted father encouraged him to speak out and share his story to help deal with his feelings.
“I didn’t know what it meant to be heard,” Pond said. “I never thought that white Americans would care about me, but I was wrong.”
He started speaking at local churches and today his voice has been heard by Amnesty International groups, the United Nations and even former President Jimmy Carter.
After he began to share his experience, Pond stepped into a new role: human rights activist. He is the recipient of many international humanitarian awards and founder of several organizations, including Children of War, Cambodian Volunteers for Community Development and Peace Makers.
“I choose to sing and to start different organizations,” Pond said. “It is not easy to share my story, but it is part of my healing process. I love the work that I do now because it saves lives and inspires others. This work allows me live.”
DSLC chair Guadalupe Quintana said Pond’s talk was a perfect way to kick off events for the conference because his talk will inspire others.
“His story is very capturing and embodies everything that DSLC represents,” she said.
Quintana said DSLC represents sharing stories that would otherwise go unheard and learning of differences that would often go unnoticed.
Pond expressed the importance of embracing one’s roots and one’s own unique stories.
“It is our life and our story,” Pond said. “Don’t deny your differences or your stories, because then you will be denying your culture.”
Pond ended his talk by encouraging the members of the audience to go out in the community and share their voices for social change.
“Do not underestimate one person,” Pond said. “Everyone has their own story to share. Everyone has their own pain. Do not spend time comparing pain, just live united. One by one you are the angel that the world needs. Go fly and be that angel.”
To see this article from its orginal source please visit http://www.ndsmcobserver.com/news/cambodian-genocide-survivor-speaks-at-dslc-1.2823420
2012 Spring Courses at Rancho Mastatal
Time is drawing close and space is getting tight for our upcoming workshops! Join us this spring at Rancho Mastatal for a phenomenal sustainability education series of 2 to 7-day workshops on natural building, biodigester design, indigenous skills, fermentation, permaculture, tropical agroforestry and more. During the months of April and May we'll be offering five distinct workshops related to food production, alternative construction, native knowledge, the culinary arts and responsible energy production. See below for more information on each workshop and contact us directly at 2410-6263 or info@ranchomastatal.com with questions or to enroll.
Fermentation Workshop
April 7 and April 8
Learn the ancient art of live-culture fermentation with the Rancho Mastatal staff. We have been fermenting just about everything we've been able to get our hands on for almost a decade now. During this 2-day course you will participate in hands-on workshops on kombucha, vinegar, dairy kefir, water kefir, cheese, kimchi, sauerkraut, sourdough bread, starch ferments, naturally carbonated sodas and more. These will lead into group discussions on related topics such as symbiotic evolution, nutrition and immunology, global health, and food safety and regulation. Fermentation has been used for thousands of years as a way to preserve and increase the nutritional value of foods and plays an important role in keeping us happy and healthy. The techniques that we'll teach you will be applicable to all living situations. Learn the practical skills and theory of fermentation, and even take home some recipes and starter cultures to brew your own everlasting supply of ferments! As they grow, you will soon have enough to share with all your friends and family! Students will stay at the Ranch’s amazing facilities and in addition to learning about fermentation they will be exposed to a host of other sustainable living projects including a methane digester, composting toilets, permaculture designed gardens and orchards, animal husbandry, natural building and much more. It promises to a fun-filled, productive and instructional weekend for everyone involved. This course will be taught in English. For more information about this workshop please go to the Rancho Mastatal's Events Calendar, call us at 2410-6263 or email us at info@ranchomastatal.com.
Cost: Central Americans, US$150; residents and ex-pats, US$200; foreigners, $250. Cost includes three nights lodging starting on April 6, all meals, course instruction and full access to Rancho Mastatal and its private wildlife refuge.
Tropical Agro-Forestry Skills Workshop
April 10 through April 12
Join renowned agroecologist, farmer and orchardist Peter Kring from Finca Isla Botanical Garden for a 3-day workshop focusing on fruit production in the Tropics, grafting, and orchard design and management. Peter founded and has successfully managed Finca Isla for over 25 years where he has gained unmatched experience and knowledge in growing food in the Tropics. This workshop will focus on the cultivation of Vanilla, Black Pepper, and Salak, general tree maintenance, grafting, pruning, and orchard maintenance and design. In addition to learning about successful and responsible tropical food production, students will be exposed to a host of other sustainable living projects including a methane digester, composting toilets, Permaculture designed gardens and orchards, animal husbandry, fermented food products and much more. This course will be taught in English. For more information about this workshop please go to the Rancho Mastatal's Events Calendar, call us at 2410-6263 or email us at info@ranchomastatal.com.
Cost: Central Americans, US$200; residents and ex-pats, US$250; foreigners, $300. Cost includes four nights lodging starting on April 9, all meals, course instruction and full access to Rancho Mastatal and its private wildlife refuge.
Biodigester Design and Construction: Turn Human and Animal Waste into Cooking Gas
April 28 and April 29
Join biogas expert Joaquín A. Víquez Arias of Viogaz for a 2-day workshop on how to design and build a methane digester that will turn human and animal waste into cooking gas for your kitchen and fertilizer for your orchards or gardens. Learn from Rancho Mastatal's two functional and beautiful biodigesters while learning to design and build your own. Cooking with onsite-produced methane is one of the strategies that we can learn about and embrace in an effort to reduce our dependency on imported propane as we move towards a healthier and more sustainable way to live. In addition to learning about the production of methane using human and animal waste students will be exposed to a host of other sustainable living projects including composting toilets, Permaculture designed gardens and orchards, animal husbandry, fermented food products and much more. This course will be taught in both Spanish and English. For more information about this workshop please go to the Rancho Mastatal's Events Calendar, call us at 2410-6263 or email us at info@ranchomastatal.com.
Cost: Central Americans, US$150; residents and ex-pats, US$200; foreigners, $250. Cost includes three nights lodging starting on April 27, all meals, course instruction and full access to Rancho Mastatal and its private wildlife refuge.
Bamboo Construction Course
May 5 through May 11
Join acclaimed bamboo builders Brian Erickson and Martin Coto for this wonderful 1-week bamboo building experience. The course will cover the basics of building bamboo structures and furniture; using bamboo for wall systems and floors and ceilings; and treating this amazingly versatile material. Students will have a hands-on opportunity to immerse themselves in a number of building techniques while working on a small structure. On site students can learn from and get inspired by a multitude of naturally built structures that have been constructed at the Ranch and in the small rural community of Mastatal during the last 10 years. Workshop projects will take place at either the Ranch or in the community. Students will stay at the Ranch’s amazing facilities and in addition to learning about bamboo will be exposed to a host of other sustainable living projects including a methane digester, composting toilets, Permaculture designed gardens and orchards, animal husbandry, fermented food products and much more. It promises to a fun-filled, productive and instructional week for everyone involved. This course will be taught in both both Spanish and English. For more information about this workshop please go to the Rancho Mastatal's Events Calendar, call us at 2410-6263 or email us at info@ranchomastatal.com.
Cost: Central Americans, US$500; residents and ex-pats, US$650; foreigners, $800. Cost includes eight nights lodging starting on May 4, all meals (except on Sunday night when we support the local restaurant), course instruction and full access to Rancho Mastatal and its private wildlife refuge.
Indigenous Skills Course
May 22 through May 24
Join indigenous expert Gerardo Perez of the Huetar indigenous tribe and leader of the Zapaton Indigenous Reserve for a 3-day course on native skills. The course will cover the basics of living harmoniously with nature, using indigenous forest materials to make a variety of useful items such as traps and baskets, making simple forest shelters, using medicinal plants and much more. Students will have a hands-on opportunity to immerse themselves in these techniques while spending time in and exploring the Ranch's private wildlife refuge. Students will stay at the Ranch’s amazing facilities and in addition to learning about indigenous skills they will be exposed to a host of other sustainable living projects including a methane digester, composting toilets, Permaculture designed gardens and orchards, animal husbandry, fermented food products and much more. This course will be taught in both both Spanish and English. For more information about this course, please go to the Rancho Mastatal's Events Calendar.
Cost: Central Americans, US$200; residents and ex-pats, US$250; foreigners, $300. Cost includes four nights lodging starting on April 23, all meals, course instruction and full access to Rancho Mastatal and its private wildlife refuge.
Enrolling in Multiple Courses
If you're interested in taking more than one of the offered courses this spring, we are offering the following discounts:
$100 off if you take two spring courses
$150 off if you take three spring courses
$200 off if you take four spring courses
$300 off if you take all of the spring courses
About Rancho Mastatal and More Information
Rancho Mastatal offers numerous workshops related to sustainability throughout the year. We also host frequent educational groups that come to our facilities learn about a host of topics ranging from community development to tropical ecology. We opened our doors in November of 2001 and have been dedicated to developing systems to better care for the planet and its people since. The Ranch is also committed to conservation and has set aside most of its land as a private wildlife refuge. The site is wedged between the La Cangreja National Park and the beautiful community of Mastatal (pop. 140).
Accommodations
Most students will be accommodated at the Ranch's wonderful bunkhouse (Jeanne's House) set amongst fruit trees on the edge of the rainforest. There are eight beautiful bamboo bunkbeds to sleep in as well as a number of hammocks where you can relax outside. This house borders a large area of protected forest and features 10 kilometers of trails, waterfalls, views to the national park, and beautiful swimming holes. Jeanne's comes equipped with running water, electricity, one flush toilet, one composting toilet (which we encourage everyone to use as to reduce the pressure on our small septic system), two passively heated private outdoor showers, and an indoor shower. If you are interested in a more private lodging option such as the Hooch, Leo's or the Starboard Cork please contact us directly for more information. Lodging upgrades cost an additional $10 per night.
Meals will be taken at the Main House, a beautiful structure set on our 250-acre private wildlife refuge. This area of the Ranch is highlighted by eight kilometers of trails, abundant wildlife, waterfalls, rivers, swimming holes, and beautiful forests that border the La Cangreja National Park. The house is less than a one-minute walk to town. There are numerous Mayan hammocks on the porches in which to read a book or nap. The house has one flush toilet and two methane biodigester toilets that provide cooking gas for the kitchen. The main house is generally the most active place at the Ranch, and where all meals are served. Its also home to the Ranch's Zone 1 garden and garden nursery.
Food
Meals are mostly vegetarian, wholesome and delicious. The Ranch takes their cooking and food seriously. For snacks the Ranch serves bananas and sweet breads, the latter often times cooked in our homemade earthen oven or solar cookers. We source much of our food from our and other local farms and support local agriculture in every way that we can. We maintain a herd of goats, a large flock of hens, over two hundred hundred fruit trees, a huge Zone 1 garden and row crops. We are also active in fermenting a huge variety of foodstuffs.
Arrival
Students should plan on arriving to Rancho Mastatal no later than 8 a.m. on the first day of the course and are encouraged to arrive on the evening before (prices include lodging the night before the course begins).
Course Payment
Our preferred form of payment is cash (upon arrival to or prior to departing the Ranch), either in US dollars or Costa Rican currency (colones). If you would like to pay before arriving to the Ranch or in the case that you need to pay us after leaving, you can send us a check, direct deposit into our Costa Rica account or pay with a credit card via http://www.paypal.com.
Direct Deposit
Go to whatever Banco de Costa Rica in the country and deposit in following account:
Account Name: Mastatal Natural Experience S.A.
Bank: Banco de Costa Rica – Santiago de Puriscal
Savings Account Number (Número de Cuenta de Ahorro): 270-12080-4
Currency: US Dollars
Check
To send us a check drawn on a US, please make your check out to Kevin O'Hara and send to:
Kevin P. O'Hara
Vice President
M and T Bank
2 Court Street
Binghamton, NY 13901
Credit Card
If you would like to pay with a credit card, please go to http://www.ranchomastatal.com/pages/programs/events2.php and click on the PayPal icon. PLEASE ADD 4% OF YOUR TOTAL BILL TO YOUR PAYMENT WHEN PAYING WITH PAYPAL.
Please send us an email confirming your payment and for what course you are enrolling in.
Enrollment
For more information and/or to enroll in any of these courses please contact Tim O’Hara at info@ranchomastatal.com and/or call the Ranch at 2410-6263. We have a maximum of 15 openings for each workshop and a minimum of 3 students to run each course.
More Information
For more information about Rancho Mastatal please go to their website here. For more information about all of these courses, please go to the Ranch's Events Calendar.
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2012 Cursos de Verano en el Rancho Mastatal
Unase a nosotros este verano en el Rancho Mastatal para una fenomenal educación en la sostenibilidad, con series de 2 a 7 días en talleres sobre construcción natural, diseño y construcción de un biodigestor, y habilidades indígenas, fermentación, permacultura y agroforesteria tropical y mas. Durante los meses de Abril y Mayo esteremos ofreciendo 6 distintos talleres relacionados con la producción de la comida, construcción alternativa, conocimiento nativo, artes culinarias y la producción responsable de la energía. Mas adelante se mostrara mas información sobre cada taller y contactenos directamente al 2410-6263 o info@ranchomastatal.com para preguntas o inscripciones.
Taller de Fermentación
7 y 8 de Abril
Aprenda el antiguo arte del la fermentación de la cultura viva con el grupo del Rancho Mastatal hemos estado fermentando casi todas las cosas que han estado al alcance de nuestras manos por casi una década. Durante los días del curso usted estará participando en los talleres prácticos, en Kombucha, vinagre, kefir lechero, kefir de agua,queso, kimchi, pan de masa fermentada,y repollo fermantado, fermentos de almidón, sodas naturalmente carbonadas y mas. Estos serán conducidos dentro de un grupo con discusiones relacionados en temas tales como evolucion simbiotica, nutrición e inmunologia, salud global, regulación e inocuidad de los alimentos. La fermentación ha sido utilizada por miles de anos tanto para preservar e incrementar el valor de nutricional de las comidas y a la vez jugar un papel importante en mantenernos saludables y felices. La técnica que vamos a enseñarte sera aplicada en todas las situaciones de la vida. Aprender sobre las habilidades practicas y la teoría de la fermentación y también lleva a casa algunas recetas y comienza a hacer sus propios suministro eterno de fermentos!. A medida que crecen, pronto tendrás suficiente para compartir con tu familia y amigos!. Estudiantes se podrán hospedar en las instalaciones impresionantes del Rancho además de aprender sobre la fermentación ellos estarán expuestos a una serie de proyectos de vida sostenible, incluyendo un digestor de metano, servicios de compost, diseños de jardines de permacultura y huertos, cría de animales, construccion natural y mas. Prometemos llenarlos de diversión, productividad y un fin de semana de instrucción para todos los involucrados. Este curso sera ensenado en ingles con una traducción en español parcial ( ambos instructores son bilingües). Para mas información sobre los talleres por favor ver al calendario de eventos de Rancho Mastatal o llamanos al 2410-6263 o envianos un email a Info@ranchomastatal.com .
Costo: Costarricenses US$150; residentes US$ 200, extranjeros US$ 250 , el costo incluye tres noches de hospedaje comenzando el 6 de Abril, todas las comidas incluidas, instructor del curso y un acceso total al Rancho y su Refugio Privado de Vida Silvestre.
Taller de Habilidades Agroforestales Tropical
10 de Abril al 12 de Abril
Unase al reconocido agroecologista, agricultor y horticultor Peter Kring de la Finca La Isla, en un taller de 3 días enfocados en la producción de frutas en los trópicos, injertos y diseño y manejo de una huerta. Peter fundo y ha manejado con éxito Finca la Isla por alrededor de 25 anos donde ha adquirido una experiencia y conocimiento sin igual, en el cultivo de alimentos en los trópicos. Este taller se enfocara en el cultivo de vainilla pimienta negra y salack ( palmera), mantenimiento general de lo arboles, injertos,poda, mantenimiento y diseños de huertos, además de aprender sobre el éxito y la responsable producción de alimentos tropicales. Estudiantes serán expuestos a una serie de proyectos sostenibles incluyendo un biodigestor de metano, servicios de compost, diseños de jardines de permacultura y huertos, cría de animales, construcción natural y mas talleres. Este curso será enseñado en ingles con una traducción en español parcial . Para mas información sobre los talleres por favor ver al calendario de eventos de Rancho Mastatal o llamanos al 2410-6263 o envianos un email a Info@ranchomastatal.com .
Costo: costarricenses US$ 200, residentes US$ 250, y extranjeros $300, el coso incluye 4 noches de hospedaje, empezando el 9 de Abril, todas las comidas, el instructor del curso y acceso total al Rancho Mastatal y su Refugio Privado de Vida Silvestre.
Diseno y Construccion de un Biodigestor: Convirtiendo los Residuos Humanos y Animales en Gas para Cocinar
28 y 29 de Abril
Unete experto en biogas Joaquín A. Víquez Arias of Viogaz en un taller de dos dias en como diseñar y construir un biodigestor de metano que convertirá los desechos animales y vegetales en gas para cocinar para su cocina y un fertilizante para su huerta y jardín, aprenda de los funcionales y hermosos biodigestores del Rancho, mientras aprende a diseñar y construir el propio. Cocinando en el sitio donde se produce el metano es una de las estrategias que vamos a aprender y adoptar un esfuerzo por reducir la dependencia del gas de propano importado a medidad que vamos avanzando hacia una forma de vida mas saludable y sostenible. En adición al aprendizaje del uso del gas metano usando desechos humanos y de animales. Los estudiantes serán expuestos a una serie de proyectos sostenibles incluyendo servicios de compost, permacultura, diseños de jardines de permacultura y huertos, cría de animales, construccion natural y mas talleres. El curso sera ensenado en los dos idiomas español e ingles, Para mas información sobre los talleres por favor ver al calendario de eventos de Rancho Mastatal o llamanos al 2410-6263 o envianos un email a Info@ranchomastatal.com .
Costo para coostarricenses US$150; residentes, US$200; extranjeros, $250. el costo incluye 3 noches de hospedaje comenzando el 27 de abril, todas las comidas incluidas, el instructor del curso y acceso total al Rancho Mastatal y su Refugio Privado de Vida Silvestre.
Curso de la Construcción con Bambú
5 a 11 de Mayo
Estamos ofreciendo un curso de 1-semana de la construcción de bambú dado por dos constructores sumamente conocidos, Brian Erickson y Martín Coto. El curso cubrirá los básicos de como construir estructuras grandes (casas, cabinas) y pequeños (muebles); como utilizar el bambú para hacer sistemas de paredes, pisos y cielo rasos; y el tratamiento de este material versátil. Estudiantes tendrán una oportunidad de aprender sobre estas técnicas en la sala de clases a través de lecciones y con sus manos a través de la construcción de un proyecto mediano. El taller ocurrirá en el Rancho Mastatal Sustainable Living Center, un centro conocido por todo America Central por sus construcciones naturales. Mientras están en el sitio estudiantes también pueden aprender de las varias estructuras de bambú, tierra y madera que ya están en el pueblo y en el Rancho y estarán expuestos a numerosos otros proyectos que tienen que ver con la sostenibilidad como un biodigestor accionado por desechos humanos y animales, servicios de compostaje, jardines y huertos diseñado y plantado usando los principios de Permacultura, la cría de animales, la fermentación de comida, y mucho más. Será una semana productiva, educacional, y divertida para todos.
Brian Erickson
Brian nació en el estado de Wisconsin en los EEUU donde se graduó de la universidad de Wisconsin en Madison. Después, trabajo en San Francisco donde trabajó como un carpintero y artesano de juguetes y donde estuvo introducido al libro Book of Bamboo. En 1986 él con su esposa Patricia visitó a Nicaragua y pronto después se mudaron a Matagalpa para trabajar en un proyecto incipiente de bambú. Al final se encontraron en Moin, Costa Rica donde Brian pasó un año con el Taiwanese Bamboo Technical Mission donde aprendió varias técnicas en como hacer muebles con el especie de bambú Phyllostachys aurea. Un año después Brian empezó a trabajar para El Proyecto Nacional de Bambú en Los Diamantes en Guápiles. Después que terminó el proyecto en 1999, Brian arrancó su propio proyecto y empezó a sembrar bambú y construir un taller al lado del Rió Blanco cerca de Guápiles. Él vive allí con su esposa.
Martin Coto
Martín es un diseñador, artesano y uno de los constructores de bambú más conocidos en todo el país. Él tiene 30 años de experiencia trabajando con bambú. Ha trabajado por todos lados del mundo y su nombre está asociado con varias construcciones aquí y en el extranjero incluso algunos edificios en el Rancho Mastatal. Es un trabajador demasiado capaz con un sentido de humor increíble. Martín tiene su propio negocio que se llama Desarrollos Ecouristicos Bambues S.A. ubicado en Moravia, Costa Rica.
Hospedaje y Comida
Los estudiantes dormirán y comerán en el Rancho Mastatal. Hay una casa cómoda con camarotes de bambú donde se quedaran la mayoría de los estudiantes. Hay una sala de clases hecho de bambú muy cerca, hamacas por todos lados, senderos que van a pozos y cataratas, vistas al Parque Nacional La Cangreja, varios bellos servicios de compostaje, baños con una vista panorámica, y más. La casa donde estarán los estudiantes tiene luz y agua.
Todos comerán en la casa principal. Allí estarán sobre el límite del refugio de vida silvestre del Rancho donde hay más senderos, vida silvestre abundante, pozos, cataratas, y un bosque extensivo colindante al parque nacional. En la casa principal se encontrará más hamacas, una biblioteca llena con libros sobre la construcción natural, un biodigestor, un horno de barro, las huertas, un sistema de acuaponía y más. La comida es mayormente local, vegetariana, saludable y deliciosa. La preparación de comida es un enfoque del Rancho.
Idioma
El curso estará dado en ambos Ingles y Español.
Costo
Internacionales, US$800. Costarricenses, US$500. Residentes, US$650. El costo incluye la comida (excepto la noche del domingo cuando siempre damos apoyo a la soda local), hospedaje, instrucción, y acceso al Rancho y sus facilidades.
Llegada
Estudiantes deben planificar llegar al Rancho Mastatal no más tarde que 8 a.m. del 5 de mayo y les animamos llegar en la tarde del 4 de mayo. Estaremos iniciando en la mañana del 5 de mayo. El curso terminará en la tarde del 11 de mayo. Para direcciones al Rancho, por favor visite esta pagina de nuestro sitio de web.
Curso de habilidades indigenas
22 a 24 de mayo del 2012
Unete al experto indígena Gerardo Perez proveniente de la Reserva Indígena Zapaton, en un curso de 3 días de habilidades nativas, el curso cubre los conceptos básicos de vivir en armonia con la naturaleza, usnado materiales indígenas del bosque para hacer una variedad de artículos útiles como trampas y canastos, costruccion de refugios sencillos forestales,uso de plantas medicinales y mas. Los estudiantes tendran la oportunidad en sus manos de envolverse ellos mismos en estas tecnicas, mientras pasan su tiempo en el Refugio Privado del Rancho Mastatal. Los estudiantes se hospedaran en las increíbles instalaciones del Rancho, en adición e los estudiantes seran expuestos a una serie de proyectos sostenibles incluyendo un digestor de metano, servicios de compost, disenos de jardines de permacultura y huertos, cria de animales, construccion natural y mas talleres.El curso sera ensenado en los dos idiomas español e ingles, Para mas información sobre los talleres por favor ver al calendario de eventos de Rancho Mastatal o llamanos al 2410-6263 o envianos un email a Info@ranchomastatal.com .
Costo para coostarricenses US$200; residentes, US$250; extranjeros, $300. el costo incluye 4 noches de hospedaje comenzandoel 21 de Mayo ,todas las comidas incluidas, el instructor del curso y acceso total al Rancho Mastatal y su Refugio Privado de Vida Silvestre.
Inscribete en Múltiples Cursos
$100 si usted toma mas de dos cursos
$150 si usted toma mas de tres cursos
$200 si usted toma mas de cuatro cursos
$300 si usted toma todos los cursos
Mas Informacion Acerca del Rancho Mastatal
El Rancho Mastatal ha ofrecido numerosos talleres acerca de la sosteniblidad a través de loa anos. También tenemos una serie frecuentes de grupos que vienen a nuestras instalaciones a aprender acerca de temas que van desde el desarrollo comunitario a la ecología tropical. Abrimos nuestras puertas desde noviembre del 2001 y desde entonces nos hemos dedicado al desarrollo de sistemas que cuiden las personas y el planeta. El rancho también se ha comprometido a la conservacion y ha destinado la mayor parte de sus terrenos como Refugio Privado de Vida Silvestre, el sitio esta entre el Parque Nacional la Cangreja y la pequeña comunidad de Mastatal.
Inscripción
Para mayor información y/o inscribirse por favor comuniquese con Tim O'Hara al 2410-6263 o al info@ranchomastatal.com.
Rancho Mastatal
info@ranchomastatal.com
http://www.ranchomastatal.com
2410-6263
Merle Lefkoff, Ph.D., is an educator and political scientist focusing on the transformation of diplomacy and international conflicts. Merle recently held an appointment as Guest Scientist and Affiliate at the Center for Nonlinear Studies at Los Alamos National Laboratory, investigating the application of Complexity science to peaceful coexistence among diverse identity groups.After finishing her graduate work she was detailed to The White House Office of Public Liaison under President Carter. She has led Track Two diplomatic negotiations in Central America, Northern Ireland, and the Middle East, and more recently on nuclear disarmorment and nuclear non-proliferation She is a former Advisor to the Kellogg National Leadership Program of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and presents training workshops in complexity thinking for social change. She has been a member of two committees of the National Academy of Sciences. She is a Lindisfane Fellow and member of the Board of the Upaya Zen Center, where she teaches in the Buddhist Chaplaincy certification program.
Merle speaks with Joanna about what is complexity (“a science of surprise”), systemic humility; adaptability in complexity theory: “robustness;” new methods of peacemaking; Israel-Iran conflict; Nobel’s women initiative; contemplative imagination: storying the future; “Gross National Happiness;” Occupy Wall Street as an emergent process; the “shared leadership model”…
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Save Money – Create Jobs – Protect the Planet
P.O.W.E.R. is one of the core partners on developing and implementing New Bedford Energy Now!, a city initiative that offers 3 programs for New Bedford residents to save money on their energy costs – NB Efficiency Now!, NB Solar Now! and NB Challenge Now! The idea is to offer something to everyone and to create a simple and centralized process to access programs that can help people and the planet. NB Energy Now incorporates over a dozen community groups, NSTAR and several for-profit companies. This diverse collection of partners is working in collaboration to save residents money, create local jobs,
and protect the planet through energy efficiency and renewable energy. NB Energy Now! offers free MassSAVE home and businesses energy assessments and all the incentives provided by MassSAVE, free solar energy assessments for your home or business and special financing for local residents, and access to the SouthCoast Energy Challenge, all through one entry point. The program makes it easy to track your energy use, use less energy, save money and help support local jobs.
P.O.W.E.R. is leading the outreach strategies, training new partners and data management. Our data team built a specialized data platform through Salesforce to manage all of the program’s data for the City. We are also working with our partners to make sure that the jobs created through this work are accessible to local residents and to people with barriers to employment. To find out more about NB Energy Now! visit: http://newbedfordenergynow.com/ or call: 1.855.NB.NOW.4.U (1.855.626.6948).
New Bedford Energy Now! builds on the success of the Community Mobilization Initiative. Beginning in July 2010, the Green Jobs Green Economy Initiative, P.O.W.E.R., the ESHU² Collective, the City of New Bedford, NSTAR and YouthBuild’s Urban Energy Solutions launched the first Community Mobilization Initiative (CMI) in the state. The initiative aimed to lower energy costs for residents and business owners, create jobs and reduce carbon emissions by using the strength of community relationships to offer access to and education about energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. P.O.W.E.R. reached over 3000 residents and businesses, connected hundreds of them with free energy assessments, created new local jobs and reduced 1000s of pounds of carbon from the atmosphere through insulation, airsealing, heating system replacement and changing light bulbs and thermostats. The initiative also taught us a lot about what is needed to improve energy efficiency. Stay tuned for a full report of the outcomes and lessons learned from the CMI coming in the summer of 2012.
See below for jobs that are currently open.
Since 2010, over a dozen jobs have been created through the work of the Green Jobs, Green Economy Initiative, P.O.W.E.R. and our many partners and collaborators. An Energy Office was created through the City, including a Community Energy Coordinator to manage, develop and implement New Bedford Energy Now!. Through the Community Mobilization Initiative (CMI) pilot program, Urban Energy Solutions became one of only two approved contractors in New Bedford to do work through the MassSAVE program. Urban Energy Solutions is committed to employing local residents, building a diverse team, and working with individuals that have barriers to employment. Several positions with partner solar companies have also been created. We’ve worked hard with for-profit partners in the CMI and New Bedford Energy Now! to develop commitments to local hiring, building a diverse workforce and to making jobs accessible to people who are underrepresented in the economy. In collaboration with a number of workforce development partners, including UMass Dartmouth and Bristol Community College, our goal is to help build a green career pipeline that creates training, jobs and work opportunities that are accessible, inclusive, provide a livable wage and are also good for the planet.
There are several positions currently open, including the Solar Manager for NB Energy Now!, a Home Energy Advisor for the SouthCoast region, and a sales position with a local New Bedford solar company. Please see below to find more information about these and other job opportunities.
If you’re interested in receiving information about job or training opportunities, or own a business and would like to be notified about work opportunities, or are interested in volunteering with P.O.W.E.R. or related programs, please fill out this form.
Green Job Opportunities in the Greater New Bedford Area
Program Manager, New Bedford Solar Now!
New Bedford Solar Now is a residential program to engage and mobilize eligible New Bedford homeowners to install solar on their homes. This will reduce City residents’ electricity bills, increase local jobs, and improve local environmental health. NB Solar Now! is part of umbrella program New Bedford Energy Now!, and this position is supported by a Fund of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts. The primary focus of the Program Manager will be to drive and track demand for home solar assessments and solar installations in the City of New Bedford, MA. The Program Manager will work closely with and alongside City staff, sustainability groups, schools, businesses, and congregations, to help educate and engage town residents on solar power—and to help them sign up for a free home solar assessment. Please click here for more information.
Home Energy Advisor (Energy Auditor) for New Bedford, Next Step Living
Next Step Living is currently hiring a Home Energy Advisor for New Bedford and the SouthCoast region to perform audits for the MassSAVE program. This is a full time position. Advisors perform comprehensive energy assessments of home and works with customers to suggest appropriate energy saving opportunities. Training is provided but some experience is suggested. Must have a car. Loioking for applicants with good people skills and some level of understanding of building science. This position will work closely with New Bedford Energy Now! Please click here for more information.
Sales Territory Manager – Solar Renewable Energy Systems, Beaumont Solar (New Bedford)
Previous commercial real estate experience, or ideally previous Business to Business Sales experience. Responsibilities include business development in the assigned territory primarily commercial with residential leads provided. The position is 1099, full training and excellent commission structure however no salary or benefits are included. Would encompass Greater New Bedford and neighboring SouthCoast areas. For more information contact Marlene Arruda: marlene@beaumontsolarco.com. No phone calls.
Customer Service Representative, Next Step Living
This position will be dedicated fully to the SouthCoast and will work closely with New Bedford Energy Now! partners, including being housed in the office of Green Jobs Green Economic Initiative and P.O.W.E.R.. The customer service representative will be responsible for answering customer calls and intake, scheduling residents, account management and maintaining data in Salesforce. Must be bi-lingual in Portuguese or tri-lingual English, Portuguese and Spanish. Please click here for more information.
Electricians and Electrical Apprentices, MassSAVE Vendors
Vendors for MassSAVE’s residential and commercial programs are often looking for licensed electricians or experienced apprentices to complete work on lighting jobs, knob and tube remediation and other measures. If you have, or are pursuing, an electricians license, please contact the P.O.W.E.R. Office for more information about job opportunities: 508.990.1425.
Director, Renewable Energy and Green Jobs Center at Bristol Community College
The Director will manage, oversee and coordinate the development, promotion, implementation and growth of all Renewable Energy and Green Job projects (REGJP) for the BCC Center for Workforce and Community Education (The Center); including grants, credit, non-credit projects, company programs, workshops, corporate partnerships, and new opportunities in REGJP. Please click here for more information.
Fundraising Professional, Marion Institute
The Marion Institute (MI) seeks a Fundraising Professional to lead and manage all aspects of MI fundraising. The Marion Institute is a non-profit that acts as an incubator for a diverse array of Programs and Serendipity Projects that delve into the root cause of an issue and seeks to create deep and positive change. Working closely with the Executive Director and the Board, the Fundraising Professional will be responsible for shaping and executing the overall MI approach to generating financial support. This will involve building on an existing successful foundation as well as bringing a fresh perspective to the task of setting priorities and implementing specific aspects of the fundraising strategy. Please click here for more information.
Project Coordinator, Green Economic Development Initiative (GEDI) at MIT’s CoLab
GEDI aims to advance the integration of environmental sustainability and economic equity goals within the economic development field. Working with a network of practitioners, GEDI will develop, test and disseminate knowledge, tools and approaches. Project Coordinator will oversee the day-to-day implementation of GEDI under the direction of its faculty director and the CoLab's executive director. Responsibilities will include overseeing communications and coordinating with GEDI's practitioner advisory committee and network; assisting with fund-raising activities; overseeing and coordinating work on GEDI projects; developing and implementing a media and dissemination strategy for GEDI; assisting in research, analysis, and tool development for GEDI projects; assisting in planning and organizing periodic convening and events to inform and disseminate GEDI's work; and undertaking related tasks. Please click here for more information.
