BIONEERS BY THE BAY
October 19-21, 2007
Local Branch Conference at UMass Dartmouth
By
SOC Intern Elyssa Serrilli

What it is

(quoted from connectingforchange.org)
“Visionary and practical solutions for restoring the earth and its inhabitants.”
“…bring together internationally recognized keynote speakers—including bestselling authors, environmental and human rights advocates—with concerned citizens, scientists, and students from across the Northeast to explore practical models for restoring the Earth and its inhabitants.
The public is invited to the conference, which will explore both local and global sustainability by addressing topics ranging from the green economy to renewable energy, from protecting our food supply to protecting our democratic freedoms, according to the Marion Institute Director Desa VanLaarhoven.

Why I went

To drink for the wellspring of goodwill, innovation, and hope that surrounds a group of 2000+ eco-minded individuals, professionals and organizations in assembly. I had been running dry of inspiration, direction, and hope myself. It’s hard to live inside the system, you know? (especially in the “garden state”…. especially when you know a better future is out there) And it’s hard to change the system, too. But I know the system must be changed. It is unsustainable—in America, we represent 5 percent of the world’s population but consume 25% of its resources. We’re also responsible for 25% of its greenhouse gas emissions. Our system is harmful to the earth, the underlying structure that supports us all. What’s more, our system promotes inequality and classism, while quieting wise voices and innovative minds. I know (you know!) we need to break free.

What I did

There were tons of sessions. These are some of the ones I went to. You can find out more at www. connectingforchange.org.

Mark Hyman, Ph.D.
UltraWellness: A New Paradigm For Creating Health in the 21st Century
www.ultrawellness.com
www.ultrawellness.com/blog
The Ultrawellness Center
413-637-9991
“Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” -Mike Pollan

Rah Goddess – Light Supreme
Nowhere to Hide

John Perkins (Confessions of an Economic Hit Man)
The Secret History of the American Empire: What Next? How to Change It?

John Perkins, Rob Darst, Memory Halloway, and Steven White
The Geopolitics of Production and Consumption

Torrey McMillan, Dan Flerlage, Kent Bicknell
Environmental Education Panel

Van Jones
Toward a Green Growth Alliance: Birthing a New Politics



Personal Commentary

We need a BIONEERS NJ.
It would be worth the investment of time and money

1. We need to showcase our local green workers/businesses/school.
2. We need a place for these people to connect.
3. We need to find out WHAT IS OUT THERE in our area.
4. We need to see that there are many people/groups, from a wide-range of backgrounds and stakeholders groups, that share their thoughts/feelings/questions about the environmental movement.
5. We need to develop collaborations.
6. We need to Attract/Educate Newcomers to the Eco-Revolution.
7. The Media attention would be good
8. We could inhabit a place for the weekend, infuse it with our energy
9. We want a change
10. What is the truth?
11. What can I/we do?