How do we begin the process of looking to nature to solve big challenges? This hands-on workshop with Gretchen Hooker and Megan Schuknecht of the Biomimicry Institute will introduce us to the fundamentals of biomimicry and encourage us, as well as our peers and/or students, to apply our new skills by participating in the Biomimicry Global Design Challenge. The Challenge works locally to address the major core global problems we face related to energy, water, food and agriculture, and our built environment.
Trauma without intervention affects our physical, neurological and emotional lives, perpetuating cycles of violence, addiction and pain. Explore recent breakthroughs in our knowledge of healing and how we as a community can forever break the chain. Hosted by Emily Cummins Polk, a project leader with JUNTOS/Community Partners. With: Cathy Salser, award-winning art activist, founder of A Window Between Worlds; Ruth Beaglehole, founder of Echo Parenting and Education, author of Mama, Listen! Raising a Child Without Violence; Naama Haviv, Executive Director of Panzi Foundation, USA.
The very diverse contributors to the new anthology, Ecological and Social Healing: Multicultural Women’s Voices, explore how being situated between ecological and social justice movements has opened them up to new understandings and new ways of teaching and leading. Using an alternative, contemplative format, they will share “re-storying” narratives that cross boundaries of place, history, trauma and worldview to trigger compassion and healing. With: Jeanine Canty, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies, Naropa University; Nina Simons, Bioneers co-founder, founding Director of Everywoman's Leadership program; Belvie Rooks, co-founder, Growing a Global Heart; Anita Sanchez, Transformational Leadership Council; Melissa K. Nelson, Executive Director, The Cultural Conservancy; Nícola Wagenberg, Vice President, Cultural Conservancy; Susan Griffin, renowned feminist author.
Engineering, the "E" in "STEM" education, is becoming a part of public school education for the first time, and teachers are scrambling to find appropriate, engaging ways to teach this important discipline. And what can better convey the complexity of principles such as aerodynamics, suspension, or fuel efficiency than, say, a dragonfly crossing the Gulf of Mexico on "one tank" of fuel? Biomimicry is increasingly being looked to as an important model for STEM. In this session, some leading educators from K-12 and higher education environments explore how biomimicry can inspire creativity, engage a high percentage of girls in STEM, and foster greater respect for the natural world. With: Tiffany Roberts, highly experienced multi-disciplinary teacher and biomimicry educator, currently at Rohnert Park’s groundbreaking Credo High School; Sayuri Yamanaka, co-founder of the sustainability consultancy, Punto Verde; Timothy Bingham & Emily Liebenberg, teachers in San Diego’s Kearny High’s School of Engineering, Innovation and Design; Hosted by Megan Schuknecht, Director of Design Challenges, Biomimicry Institute.
Psychedelics, now being studied again by researchers for their promising healing potential, are still largely used within rapidly mutating subcultures, and they continue to have profound if hidden global socio-cultural impacts on eco-awareness, spirituality, creativity and sexuality. Hosted by Bioneers Associate Producer, J.P. Harpignies.
With: Erik Davis, Ph.D., author of TechGnosis, The Visionary State, and Nomad Codes, leading expert on spiritual subcultures, host of the Expanding Mind podcast; Yalila Espinoza, Ph.D., integrative health advisor, founder of Vancouver's O1 Center, expert in the sexual content of sacred plant experiences; Eve Bradford, writer, artist, filmmaker, Ceremonial Director for the Symbiosis gatherings, a leading figure in global festival culture; Isis Indriya, co-founder of The Village in Nevada City, a highly experienced facilitator of ceremonies, ritual theater and performances.
