Sustainability Conference
By Ed Fallon

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