Sunday, February 13, 2011

Purpose and shaping the agenda

The intention behind this convergence is to provide a space for the permaculture community to meet, share knowledge and experience, and inspire each other.

We are in the initial planning stages and see an agenda that allows for you to offer up your own knowledge and experience for the benefit of others and to call conversations in areas that you would like to learn more about.  In the coming months we will communicate more with you about getting your input, ideas and initiative.

Right now we see a basic flow of the weekend working as such:

August 26 - Friday
For those who would like to come out early - we will offer a hands-on workshops on building compost toilets, actually building toilets to be used for the weekend, as well as other topics.
This day/evening will be quite relaxed and chilled out - allowing everyone to settle in and begin to informally connect.  We may look to have an opening keynote this evening rather than on Saturday morning.

August 27 - Saturday
A day full of workshops and conversations on topics that come from within the community's interests and expertise.  We are considering opening with a keynote presentation.
The day will wrap up with buffet-style banquet and allow for us to share our musical skills and continue conversations in an informal setting.

August 28 - Sunday
The morning will allow for more workshops and conversations to be hosted.  We see us coming together for a closing around noon - allowing for people to be on their way home from 1:30pm onwards.  
For those interested - we are planning to arrange a walk across some native prairie pasture with some local naturalist groups.  

Accomodation

The site of the convergence is on a working farm therefore we have plenty of space to host you.
We will be setting up areas to allow you to bring in tents, camper vans, etc.  and hope you can make yourself comfortable on our land.  If you have any concerns - do not hesitate to contact us at abconvergence2011 AT gmail.com
We will be providing more details and pictures of the site once we get closer to the event.

Your Hosts

Connie Barritt has been operating a custom-grazing cattle operation using Holistic Management practices for over 20 years. Connie is an active host of WWOOFers and took her Permaculture Design Certificate with Verge Permaculture in August 2010.








Vance Barritt returned to the farm in June 2010.  He took his Permaculture Design Certificate with Pacific Permaculture in July 2010 and a Holistic Management course in spring 2011.









Together - Connie and Vance are continuing to look at ways to improve their farm and environment and they are looking forward to hosting you, your ideas and inspiration.


Brenda Schroeder was introduced to permaculture during her recently completed MSc in Holistic Science - writing her thesis on Ecological Resilience and Farming Systems. Her studies brought her home to east-central Alberta and into a new partnership with Vance. She completed her Holistic Management course in spring 2011.

Location

We are holding the 2011 Convergence at T.H.E. Country Cocoon.  This is the farm and B&B of Connie Barritt, located between Alix and Buffalo Lake, Alberta.  The farm is located 1.6km east and 1km north of the junction of Secondary Highway 601 and Highway 21, on RangeRoad 222. More details on getting here will be posted closer to the event however you can find us on the map here.