Thursday, August 30, 2012

Post Convergence links


Photo by Jack Burden of Calgary
Three days post convergence and still feeling the glow of all the connections made.
Next year, convergence will be at Jeff and Juli Giles’ home in Rocky Mountain House. If you would like to be put on their mailing list for first dibs on tickets drop them an email at: julilynn1@mac.com

Here are a few items that folks have asked to be shared.

Sarah Kerr:
I am missing my black duffel bag with a tent and air mattress in it. If it has made it’s way into your luggage please email me at sarahkerr@oddpost.com

Alla Guelber:
Here is the Marketplace information. Any questions or more info contact alla@meaningfulworkproject.ca




Rob Avis:
First off, what an amazing convergence weekend! We are officially a force in this province! Who would have thunk, 160 people!  Woot!

Secondly I know that I am missing a lot of people so I am probably going to post this online at some point once we get things rolling. If you want to invite others please feel free to do so.

Thirdly, I would like to start a reoccurring evening, once per month where we get together, have a laugh, a drink and a bunch of conversations.  One of the main learnings of the weekend for me was the power of connection, especially when community building is a goal! so I thought we should meet on  a  more regular basis.

Mike Dorion and I have been chatting and we thought that it would be good to have a few laughs at a comedy night. Broken City has a comedy night every Monday night from 8:00 pm onwards. So we thought we could make the gathering on the first Monday of the month at Broken City from 7:00 pm onwards. Those who can make it, great. If you can't make it, we will see you next time.
Lets start the first pint night next Monday!  Who can make it?
Looking forward to sharing a few laughs!

Here is a link to Chrissy Begus ( Puzzle Permaculture) Presentation:
Being a Purveyor of Permaculture
http://www.puzzlepermaculture.com/1/post/2012/08/being-a-purveyor-of-permaculture.html

The Biz of Permaculture notes
Thanks to Tad Hargrave for facilitating...

What are the issues?
Not enough time (money/skills)
Need to be perfect
Lack of Models/ mentors
Lack of specialization
Lack of support
finding team members
need equipment/resource pool
Is there a market
Focus
Meaningful work
Web presence
Identify geographic and demographic
Lack of Confidence
Clarity needed, time uncertain
Need for experienced accountant/marketing/legal/IT help
feedback
leverage talents
Find your niche
lack of permaculture based jobs
balance current job with passions
Lack of rural permaculture model

Possible Careers in Permaculture

Compost Tea
Compost Non- persistent herbicide free
Permaculture Education in Schools
Greenhouse construction
Garden infrastructure
Legal Guidance
Navigating and title and ownership
Rural and large scale permaculture
accounting
5 acre demo site
Top soil production
Community supported kitchen
Permie meeting space
Website design and hub site
Rainwater harvesting
Oil field Remediation
Permaculture for housing developments
Permaculture for municipal land, schools etc...
Natural playscape
Mining reclamation
Edible playscape
Cooking/fermenting classes
Green event planning
 Weddings
Industrial parks
Corporate permaculture
Food preservation
Green Roofs
Micro-breweries
Permablitzes
Compost education centre
Online permie directory/registry
custom canning
General contracting
Permie Kits
Video production

Action Steps
Do as many free design consults as possible
Take courses: Open U, Gaia U (design for sustainability)
WWoofing
Attending permablitzes
Ask for advice
Partnering
Look at how your projects connect with existing initiatives
Create internships and job opportunities
Focus on your talents what you do best
Create a network of teachers and designers




Once again, thank you to everyone for sharing convergence with us and taking inspiration back into your communities.
If you have any amazing photos, we would love to share them here on the blog. Please send them to me at evonne@sageparmaculture.ca
You will recieve photo credit.
See you next year in Rocky Mountain House.
Evonne