Dear ,
Did you watch any of the Republican primary debates? I did--for about five minutes. That was enough to see, once again, that what passes for debate on the national political scene is more a matter of jockeying for position and doesn't really further the democratic process.
In many ways, things are better on the local scene here in Santa Cruz. And yet, as I watch the debate on desalination heat up, I see echoes of the discouraging acrimony we see among the Newts and Mitts, or in the Congressional chambers. It seems to start with the feeling that those in the opposing camp are "bad guys," so bad, in fact, that there is no use talking to them...you gotta overpower 'em.
It is my belief that there are no "bad guys." True, there are bound to be people, some in positions of power, who are attached to positions we consider wrong. But once we cast them as "bad" or "other," it almost guarantees that they will not come around to our way of thinking. We have entered the realm of polarized debate.
I think there are better alternatives. The Transition movement is based on the notion that communities can work together to deal with our common predicament.
What are the best examples you know of, of people finding unity in what could have been a divisive situation?
Send me your story and I will include it in the next newsletter.
—Michael Levy |
| It's not too late to sign up for the Resilient Neighborhoods Workshop |
Saturday, March 17
9:30-12:30
Click here to register
$10-$50 sliding scale
There is still some space available in this fun and practical workshop on how to turn your neighborhood into the kind of community you dream of.
The Resilient Neighborhoods work is based on the premise that with every passing year, our need to be able to rely on the people around us becomes more obvious. Your neighbors could be great friends and resources, instead of unknowns, or worse, annoyances to you. And it's not so hard, once you get started!
If you are thinking of joining us, call Michael at 427-9916. (No one will be turned away for lack of funds.)
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| A great "Book of the Month" & a talk |
Every month we feature a "Book of the Month" on our website. This month it's a book I hope everyone interested in Transition has a look at: Michael Shuman's
Local Dollars, Local Sense. Subtitled, "How to shift your money from Wall Street to Main Street and achieve real prosperity," it delivers the most thorough overview available of local investment options.
According to Frances Moore Lappe, the book "enables us to transform worry and confusion about our personal finances, and the nation's, into rewarding action."
You can read an excerpt of the book and order it at a special discount from Post-Carbon Institute at this link.
Hear the author speak in Berkeley:
Saturday, March 24, 5:30 pm
Near the downtown Berkeley BART station
Click here to get a free ticket before they're gone
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| Spring's coming: Two garden events |
First Monthly Plant Exchange
This Saturday, March 10
8:00 to 10:00 am
Parking lot of Island Home & Garden
844 17th Ave., Santa Cruz
Come support this new local exchange of starts, seeds, root divisions, etc. It's free and non-commercial. For more information call Susan at 239-5659.
Talk: The How and Why of Community Gardens
Saturday, March 17
10 am to 12 pm
Farm Advisor Office/UC Coop. Extension
1432 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville
Ana Rasmussen, who has started several community gardens in Watsonville, and Barbara Gordon of Master Gardeners, will host an interactive talk on starting community gardens, and their role in the food system. Bring a potluck item if you want to stay for the Master Gardeners' luncheon afterwards. |
| "Occupy" march against foreclosures |
Sunday, March 11
Starts at 1 pm
Courthouse steps
Water St., Santa Cruz
Nothing quite undercuts local resilience like people losing their homes. At this non-violent march, you can get educated about predatory bank practices, urge the Sheriff to refuse to evict foreclosed-upon people, hear live music, and express yourself. There will be a moderator training and meditation at 12:30.
Also...
Non-violent monitor training
Led by Resource Center for Nonviolence
Wednesday, March 7, 5 pm
Same location as above
More information at http://www.oscforeclosures.org/. |
| Become a member of Transition Santa Cruz |
Help support our important work of building local resilience! Go to http://transitionsc.org/donate and join at the $25, $50, $100 or $200 level, or join as a volunteer. Your participation matters!
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Contact Details
831-427-9916
http://transitionsc.org
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Potluck with a Purpose
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Tuesday, March 27
6-8:30 pm (note earlier time)
Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave.
Free/by donation
Family friendly!
Heart and Soul at the Grange!
The Spring equinox is coming, and the time has come again to share on a deeper level with each other. Here's a chance to let our hearts spring open with stories, poetry, rap, song, theatre, whatever is inside waiting to burst out that may give us heart in these turbulent times. This a great opportunity to express :
♦ your vision for our collective Transition to a sane, resilient, inspirational future for Santa Cruz
♦ your celebration of changes that you have made, the courage it took to make them
♦your grief or confusion at how we got here
♦ your sense of connection to nature in celebration of spring equinox
Of course, you are more than welcome to attend without presenting. But take a risk and share if you've half a mind! We welcome presentations by young and old alike (youth are especially invited to this event). And, invite your expressive friends!
If you plan on presenting something, please RSVP by replying to this email or calling 427-9916 so we can schedule people and make sure there is room for everyone depending upon time.
Potluck 6:00, Program 7:00
Feel free to come for either or both!
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