Crystal Bellar's Posts - Urgent Evoke2024-03-29T13:53:27ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellarhttp://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2209186675?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://www.urgentevoke.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=1ln6ey2e5z86l&xn_auth=noJust updatingtag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-04-12:4871302:BlogPost:902262010-04-12T16:35:31.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
<p>I wish I had more time right now to update this site. I am working on SEED in my spare time, but my Master's Program is seriously getting in the way of extranious writing. I seriously have been researching and writing a ton- but none of it has been really related to argicultural sustainability and growth in Serria Leone.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Someone else (I cannot remember who) complained about how SEED falls in line with US's semester system schedule. It really hurts my ability to work in the way…</p>
<p>I wish I had more time right now to update this site. I am working on SEED in my spare time, but my Master's Program is seriously getting in the way of extranious writing. I seriously have been researching and writing a ton- but none of it has been really related to argicultural sustainability and growth in Serria Leone.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Someone else (I cannot remember who) complained about how SEED falls in line with US's semester system schedule. It really hurts my ability to work in the way I want to on this. If it were due the week after, it would rock. But between all the papers that I am suppose to complete by the week of May 3rd- squeezing out an Evokation is going to be a serious challenge. I am up to it; I just wish I had more space and time to embellish the details in a way that will satisfy me.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Some of you have asked about me, and I thank you for your encouragement and curiosity. I am here, I am aware of some of the things going on, and I'm hoping to have some actual substance to my communication on here soon.</p>
<p></p>
<p>But, school wize, I am doing policy research on Don't ask Don't Tell, group analysis of a class assigned group, substance abuse project of somekind, whatever I am suppose to write for my internship, and a few journal entries, and a commentary thrown in for good measure.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Don't attempt to get your master's unless you like writing, and coffee.</p>
<p></p>ACT4 - Immediate and Future goals: Helping another agent out :)tag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-26:4871302:BlogPost:659462010-03-26T19:00:00.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
Agent <a href="../../profile/MichelleAngelaKim">MichelleAngelaKim</a> & <a href="../../profile/Panamericana">Panamericana</a> are working on a petition project, and I have jumped on board ! She is advocating against the Water Bottle Industry, and their current pricing of water, and advocating for them to use money and resources to find, and create water generation in countries around the world. <br></br>Very neat, go sign the petition ! They are starting something pretty…
Agent <a href="../../profile/MichelleAngelaKim">MichelleAngelaKim</a> & <a href="../../profile/Panamericana">Panamericana</a> are working on a petition project, and I have jumped on board ! She is advocating against the Water Bottle Industry, and their current pricing of water, and advocating for them to use money and resources to find, and create water generation in countries around the world. <br/>Very neat, go sign the petition ! They are starting something pretty interesting.<br/><br/>In the long run, I am looking at doing this as a part of SEED: <a href="http://mb-soft.com/public3/water503.html">http://mb-soft.com/public3/water503.html</a> .<br/><br/>Essentially it uses the laws of science (ooooh) to create a enclosed system using evaporation (distilling) to create clean water for people. The cost is low, the power generation is none, and it is a simple process to create and maintain in various enviroments. They have the calculators to predict how much water a system can create in particular enviroments and have examples of both single family and village systems. It is very scientific, but at the same time simplified so basically anyone can set it up ! Instructions on building are provided, and it is easy to maintain and implement. I am interested in trying to implement this in Sierra Leone, as it has tropical environments and access to seawater in many regions. <br/><br/>It has the capacity to create up to 1,000 liters a day for approximately 400 dollars. Essentially that gives 2 liters per person, for a village of 500 people, which is not too bad. By creating 2 or 3 of these systems (hey, evoke is giving out 1,000 dollar prizes folks) you could easily meet the needs of a small community.<br/><br/>Water Shortage Experincetag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-25:4871302:BlogPost:626652010-03-25T04:55:03.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
As I mentioned in the Food Riots post previously, I lived in Louisiana during hurricane Katrina.<br></br><br></br>Growing up in a place where super storms with massive winds, tornados with a high possibility of power outages, miscellaneous contanimation risks, and general frustration, fear, and panic got me a bit of education on this stuff.<br></br><br></br>I was born learning about what to do if the power is out, what to do if there is not fresh water. Even though I lived in a community pretty far inland- the…
As I mentioned in the Food Riots post previously, I lived in Louisiana during hurricane Katrina.<br/><br/>Growing up in a place where super storms with massive winds, tornados with a high possibility of power outages, miscellaneous contanimation risks, and general frustration, fear, and panic got me a bit of education on this stuff.<br/><br/>I was born learning about what to do if the power is out, what to do if there is not fresh water. Even though I lived in a community pretty far inland- the security procedures, notifications and general warnings were very important and broadcast, especially in areas with evacuation orders (because, due to economic, spiritual, personal and medical reasons, will not leave).<br/><br/>So- what were we told to do?<br/><br/>1) Chemical Purification tablets. They are like a few dollars, easy to carry, lightweight, useful for immediate emergencies. I keep some, even in Chicago, just in case I have nothing else. It will kill most anything, and used short term is better than all the water borne diseases that urban places with clean water even more susceptible to. Seriously, it is in my first aid kit. Maybe its being born in hurricane country, but I wouldn't be without these things. Available commercially in pretty much any camping store.<br/><br/>2) Have stores of bottled water. Clean containers well (like the comic said) before hand, fill them up, keep them sealed as possible. (in an emergency, prepping water to sit out covered in a cleaned container for 5-10 days is WAY safer than outside water). Replace stored bottled water. Contaminates do leek into water, and it is a problem. One of the ways to work with that is to replace water containers once a year (6 months is also a widely referenced change out point). The water is still (usually, if you have a good bottling manufacturer) clean and usable, but the longer you wait the more likely it is to have weird stuff you don't want to drink.<br/><br/>3) Clean and Fill the bathtub. Very useful. Larger container. Can be used for plumbing purposes, also cooking and water drinking. As long as the main is intact, a toilet will flush if you put water in the tank. But- do so rarely, because it takes a good amount of water to flush a toilet. Course, if its just going out into the street, picking a spot (its even better if you can bury) outside and going there is better, in terms of water conservation. Indoors (like the Super-dome) going to the bathroom in a particular area is safer (after the bathrooms were rendered unusable, and more preferable, just b/c human waste can transfer a lot of diseases, and it being everywhere is not good) if it can be sealed, even better.<br/><br/>4) If you cannot get clean water- Filter- boil, filter. Its generally good to filter before and after because it removes larger particles and then gets out other stuff. Of course, the second filter should be a clean filter! Plus, it makes it easier for us spoiled Americans to drink. Boiling will kill most things. It is not perfect, but heat removes alot alot alot the most dangerous things.<br/><br/>5) Set up a simple distilled water tarp. Essentially a tarp above the ground held up by the four corners. With enough room to dip in the center to hold water. Make sure tarp is secure so it doesn't break! Works great in Emergancy enviroments, and is a source of clean water 1x day from the air. Can help stores last longer. Indoors, it should probobly be close as close as possible to an open window. Ususally used when trapped in a forest or that kind of enviroment, but useful non-the-less.<br/><br/>6) Distill water through boiling. This is not very efficent, but useful for REALLY contaminated waters. Essentially a cover over a pot with that will not melt (with a single hole in it), put some flexible tubing (like, removable shower head tubing can be used in a pinch) into another container. The tubing needs to go up a little bit, then curve down into another container. As the water evaporates, the steam will go into the tube, condense and leave things like salt, various toxins, dirt behind. Then it is drinkable. If you have a metal container, you can place it on a fire while you cook something else, that has tubing that goes into another metal container. But doing this constantly, most likely you will run out of fuel and fast.<br/><br/>7) Canned foods- especially fruit and veggies- have water in them. LOTS of water. Drink it. You want to drink things with low sugar and low salt. The higher sugar content and salt can dehydrate you further. So, when you eat something, drink the water it comes with. Do not waste! Fresh fruits and vegges generally have lots of water in them also. <br/><br/>8) NO CAFFEINE. NO SALT WATER. <br/><br/>8) Stripen (a product) and filter! Uses UV (I think) radiation to kill things in water. There are a bunch of variations of these. Some of them are power intensive, some of them have solar attachments, some of them use batteries. Anyway- know the power constraints of these things, and have one on hand with the necessary power supply (batteries, portable solar power). <br/><br/>9) Camping buddy says, using decaffeinated tea bags (note, the no caffeine rule) can help cover weird tastes after water has been cleaned. So, if you have the time, sitting it overnight with a teabag and then drinking it makes it more tolerable.<br/><br/>10) Dehydration can kill you in 3 days. Many, many many water borne diseases make this faster. If you have a choice to do any of the above, start immediately, not waiting until day 3. The more dehydrated you get, the more cognatively impared someone becomes and contanimated water will become more and more desirable. Most likely, Your body will will NOT allow you to sit there and die without trying the dirty water. <br/><br/>11) Be prepared. The more prepared you are the better off you will be. Urban areas are very very very dangerous due to the high concentration of people, and water purification is not exactly efficient. By day 3- people can be very sick, dying, confused and irrational with very very little to no water. <br/><br/>12) <a href="http://www.mahalo.com/how-to-ration-water-while-camping">http://www.mahalo.com/how-to-ration-water-while-camping</a> this site goes into water rationing while camping. Though, it assumes to some extent that you'll have some source of water. This discusses being in a desert <a href="http://www.essortment.com/hobbies/survivedesert_tvgn.htm">http://www.essortment.com/hobbies/survivedesert_tvgn.htm</a> . Water needs differ from person to person, so if you are very active you will need more water than someone in the shade. staying still.<br/><br/><br/>What do I think the best water purification tool is? I really do not know. But what I do know- is being prepared, knowing different options and understanding the resources and plans that are possible in whatever environment you are in is very important. <br/><br/>Many of these solutions are not permanent, and not perfect. Long term, it is unsustainable. But, quick short term stabilization is vital due to the limited time frame of dehydration, and the quick onset of all kinds of water related illness and death. <br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/>LEARN3- Windbelt-- windpower not from a windmilltag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-20:4871302:BlogPost:493032010-03-20T03:38:11.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
Star light, Star Bright....<br></br>natual power- light my lights ;)<br></br><br></br><br></br>So, actually completely randomly while goggling for information, I clicked a link and boom- not solar information... but a company: <br></br><br></br><a href="http://www.globalmidwestalliance.org">www.globalmidwestalliance.org</a><br></br><br></br><span style="font-weight: bold;">"The Private Sector Liaison Officer (PSLO) Network is a group of 100</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"></br><span style="font-weight: bold;">business…</span>
Star light, Star Bright....<br/>natual power- light my lights ;)<br/><br/><br/>So, actually completely randomly while goggling for information, I clicked a link and boom- not solar information... but a company: <br/><br/><a href="http://www.globalmidwestalliance.org">www.globalmidwestalliance.org</a><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold;">"The Private Sector Liaison Officer (PSLO) Network is a group of 100</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">business intermediary organizations in 80 countries around the world</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">working to foster trade and investment between countries with the sup-</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">port of the World Bank Group’s (WBG) products and services. PSLOs</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">facilitate companies’ access to WBG business opportunities, services</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">and knowledge, and act as the voice of the private sector in advising</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">the WBG on how to better engage companies on development issues.</span>"<br/><br/>THEY ARE LIKE 10 BLOCKS FROM MY APPARTMENT. I'm telling you- magic EVOKE is.<br/><br/><br style="font-weight: bold;"/>Anyway- so my educational post on a wind power generation that is not a windmill!<br/><br/>URL: <a href="http://www.humdingerwind.com/">http://www.humdingerwind.com/</a><br/><br/>So, what they did is they used vibrations to go over a magnet- that generates energy. Its really neat.<br/><br/><br/>"<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the smallest scales, Humdinger has developed a 'microBelt' that can free the millions of wireless sensor nodes around the world from batteries. By sipping small airflows on the sides of highways, the inside of air-conditioning ducts, or at remote science stations, the microBelt provides continuous power to sensors that detect highway traffic, CO/humidity in HVAC systems, or geological activity. This information may then transmitted wirelessly to a central processing center -- without batteries. Smarter grids, smarter urban centers, and smarter buildings -- smarts that can now be powered by wind. (see Micro for more information)"<br/><br/></span>They have different sizes, from micro to large. The micro-ones look very promising because #1) they are small enough to carry (smaller than the size of the palm of your hand!) #2 can power tiny devices with ease. #3 It scales up nicely. They are in experimental test sites now and are looking at a display for first commercial sales in mid- 2010. It looks comparable in price to other forms of energy, and is safer due to fewer moving parts like wind turbines. Looks like very neat energy innovation!<br/><br/>Neat stuff. :D <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br/></span>EVOKE Politics : Points, Business, and General understandingtag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-19:4871302:BlogPost:469732010-03-19T10:00:00.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
First off, I apologize if this doesn't make as much sense as it should- I'm a bit sick, on some whoozy medications and its 4:30 in the morning.<br></br><br></br>Now, that I'm past the preface, I want to briefly discuss points, leaderboard and this game in a pretty simple matter.<br></br><br></br>#1) The game ends with an EVOKATION. That takes work, effort and time. Point hoggers, hundreds of picture rankers, people doing other scamming I'll rank yours if you rank mine stuff cannot win the game even if they are…
First off, I apologize if this doesn't make as much sense as it should- I'm a bit sick, on some whoozy medications and its 4:30 in the morning.<br/><br/>Now, that I'm past the preface, I want to briefly discuss points, leaderboard and this game in a pretty simple matter.<br/><br/>#1) The game ends with an EVOKATION. That takes work, effort and time. Point hoggers, hundreds of picture rankers, people doing other scamming I'll rank yours if you rank mine stuff cannot win the game even if they are thousands of points ahead. No evokation, no plan to change the world = no winning.<br/><br/>#2) Leaderboards: Yes, I'm high on the rank list, I will not lie. But- someone with few points can win. They can come up with a plan, post it and it be absolutely amazing. Just because one is quiet does not mean their intellect, vision and power is not great. The mouse can do great things in the presence of lions.<br/><br/>#3) My Inbox: I cannot read all my mail. I am 183 messages behind, adding a job, fulltime school, and actual game play-research and reading I am working hard just to keep up with those I am personally following. Everyone is important to me, I just simply am doing a bit random and a bit of EVOKING according to interest. Please forgive me. If there is something you absolutely positively want me to see: its probably better to leave a comment on my main page with a brief explanation of the topic and why. Much more likely to take a look.<br/><br/>#4) Value: People do rank more based on value. I see it from my posts, I see it in how I rank others. I do not rank everything, but I do take time to rank things that stand out as important, knowledgeable and generally awesome. Power and complements I do not take lightly. <br/><br/>Overall- breathe. Points and ranking and the politics of friendsharing, inbox, all of those things... it is a part of the structure but not a part of the final point. <br/><br/>If you are working with others, if you are planning a vision, if you are finding a vision to help, if you are dedicated to helping others, if you are providing resources and ideas to others- you can do well. You may be a mouse, or you may be a lion... but in the end, you will have won in your own way.<br/><br/>Making a difference is the point. Discovering, creating and making allies is the ultimate prize.<br/><br/>So relax, enjoy and do what you can do.<br/><br/>The secret is the power is there no matter what the numbers say. Everyone is innately powerful. All the important people know that.<br/><br/><br/>EVOKATION: SEED -- the outline revealed!tag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-19:4871302:BlogPost:464262010-03-19T04:50:38.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
Subtitle: A Four Season Discovery in Sustainable Living<br></br><br></br>So,
wow. The last three weeks on Evoke have been quite a ride! So, My<br />
project, - Our Project - is bigger than a single contest, a dream of<br />
the improbable reality, is set up for some planning action.<br />
<br />
<br />
<p>This can be extraordinary. So, here we are and this is what needs to be done. This is the point it has come to: and those who are already
involved and those who want to become involved: please post, please<br />
contribute, do not be…</p>
Subtitle: A Four Season Discovery in Sustainable Living<br/><br/>So,
wow. The last three weeks on Evoke have been quite a ride! So, My<br />
project, - Our Project - is bigger than a single contest, a dream of<br />
the improbable reality, is set up for some planning action.<br />
<br />
<br />
<p>This can be extraordinary. So, here we are and this is what needs to be
done. This is the point it has come to: and those who are already<br />
involved and those who want to become involved: please post, please<br />
contribute, do not be shy. Be a part of something bigger than you. We<br />
can make things happen. <span style="font-weight: bold;">This is possible.</span></p>
<br />
<p><br/>Winterminute has been talking with me extensively, and we have decided to combine our projects. This is now SEED.</p>
<p><br/></p>
<p><br/></p>
<br />
<p>Crystal Bellar, Winterminute, Claude Raines, Nick Heyming, Michele Baron, John
Tsangaris, Amos Meeks and Stefano Cieriare all committed to this project at the time of<br />
this writing. Some of you have volunteered that are not on this list-<br />
leave a comment and I will add you :) <br/></p>
<p><br/></p>
<br />
<br />
<p>This is the team. There are many of you who have volunteered through previous
posts, and this post is designed to get an idea of where you can put<br />
your strengths, your curiosity, and your knowledge.</p>
<br />
<br />
<p><br/></p>
<p>So our mission: <span style="font-weight: bold;">To improve quality of life and opportunity through a customized curriculum
that emphasizes community, sustainable agriculture and social justice<br />
around the globe.</span><br/>
</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br/></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Goals:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold;">1) To write a curriculum for specific area that focuses on natural resources, community involvement and cultural understanding</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold;">2) To teach others how to implement, understand and teach the message of
sustainable agriculture and its benefits within a community, guiding by<br />
hands-on knowledge and methods.</span></p>
<br />
<p><span style="font-weight: bold;">3) To send a team of trained individuals to go out to specified locations
and to provide knowledge for communities to change their quality of<br />
life.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold;">4)To be able to teach in such a way that change is sustainable by the community without outside involvement after a period of</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">1 to 2 years.</span></p>
<br />
<p><span style="font-weight: bold;">5) To provide the ability for communities to teach their next generation, to continue patterns of sustainability</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold;" lang="en-US">6)To provide the ability to share and help implement solutions to social
problems and strategies for further improvement after the field team<br />
has left.</span></p>
<br />
<p>After some discussion and research, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sierra Leone</span> has been chosen for the first project. The reason this is, is about 10
years after the Civil War has ended, Sierra Leone has tons of<br />
possibilities for growth and positive change. Their government is<br />
interested in funding agricultural initiatives, and it is relatively<br />
progressive. There are developed cities but also extreme poverty, and<br />
it is extremely rich in natural resources that can be utilized. Because<br />
of the Civil War there is not a lot of long standing agricultural<br />
efforts in the country, but more are forming. The government also has<br />
been pushing the issue sense 2007 to increase food security. We believe<br />
that going here can make a very positive difference for individuals,<br />
while having some governmental backing, and there are a lot of<br />
possibilities considering the land, climate and natural resources<br />
present in the country. As the first curriculum, it provides a higher<br />
chance for success while teaching us the ways into which to improve the<br />
program to bring it to more difficult political climates and<br />
land-resource-poor countries.</p>
<br />
<br />
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br/></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">This operation is called: Operation gbamgbaode (subject to change- looking
for the krio word for plant/seed. gbamgbaode means in the open)</p>
<p><br/>What this design incorporates.<br/><br/> -Agriculture<br/> -Anthropology<br/> -Social Networks / Sociology<br/> -Education<br/> -Social Welfare<br/> -Innovators<br/> -business<br/><br/>Skills Needed (not all in one person!)<br/> <br/> -Compassion<br/> -Research<br/> -Cultural Competence <br/>-A Willing To Believe in the Improbable<br/> -Holistic Understanding of Environment<br/> -Willingness to ask hard questions<br/> -Specialized plant knowledge<br/><br/>
</p>
<p><span lang="en-US">Those things below create the framework for growth and structure for an applicable, knowledgeable and workable
curriculum project with social support. It is the basis for design of<br />
major features. It is important to understand the structure of the<br />
community to transmit information in a way that is 1) easy to<br />
understand 2) gives opportunities for them to use and transfer that<br />
information to others and 3) is useful and applicable to their day to<br />
day lives<br/>
</span></p>
<p>More Detailed List of What needs to be done:<br/><br/></p>
<p>First off: We have a Wiki at <a href="http://evoke.mapofemergence.com/wiki" target="_blank">http://evoke.mapofemergence.com/wiki</a> Thanks to Stefano !</p>
<p>Also, we are trying to plan a google WAVE. Details in the works. I have invites- :D<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold;">Area of Focus:</span> This needs to be a 1-3 page description of Sierra Leone and what is there
and what we think we can do there. Like, an condensed overview of the<br />
initiative.</p>
<br />
<br />
<p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Need to Narrow Down Location even further</span>- Look for Three Villages with a population of 5,000 or less. Preferably less than 1,000 would be even more beneficial.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br/>In depth knowledge and Research:</span><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold;">a) cultural</span><br/></p>
<p>Beliefs: cultural norms, religious leanings, superstitions, general knowledge about the world <br/></p>
<p>customs: greetings, good-byes, gift-giving, holidays, dress, and other</p>
<br />
<p>religion: Cultural beliefs and general no-no’s due to religion? This includes
dress, same-sex relationships, adultery, just general things that stem<br />
from beliefs. Religious tolerance is included here<br/></p>
<p>farming methods: how do they currently farm? What aids do they use? Average plot of land?</p>
<p>Who owns the land? How many people work on a field? Common crops?<br/></p>
<p>Types of food availability: What do the normally eat? What is there a
shortage of? What is in surplus? Do they have a variety of foods?<br/></p>
<p>food preferences: What do they like to eat? Special Meals, favorite foods. these do not have to be available.<br/></p>
<p>social structure: how are people in relation to each other- are their classes?
is there an concidered ‘underclass’? how is social status defined? what<br />
is the possibility for social mobility?<br/></p>
<p>cooking methods: how do they cook and with what?<br/></p>
<p>language: English and a native tongue- Krio. Lots of dialects of it. (answered!)<br/></p>
<p>needs being met: what needs do they have that are being met? ex. shelter, clean water, food, fuel, basic needs</p>
<p><br/>needs not being met: what are they missing? ex. protein</p>
<br />
<p>life expectancy (answered) 41 years</p>
<br />
<p><br/><span style="font-weight: bold;">b) Climate (year round):</span></p>
<br />
<p>Climate: Type of climate per season. High and Low average temperatures, average
rainfall. It is ok to use graphs, charts, and other information.<br />
Breaking the country down into smaller areas to point out climate<br />
differences will be helpful<br/>
<br/>Water Supply: Fresh and Salt. Where is it located, access? Possible
to have wells? Water contamination levels? Types of santiation problems</p>
<p><br/>Resources and Availability of those resources: what do they have naturally around
them? Such as mining resources, wood, metals, things they use</p>
<p><br/>Expected Climate change next 20 (or so) years: for areas, like climate is done.<br/></p>
<p>Wildlife: what kind of wild-life. provide details of levels of population- is it endangered? over populated?</p>
<p><br/>Plants: edible and medicinal...also other plants if they have particular good
uses (like, keep away certain pests, useful for dyes, clothes making,<br />
that kind of thing.</p>
<p><br/><span style="font-weight: bold;">c) Economic/Government</span> <br/></p>
<p>Currency - what is it? Prices of common items? Trends in value compared to first
world countries? Is it getting stronger or weaker over time?<br/></p>
<p>Trading/Market structure: How is market set up? Small stores, bigger stores? Do they trade? What items are commonly traded?<br/></p>
<p>Work Environment, Types of Work: what do people commonly do for work? The
point isn’t to list every job out there, but common professions that<br />
people use to get by<br/></p>
<p>Political Stability: How stable is the country? Overthrown, established government process? Are people vying for power?<br/></p>
<p>Applicable Policy: Agricultural especially! But policies that would effect a 1-2 year mission there.<br/></p>
<p><br/><span style="font-weight: bold;">d) Social</span><br/></p>
<p>child care - how do they take care of children? General Customs, information</p>
<p><br/>literacy rates - (answered) low<br/></p>
<p>education - mandatory k-6 education. But, not all children get it due to infrastructure problems.</p>
<p><br/>crime resolution - if a crime is commited how is it addressed? What kind of laws? Important crimes to know about?</p>
<p><br/>hobbies, crafts: what do they do for fun? Do they have a particular type of jewlery? Art related things?</p>
<p><br/>learning methods: how do they learn?</p>
<p><br/>family unit structure: what does a family look like? # of adults per
household, # of children? Do grandparents live with parents? Is the<br />
mortality rate very high so alot of children are one-parent or orphans?</p>
<br />
<p><br/>major social problems (child welfare for example)- like child abuse, sanitation, opportunities for women?<br/></p>
<br />
<p><br/><span style="font-weight: bold;">Then The PLAN</span></p>
<br />
<p>The plan puts the information together in a way the meets our goals. It
also puts some of the logistical information together, resources to<br />
contact, and makes the mission possible. It gives us the direction to<br />
teach others HOW and guidelines for implementing the work we want to<br />
do. We want to be able to help a community grow: socially,<br />
agriculturally, economically.<br/>
<br/>What are the resources there? What groups have initatives going on?
Who do we contact? How to get permission to actually work in the<br />
country? Funding- what is available, procedures to get it. Laws around<br />
funding issues. Like in America for donations to be tax-deductable, you<br />
must become a 503(c) registered non-profit.</p>
<br />
<br />
<p>At the Location: how one stays there, estimated cost, general knowledge.
Basically, if we sent a team of 5-10 people- how would this play out?<br />
the logistics part</p>
<br />
<p>At home: Do we set up greenhouses to pratice growing? Where? Time Investment? How do we teach
others? On-line classes? How do we set up education for the trip? Do we<br />
need a central location? If So, where? Who leads the bank accounts?<br />
What is the orginizations structure? All these questions and more.</p>
<br />
<br />
<p><br/> The actual curriculum: HUGE TIME INVESTMENT This is broken down into
its own thing. More details on this later. But this is the brief:<br/>1) For The agency: <br/>2) Social <br/>3) Cultural<br/> 4) Agricultural<br/>
5) Ecological<br/></p>
<p>teaching methods and methods by example / class learning plans must be included
throughout the thing. The outline above really gets incorporated into<br />
the curriculum. The details go into it, the text gets written, and it<br />
becomes the basis of our movement forward.<br/>
----</p>
<br />
<br />
<p>For anything you do- please cite sources !! The more academic or reliable ,
the better. If you wish to post images, make sure to post the licenses<br />
about them. We do not want to break copy-right law.</p>
<br />
<p>Once a question is answered, I will post it- and this will continue to grow.
The Curriculum will be put together, and there will be updates on how<br />
the agency is forming, and what the goals are.</p>
<br />
<p>I personally want to win, not because this is a game, but because this
could change lives. And I believe in change, in hope, and in a better<br />
sustainable future. I know I can be part of something big and make a<br />
difference. You can help. You can make a difference too. So, GO FORTH!<br />
Discover, post it here, let us know what we can do.</p>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<p>---</p>
<p>Also, please critique, think of things too add, discuss stuff that hasn’t
been thought of. Help us modify to make this more effective, and<br />
possible. Additions of implementable sustainable measures- like clean<br />
water, alternate forms of power generation, that could be implemented<br />
as a part of the curriculum are important, and topics can be made.</p>Case Studies: Sustainability in Africatag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-14:4871302:BlogPost:342652010-03-14T01:04:33.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
<br></br>
<br/><a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=10&ved=0CDEQFjAJ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zef.de%2Fmodule%2Fregister%2Fmedia%2Fdeed_Chapter12_Eyong-C-Takoyoh.pdf&ei=9TKbS4T-FJXENsb-0OYN&usg=AFQjCNGYQ77GZCg_lLvdc7mVw4q3bgCQBQ&sig2=4Olmj4e_xPjBRl9xAa9crA">http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=10&ved=0CDEQFjAJ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zef.de%2Fmodule%2Fregister%2Fmedia%2Fdeed_Chapter12_Eyong-C-Takoyoh.pdf&ei=9TKbS4T-FJXENsb-0OYN&usg=AFQjCNGYQ77GZCg_lLvdc7mVw4q3bgCQBQ&sig2=4Olmj4e_xPjBRl9xAa9crA</a><br/><br/>Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainable Development in Africa: Case Study on Central Africa by CHARLES TAKOYOH EYONG<br/>
<br/>
From 2007, the most recent article I found. It is a PDF. It gives examples,<br />
discusses plants & uses, agriculture, food habits, conservation,<br />
all kinds of really useful stuff. Also gives great information on<br />
problems, and considerations for the future. If you want to know about<br />
it- go read it. Fantastic. PDF. Also requires high reading level. <br/>
<br/>
From the conclusion: " <span style="font-weight: bold;">While</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">these systems are treated as having a high</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">sustainability potential in the region, this paper</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">falls short of advocating a complete return to the</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">traditional (old times) values but rather questions</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">why they have to be abandoned in preference for</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">supposedly modern but unsustainable and alien</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">values when they could have been revived and</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">adapted to changing realities."</span><br/>
<br/>
<br/><a href="http://www.bgci.org/resources/article/0301/">http://www.bgci.org/resources/article/0301/</a><br/>
<br/>
<span style="font-weight: bold;">"National Botanical Institute in South Africa is a state-funded<br />
statutory organisation responsible for botanical gardens, herbaria,<br />
botanical research and environmental education programmes in five of<br />
the nine provinces of South Africa."</span><br/>
<br/>
This article discusses their program, how it was developed and implemented and its outcome. Very good read for those interested!<br/><br/>From: <a href="http://www.sustainable-everyday.net/ccsla/?p=116#more-116">http://www.sustainable-everyday.net/ccsla/?p=116#more-116</a><br/><br/>Discusses the project : Creative Communities for Sustainable Lifestyles. They have a Division in South Africia , Johannesburg. If you want to learn more information, or contact them, I suggest that you download the brochure and see how their project is going! They started workshops in Feb. 2009, so a year of workshops just ended. They have iniatives all over the world, so it may be a good lead for some people.<br/><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><br/><a href="http://www.bgci.org/resources/article/0329/">http://www.bgci.org/resources/article/0329/</a><br/><br/>Discusses the use of natural medicine in South Africia and growing it. It is pretty short and provides a brief overview of the program using a commericial greenhouse and providing workshops, to teach and explain about natural medicine and endangered plant species.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.bgci.org/resources/article/0283/">http://www.bgci.org/resources/article/0283/</a><br/>Also in South Africia:<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold;">"In our workshops we tried to move away from the traditionally held view that environmental education refers purely to the physical
environment, to a view that links social, political and economic<br />
processes to natural systems. We initiated an issues-based approach, in<br />
an attempt to deal with issues identified as important in the daily<br />
lives of the learners, and also to encourage teachers to look beyond<br />
the confines of the classroom for teaching and learning resources and<br />
experiences.</span><p style="font-weight: bold;">Examples of some of the issues identified in the schools:</p>
<ul style="font-weight: bold;">
<li>poor state of school yard and garden</li>
<li>poverty</li>
<li>dumping and littering</li>
<li>inability to establish a vegetable garden</li>
<li>vandalism</li>
<li>drug abuse</li>
<li>unhealthy sanitation at school</li>
<li>water wastage"</li>
</ul>
<br/><br/><a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=5&ved=0CBgQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aiaccproject.org%2Fworking_papers%2FWorking%2520Papers%2FAIACC_WP_No017.pdf&ei=9TKbS4T-FJXENsb-0OYN&usg=AFQjCNF5sUE9iPx_3YiKfjqgm23DNAS0xQ&sig2=BYg7pU64hzv3ZC1yCMptQQ">http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=5&ved=0CBgQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aiaccproject.org%2Fworking_papers%2FWorking%2520Papers%2FAIACC_WP_No017.pdf&ei=9TKbS4T-FJXENsb-0OYN&usg=AFQjCNF5sUE9iPx_3YiKfjqgm23DNAS0xQ&sig2=BYg7pU64hzv3ZC1yCMptQQ</a> * very good!<br/><br/>This is a 26 page case study of assessing community reliance to climate change in Sudan. So worth reading. Very academic- requires probobly atleast a high school graduate reading level (US standard) for those who may be younger and/or English is not your first language.<br/><br/>A quote describing what they did: <span style="font-weight: bold;">"To demonstrate the use of sustainable livelihood framework for measuring the</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">adaptive capacity of local communities to climate change impacts, the framework</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">was applied to assess a pilot project, Community-Based Rangeland Rehabilitation</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">for Carbon Sequestration and Biodiversity. The pilot project was implemented in</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gireighikh, Bara Province of North Kordofan State with a grant from the United</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">National Development Program, Global Environment Facility."</span><br/><br/><br/><a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=10&ved=0CDEQFjAJ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zef.de%2Fmodule%2Fregister%2Fmedia%2Fdeed_Chapter12_Eyong-C-Takoyoh.pdf&ei=9TKbS4T-FJXENsb-0OYN&usg=AFQjCNGYQ77GZCg_lLvdc7mVw4q3bgCQBQ&sig2=4Olmj4e_xPjBRl9xAa9crA"></a><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/>IMAGINE2-Vegitarian Thai Yellow Currytag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-13:4871302:BlogPost:342612010-03-13T06:35:28.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
<br></br>I light the candle in the middle of the table, a deep red, like perfectly ripe black cherries, thick with the aroma of essential oils. The kitchen smells exotic, the spices lingering in the air filling me up as three curious pots simmer on the stove. The pots look a little hodgepodge, made of recycled metals, but perfectly fine for cooking.<br></br>Leaning against the door is my wife- watching me with a smile.<br></br>"You're cooking spicy again, I should have never let you plant all those spices"…
<br/>I light the candle in the middle of the table, a deep red, like perfectly ripe black cherries, thick with the aroma of essential oils. The kitchen smells exotic, the spices lingering in the air filling me up as three curious pots simmer on the stove. The pots look a little hodgepodge, made of recycled metals, but perfectly fine for cooking.<br/>Leaning against the door is my wife- watching me with a smile.<br/>"You're cooking spicy again, I should have never let you plant all those spices" She makes a little face like a rabbit. I laugh.<br/>"You know good and well once they were in the soil I would never stop cooking this, now shush. Besides, this pot," I point to the smaller one that is simmering away, "is mild for your dainty tongue.",<br/>She scoffed, "Its just because you grew up in Cajun country, baby fed with garlic, onion, and cayenne pepper."<br/>"Anyway, its almost done- sit down!" I go over and pick up her bowl and take the lid off of the pot, giving it one final stir before filling it almost to the top. The tender potatoes, poke out from the yellow sauce. I had dug them from the ground the week prior. Fresh string beans, carrots and peas can been seen just a little bit. The coconut milk came from a farmers market.<br/><br/>My garden is perfect for a meal for two. Even though not every meal can come from there- it supplements our diet perfectly well- giving us a balance between farmer's market and back-yard fresh. The herbs picked the afternoon of preparing, the sauces simmered...all hand made. This is as organic as a meal can get, except that I did not burn it over firewood in the middle of a field. Though the power for the electric stove did come from wind turbines. <br/><br/>I grabbed another bowl, filled it with rice and my curry. A single taste is an explosion of perfection, smooth and tangy spicy and fresh. Every flavor I added could be tasted, no dull over-dried spices that I question if they were added even though I did it myself. <br/><br/>This is how every meal should be. I lean back in my chair a little bit gazing across the table. Her eyes are closed enjoying her version of the dish.<br/>ACT2 Community gardening...starting a projecttag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-13:4871302:BlogPost:331532010-03-13T00:30:00.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
So yesterday was the beginning of my ACT2. As I've stated eariler, I work at housing for previously homeless. Its now the time to start gardening for the season and the weather has been wonderful around 50 F. So yesterday I went to Work and asked the Case Manager of the site if we could have a garden. So today I rallied interest with the tenents and got my supervisors approval to plan and grow vegetables on site for the ladies. As I mentioned in previous posts my work relies on donations to…
So yesterday was the beginning of my ACT2. As I've stated eariler, I work at housing for previously homeless. Its now the time to start gardening for the season and the weather has been wonderful around 50 F. So yesterday I went to Work and asked the Case Manager of the site if we could have a garden. So today I rallied interest with the tenents and got my supervisors approval to plan and grow vegetables on site for the ladies. As I mentioned in previous posts my work relies on donations to feed the women and fresh veggies aren't always provided. So its fantastic that we can grow herbs and veggies to supplement their diet. I am very excited for them and they are excited to contribute.<br/>
<br/>
I feel productive.<br/>
<br/>Unfortunately for privacy reasons I cannot post pictures of the site.Motivation Storytag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-11:4871302:BlogPost:315402010-03-11T20:00:00.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
I couldn't get the layout to post- so I'm posting it here.<br></br><br></br>My sleeping bag is warm, comfortable, and familiar. The cot groans as I put my feet onto the nylon tent floor, the familiar rustle of the wind is comforting. <br></br>I stretch, change drink a bit of water out of my metal canteen and unzip the door. <br></br><br></br>Even after months, it surprises me how the moonlight lights the grass. How the stars shine so clear, how the milky way is present. Being in urban cities, too long, so long.…
I couldn't get the layout to post- so I'm posting it here.<br/><br/>My sleeping bag is warm, comfortable, and familiar. The cot groans as I put my feet onto the nylon tent floor, the familiar rustle of the wind is comforting. <br/>I stretch, change drink a bit of water out of my metal canteen and unzip the door. <br/><br/>Even after months, it surprises me how the moonlight lights the grass. How the stars shine so clear, how the milky way is present. Being in urban cities, too long, so long. Light pollution is such a shame. The air is cold- but it feels clean in my lungs. The wind is blowing, and the sun hasn't quite started peaking over the horizon but it will soon. <br/>The small wooden houses are quiet. The villagers are not up yet, to start their daily routines, the children laughing and the movements of day to day survival. <br/><br/><br/>Today the UN Consulate for Ethiopia is coming. <br/><br/>And I- in hiking boots, in my favorite-a-little-to-worn jacket and the cleanest jeans I own is observing all the work that has been done. <br/>There is a story, for every building, every plant, every dirt road here. There is a story for the grass, for the sun, and for my team's presence. <br/><br/>It has been a year and 1/2 sense we arrived. Villagers looking at us suspiciously as we unpacked explaining that we had chosen them- that we wanted to help them. Our truck-and I mean truck- was eyed by too-hungry children looking from us to it like we carried magic. <br/><br/>And in a way we did. We carried the magic of nature, of seeds, of food, of sustainable living. We carried the forces of hydroponics, and social innovation. We carried a torch so they could form their own schools. <br/>The women today have a small child-care system. The men have extra food to sell, and everyone's belly is full. <br/><br/>When he arrives today, the they will not wonder if there is food. No one will try to sneak into the helicopter to try and steal necessities. They have them here. They will be curious and excited, but not desperate.<br/>They will be able to offer him a meal. They will be able to pour him a glass of clean water. They will be able to explain how they grow their crops. They will talk about how they now have a small school. They will talk
about how they sell their leftover food, and how they collect seeds to<br/>
replant for the next season. And they will tell the stories of hope. Of capability, of dreams. <br/><br/><br/>And I will be able to stand back and watch. <br/>Chicago Food Security and nutritiontag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-11:4871302:BlogPost:307302010-03-11T16:15:22.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
First off, simply I do not have the greatest food security. With little<br></br>
income, I supplement me and special someone's diet with food stamps and<br></br>
the local food pantry. The end of the month can be a little rough, but<br></br>
overall with assistance the two of us do alright.<br></br>
<br></br>
But, foodstamps have their problems. As a student, with an internship I<br></br>
am required to work 20 hours over the 18 at the internship and 12<br></br>
credit hours not including homework and general school…
First off, simply I do not have the greatest food security. With little<br/>
income, I supplement me and special someone's diet with food stamps and<br/>
the local food pantry. The end of the month can be a little rough, but<br/>
overall with assistance the two of us do alright.<br/>
<br/>
But, foodstamps have their problems. As a student, with an internship I<br/>
am required to work 20 hours over the 18 at the internship and 12<br/>
credit hours not including homework and general school stuff.<br/>
<br/>
Special Someone,'s income has not changed in the last year but do to<br/>
many errors the foodstamp amount recievede changed 8 times... no<br/>
exaggeration. There have been countless hous, appeals, and visits to<br/>
fix the problems. And dating a social worker helps dramatically. <br/>
<br/>
In addition, DHS (thats where you get foodstamps) is open from 8-5 only<br/>
and requires atleast four hours of time per visit. It takes more than<br/>
one visit to get foodstamps normally (due to paperwork, documentation,<br/>
and other things that may be missing) . So someone who works, but<br/>
income is very low will not be able to go. And, then the buildings are<br/>
generally very uncomfortable with strict rules (no cellphones, no<br/>
standing, no talking loud, seats close together). And, for families,<br/>
who can affoard to pay for child care when they can't afford food. So<br/>
add cranky babies into the mix with little way to entertain, comfort<br/>
and be with them. So, there is alot of screaming children noise,<br/>
secrurity gaurds watching out for infractions (leaning against the wall<br/>
for example), and then yelling to get people's names. Not quite<br/>
pleasent. <br/>
<br/>
On top of that, if you are lucky to get foodstamps being homeless (it<br/>
is more complicated than you think) you cannot buy hot or prepared or<br/>
microwave-in-store foods. Yes, the policy is to curb costs by prohibiting buying more expensive<br/>
foods. But a person with no kitchen, no storage, and no prep space- cannot buy foods<br/>
immedately available to eat, unless they are processed enough to be packaged ready.<br/>
Beef jerky is an example of that. <br/>
So, homeless tend to be overweight as they cannot buy meat, vegitbles (unless they eat them immedately)<br/>
and fruit. They cannot prepare rice and beans, unless they are from a<br />
can. Sweets look alot more appitizing and generally appealing. Some<br />
soups are okay, but unless they are creating fires (which is prohibited<br />
in city limits in most states) there isn't a way to warm it up.<br/>
<br/>
Thats why soup kitchens are so important.<br/>
<br/>
BUT- what happens if you have a health problem that requires a special diet? You are simply out of luck.<br/>
<br/>
Where I work- there is prepared food for every meal, and a communal<br />
kitchen and storage space for food. However- we get MOST of our food<br />
from the Greater-Chicago-Area Food Depository, which relies on<br />
coporation and private food donations. Health factors are not taken<br />
into concideration, and adaquate nutrition isn't exactly allways<br />
possible. The meat that is mostly delivered is high-fat sauage that is<br />
made of who-knows-what. So, our food, which is relied on from their<br />
food donations ends up being generally high-fat, high carb. It takes<br />
alot of working and prep to make lower-carb alternatives for those with<br />
Diabities (and we have a few). Add in obesity, hypertension, religious<br />
food preferences, and just actual food preferences.... food security<br />
isn't all that great... the reality is, for these women to be on the<br />
diet they need- would cost much more than my agency can afford. <br/>
<br/>
<br/>Food Riots: After Katrinatag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-11:4871302:BlogPost:297802010-03-11T01:43:57.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
The topic seemed appropriate so I wanted to share a personal story out of my life- and out of the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in the Southern US...<br></br><br></br>Its weird, now- its been over four years and the obvious destruction of Hurriciane Katrina has faded from the streets, signs of new development and life has moved on. <br></br>Yet- the levees in New Orleans are not complete (and won't be till 2011- one more hurricane season to go) And the poverty and memories still…
The topic seemed appropriate so I wanted to share a personal story out of my life- and out of the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in the Southern US...<br/><br/>Its weird, now- its been over four years and the obvious destruction of Hurriciane Katrina has faded from the streets, signs of new development and life has moved on. <br/>Yet- the levees in New Orleans are not complete (and won't be till 2011- one more hurricane season to go) And the poverty and memories still linger.<br/><br/>This whole food security topic brings me back to the days after the Hurricane. I lived about 60 miles northwest of New Orleans in the State Capital of Louisiana, Baton Rouge.<br/><br/>In a span of 2-3 days, the cities population size increased by 200,000 people. Urban Migration/ Evacuation... whatever you want to call it. The system was strained. Roads, hotels, hospitals, everything was filled beyond capacity. Shelters out of basketball stadiums, the red cross setting up on football fields at LSU. <br/><br/>Rapidly, people had thrown whatever important things they could into their
cars and drove off. Food- wasn't necessarily on that list, and as the<br />
days rolled on 3,4 ...5 the system failed.<br/><br/>I remember the food riots. The food distribution system was thrown into a shock as one of the main traveling routes (I-10) was servely damaged, and gas stations between New Orleans and, oh Florida had been destroyed, were out of gas, the owners had fled or all of the above. <br/><br/>It meant that food that use to come from north, east and west, suddenly was only coming from the north and west. Also, simply- grocery stores were not prepared. 200,000 extra people with little adaptation in ordering amounts also helped deplete supplies quickly. <br/><br/>There was not enough bread. Riots broke out. People were hurt. Grocery Stores closed their doors at dusk. There was an increase in robberies in the parking lots- over necessities. Rice, bread, baby food. Do not go shopping alone they said.<br/><br/>I remember early early in the morning going to Wal-Mart, rumored to be the safest time, and walking down isles. There was only left wrappers, squished or badly damaged bread that no-one could figure out uses for- scattered on rows of empty shelves. Each isle showed the same, with odder and less common (or more useless) foods dwindling. Workers were tense, giving no information when any food would be coming in. <br/><br/>I remember mostly women sitting at some of the isles picking through. Sorting through trying to find the best the could, distant as they contemplated the ripped open bag of bread that had probobly been stepped on. Eyes gazing shelves hoping that maybe-maybe there was something everybody else had missed.<br/><br/>I felt disjointed, insecure, panicked. In my head I knew that companies would adjust, and that I had a <br/>source of food through the university, but the images are there. An American City with not enough food for those WITH money. <br/><br/>Its pretty scary to me that this can happen again. That the food riots and panic was lost among the thousands of other disaster related issues (and partially rightfully so). A great nation suddenly had little fuel, an overflow of people and not enough bread. <br/><br/>It really made me rethink my world.<br/>NEWSKILL: The creation of a non-profittag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-10:4871302:BlogPost:283272010-03-10T16:04:19.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
Someone asked me for a few tips, and I figured it followed right down this challenge.<br></br><br></br>Creating the basis for a start-up is easy-<br></br><br></br>IT IS AN IDEA! <br></br><br></br>It follows the tips of social innovation.<br></br><br></br><br></br>Basically- one is looking at <br></br>1) The Focus Problem<br></br>2) Where is help Needed<br></br>3) Target Population - Who?<br></br>4) Action Plan <br></br>5) Funding Sources (the last one is a big one. Seriously)<br></br><br></br><br></br>A problem is generally pretty definable. Like "People need…
Someone asked me for a few tips, and I figured it followed right down this challenge.<br/><br/>Creating the basis for a start-up is easy-<br/><br/>IT IS AN IDEA! <br/><br/>It follows the tips of social innovation.<br/><br/><br/>Basically- one is looking at <br/>1) The Focus Problem<br/>2) Where is help Needed<br/>3) Target Population - Who?<br/>4) Action Plan <br/>5) Funding Sources (the last one is a big one. Seriously)<br/><br/><br/>A problem is generally pretty definable. Like "People need clean water"<br/>Where the help is needed "3rd world countries"<br/>Target Population "A Village in Ethiopia"<br/>Action Plan "How you will achieve your goal of working on the problem"<br/>Funding "How are you going to pay for all of this?"<br/><br/><br/>From there- it gets broken down.<br/>Most agency's have a Mission and a Vision. Important because it lets people know your overall goals.<br/>Where is the help needed? This is a justification and research into the problem.<br/>Target Population- essentially this sets limits and smaller goals to meet that are a part of your vision<br/>Action plan- Step by Step (from I'm in my home researching to yay village has clean water)<br/>Funding Sources - This is TONS of advocacy and letter and grant writing. Its probobly the hardest part. The above solidifies and helps justify why you need the money. In this process, there is alot of legal things that you have to deal with. But with an IDEA- the legal will fall into place.<br/><br/>That is it! Its not too scary. Its a broken down, slow process. Of course, critiques, sharing, getting help, support and advice along the way makes things easier, brighter and more fun!<br/><br/>For More information: This has more of the legal aspect... mostly for the US. But- the above is essential to the below.<br/><br/><br/><a href="http://www.ctnonprofits.org/resources/start">http://www.ctnonprofits.org/resources/start</a> (this has tons!)<br/><a href="http://www.snpo.org/resources/startup.php">http://www.snpo.org/resources/startup.php</a><br/><a href="http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/faqs/html/starting_nonprofit.html">http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/faqs/html/starting_nonprofit.html</a><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/>Planning: Evocation Stratigies, Discussion, Outline ... What I'm up to, What Help I'm looking fortag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-10:4871302:BlogPost:270422010-03-10T03:35:51.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
Subtitle: A Four Season Discovery in Sustainable Living<br></br><br></br>This is a continuation of my last blog post here: <a href="http://www.urgentevoke.com/profiles/blogs/next-step-tenative-evocation">http://www.urgentevoke.com/profiles/blogs/next-step-tenative-evocation</a> If you hadn't read it; this won't make as much sense.<br></br><br></br>So, wow. The last 24 hours has brought me tons of support, well wishing and hope. Very wonderful place here. So, this is a little more outlined, a little more formal…
Subtitle: A Four Season Discovery in Sustainable Living<br/><br/>This is a continuation of my last blog post here: <a href="http://www.urgentevoke.com/profiles/blogs/next-step-tenative-evocation">http://www.urgentevoke.com/profiles/blogs/next-step-tenative-evocation</a> If you hadn't read it; this won't make as much sense.<br/><br/>So, wow. The last 24 hours has brought me tons of support, well wishing and hope. Very wonderful place here. So, this is a little more outlined, a little more formal of what I wrote yesterday- to give an idea of the outcome, steps and general just things that have to happen to make things work.<br/><br/>Cool thing is I've worked in Social non-profits for a little bit, and taken classes on policy, planning and proposals for non-profit work. Mostly social-work oriented, but this stuff is relatively familiar to me. In alot of fields, this doesn't necessarily happen quite as much as in social services. <br/><br/>First major point: I NEED A COUNTRY !<br/><br/>I mean, alot of the basics can be done; but a country and in term later a more developed location is essential to this. I have relatively LITTLE work with any country outside the US and I know very little to determine what would be a good fit to focus on.<br/>On a personal note: I know alot of my professors (I think 3) have done work in Ethiopia, and might be totally on board for something like this. I don't know. But, if you have a country and you want to advocate and why you want it to be the country GO FOR IT! I am open. No place has been ruled out in Africa, so discuss!<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold;">What this design incorporates.</span><br/><br/> -Agriculture<br/> -Anthropology<br/> -Social Networks / Sociology<br/> -Education<br/> -Social Welfare<br/> -Innovators<br/> -business<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold;">Skills Needed</span> (not all in one person!)<br/><br/> -Compassion<br/> -Research<br/> -Cultural Competence <br/> -A Willing To Believe in the Improbable<br/> -Holistic Understanding of Environment<br/> -Willingness to ask hard questions<br/> -Specialized plant knowledge<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold;">More Detailed List of What needs to be done:</span><br/><br/>Mission (non country specific):<br/>Goals:<br/>Values:<br/>Area of Focus:<br/>Reasonings for above<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold;">In depth knowledge and Research:<br/><br/>a) cultural<br/></span>-beliefs <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br/></span></span></span>customs<br/>farming methods<br/>types of food availability<br/>food preferences<br/>social structure<br/>cooking methods<br/>language<br/>needs being met<br/>needs not being met<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br/><br/>b) Climate (year round):<br/><br/></span></span>Water Supply<br/>Resourses and Availability of those resources<br/> - if a group went there, how would live there?<br/>Expected Climate change next 20 (or so) years<br/>Wildlife<br/>Plants<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold;">c) Economic/Goverment</span> <br/>Currancy<br/>Tranding/Market structure<br/>Work Enviroment, Types of Work<br/>Political Stability<br/>Applicable Polocy<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold;">d) Social</span><br/>child care<br/>literacy rates<br/>education<br/>crime resolution<br/>hobbies, crafts<br/>learning methods<br/>family unit structure<br/>major social problems (child welfare for example)<br/><br/><br/>Those things above create the framework for growth and structure for an applicable, knowledgeable and workable curriculum project with social support. It is the basis for design of major features. It is important to understand the structure of the community to: 1) transmit information in a way that is 1) easy to understand and 2) give oppertunities for them to use and transfer that information to others.<br/><br/>Then <span style="font-weight: bold;">The PLAN<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold;">-</span></span> Resources / funding (home country & destination country)<br/>- location, how one stays there, estimated cost, general knoweldge. the logistics part<br/>- The curriculum... HUGE TIME INVESTMENT<br/> Breaks into THREE Parts<br/> For The agency: <br/>Social <br/>Cultural<br/> <br/>For destination country:<br/>ecological<br/><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br/></span></span> Also must include<br/> -teaching methods<br/> -methods by example / class learning plans<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold;">ONE CANNOT EVEN BEGIN TO ADVISE HOW TO LIVE UNTIL <span style="font-weight: bold;">THEY HAVE BACKGROUND AND EXPERINCE THEMSELVES, AND ARE WILLING TO LISTEN. ACTIONS ARE LOUDER THAN WORDS.<br/><br/> <br/></span></span><br/><br/><br/>NEXT STEP - tenative evocation possibility?tag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-09:4871302:BlogPost:238872010-03-09T01:53:32.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
Inspired by The Garden Earth Project's <a href="http://www.urgentevoke.com/profiles/blogs/regardening-eden-establishing">http://www.urgentevoke.com/profiles/blogs/regardening-eden-establishing</a> :)<br></br><br></br>--<br></br><br></br>So- I keep thinking I am a social worker BUT oooooooh PLANTS ! My brain does 'ooh' and 'wow' alot. Its a matter of personality.<br></br><br></br>Anyway, What does social work have to do with sustenance gardening? What does it have to do with sustainable agriculture? What does it have…
Inspired by The Garden Earth Project's <a href="http://www.urgentevoke.com/profiles/blogs/regardening-eden-establishing">http://www.urgentevoke.com/profiles/blogs/regardening-eden-establishing</a> :)<br/><br/>--<br/><br/>So- I keep thinking I am a social worker BUT oooooooh PLANTS ! My brain does 'ooh' and 'wow' alot. Its a matter of personality.<br/><br/>Anyway, What does social work have to do with sustenance gardening? What does it have to do with sustainable agriculture? What does it have to do with my personal new favorite, rooftop gardening?<br/><br/>... the gardeners!<br/><br/>Well, what if an organization researched, planned, organized wrote and helped fund a 1-3 year curriculum-teaching project in a country that did the following things:<br/><br/>1) writes a curriculum targeting a particular country and its <br/> a) climate,<br/> b) native plant life<br/> c) food preferences, customs<br/> d) current farming practices and cultural knowledge<br/> e) identification of possible limitations/ issues and problem solving to mitigate their risks<br/>... for all four seasons.<br/><br/>2) Teaches sustainable gardening techiques using local resources and buildings<br/>3) Advocates that each family has the capability of growing edible plants in home<br/>4) provided at garden support, nurturing and classes demonstrating and teaching skills to do and teach to others.<br/><br/>The goal is to pick communities- take mothers, take fathers, take children and integrate in-home gardening/ sustainable gardening into their community. Target schools, target community gatherings, MAKE community gatherings, promote community growth, education and hope. Also, the goal is to be there over 4 seasons, to explore and be able to answer questions about all stages of a plants life from germination-death.<br/><br/><br/>It may not provide the ultimate sustainable solution- but it would provide education, community hope and instill a sense that food growth can add and benefit not only themselves but others. Also, it would provide education for expansion... for the beginnings of something bigger and sustainable for long periods of time. <br/><br/>I add to the social understanding, the teaching, how information is passed through an oral tradition, how people learn, socialize, encourage and/or inhibit. <br/><br/>Creating a program that fosters curiosity, togetherness, hope, and literal growth, can bring empowerment-- even if the program doesn't meet all its goals.<br/><br/>I may not know enough about gardening, but I know about compassion, and I know about communities, and I know about social education. With others, this could be a real EVOCATION possibility.<br/><br/>Sustainable Agriculture- What is it? An indepth look.tag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-09:4871302:BlogPost:237702010-03-09T00:47:26.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
Okay, so all this talk about green and sustainability... leads to wait- what is sustainable agriculture again? So, this will provide answers and sources I found to those answers :) Happy Reading !<br></br><br></br>---<br></br><br></br>What is Sustainable agriculture?<br></br>From <a href="http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/concept.htm">http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/concept.htm</a><br></br><br style="font-weight: bold;"></br><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Sustainable agriculture integrates three main goals--environmental…</span>
Okay, so all this talk about green and sustainability... leads to wait- what is sustainable agriculture again? So, this will provide answers and sources I found to those answers :) Happy Reading !<br/><br/>---<br/><br/>What is Sustainable agriculture?<br/>From <a href="http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/concept.htm">http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/concept.htm</a><br/><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Sustainable agriculture integrates three main goals--environmental health, economic profitability, and social and economic equity.</span>"<br/><br/>Basically it looks at the health of people, health of the enviroment, health of economic standpoint-- that people are not going completely broke and aren't socially a lower class due to sustainable agriculture.<br/><br/>It also looks at things both big and small- from the single farmer to the nation to the world. It also looks at the impact actions have on the environment- in various ways- in the air, in the water, in the soil quality, in plant quality and what is produced. Also, the impact on wildlife, and energy is also taken into account.<br/><br/>Its goal is an healthy earth. <br/><br/><br/>What are the Considerations to Sustainable agriculture?<br/><br/>- Environment, Environment, Environment. If it evolved there, IT SHOULD BE THERE! *ahem* <br/>- Climate -- this tells you what is and isn't sustainable in terms of water needs,& temperature. A plant that gets to cold/to hot, or not enough rain/ too much rain dies. That's not very sustainable !<br/>-soil type -- plants are picky about their soil, as much as humans are about their food. <br/>- Diversify! Different is good. It protects, it invites more natural processes, it can do all sorts of neat things. And, if one crop fails, another may do better, so it isn't instant disaster.<br/>-Wildstock and Crops together...it provides another source of food, fertilizer, will eat failed crops, can keep away other wildlife, and protect the farmer against complete failure of the farm.<br/><br/>inputs-- what a person puts in work wise and chemical wise into the soil.<br/><br/>Another quote<br/><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Growers frequently ask if synthetic chemicals are appropriate in a sustainable farming system. Sustainable approaches are those that are the least toxic and least energy<br/> intensive, and yet maintain productivity and profitability. Preventive strategies and<br/>
other alternatives should be employed before using chemical inputs from any source.<br/>
However, there may be situations where the use of synthetic chemicals would be more<br/>
"sustainable" than a strictly nonchemical approach or an approach using toxic<br/>
"organic" chemicals. For example, one grape grower switched from tillage to a<br/>
few applications of a broad spectrum contact herbicide in the vine row. This approach may<br/>
use less energy and may compact the soil less than numerous passes with a cultivator or<br/>
mower."<br/><br/></span>This article also takes into account farmer's lifestyle choices... sustainability may not work if one wants to make lots of money, it may not work for someone who wants more free time.<br/><br/><br/>There are also animal production practices which can include the following: animal health, feed, breeding, type, area animal is confined to, the above mentioned sustainability characteristics, and more.<br/><br/>Also Values, government policy, land use, and other things can effect what is sustainable.<br/><br/>----<br/><br/>From: <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=2&ved=0CBAQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsarasota.extension.ufl.edu%2FAG%2FSusAgFAQ.pdf&ei=RoSVS__LLorKM5TUkfYN&usg=AFQjCNGB7aS00beJPIz3isxYI7GQpCl8ZA&sig2=ZRDOUBiq886nCfgDkPVqUA">http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=2&ved=0CBAQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsarasota.extension.ufl.edu%2FAG%2FSusAgFAQ.pdf&ei=RoSVS__LLorKM5TUkfYN&usg=AFQjCNGB7aS00beJPIz3isxYI7GQpCl8ZA&sig2=ZRDOUBiq886nCfgDkPVqUA</a> <br/>The institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Fact sheet.<br/><br/>American based: highlights government agencies, the need for education.<br/><br/>A Quote- <br/><span style="font-weight: bold;">"6) National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">(<a href="http://www.sustainableagriculture.net">http://www.sustainableagriculture.net</a>)</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">food and agricultural systems and rural communities that are healthy,</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">“. . .</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">environmentally sound, profitable, humane and just</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">a) More independent farmers and ranchers producing good food, making a</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">good living and protecting the environment;</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">b) Thriving communities connected through sustainable food production,</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">processing and distribution systems based on fair and open markets;</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">c) Dignified livelihoods and living wages for all workers in the farm and food</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">sector;</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">d) A safe, secure food supply;</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">e) Access for everyone in our society to nutritious, healthful and affordable</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">food;</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">f) Farming and ranching practices that produce quality food and other</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">products, while preserving open space, abundant wildlife, and other forms</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">of biodiversity."<br/></span><br/>For longer in-depth reading go here: <a href="http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/pubs/terms/srb9902.shtml">http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/pubs/terms/srb9902.shtml</a> . Even more information that is free.<br/><br/>---<br/><br/>So sustainable argiculture is a very complicated thing! It requires knowledge about climate, land use, plant preferences, human preferences, wildlife and plant interaction and probably a little bit of luck. They've got so much on this...so much going into and so much education required. No wonder it can't just happen... its a major process analysing thing...especially if natural habitat has been destroyed.<br/><br/>Next Post- tomorrow (most likely) Case Studies: where has it been successful, and where has it failed?<br/><br/><br/> <br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br/></span><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/>Sustainable agriculture some basic informationtag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-08:4871302:BlogPost:227922010-03-08T15:58:00.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
From <a href="http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~tselby/index.htm#anchor100932">http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~tselby/index.htm#anchor100932</a><br />
<br />
This article is a bit long. But it goes into a lot of the political constraints that were seen in the mid to late 1990's.<br />
<br />
Rather interesting about pesticide subsidies in 3rd world and it making sustainable ariculture look less proitable.
From <a href="http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~tselby/index.htm#anchor100932">http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~tselby/index.htm#anchor100932</a><br />
<br />
This article is a bit long. But it goes into a lot of the political constraints that were seen in the mid to late 1990's.<br />
<br />
Rather interesting about pesticide subsidies in 3rd world and it making sustainable ariculture look less proitable.Food shortage and Famine -- Nutrient, high calorie foods and other conciderationstag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-07:4871302:BlogPost:216682010-03-07T22:19:28.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
When in a food shortage- it is not important just to get food- but also what kind of food.<br></br><br></br>For example 2 cups of lettuce only have 20 calories! The average daily intake for a woman is 1,500 calories. So, to even make 1/15 of a woman's daily intake she'd have to eat 10 cups of lettuce. Not a good thing to grow or ship to a country in need.<br></br><br></br>Well, when planting, surface area- its not just about how much land you
have to plant, its also about how many calories and nutrients come…
When in a food shortage- it is not important just to get food- but also what kind of food.<br/><br/>For example 2 cups of lettuce only have 20 calories! The average daily intake for a woman is 1,500 calories. So, to even make 1/15 of a woman's daily intake she'd have to eat 10 cups of lettuce. Not a good thing to grow or ship to a country in need.<br/><br/>Well, when planting, surface area- its not just about how much land you
have to plant, its also about how many calories and nutrients come from<br />
that plant. When making decisions on what to plant, not only<br />
climate/ability/soil type must be taken into consideration...the area<br />
it takes and the caloric value of a particular food is also important.<br />
Like beef takes alot of area but provides only so much calories per<br />
that area. It makes it inefficient because per square foot (or whatever<br />
area you want to measure by) the calorie output is low.<br/><br/>From: <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/25912-list-highcalorie-foods/">http://www.livestrong.com/article/25912-list-highcalorie-foods/</a><br/><br/>From the above website, I looked up some caloric dense foods. <br/><br/>Avacado's -- the most caloric dense fruit there is! <br/>Penuts & penut butter- very dense, provides both fat and protien<br/><br/><br/>Also from: <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/32630-list-high-calorie-high-fat/">http://www.livestrong.com/article/32630-list-high-calorie-high-fat/</a><br/><br/>mentions seeds and their high caloric properties.<br/><br/>So, when facing a food shortage it is important to know what would be good to plant...immediately, and then turn it over to whatever other crop after sustainabiltity has been reached. Just some things to think about :)<br/><br/>Japan is interesting because it is such a looong island chain. It spans a whole bunch of different climates based on if you are in the north or the south of the country. It means there is alot of opperunities to grow different foods and maximize intake for its people. <br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/>Rooftop Gardens: Creating your owntag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-07:4871302:BlogPost:202932010-03-07T03:09:36.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
Admittedly, I've been thinking about rooftop gardens for awhile- I'm on the 3rd story of a building with a fire escape onto the roof of the second-story only part of the same building. Its pretty neat- and I've walked around it, looked at it, and thought multiple times "wow, I should really plant some stuff here!"<br></br><br></br>I found out that my city (chicago) has a rooftop planning guide. WOW! …<br></br>
Admittedly, I've been thinking about rooftop gardens for awhile- I'm on the 3rd story of a building with a fire escape onto the roof of the second-story only part of the same building. Its pretty neat- and I've walked around it, looked at it, and thought multiple times "wow, I should really plant some stuff here!"<br/><br/>I found out that my city (chicago) has a rooftop planning guide. WOW! <br/><a href="http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalContentItemAction.do?contenTypeName=COC_EDITORIAL&contentOID=536912065&topChannelName=HomePage">http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalContentItemAction.do?contenTypeName=COC_EDITORIAL&contentOID=536912065&topChannelName=HomePage</a><br/><br/>Unfortunately, I have to find somebody to check out the structural support of the building- or it isn't in code and I could be fined :( Also, it tells you the load that the roof can take. This city is known for that kind of thing. bah.<br/><br/>There are some considerations to think about when planning a rooftop garden:<br/>
<br/>
1) where you live <br/>
2) protective layer for the roof<br/>
3) drainage <br/>4) Access<br/>5) Fire escape/ fire-code issues (like my roof is a fire escape, so I'd have to make sure walkways were wide enough and unobstructed ).<br/><br/>Also I found some other sites that may be of interest to people:<br/><br/><a href="http://www.rooftopgarden.com/">http://www.rooftopgarden.com/</a> <br/><a href="http://www.cityfarmer.org/rooftop59.html">http://www.cityfarmer.org/rooftop59.html</a><br/><a href="http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/urban/creating-your-own-rooftop-garden.htm">http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/urban/creating-your-own-rooftop-garden.htm</a><br/><br/>And I posted a few pictures here:<br/><br/><a href="http://www.urgentevoke.com/photo/albums/rooftop-gardens">http://www.urgentevoke.com/photo/albums/rooftop-gardens</a><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/>Carbon Footprint - Our actions affect developing nationstag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-07:4871302:BlogPost:200772010-03-07T00:01:19.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
We're focusing on Social Innovation, and a food crisis right? Well- part of that is the carbon emissions and global warming of course. Our daily life patterns can effect how much food people in developing countries can produce. <br></br><br></br>The idea is that people have a carbon footprint- or how much carbon they produce into the atmosphere based on their lifestyle choices: driving a car, taking public transportation, getting locally grown foods, that kind of stuff. <br></br><br></br>You can find out your…
We're focusing on Social Innovation, and a food crisis right? Well- part of that is the carbon emissions and global warming of course. Our daily life patterns can effect how much food people in developing countries can produce. <br/><br/>The idea is that people have a carbon footprint- or how much carbon they produce into the atmosphere based on their lifestyle choices: driving a car, taking public transportation, getting locally grown foods, that kind of stuff. <br/><br/>You can find out your carbon footprint here: <a href="http://www.ecofoot.org/">http://www.ecofoot.org/</a><br/><br/>And, I challenge everyone to choose one way to reduce their footprint and document it :) While we are finding ways to solve the problems of today and the future- we can begin to reduce the impact of our daily actions on the world. <br/><br/>Sound cool? It does to me.<br/><br/>I am planning on recycling more. I have been bad about it in Chicago, and there is no good reason to why I cannot recycle more often than I do. <br/><br/>I can be responsible and choose healthier ways to live. For myself, and for others. <br/><br/><br/><br/>Climate Change- Food Production- What does it mean?tag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-06:4871302:BlogPost:198972010-03-06T21:30:00.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
From the IPCC and US EPA : <a href="http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/effects/agriculture.html">http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/effects/agriculture.html</a><br></br><br></br><br style="font-weight: bold;"></br><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Agriculture in the U.S. and other industrialized countries is expected to be less vulnerable to climate change than agriculture in developing nations, especially in the tropics, where farmers may have a limited<br></br> ability to adapt. In addition, the effects of…</span>
From the IPCC and US EPA : <a href="http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/effects/agriculture.html">http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/effects/agriculture.html</a><br/><br/><br style="font-weight: bold;"/><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Agriculture in the U.S. and other industrialized countries is expected to be less vulnerable to climate change than agriculture in developing nations, especially in the tropics, where farmers may have a limited<br/>
ability to adapt. In addition, the effects of climate change on U.S.<br/>
and world agriculture will depend not only on changing climate<br/>
conditions, but will also depend on the agricultural sector's ability<br/>
to adapt through future changes in technology, changes in demand for<br/>
food, and environmental conditions, such as water availability and soil<br/>
quality. Management practices, the opportunity to switch management and<br/>
crop selection from season to season, and technology can help the<br/>
agricultural sector cope with and adapt to climatic variability and<br/>
change.Agriculture in the U.S. and other industrialized countries is expected<br/>
to be less vulnerable to climate change than agriculture in developing<br/>
nations, especially in the tropics, where farmers may have a limited<br/>
ability to adapt. In addition, the effects of climate change on U.S.<br/>
and world agriculture will depend not only on changing climate<br/>
conditions, but will also depend on the agricultural sector's ability<br/>
to adapt through future changes in technology, changes in demand for<br/>
food, and environmental conditions, such as water availability and soil<br/>
quality. Management practices, the opportunity to switch management and<br/>
crop selection from season to season, and technology can help the<br/>
agricultural sector cope with and adapt to climatic variability and<br/>
change."<br/><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br/><br/></span></span>This means that the less developed the nation, the more likely farmers will experience a severe impact from climate change- leading to an increase of famine in local undeveloped regions over time. Without availability and adaptability, countries may go more into crisis than before.<br/><font size="2"><br/></font><font face="Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Potential Impacts of Climate
Change on World Food Supply</font> <font face="Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Data Sets from a Major Crop<br/>
Modeling Study</font><br/>From: <a href="http://sedac.ciesin.columbia.edu/giss_crop_study/">http://sedac.ciesin.columbia.edu/giss_crop_study/</a><br/><br/>Ran model scenarios describing food production changes with environmental changes. Very academic, but let me try and demystify it a little bit. They made senarios based off levels of Carbon Diaoxide, region of the world and level of adaptation (how much farmer's changed). You can go and choose a region (Africa, low importers) for example, and the senario : 2020- with projected CO2 increase means yeilds in the following countries Benin, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Sudan, Togo, and Uganda in africa will drop in the following way:<br/><br/>
<table border="1" width="560" align="center">
<tbody><tr><td width="200">Scenarios</td>
<td width="60"><center>% chg Four commodities</center>
</td>
<td width="60"><center>% chg Grains</center>
</td>
<td width="60"><center>% chg Protein feed</center>
</td>
<td width="60"><center>% chg Coarse grains</center>
</td>
<td width="60"><center>% chg Rice</center>
</td>
<td width="60"><center>% chg Wheat</center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr><td></td>
</tr>
<tr><td><a>CM3-A#2 = Year 2020, CO2 effects (475 ppm), Level 1 adaptation</a></td>
<td><center>-4</center>
</td>
<td><center>-4</center>
</td>
<td><center>-2</center>
</td>
<td><center>-6</center>
</td>
<td><center>-4</center>
</td>
<td><center>-2</center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr><td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br/>Cool huh? So, in 2020 there will be a drop of about 4% for grains ( like wheat) . You can run all kinds of different senarios there. Its a pretty depressing picture of what can happen! Yikes! <br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br/></span>Here is a table of four senario's in for the same region in africa compared<span style="font-weight: bold;">:<br/></span><br/>
<table border="1" width="560" align="center">
<tbody><tr><td width="200">Scenarios</td>
<td width="60"><center>% chg Four commodities</center>
</td>
<td width="60"><center>% chg Grains</center>
</td>
<td width="60"><center>% chg Protein feed</center>
</td>
<td width="60"><center>% chg Coarse grains</center>
</td>
<td width="60"><center>% chg Rice</center>
</td>
<td width="60"><center>% chg Wheat</center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr><td></td>
</tr>
<tr><td><a>GISS#3 = Equilibrium scenario, CO2 effects (555 ppm), Level 1 adaptation</a></td>
<td><center>-16</center>
</td>
<td><center>-19</center>
</td>
<td><center>-5</center>
</td>
<td><center>-21</center>
</td>
<td><center>-18</center>
</td>
<td><center>-18</center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr><td></td>
</tr>
<tr><td><a>GFDL#2 = Equilibrium scenario, CO2 effects (555 ppm), No adaptation</a></td>
<td><center>-34</center>
</td>
<td><center>-38</center>
</td>
<td><center>-23</center>
</td>
<td><center>-36</center>
</td>
<td><center>-39</center>
</td>
<td><center>-38</center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr><td></td>
</tr>
<tr><td><a>UKMO#3 = Equilibrium scenario, CO2 effects (555 ppm), Level 1 adaptation</a></td>
<td><center>-21</center>
</td>
<td><center>-24</center>
</td>
<td><center>-10</center>
</td>
<td><center>-26</center>
</td>
<td><center>-23</center>
</td>
<td><center>-23</center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr><td></td>
</tr>
<tr><td><a>CM3-A#2 = Year 2020, CO2 effects (475 ppm), Level 1 adaptation</a></td>
<td><center>-4</center>
</td>
<td><center>-4</center>
</td>
<td><center>-2</center>
</td>
<td><center>-6</center>
</td>
<td><center>-4</center>
</td>
<td><center>-2</center>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br/>Interesting enough If you look at scenario's for Japan, they show crop increases. But, this study does not take into account some factors, which they discuss in the article... including population growth. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br/><br/>Hope this information is helpful!<br/></span>Inspiration is Everywheretag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-06:4871302:BlogPost:197182010-03-06T20:27:29.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
I made a comment earlier today, and it got me thinking. When asked if a particular person was my hero... my inspiration: I have to say no.<br></br><br></br>And this is why:<br></br><br></br>Inspiration, creativity, insight, all the POWERS listed here... are innate in everyone. They can be harnessed, grown, used and create so much. I see inspiration in my day to day discussions, I've met people who have survived on so little in a developed nation, lived through Katrina and seen my friends and family pick up the…
I made a comment earlier today, and it got me thinking. When asked if a particular person was my hero... my inspiration: I have to say no.<br/><br/>And this is why:<br/><br/>Inspiration, creativity, insight, all the POWERS listed here... are innate in everyone. They can be harnessed, grown, used and create so much. I see inspiration in my day to day discussions, I've met people who have survived on so little in a developed nation, lived through Katrina and seen my friends and family pick up the pieces. <br/><br/>Sometimes I see my cat do something so inventive, with just what is around- it inspires me. It makes me think, makes me want to do better, to help others. Little things, <span style="font-weight: bold;">what we already have,</span> who we get to meet and know, the stories of the people I am around everyday, and the stories of the people on this network. <br/><br/>There is brilliance in every human being. I've been paying so much attention to this network, that I need to sort of focus on the outside too. <br/><br/>I met a woman yesterday who is overcoming cancer- who is fighting with no insurance, no income, working her way through charity care and doing the best she can. She has hope. She uses others for support. She is fighting in a situation others would call hopeless... a powerful woman indeed. She will not take no for an answer, will not take negative prognosis. She is moving forward with chemo and being friendly, cheerful and inspiring everyday. <br/><br/>She is just one of many inspiring people in my life. <br/>Resourcefulness- An example of what EVOKE is all abouttag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-06:4871302:BlogPost:192282010-03-06T16:00:00.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/05/man-builds-house-with-6-m_n_485651.html">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/05/man-builds-house-with-6-m_n_485651.html</a> <br/><br/>This man built a house out of empty beer bottles and concrete. It is awesome, beautiful, resourceful and a community effort. Its totally an example of innovation, and it is beautiful too ! I would have never thought of something like this.<br/><br/><br/>
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/05/man-builds-house-with-6-m_n_485651.html">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/05/man-builds-house-with-6-m_n_485651.html</a> <br/><br/>This man built a house out of empty beer bottles and concrete. It is awesome, beautiful, resourceful and a community effort. Its totally an example of innovation, and it is beautiful too ! I would have never thought of something like this.<br/><br/><br/>GAME1 Collaboration -tag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-05:4871302:BlogPost:167512010-03-05T20:14:20.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
Working together to achieve what we cannot do alone.<br></br><br></br>I think a real-world example for this is The Pandora's Project: @ <a href="http://www.pandys.org">www.pandys.org</a> . <br></br><br></br>Shannon, at the time, a 19 year old woman who was a survivor of sexual assault created a message board for peer support of all types of sexual violence.<br></br><br></br>She now runs the only international support organization, which has grown to include a mail library, 24 hour support chat and other fantastic…
Working together to achieve what we cannot do alone.<br/><br/>I think a real-world example for this is The Pandora's Project: @ <a href="http://www.pandys.org">www.pandys.org</a> . <br/><br/>Shannon, at the time, a 19 year old woman who was a survivor of sexual assault created a message board for peer support of all types of sexual violence.<br/><br/>She now runs the only international support organization, which has grown to include a mail library, 24 hour support chat and other fantastic features. She has managed to gather tons of informational resourses and bring woman and men together to discuss and support each other.<br/><br/>Through the efforts they've organized retreats, and she was recently honored with a 25,000 dollar donation and the L'oreal woman of the Year award. <br/><br/>The collaboration, volunteers and support is phenominal and it has broken the silence for many woman around the globe.<br/><br/><br/>Americian Sign Language Learn1 extendedtag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-04:4871302:BlogPost:139572010-03-04T19:54:05.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
Currently, I am learning ASL, or American Sign.<br></br><br></br>Well- what does this have to do with EVOKE?<br></br><br></br>I want to be able to communicate better with those who are deaf - and I love ASL :) There is something about communicating with my body, the expressions, the movements that is very powerful. I am thinking about making sign videos for EVOKE. Does that sound like a good idea? <br></br><br></br>I think ASL is such an example of innovation, using what one HAS to make things happen. And, as a form…
Currently, I am learning ASL, or American Sign.<br/><br/>Well- what does this have to do with EVOKE?<br/><br/>I want to be able to communicate better with those who are deaf - and I love ASL :) There is something about communicating with my body, the expressions, the movements that is very powerful. I am thinking about making sign videos for EVOKE. Does that sound like a good idea? <br/><br/>I think ASL is such an example of innovation, using what one HAS to make things happen. And, as a form of communication I find it extremely effective and real. When I think of what I can invent, what I can change, what I can start and social movements...<br/><br/>I first must think of myself. How I present, how I communicate, how I learn, understand and become involved. <br/>Then I must engage others. Present. Ask. Provoke. Encourage. Wonder. Laugh. Discover.<br/>Then I must do: Discover. Think. Create. Action. <br/><br/>What is something YOU have that can engage others? A particular population? Music is a powerful tool, so is a wonderful smile, or ability to comfort others. Do you know a unique language? Do you have special knowledge? When you think of you and your talents: how do you engage?<br/><br/>I engage with my body movements (not in the sexual way) gestures and observations. I mimic others in their day-to-day tasks. I attempt new things.<br/><br/>I learn, I communicate, & I share.<br/><br/>Anybody else ASL here?<br/>We give power to eachothertag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-04:4871302:BlogPost:133382010-03-04T17:27:11.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
Wow- the symbolism in that we give power to each other just hit me.<br/>This is a very interesting game- our knowledge is each others strengths! <br/><br/>We are building something fantastic here... unknown, undesigned and unplanned. What will the future bring? What power will we give? What will it all add up to?<br/><br/>I am totally hooked.<br/><br/><br/>
Wow- the symbolism in that we give power to each other just hit me.<br/>This is a very interesting game- our knowledge is each others strengths! <br/><br/>We are building something fantastic here... unknown, undesigned and unplanned. What will the future bring? What power will we give? What will it all add up to?<br/><br/>I am totally hooked.<br/><br/><br/>Today - contemplating creating a visiontag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-04:4871302:BlogPost:130752010-03-04T16:33:04.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
I've been continuing to mull over the use of existing resources (non-monetary) to focus on working on ending homelessness in Urban areas. <br></br><br></br>Of course, this is a huge problem and task. There is so much around and yet so many have so little. <br></br><br></br>What does one do when land is so expensive?<br></br><br></br>What existing structures are available?<br></br><br></br>How do makeshift structures work?<br></br><br></br>Community assets are not just items... there is so much more. Skills, ideas, knowledge, space,…
I've been continuing to mull over the use of existing resources (non-monetary) to focus on working on ending homelessness in Urban areas. <br/><br/>Of course, this is a huge problem and task. There is so much around and yet so many have so little. <br/><br/>What does one do when land is so expensive?<br/><br/>What existing structures are available?<br/><br/>How do makeshift structures work?<br/><br/>Community assets are not just items... there is so much more. Skills, ideas, knowledge, space, caring, listening... these are all things that are important to tackle this problem.<br/><br/>I've found through working with the homeless population some of the trials that happen and the mental stresses. Communities can get really upset about homeless- citing crime, trash, substance abuse and a myriad of other issues.<br/><br/>But, with compassion and a house- most make lovely citizens also! Sadly, reaching out is not just a single person... communities must also accept change, innovation, even if it does not help them directly.<br/><br/>My hope is that people can begin to focus more on community health rather than individual health. Everyone is interconnected - and the homeless do not need to be exiled, but welcomed.<br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/>IMAGINE1 : Time flows like watertag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-04:4871302:BlogPost:108642010-03-04T03:30:00.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
In my world, in ten years I will be in the 'warmer' city of Chicago, taking trains, living as green as I can- going around the 'L' to my office. The building blends in with the others, lists of office names, people, agencys are at the information desk detailing the floor, and any credentials. <br></br><br></br>I want to have my Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology, or Social Work by then, and be working with adults, mostly woman in finding and procuring housing. I want to have built a charity, focusing on…
In my world, in ten years I will be in the 'warmer' city of Chicago, taking trains, living as green as I can- going around the 'L' to my office. The building blends in with the others, lists of office names, people, agencys are at the information desk detailing the floor, and any credentials. <br/><br/>I want to have my Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology, or Social Work by then, and be working with adults, mostly woman in finding and procuring housing. I want to have built a charity, focusing on buying properties- not for men and woman to rent- but for men and woman to own. I want to be able to sponsor, most likely, domestic violence cases, and be able to bring about a sustainable stable future by giving families their most basic need: shelter. Precariously housed and homeless individuals need freedom, they need help to establish a permanent home- they need someone to help create ways to remove economic risk and bring about something that very low income families fear. <br/><br/>Everyone deserves a home to call their own.<br/><br/>In addition, I wish to be active on working and advcating for those with Mental Health issues, and taking time to work with individuals, to listen, to learn and coordinate efforts to end homelessness. <br/><br/>Community building is also very important. Through my agency, I want to coordinate efforts to help improve communities through volunteer work. There are so many resources right around here if people are willing to share, and give their time to the communities around them. Only together can something like this work.<br/><br/>If this were wildly successful- I would push to have it used as a model in other cities to coordinate wider change. <br/><br/>Each moment is a waterdroplet flowing downstream...moments collide to make rivers, to accellerate the affects of each action.<br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/>ACT1 : Currently- my Hero... my work and dreamstag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-04:4871302:BlogPost:102242010-03-04T01:00:00.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
I keep up with many activities and am planning to add a new one as a challenge to myself- but I work with previously homeless woman and their stories inspire me.<br></br><br></br>As a part of that- I follow NAEH- or the National Alliance to End Homelessness, with their advocacy, policies, and focus on building up communities to address the United States and the Poverty issues. <br></br><br></br>The Ten Year Plan to End homelessness in the United States is a policy that has been implemented in Chicago-sorta.…
I keep up with many activities and am planning to add a new one as a challenge to myself- but I work with previously homeless woman and their stories inspire me.<br/><br/>As a part of that- I follow NAEH- or the National Alliance to End Homelessness, with their advocacy, policies, and focus on building up communities to address the United States and the Poverty issues. <br/><br/>The Ten Year Plan to End homelessness in the United States is a policy that has been implemented in Chicago-sorta. The Chicago Colilition for the Homeless with a whole bunch of people modified and got approval (not totally) for the plan, with some major infastructor changes, and of course, with Social Services, not enough funding.<br/><br/>I really think the idea of working with what you have fits here. We've been forced to work with little to house, support and give resources to those in need... it is possible that there needs to be an expansion outside of monetary needs. <br/><br/>What that is I'm not sure yet...hrm<br/><br/>I follow their policies through bookmarking their website, their mailing list and through general information at work.<br/>LEARN1: Communication is the beginning of any great ideatag:www.urgentevoke.com,2010-03-03:4871302:BlogPost:99562010-03-03T23:30:00.000ZCrystal Bellarhttp://www.urgentevoke.com/profile/CrystalBellar
Over reading over the social Social Innovation Tips, I think my favourite one is Innovate on existing platforms.<br></br>I think with that I would add, with existing social networks. <br></br>What is already there is so critically important, because it is those things that are changed, re-used, recreated, and built from existing resources that create a sustainable impact over a period of time.<br></br>Importing ALL of a particular resource isn't viable over the long term, cost and reliability on other…
Over reading over the social Social Innovation Tips, I think my favourite one is Innovate on existing platforms.<br/>I think with that I would add, with existing social networks. <br/>What is already there is so critically important, because it is those things that are changed, re-used, recreated, and built from existing resources that create a sustainable impact over a period of time.<br/>Importing ALL of a particular resource isn't viable over the long term, cost and reliability on other systems (be it a different government, company or other system) is not as stable as the guaranteed items that are already present in a community.<br/><br/>The existing network part is really about that a group of people who has faced a particular problem has thought about the problem. They have tried things, they have wondered about solutions. Listening, understanding, asking questions and seeing the existing social network as a tool and pool of knowledge is important to understand 1) the impact of the problem 2) the scope of the problem 3) attempted solutions to the problem 4) progress about the problem. Existing Social Networks give you the personal stories, the trials, the triumphs of any community, and allow for the discovery of hidden problems. Also, Social Networks can help one learn of others, connect to unknown resources and begin to create a stronger force for change. <br/><br/><br/><br/><br/>