Journal of Appropriate Technology

The group now known as Practical Action (formerly ITDG) has a Journal of Appropriate Technology online as well as hardcopy. It’s called Waterlines and the following is a link to an article in a free issue. Other articles deal with water contamination issues in Honduras. Helpful stuff I figure.

http://lysander.ingentaconnect.com/vl=1730226/cl=19/nw=1/fm=docpdf/rpsv/cw/itpub/02628104/v21n4/s9/p22

On Conflict and Consensus

Here’s a website of an online version of a book with the same name as above. It’s about decision making and inclusion and all that good stuff -> http://www.consensus.net/ocaccontents.html

Check it out if you have the time.

Meeting Facilitation

At yesterday's meeting I said that I'd would like to present a model for meeting facilitation to the group, one that hopefully makes meetings more productive as well as more inclusive and see if there were interest in trying it out.

Here are some guidelines in regards to pre-meeting agenda formation and tips to watch for during the meeting:

http://aia.mahost.org/dec_meeting.html

This link has more of the internals of the meeting, including a structure and defined roles for participants.  Facilitator, Timekeeper, Notetaker, Peacekeeper, Advocate are a few of the roles, of course the tasks could be broken down or consolidated as the situation requires. 

http://www.consensus.net/ocac5.html

But if you get some time to look at these websites, please let me know what you think, especially your thoughts on trying this out at the next meeting. 

D-Acres: Natural Building Opportunity!!

Here is a snippet from the D-Acres Farm list that I’m on:

June 4 Open House. 2pm.

If you’ve been thinking about visiting D Acres, the Open House is a great opportunity to tour the farm and gardens. During the week, staff and learners are busy working around the farm. On weekends, we are likewise occupied with workshops and other projects. You can help us keep organized and productive by planning to visit for an Open House (first Sunday of each month at 2pm) rather than stopping by unexpected. Thanks!

June 10 Earthen Building – Plastering*. 1-4pm $28

At D Acres, we love working with the earth. This includes building with earthen materials – sand, clay and straw – to make a sturdy building material called cob, or adobe. All earthen buildings need an exterior layer – a thin coat of plaster that takes the beating of our harsh New England weather. Just like painted houses need a fresh coat every few years, earthen structures must be replastered from time to time to keep the insides dry and protected.

On June 10th, we will get our hands in the mud replastering our cob oven. Learners will participate in the mixing, applying and brandishing processes involved in earthen plastering.

Interested in learning more about earthen building? This Fall, D Acres will be offering Earthen Building workshops on September 2 and September 30 and another Earthen Plastering workshop on October 14. Workshop handouts from previous years are available on the Articles & Useful Links page of our website.

The website is http://www.dacres.org/

So what do people think about going to the Farm-in Dorcester, NH-as a group and taking part in the earthen building next Saturday?

We could also do an overnight thing on the farm if people are up for it. So let me know. I can organize it if there’s interest.

Overnight Visits
Staying the night is recommended for those who are seriously considering working or volunteering at D Acres of New Hampshire. It will help to familiarize you with the surroundings and facilities. You are welcome to enjoy dinner with us as well, which would give further opportunity to meet other staff members. Accommodations range from treehouses or tent platforms, to beds or futons inside the main facility, and depend on availability. Most visitors bring a sleeping bag, but we do provide clean sheets and a pillow. Parking is available on the premises.