A View From The Field
Welcome to the April 2011 issue of View from the Field, an e-newsletter that highlights the work of Nebo for Sustainability and leaders who are working for a more harmonious and sustainable world.  This month, we celebrate Earth Day by featuring the powerful difference that community-based

organizations are making, bringing to life the slogan, "think globally, act locally."  
Read on to learn about two organizations in Nebo's neighborhood, Bethesda Green and FORCE (Friend of Rock Creek's Environment). 

Who is leading the way in your community?  How are YOU helping?
Communities:  Centers of Action for a Sustainable Future
 

"The revival of community would have to be a revival accomplished mainly by the community itself. It would have to be done not from the outside by the instruction of visiting experts but from the inside by the ancient rule of neighborliness, by the love of precious things, and by the wish to be at home."  

~ Wendell Berry

Nebo for Sustainability News

Working for Clean Energy, Clean Water and Healthy Eco-systems

In the past two years, Nebo has introduced our leadership services to those working for the environment on behalf of all of us.  Our clients include conservancy organizations, clean energy entrepreneurs, government agencies responsible for public lands, and individuals working to bring innovation and new practices to organizations and communities.  We're excited about the passion of these leaders -- and we see a great commitment to learning leadership practices that will strengthen their organizations and increase their personal stamina and effectiveness -- their own personal sustainability.   

 

To find out more about our coaching programs, retreats and other services for sustainability leaders, teams and communities, Contact Us .   


Jan Kearce and Steve Heller, Heller and Associates, led Awakening the Dreamer: Coaching for Changing the Dream. In fall 2010, Jan and Steve engaged a group of  leadership and life coaches to explore their personal contribution and professional roles in creating a more environmentally sustainable, personally fulfilling and socially just community. This powerful program, Awakening the Dreamer: Changing the Dream, a program of the Pachamama Alliance, may be customized for your community or organization.  To host an event that can awaken and engage your community, please Contact Us

Kate Ebner named Chair of the Board of the Global Sufficiency Network (GSN) in fall 2010.  

 

Founded in 2008 by Marilyn Levin, GSN seeks to  expand the conversation about living from sufficiency for a more harmonious and sustainable future. GSN is the hub and resource center for sufficiency, building and supporting an expanding network of people, organizations and communities who are committed to leading the paradigm shift from a fear-based scarcity mindset to one of sufficiency.   To learn more about GSN, go to  www.globalsufficiencynetwork.org.

BethesdaGreenBethesda Green:  A Model of Collaboration and Community

Bethesda Green logo 

The community of Bethesda, Maryland is a working together to Montgomery County Recyclesbecome a model for sustainable economic growth and living practices. The Sentinel invites residents, local business leaders, government employees, students, non-profits, and faith-based groups to get involved in making this community a leader in environmental sustainability.

Building on existing networks and citizens' groups, they aim to create a multiplier effect, supporting and strengthening the impact of all. Bethesda Green connects with citizens groups -- from neighborhood and condo associations to renters' groups -- to share information and best practices. Many groups already work on sustainability issues, and Bethesda Green helps connect these initiatives to increase their effectiveness, influence and reach.

Bethesda Green's vision is to make a positive difference for our environment by promoting a strong local economy that supports green business initiatives by advancing sustainable living practices that enhance our quality of life.  In an interview with The Sentinel in February, Executive Director Dave Feldman said, "In short, we help create 'green jobs.'" They strive to be a local model for sustainable living.

Their strategy is based on three primary methods of cultivating sustainability locally:  

  1. Incubate:  Stimulate next generation green business models and solutions.
  2. Educate:  Raise awareness and inspire action through the programs, online tools, and education and resource center.
  3. Initiate:  Develop, manage and promote programs that leverage community assets.

The organization's recently redesigned offices are an example of all three goals in action. The Bethesda Green space serves as an educational community center showcasing green products and services. Green entrepreneurs are invited to share the space and its resources, creating both a work community and momentum for their business ideas.

Once a month, Bethesda Green hosts a happy hour at a local establishment, bringing together a diverse and passionate group of local citizens, government leaders and business people to learn from a speaker, connect and socialize. These fun events help build the network of relationships that are driving real progress towards the vision of a sustainable community.

The Bethesda Green approach is "franchise-able" and is being introduced in other nearby cities, such as Silver Spring, Maryland.  

Is this a model that might work in your community?  To learn more, go to www.bethesdagreen.org.    

FORCEFORCE rallies people in the Rock Creek Watershed to protect the Rock Creek
 
The Rock Creek is a beautiful creek that flows 33 miles through the highly populated neighborhoods of Washington, D.C. and Montgomery County, Maryland into the Potomac River. Its waters eventually make their way to the Chesapeake Bay. Rock Creek Park is considered a treasure by the many residents of the area, who hike, bike, picnic and walk their dogs in the shady woods along the creek. The Rock Creek environment is home to many species of birds and animals, from owls, hawks and blue heron to fox, deer and beaver.   

Since 2005, Friends of Rock Creek's Environment (FORCE), a non-profit organization, has enlisted local residents who use and love the creek as stewards of this natural resource. Through the "Stream Team" program, residents can adopt a segment of the creek, serving to monitor and care for that portion of the Creek. Stream Teams actively visit the creek, pick up trash, observe and report changes to their area, remove invasive species,  and enlist others to ensure the health of their part of the stream.  

Concerned citizens can also participate in the annual April Extreme Clean-Up, learn how to green up their own properties, get involved in political action, or participate in special initiatives to care for the Rock Creek Watershed. 

FORCE is a great example of an organization that's providing an opportunity and a vehicle for involvement to a community that appreciates the natural resource of Rock Creek.  Executive Director Beth Mullin expressed that the vision of FORCE was, "
to have citizens who have a vested interested in the streams and parks in their backyard  and to create community groups that commit to taking care of the streams." Their work gives residents of all ages a chance to care for this watershed together.

For more information about this community-based organization, go to
www.friendsofrockcreek.org.
In This Issue - April 2011
Communities
Nebo for Sustainability News
Bethesda Green Models Collaboration and Community
FORCE Rallies to Protect Rock Creek
Book of the Month - Sustainable World Sourcebook
Featured Links


Nebo for Sustainability

Sustainable Communities Online

Institute for Sustainable Communities

Sustainability Now!

Majora Carter's TED Talk
Sustainable South Bronx
Join Our Mailing List!
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Facebook
Book Recommendations

 

Community: The Structure of Belonging 

Community: The Structure of Belonging
Peter Block provides resources and insights that help us move from absorbing the facts to vibrant conversatinos that move our communities forward. 

The Abundant Community: Awakening the Power of Families and Neighborhoods 
The Abundant Community: Awakening the Power of Families and Neighborhoods

Rachel Carson

"One way to open your eyes is to ask yourself, 'What if I had never seen this before? What if I knew I would never see it again?'"










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