www.newsandletters.org
|
|
NEWS & LETTERS, December 2007 - January 2008Bioneers in DetroitDetroit, Mich.--About 400 local environmental and social justice activists gathered at the third annual Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit Conference Oct. 19-21 to "Enjoy! Learn! Grow!" and, via satellite, participate in the national Bioneers Conference held simultaneously in San Rafael, Cal. Since 1990, the international Bioneers Conference in California has assembled a unique cross-cultural and global gathering of "biological pioneers" who work with nature to heal communities. In 2001 Bioneers created simultaneous satellite conferences to help create a national discussion of those issues. In Detroit, organizers asserted, "This movement recognizes that restoring Earth's imperiled ecosystems and healing human communities requires working for social justice." Workshops included "Organizing for Change," "The Cost of Segregation," "Fostering Food Security and Food Justice in Detroit's Black Community." The conference emphasized special workshops and space for youth and tours of community gardens and environmental justice sites. At the workshop, "Race and Diversity in the Environmental Agenda: Making Progress," participants spoke of racial, economic and cultural diversity as not only barrier to but foundation for progress in Detroit. Many in the room recognized the need to abolish capitalism before a truly human society in harmony with the rest of the planet could be developed. The 2008 conferences will be held Oct. 17-19. Visit http://bioneers.org. --Susan Van Gelder |
|
Home l News & Letters Newspaper l Back issues l News and Letters Committees l Dialogues l Raya Dunayevskaya l Contact us l Search Published by News and Letters Committees |
