The vision of this organization is an ongoing discussion. All are welcomed to contribute.
The following was prepared for the 2023 Down the Mountain Convergence. It was not presented there, but is presented here as this work was intended to be inspirational for the development of a vision for the organization. Each member of the board developed a set of points to be presented as “Our Culture”.
Our Culture
NWPCC BOD Presentation – Our Culture – Fall 2023
NW Permaculture Ethos: exploring how to embody feedback, healthy succession and regenerative organizational practices by design.
This session is led by the NWPCC Board of Directors (Shealee, Julie and David) as a place to share about our work as a team to help this organization strengthen community connections that reinforce the application of permaculture principles. Learn about what we do, why we do it, our current project scope, and how to engage as a board member or community ally.
Shaelee’s points:
- Cultural artifacts and traditions (aye/arg 🙂 song, dance, skill-share, food
- Roles: function based, passion led (not given/demanded/delegated) non-hierarchical (meaning everyone is recognized as a sovereign powerful being, whose offering of time and energy is equally valued). Sharing time-keep and facilitation. Learning a role then teaching the role.
- Locations (moving, function of where energy is and to energize the regenerative movement across the land by showing up in various landscapes)
- Purpose in gathering
- What we Do
- Who we Are
- Shae’s role: heart-compass for org sustainability re permaculture design. Are we regenerative? What helps make that true: respectful boundaries, balance for projects, following peace, passion, purpose
- Whats possible?
Julie’s points:
- Culture of Healing Harm – Putting on Events so far has been challenging without enough community support and too small a board. We have been 3 for years now. We hope to have a Board of Directors of 7 remarkable caring people. We need lots of candidates for board and even more allies, helping the organization serve community.
- Learning to build deeply rooted connections and community together as we are learning to share power and empower each other.
- Ideas are abundant! It takes planning, communication time, action and commitment to this work to serve the NW Permaculture community and use this organizations’ presence to make a more beautiful NW community.
- How to collaborate, how to co-create – do we know how? Are we still learning to be Pro-Social?
- Can we re-enculture together in this work? Gather more. Be there for each other and get both inner and outer work done?
- All that and How to step in and play together sustainably using the resources of this organization.
David’s points:
- Vision of stewardship ( opportunities, resources, people, power, gentleness)
- Vision of Humility – Stepping towards Non-Hierarchy, listening, Forgiveness
- Vision of abundance – dreaming, Planning, Feedback loops, Play, dance, music
- Vision of seasons…, succession, death, rebirth, building, resting.
Anthem, words by Lisa LittleBird
v1
These hands are strong, this heart is wide, this mind, this mind is wise
These hands are strong, this heart is wide I am on, on you’re side
v2
There is work to be done, there is work to be done; with these hands, this heart this mind
There is work to be done, there is work to be done, with these hands, this heart this mind
There is work to be done, there is work to be done I am on, on your side
v3
Joyfully (repeat)
I am on, on your side