Little WonderFalls Earth Ship & Community hub
The Regenesis project
Regenesis is a grassroots environmental, social justice and humanitarian organization. We believe that a healthy planet and a healthy society are mutually dependent. Our ultimate goal is a fulfilling and sustainable living for all, so that our actions no longer tip the balance of the global ecosystem. In order to achieve this, we focus on real, comprehensive and practical solutions to today’s social and environmental concerns.
We recognize changes need to occur in our individual lives, in our society, in politics and in the realm of commerce to ensure health and survival of the planet and its inhabitants, in short: Regenesis. With our growing network of chapters and collaborative partners, we intend to facilitate global change through local, national and international projects.
Mission Statement:
The mission of Regenesis is the facilitation and aide of environmental, social justice and humanitarian initiatives. Any individual or organization can join Regenesis. New proposals and existing campaigns and projects are encouraged. Regenesis will work with the campaign or project team and help provide or facilitate the acquisition of the resources needed. Examples of the resources that Regenesis can provide: technically skilled volunteers, general volunteers, meeting or event space, supplies, equipment, grant writing, fundraising, media relations, event planning, campaign or event promotions, website (design, hosting and maintenance), copywriting, and graphic design and layout. Thousands of volunteer hours have been donated since our founding in 2007. Regenesis is dedicated to finding ways to make activism, environmental and social justice initiatives both labour and financially sustainable. Through the facilitation of resources and the encouraging of partnerships, Regenesis hopes to assist in the growth of an increasingly growing and united progressive movement in order to achieve environmental change and social justice.
community. sustainability. growth. friends. support. renewable. creativity. safe place. food.
These are all words I generate when I think of the community I wake up to every day. The promise of a community to come. People sharing, caring. Living responsibly for the earth, from the earth. In an ever cyclical manner that evolves, continuously replenishes and gives birth to innovative ideas for the change that matters. The change needed to overcome the destructiveness of our societal impulses. The impulses of consumer obsession without regard to societal, social and environmental impacts. Living in a community confronts these impulses. Makes one responsible and aware.
The project:
Little Wonder Falls Earth Ship & community hub
Functions:
· Permaculture & Renewable energy hub
· Education & workshops facilitator
· Social justice center
Features:
· 100% sweat equity implementation. Members work to live in community. No monetary investment or use of money.
· Strict adherence to permaculture principles and practices
· Working materials are bartered, and/or donated
· Zero reliance on current economic system
· Food surplus provided to local food banks
The venue:
Hornings Mills ON
A 20 acre organic farm boasting a natural spring waterfall under a 150ft drop amongst a diverse forest and ecosystem.
A 10,000 sq.ft underground Earth Ship (atrium) constructed from 42 recycled school buses.
Organic Bee field with over 20 bee colonies.
Future projects:
· Transportation of shipping containers to site, for the construction of homes, artist studios, workshop studios, etc
· Vegan organic garden in the bee field
· Development of greenhouses in Area A of farm (1.5 acres)
As a permaculture hub people from all over will have an opportunity to collaborate in renewable energy projects. Zero emissions from earthship and community hub. Permaculture principles in full force and effect.
Claudia Rodriguez - Perma Captain
Brian Banks - Director of Agriculture, Volunteer Coordinator
David Chaseteau - Project Coordinator
Michael Kenny - Facilities Manager
All the projects within the permaculture hub will be selfsustainable and renewable, using the most innovative and up to date techniques.
Comments
Urban potential? Scale?
How would your project work in urban environments?
How does your project anticipate 'scaling' to be a meaningful/significant mechanism to reduce GHG emissions?
Financial Strategy: Bootstrapping and your Lead Customers
Please read below
I’m excited to see so many entrepreneurial proposals on ClimateSpark. I especially like the model of social ventures that can sustain themselves by creating their own revenue and be less dependent on grants or gifts.
In my own experience starting and building several companies, I’ve often employed “bootstrapping” techniques so I’m not dependent on external capital (VCs, etc.). One technique I’ve used successfully is to recruit one or more “lead customers” who pay me up-front for a service (e.g., consulting or something they need right away), which gives me the capital to build my product or capability for them. The big advantages: cash up-front (or early); a real customer to help make sure my design is something they’ll want to buy; and a great partner to test ideas with as I’m getting off the ground.
What’s your bootstrapping strategy? Have you tried to develop “lead customers” for your product or service? Have you talked to potential customers ? What are you doing to get cashflow from them early, so your idea can gain traction?
Clearly expressing your business value – Mock Press Release
Each proposal in ClimateSpark is bringing a valuable community based idea forward to help with energy conservation and the reduction of carbon emissions
Centennial College, School of Communications Media & Design, Corporate Communications and Public Relations Class of 2012 will be working on a set of mock press releases, in anticipation of this proposal being one of the 20 to be selected on October 31 to continue to ClimateSpark Ignite Phase 2.
If you would like to be interviewed as part of the mock press release development process, please send a note to Professor Barry Waite, [email protected] by Friday October 21, 2011.
If you choose not to be interviewed, the mock press release will be developed based on Information currently posted in the description of your idea, as well as information gleaned from the various comment interactions.
The ClimateSpark Social Venture Challenge is a project of:
Our sponsors:
Permaculture
I am impressed reading through your presentation that I am kind of familiar with. It is really wonderful project you are doing. I can feel peace and love in your community. I was disappointed that you are not seeking collaborators.
Why you need funding from the ClimateSpark? You should say why you need fund and how you are going to use it.
As you grow, you should open your site for an attraction in your region. I love to visit there. To learn and to be educated, you have a great place for people to come to. You can build such plan in your proposal.