reskilling workshops

Here's a kick off to notions around workshops and skills-sharing.
There are lots of directions that this could go. There are all kinds of different models from formalized classes to low-key work parties. Questions of cost: do participants pay, do instructors get paid, is it all by donation? Who decides what topics are OK?
Maybe a good start is for us to individually brainstorm a bit of what topics we would most want to see presented, especially the ones that we can offer ourselves or have direct links to someone who can.
Field trips are another area. Arranging public tours of the places and systems that affect us. We could go see the dump or the water treatment facility, a power plant, a wind farm, a food terminal, a big farm, a little farm ...
The topics I am personally drawn to have a lot to do with sustainability at a household level. This could be water systems or gardening methods, grey water, greenhouses, canning and preserving, green building retrofits, self-powered tools, home-made whatevers and DIY anything.
So I'm not sure that we need to have a separate meeting before the 15th, unless people are REALLY hankering to get going. Just think about some of this and we can check in next Friday.
OK, we'll talk soon.
ron.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Allison Brown on October 14, 2010 at 11:31

Hi friends,

I wanted to pass along a link to a group that is doing something similar in Toronto - the Toronto Survivalism Group: http://www.meetup.com/Toronto-Survivalists/ They focus on homesteading and wilderness skills, with workshops from knotmaking to plant identification and firemaking to food growing.

I haven't been to one of their meetings, but from what I gather, someone suggests a "meetup" in whatever form makes sense (workshop, field trip, work party etc), a payment is suggested by the event organizer to cover basic costs, people confirm their attendance, then just show up. It almost takes the place of word-of-mouth communication, as I believe all the organizing and communication is done online through members. This does limit the activity to computer-savvy folks who are already connected to the group.

See you Friday,
Allison

Permalink Reply by Shane Jolley on November 1, 2010 at 14:57

Ron,

Just a reminder that I'm willing to do a bicycle repair workshop as part of this effort. Likely sometime in the winter would be best.

Shane.

Permalink Reply by ron schweitzer on November 4, 2010 at 22:30

Hello -
So to keep the reskilling moving ahead, how about a meeting to figure what we have so far and what this might look like.
I can offer up our place, 780 4th Ave west. right beside the back driveway to hillcrest school. How about Tuesday evening of next week, that's the 9th. Let's say 7:00 start and be officially finished at least by 9:00.
Let me know if that works and if you can make it.
I am partly trusting that those who are interested are following this group discussion, but someone tell me if you think I should be posting this as a wider event.
OK. soon again.
ron.

Permalink Reply by Pauli Schell on November 5, 2010 at 9:42

Hi Ron -
I can come to a meeting at your place next Tuesday (Nov. 9th).
Also, I have a series of 2-hour workshops about a variety of hands-on healthcare techniques (reflexology, stress release points, natural facial, simple massage, etc.) that I could offer.
Pauli

Permalink Reply by Allison Brown on November 7, 2010 at 10:27

I can come on Tuesday evening. Ron, maybe you could also post the event in the greater Owen Sound space on the website, and make sure folks know is a planning meeting (vs an actual workshop). Just in case there are 1 or 2 that missed initial meetings.

Allison

Permalink Reply by Allison Brown on November 23, 2010 at 19:04

Hi friends.

At the Nov meeting I told you about a project I did a couple years ago about skills. I had compiled a list with ideas from myself, friends and family (about 75 people made suggestions). I've included the master list here.

It may help us with ideas for brainstorming other workshops. Take a look :)

I'd be interested in getting more ideas from people too. We could also make a "skills map" where people check off a skill they know how to do. This way we'll get an idea of where the community has strengths and gaps. Maybe there is a way to do it online as well....I can contact Ryan and see if he's got ideas on how to do that.

Allison

Attachments:

skill ideas _for transition.doc, 33 KB

Permalink Reply by Ryan Wiseman on November 23, 2010 at 19:42

Seems like a good time of year to do a winter cycling how to .....

Shane Jolley said:

Ron,

Just a reminder that I'm willing to do a bicycle repair workshop as part of this effort. Likely sometime in the winter would be best.

Shane.

Permalink Reply by Shane Jolley on November 26, 2010 at 13:04

I'd be interested in getting more ideas from people too. We could also make a "skills map" where people check off a skill they know how to do. This way we'll get an idea of where the community has strengths and gaps. Maybe there is a way to do it online as well....I can contact Ryan and see if he's got ideas on how to do that.

Allison

Lisa Racicot has also offered to do something around canning/preserving.

Permalink Reply by ron schweitzer on December 9, 2010 at 23:11

hey -

checking in whether we want to get together before the 15th. soon after would probably be fine as well but definitely before the holidays really kick in. Also wondering if anyone else would like to host the next one. I am happy to again but I also believe in spreading that around. I'll be away this weekend but anytime next week looks fine. Anyone else?

Shane if you can start thinking about dates for the bike workshop let us know what could work.

ron.

Permalink Reply by Allison Brown on December 13, 2010 at 23:48

Hi friends,

I'm up for a meeting this week if possible, but I'm afraid my only available day is Thursday and I am gone this coming weekend. Next Monday the 20th would work for me too or Wed 22 /Thursday 23 that week. If everyone else can meet but not me, please go ahead anyways.

Allison

ron schweitzer said:

hey -

checking in whether we want to get together before the 15th. soon after would probably be fine as well but definitely before the holidays really kick in. Also wondering if anyone else would like to host the next one. I am happy to again but I also believe in spreading that around. I'll be away this weekend but anytime next week looks fine. Anyone else?

Shane if you can start thinking about dates for the bike workshop let us know what could work.

ron.

Permalink Reply by Shane Jolley on December 14, 2010 at 16:57

I'll try to have a date nailed down for the Jan. 15th meeting. I'll have a bit better handle on things in the new year.

ron schweitzer said:

hey -

checking in whether we want to get together before the 15th. soon after would probably be fine as well but definitely before the holidays really kick in. Also wondering if anyone else would like to host the next one. I am happy to again but I also believe in spreading that around. I'll be away this weekend but anytime next week looks fine. Anyone else?

Shane if you can start thinking about dates for the bike workshop let us know what could work.

ron.

Permalink Reply by Fred Walter on December 15, 2010 at 13:33

Ron> gardening methods, grey water, greenhouses, canning and preserving,

Ron> green building retrofits, self-powered tools, home-made whatevers and DIY anything.

It's not too early to start thinking about next spring's garden, so workshops that would help people get their gardens up and running seem like a good idea.