MultiFaith Council of N.W. Ohio
This is the final of 3 presentations on the MultiFaith Council of N.W. Ohio’s “Spirit of Sustainability” series. This 3rd program was conceived around the 3rd Earth Charter Principle “Respect and Care for the Community of Life”. Tonight, we featured 2 video presentations about the general concept of Sustainability. The first video was produced by DEFRA- Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs located in Great Britain. DEFRA introduces a definition of sustainable from a broad spectrum involving business, economics, agriculture and housing.
Sustainable Development – The Bigger Picture
The second video featured Dr. John Ikerd, Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Economics, University of Missouri speaking about Ethics, Responsibility and Purpose. Dr. Ikerd relates that sustainability is all about individual choices made everyday…an individual moral crusade for what is right, moral and ethical. Ikerd’s style of presentation takes on the flavor of a charismatic preacher that some may find inspiring.
John Ikerd on Ethics, Responsibility and Purpose
Our live presentation featured Dr. Munir Ahmad, M.D. and Jessica Weinberg from the Dosti Foundation . Dr. Ahmad related the stories of his life growing up in his native country, Pakistan and the poverty still existent there. Dosti Foundation raises funds to fund and maintain educational and vocational schools in Pakistan. Munir also stated that his motivating factors for his involvement in this organization involved a sense of wanting to make a difference, a giving back to those less fortunate that him. Jessica Weinberg is the Public Relations Coordinator for Dosti Foundation and related how individuals interested in supporting Dosti Foundation can contribute.
Dosti Foundation Audio Presentation
Dosti Foundation PowerPoint Presentation
Program Attendee Task Responses
The following are the program participant’s answers to the 3 group discussion questions that followed the presentations.
1.) What things or issues about today’s presentations were most memorable / eye-opening / inspirational?
How one individual can affect things around the world from a local level. Liked the idea of empowerment of local people eliminating the need for persons to actually travel to other countries to make positive change. Liked the idea of the Dosti Foundation emphasis on educating women. Liked the idea that Dosti was not a “top-down” organization but came from the “grass-roots” of the Toledo Area. A clear definition of Sustainability and placing this definition in a “spiritual” perspective was insightful. As demonstrated with the Dosti Foundation, small donations can go very far.
2.) Looking at today’s topic, what do you consider to be the opportunities for our N.W.Ohio locality?
If individuals see a need, to take the step to actually do something – this might involving researching what is presently organized and joining their efforts with your talent. Dosti is a great example of “Thinking Globally – Acting Locally”. Difficulties lay in our present culture that involves finding the time to act. If we provide services, then we avoid problems and when we provide services, we learn about other cultures, people. Organizations could be established to prepare incarcerated persons for life outside prisons. Helping communities one school at a time.
3.) What are the programs you would like to see to address those opportunities?
Possibilities could include contacting political representatives to change our present policies in various countries and support organizations like Dosti. To provide for local school needs, theatre groups, arts groups in the Toledo Area could help provide programs and opportunities to area schools – especially if levies are not passing. Opportunities exist within the capacities of other Communities of Faith to find, reach out and act on local challenges. Older adults could be organized as mentors to area youth. It seems that people are less willing to become involved and therefore a need may be to actively encourage volunteerism. Toledo Grows exists and may be an avenue for personal activism. Support Pen Pals program for Dosti. Local Toledo Area schools could be recruited as “sister schools” with Dosti schools promoting international educational programs using the Internet. Get area schools involved such as the “pajama project”, Perrysburg Festival and other programs to get youth involved. MultiFaith Council members as well as other Communities of Faith could play instrumental roles affecting local, national and international needs.
MultiFaith Council of N.W. Ohio
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Friday, April 30, 2010
The Spirit of Sustainability - Session 2
MultiFaith Council of N.W. Ohio
This evening’s session focused on the Earth Charter principle of Ecological Integrity. Heifer International has its organizational beginnings during the Spanish Civil War of the 1930’s. Church of the Brethren member, Dan West, organized the first attempts to address the agricultural devastation from that war. West’s organization became The Heifer Project whose focus was to send agricultural livestock to areas of the world that needed them. Now, Heifer International focuses on Sustainable Agriculture including the livestock donations. Interested people can find more information at Heifer International.
Heifer International’s video “Make A Difference” was the featured video presentation this evening. Several people interviewed for this program came from different walks of life but all dedicated to making the world a little better by doing things locally. Sustainable agriculture, community development and public health promotion were a few of the topics presented in this presentation.
Heifer International – Make A Difference
Some discussions that we’ve encountered led us to believe that people’s thoughts on sustainability were only about gardening…solar energy…and driving less. Dr. John Ikert, Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Economics University of Missouri probably sums up the personal attitudes toward the sustainability model of life. John brings with his presentation a certain fire that speaks to the core issue of individual’s approach to sustainability. If interested in hearing his other presentations, you can Google his name and check out his recorded videos.
John Ikerd on Ethics, Responsibility and Purpose
Ms. Vickie Gallagher, Master Gardener
Our live guest speaker featured Ms. Vickie Gallagher, Master Gardener, of the 577 Foundation. Vickie shared the original vision of N.W. Ohio philanthropist Mrs. Virginia Stranahan in converting her Perrysburg, Oh property into a sustainable and organic garden laboratory. The 577 Foundation gives educational programs on gardening, pottery and also has an extensive lending library for members and guests. Gallagher spoke about her passion of growing nutritious food and implied that there was a social cost for the cheap food we are now offered in grocery stores.
Listen to Vickie's audio presentation here
Program Attendee Task Responses
The following are the program participant’s answers to the 3 group discussion questions that followed the presentations.
1.) What things or issues about today’s presentations were most memorable / eye-opening / inspirational?
Being introduced to the Heifer Project and their programs was an inspiration. The 577 Foundation featured a good integration of gardening and beauty. A renewed interest in the “Victory Gardens” program which was made popular during the Second World War. Toledo Grows and their sponsorship of Square Foot Gardens. Interesting to learn about the 577 Foundation and the many facets of educational programs for the community. The materials being presented give one a realization of the importance to grow food. The video of people making a difference went very well with Vickie Gallagher’s 577 Foundation presentation and the exploration of organic gardening. What was most inspiring was people having a vision and acting on that vision. The importance of transferring knowledge to the next generation.
2.) Looking at today’s topic, what do you consider to be the opportunities for our N.W.Ohio locality?
Teaching children to garden, cook and enjoy the food that they prepare is just one opportunity for N.W. Ohio. There are also opportunities to spread the world about the programs at the 577 Foundation. Opportunities exist to expand the number of Farmer’s Markets. Presently, governments subsidize the beef industry – opportunities could exist to change the subsidy model to include vegetables. Because of the agricultural chemicals destroying the soil, there are opportunities to develop plans to save the soil. There is a concern about the population loosing the knowledge of simple agriculture. Opportunities could exist to develop urban classes on gardening and small scale agriculture.
3.) What are the programs you would like to see to address those opportunities?
Develop specialized training and education in public schools and faith communities with horticulture emphasis. Partner with other communities to diversify local agricultural products. Work with existing and potential Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) groups to promote a community co-operative and provide mutual support. We need to work together, to know each other and to slow down our pace of life.
MultiFaith Council of N.W. Ohio
This evening’s session focused on the Earth Charter principle of Ecological Integrity. Heifer International has its organizational beginnings during the Spanish Civil War of the 1930’s. Church of the Brethren member, Dan West, organized the first attempts to address the agricultural devastation from that war. West’s organization became The Heifer Project whose focus was to send agricultural livestock to areas of the world that needed them. Now, Heifer International focuses on Sustainable Agriculture including the livestock donations. Interested people can find more information at Heifer International.
Heifer International’s video “Make A Difference” was the featured video presentation this evening. Several people interviewed for this program came from different walks of life but all dedicated to making the world a little better by doing things locally. Sustainable agriculture, community development and public health promotion were a few of the topics presented in this presentation.
Heifer International – Make A Difference
Some discussions that we’ve encountered led us to believe that people’s thoughts on sustainability were only about gardening…solar energy…and driving less. Dr. John Ikert, Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Economics University of Missouri probably sums up the personal attitudes toward the sustainability model of life. John brings with his presentation a certain fire that speaks to the core issue of individual’s approach to sustainability. If interested in hearing his other presentations, you can Google his name and check out his recorded videos.
John Ikerd on Ethics, Responsibility and Purpose
Ms. Vickie Gallagher, Master Gardener
Our live guest speaker featured Ms. Vickie Gallagher, Master Gardener, of the 577 Foundation. Vickie shared the original vision of N.W. Ohio philanthropist Mrs. Virginia Stranahan in converting her Perrysburg, Oh property into a sustainable and organic garden laboratory. The 577 Foundation gives educational programs on gardening, pottery and also has an extensive lending library for members and guests. Gallagher spoke about her passion of growing nutritious food and implied that there was a social cost for the cheap food we are now offered in grocery stores.Listen to Vickie's audio presentation here
Program Attendee Task Responses
The following are the program participant’s answers to the 3 group discussion questions that followed the presentations.
1.) What things or issues about today’s presentations were most memorable / eye-opening / inspirational?
Being introduced to the Heifer Project and their programs was an inspiration. The 577 Foundation featured a good integration of gardening and beauty. A renewed interest in the “Victory Gardens” program which was made popular during the Second World War. Toledo Grows and their sponsorship of Square Foot Gardens. Interesting to learn about the 577 Foundation and the many facets of educational programs for the community. The materials being presented give one a realization of the importance to grow food. The video of people making a difference went very well with Vickie Gallagher’s 577 Foundation presentation and the exploration of organic gardening. What was most inspiring was people having a vision and acting on that vision. The importance of transferring knowledge to the next generation.
2.) Looking at today’s topic, what do you consider to be the opportunities for our N.W.Ohio locality?
Teaching children to garden, cook and enjoy the food that they prepare is just one opportunity for N.W. Ohio. There are also opportunities to spread the world about the programs at the 577 Foundation. Opportunities exist to expand the number of Farmer’s Markets. Presently, governments subsidize the beef industry – opportunities could exist to change the subsidy model to include vegetables. Because of the agricultural chemicals destroying the soil, there are opportunities to develop plans to save the soil. There is a concern about the population loosing the knowledge of simple agriculture. Opportunities could exist to develop urban classes on gardening and small scale agriculture.
3.) What are the programs you would like to see to address those opportunities?
Develop specialized training and education in public schools and faith communities with horticulture emphasis. Partner with other communities to diversify local agricultural products. Work with existing and potential Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) groups to promote a community co-operative and provide mutual support. We need to work together, to know each other and to slow down our pace of life.
MultiFaith Council of N.W. Ohio
Friday, April 23, 2010
Spirit of Sustainability SESSION 1
MultiFaith Council of NW Ohio
Thursday, April 22, 2010 This evening session focused on the Earth Charter principle of Economic and Social Justice. The videos were chosen to illustrate personal attitudes necessary to affect change or behavior.
Video Presentations
Michael Shuman authored “The SmallMart Revolution” and uses his expertise as a community developer to promote and sustain local economies. Shuman's "Building Communities" addresses what people can do to rebuild their own communities by establishing and shoping at local businesses and stores. Michael has numerous videos on YouTube and are available for view via the Internet. Shuman spoke at Northwest State Community College on March 10, 2008 and, if interested, his presentations can be viewed by going to the Northwest State Community College's Mediasite webpage, go to page 4 of the site to find the 3/10/2008 events and select his presentations on "Going Local".
Another video used during this session featured the United Nations Millennium Campaign Goal 7. This video was chosen for the examples of personal and community empowerment and effects to neighborhoods. This video features some of the results of community activists and the communities that they serve.
Mrs. Cecily Rohrs
Our live-guest speaker featured Mrs. Cecily Rohrs of Northwest Ohio who provides an example of putting one’s faith into action for the common good. Cecily’s work is about social and economic justice combined with the necessary Faith Components for the improvement of people’s lives. Cecily’s very small non-profit organization – “The Friendship House” and “The Shepard’s Circle” are the vehicles she uses to put her faith into action and community good.
In her presentation, Cecily stressed that individual change happens with one-on-one interaction and that mentoring is a valuable tool to accomplish this. It is her belief that people of faith need to express their beliefs through action. Her personal causes involve local area homelessness and those persons recently released from our prison system.
‘Sometimes people make bad choices and when they do, they need to be shown compassion and given opportunities to make the necessary corrections in their lives.’ Cecily stated that people of faith must do this - never giving up on people. ‘You have to curl up your fingers, provide something that others in need can hang on to because you may be the only thing they have.’
Program Attendee Task Responses
The following are the program participant’s answers to the 3 group discussion questions that followed the presentations.
1.) What things or issues about today’s presentations were most memorable / eye-opening / inspirational?
The connectedness of the causes. The high level of trust and accountability among all organizations. Cecily’s work with sex-offenders and what one person can do to address problems/challenges. A reference to the “Homeless of Wal-Mart”. The idea gained to working on one as opposed to entire community problems – each person taking one task decreasing burn-out of players. The importance of the one-on-one connection especially for those coming out of prison. Importance of mentorship among community members and their development. The value of constantly giving “vision” to all individuals and organizations.
2.) Looking at today’s topic, what do you consider to be the opportunities for our N.W.Ohio locality?
Northwest Ohio has issues of homelessness as well as availability of shelters to serve them. Community gardens that serve local populations. Opportunities exist with our neighbors thinking in small and do-able ways. Opportunities to work within our localities to fix the system promoting the problem. May 3rd will offer an opportunity for Toledo community involvement to address economic inequality at Friendship Baptist Church on Nebraska Ave. Toledo and sponsored by TUSA. “Citizen Circles” is an organization sponsored by the Ohio Dept. of Rehabilitation and helps community members interested in working with and integrating released prisoners in communities. Could the concept of “Citizen Circles” be benchmarked and developed for other similar areas in need of restoration?
3.) What are the programs you would like to see to address those opportunities?
Building multigenerational communities using old motels that provide individual with community space for interaction and meals. Establishing community gardens, use the MultiFaith Council to address the fear of insecurity and fear of otherness. Focus on restoration of all aspects of community. Establish program that would supply mentors on various aspects of life… financial skills (living within means and budgeting, credit card debt). Opportunities exist to change neighborhood zoning laws addressing multi-family housing in economically depressed areas. Programs on how to be “Instruments of Change”. For those recently released from prison, could there be a program that would eliminate prejudices existing in the workplace for both the employer and other employees?
MultiFaith Council of NW Ohio
Thursday, April 22, 2010 This evening session focused on the Earth Charter principle of Economic and Social Justice. The videos were chosen to illustrate personal attitudes necessary to affect change or behavior.
Video Presentations
Michael Shuman authored “The SmallMart Revolution” and uses his expertise as a community developer to promote and sustain local economies. Shuman's "Building Communities" addresses what people can do to rebuild their own communities by establishing and shoping at local businesses and stores. Michael has numerous videos on YouTube and are available for view via the Internet. Shuman spoke at Northwest State Community College on March 10, 2008 and, if interested, his presentations can be viewed by going to the Northwest State Community College's Mediasite webpage, go to page 4 of the site to find the 3/10/2008 events and select his presentations on "Going Local".
Another video used during this session featured the United Nations Millennium Campaign Goal 7. This video was chosen for the examples of personal and community empowerment and effects to neighborhoods. This video features some of the results of community activists and the communities that they serve.
Mrs. Cecily Rohrs
Our live-guest speaker featured Mrs. Cecily Rohrs of Northwest Ohio who provides an example of putting one’s faith into action for the common good. Cecily’s work is about social and economic justice combined with the necessary Faith Components for the improvement of people’s lives. Cecily’s very small non-profit organization – “The Friendship House” and “The Shepard’s Circle” are the vehicles she uses to put her faith into action and community good.
In her presentation, Cecily stressed that individual change happens with one-on-one interaction and that mentoring is a valuable tool to accomplish this. It is her belief that people of faith need to express their beliefs through action. Her personal causes involve local area homelessness and those persons recently released from our prison system.
‘Sometimes people make bad choices and when they do, they need to be shown compassion and given opportunities to make the necessary corrections in their lives.’ Cecily stated that people of faith must do this - never giving up on people. ‘You have to curl up your fingers, provide something that others in need can hang on to because you may be the only thing they have.’
Program Attendee Task Responses
The following are the program participant’s answers to the 3 group discussion questions that followed the presentations.
1.) What things or issues about today’s presentations were most memorable / eye-opening / inspirational?
The connectedness of the causes. The high level of trust and accountability among all organizations. Cecily’s work with sex-offenders and what one person can do to address problems/challenges. A reference to the “Homeless of Wal-Mart”. The idea gained to working on one as opposed to entire community problems – each person taking one task decreasing burn-out of players. The importance of the one-on-one connection especially for those coming out of prison. Importance of mentorship among community members and their development. The value of constantly giving “vision” to all individuals and organizations.
2.) Looking at today’s topic, what do you consider to be the opportunities for our N.W.Ohio locality?
Northwest Ohio has issues of homelessness as well as availability of shelters to serve them. Community gardens that serve local populations. Opportunities exist with our neighbors thinking in small and do-able ways. Opportunities to work within our localities to fix the system promoting the problem. May 3rd will offer an opportunity for Toledo community involvement to address economic inequality at Friendship Baptist Church on Nebraska Ave. Toledo and sponsored by TUSA. “Citizen Circles” is an organization sponsored by the Ohio Dept. of Rehabilitation and helps community members interested in working with and integrating released prisoners in communities. Could the concept of “Citizen Circles” be benchmarked and developed for other similar areas in need of restoration?
3.) What are the programs you would like to see to address those opportunities?
Building multigenerational communities using old motels that provide individual with community space for interaction and meals. Establishing community gardens, use the MultiFaith Council to address the fear of insecurity and fear of otherness. Focus on restoration of all aspects of community. Establish program that would supply mentors on various aspects of life… financial skills (living within means and budgeting, credit card debt). Opportunities exist to change neighborhood zoning laws addressing multi-family housing in economically depressed areas. Programs on how to be “Instruments of Change”. For those recently released from prison, could there be a program that would eliminate prejudices existing in the workplace for both the employer and other employees?
MultiFaith Council of NW Ohio
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
MultiFaith Council of N.W. Ohio Presents "The Spirit of Sustainability"
Welcome to the MFC "Spirit of Sustainability" reference site.
The Spirit of Sustainability program will be running on 3 consecutive Thursday evenings, April 22, 29 and May 6, 2010 starting at 7:00pm and ending at 8:30pm. Our program host will be the First Unitarian Church of Toledo, 3205 Glendale Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43614. For direction to the facility, visit Mapquest.
This program will feature topics alligned with the EarthCharter, present programs happening on an international as well as a local (Northwest Ohio)scale. Programs will feature topic introductions, video presentations, live speaker presentations and opportunities for attendees to discuss local opportunities.
Look to this site to review archived program videos, related documents and podcasts of our invited program speakers.
MultiFaith Council of Northwest Ohio
The Spirit of Sustainability program will be running on 3 consecutive Thursday evenings, April 22, 29 and May 6, 2010 starting at 7:00pm and ending at 8:30pm. Our program host will be the First Unitarian Church of Toledo, 3205 Glendale Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43614. For direction to the facility, visit Mapquest.
This program will feature topics alligned with the EarthCharter, present programs happening on an international as well as a local (Northwest Ohio)scale. Programs will feature topic introductions, video presentations, live speaker presentations and opportunities for attendees to discuss local opportunities.
Look to this site to review archived program videos, related documents and podcasts of our invited program speakers.
MultiFaith Council of Northwest Ohio
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