Thursday, Nov. 12,09
On Thursday, November 12th, SPUDS members are invited to attend a webinar on StockFree Organic Growing with UK farmer Iain Tolhurst. Fireweed and Veronica are registered for the session, which is part of the COABC (Certified Organic Assoc. of BC) Fall seminar series.
Veronica has a large screen tv for viewing at her home and has kindly offered to share the experience with any other SPUDS members interested. Contact her at vtimmons@island.net or 250-335-1828 if interested. The interactive webinar begins at 8:30 pm, PST.
Click here for details about the presentation and presenter)
Monday, November 9, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
SPUDS Minutes of October 27/09 meeting
NOTE: Next Membership Meeting, Wednesday, November 11, 2009
SPUDS Minutes of October 27/09 meeting
(recorded by Susan Marie, prepared for dissemination by Susan Marie and deNeen)
Members in Attendance:
Mike Nestor, Sheila Nopper, Fox, Charlie Johnson, Karl Goodwin, Velda Parsons, Bob Parsons, Bob Vosberg, deNeen Baldwin, Veronica Timmons, Susan-Marie Yoshihara, Fireweed, Rae Eckel, Riane daSilva
Absent:
Peter Bikel-Janes, Ron Sakolsky, Brian Miles, Maxine Matilpi, Ron Dobie, Margaret Fraser, Carole Vosberg, Corinne Bjorge, Andrew Fyson, Laura Busheikin, Marjo von Tooren, Shaun Woods, Bill Engelson
Co-facilitators: Sheila Nopper and Mike Nestor
1. Agenda
1) INTRO - Sheila
2) BASIS OF UNITY - Follow-up - Sheila & Mike - 45 minutes
- identify initial core basis of unity
- identify (and resolve?) remaining concerns
- revisit remaining concerns at next meeting
3) FIELD REPORT - Mike - 60 minutes
- budget update
- field update
- immediate needs/decisions
- upcoming needs/decisions (next meeting?)
4) DECISION-MAKING PROCESS - Sheila - 20 minutes
- assessment of consensus model
- proposal to adopt?
- alternate options/proposals
5) NEXT MEETING
- date/location
- facilitator(s)
A member suggested that the field report be first on the agenda and the group agreed.
2. Field Report
Budget and financial update:
$177.64 (as of September 30)
215.00 (15 memberships renewals)
$392.64 Total
Outstanding invoices:
$200 (for peas and innoculant)
Field Update
Mike paced off the dimensions of the field and made a map which he posted on the wall. Fire Weed read Derek's field report. See previous post here on the blogspot.
The innoculated winter peas which were sown into the recently harvested part of the field on October 11 (which was rototilled by tractor on October 10) have sprouted. Mike's map showed the part of the field which was not used for potatoes this year and which was planted in rye. This part of the field has been managed in various ways. A 10x10 foot section in the northwest corner was marked off and an experiment is being conducted by sowing innoculated winter peas into the scythed rye stalks. On October 12 another part of the field, to the east, was rototilled by Bob Parsons and sown with innoculated winter peas. On the same day one more part, to the west of the pile of rye and other grasses and weeds running down the centre of the field, was partially hand dug and sown with the peas. On the 18th of October part of the field closest to the west side was hand dug but not seeded. It is now too late to sow any more peas. There is a wide area at the very north part of the field and a narrower part to the east which have not yet been cultivated by SPUDSDiscussion followed about how to manage the never-cultivated parts of the field and what to do about the places that were dug but not cover cropped. Suggestions included various methods of mulching to suppress weeds that involved plastic, cardboard, hay and seaweed. It was generally agreed that plastic was not to be used. Since the soil in the field had not been tested, Rae volunteered to do that.
It was noted that for next year, we might only be able to plant potatoes in the 2 spots where the peas were planted. Or we might want to just let the whole field recover. We were reminded that the original plan had been to divide the field into thirds for crop rotation, which would initially mean a crop reduction, but it would improve the yields in the longer term.
A proposal was made with several amendments. We achieved consensus that a group of volunteers would start mulching the 10 foot deep swath at the end of the field with hay and the cut rye. Some members emphasized the need to maintain sufficient depth to keep light out and cardboard would be used if necessary. The dug area which was not sown with peas, will have seaweed applied. Bob Parsons has agreed to co-ordinate the activity outside of the meeting.
3. Basis of Unity:
Sheila presented her draft synthesis of the Community Building category for the Basis of Unity:
In addition to caring for the soil and the food we produce, we also want to build community by providing affordable access to a fun, safe, welcoming environment that will encourage and nourish the cooperative participation of a diverse intergenerational group of people with various skills, perspectives and physical abilities. Together we will celebrate our harvest and eventually share the overflowing bounty with the broader island community.
Discussion included concerns about the sharing being limited to the island, whether "growing knowledge" should be in the education section, clarification regarding "access," suggestion to add "growing food" to read "affordable access to growing food," concern about staying focused on potato co-op for now. It was noted that the statement doesn't preclude expanding in other directions in the future. Sheila will take the suggestions and work with them.
By now it was after 9 pm. It was proposed that the meeting end when we set a date and time and record who's doing what.
4. Decision- Making Process:
We achieved consensus on a proposal that we continue practicing the consensus model.
5. Next Meeting:
Next meeting will be held on November 11 at 7 pm at Susan-Marie's place. After that the meetings will possibly be held in the Conservancy room at the Old School. Riane will check out the availability of the room.
Ideas were still flowing thick and fast. They included: a member's responsibility for making oneself heard such as when unable to attend a meeting, proxy by email or representative was suggested. It is helpful if we know that a certain topic is coming up so that we have time to think about it and prepare for it.
Co-facilitators will be: Veronica Timmons and deNeen Baldwin
The meeting will continue to discuss the Basis of Unity. Veronica will do her summaries of the Education and Sustainability categories.
SPUDS Minutes of October 27/09 meeting
(recorded by Susan Marie, prepared for dissemination by Susan Marie and deNeen)
Members in Attendance:
Mike Nestor, Sheila Nopper, Fox, Charlie Johnson, Karl Goodwin, Velda Parsons, Bob Parsons, Bob Vosberg, deNeen Baldwin, Veronica Timmons, Susan-Marie Yoshihara, Fireweed, Rae Eckel, Riane daSilva
Absent:
Peter Bikel-Janes, Ron Sakolsky, Brian Miles, Maxine Matilpi, Ron Dobie, Margaret Fraser, Carole Vosberg, Corinne Bjorge, Andrew Fyson, Laura Busheikin, Marjo von Tooren, Shaun Woods, Bill Engelson
Co-facilitators: Sheila Nopper and Mike Nestor
1. Agenda
1) INTRO - Sheila
2) BASIS OF UNITY - Follow-up - Sheila & Mike - 45 minutes
- identify initial core basis of unity
- identify (and resolve?) remaining concerns
- revisit remaining concerns at next meeting
3) FIELD REPORT - Mike - 60 minutes
- budget update
- field update
- immediate needs/decisions
- upcoming needs/decisions (next meeting?)
4) DECISION-MAKING PROCESS - Sheila - 20 minutes
- assessment of consensus model
- proposal to adopt?
- alternate options/proposals
5) NEXT MEETING
- date/location
- facilitator(s)
A member suggested that the field report be first on the agenda and the group agreed.
2. Field Report
Budget and financial update:
$177.64 (as of September 30)
215.00 (15 memberships renewals)
$392.64 Total
Outstanding invoices:
$200 (for peas and innoculant)
Field Update
Mike paced off the dimensions of the field and made a map which he posted on the wall. Fire Weed read Derek's field report. See previous post here on the blogspot.
The innoculated winter peas which were sown into the recently harvested part of the field on October 11 (which was rototilled by tractor on October 10) have sprouted. Mike's map showed the part of the field which was not used for potatoes this year and which was planted in rye. This part of the field has been managed in various ways. A 10x10 foot section in the northwest corner was marked off and an experiment is being conducted by sowing innoculated winter peas into the scythed rye stalks. On October 12 another part of the field, to the east, was rototilled by Bob Parsons and sown with innoculated winter peas. On the same day one more part, to the west of the pile of rye and other grasses and weeds running down the centre of the field, was partially hand dug and sown with the peas. On the 18th of October part of the field closest to the west side was hand dug but not seeded. It is now too late to sow any more peas. There is a wide area at the very north part of the field and a narrower part to the east which have not yet been cultivated by SPUDSDiscussion followed about how to manage the never-cultivated parts of the field and what to do about the places that were dug but not cover cropped. Suggestions included various methods of mulching to suppress weeds that involved plastic, cardboard, hay and seaweed. It was generally agreed that plastic was not to be used. Since the soil in the field had not been tested, Rae volunteered to do that.
It was noted that for next year, we might only be able to plant potatoes in the 2 spots where the peas were planted. Or we might want to just let the whole field recover. We were reminded that the original plan had been to divide the field into thirds for crop rotation, which would initially mean a crop reduction, but it would improve the yields in the longer term.
A proposal was made with several amendments. We achieved consensus that a group of volunteers would start mulching the 10 foot deep swath at the end of the field with hay and the cut rye. Some members emphasized the need to maintain sufficient depth to keep light out and cardboard would be used if necessary. The dug area which was not sown with peas, will have seaweed applied. Bob Parsons has agreed to co-ordinate the activity outside of the meeting.
3. Basis of Unity:
Sheila presented her draft synthesis of the Community Building category for the Basis of Unity:
In addition to caring for the soil and the food we produce, we also want to build community by providing affordable access to a fun, safe, welcoming environment that will encourage and nourish the cooperative participation of a diverse intergenerational group of people with various skills, perspectives and physical abilities. Together we will celebrate our harvest and eventually share the overflowing bounty with the broader island community.
Discussion included concerns about the sharing being limited to the island, whether "growing knowledge" should be in the education section, clarification regarding "access," suggestion to add "growing food" to read "affordable access to growing food," concern about staying focused on potato co-op for now. It was noted that the statement doesn't preclude expanding in other directions in the future. Sheila will take the suggestions and work with them.
By now it was after 9 pm. It was proposed that the meeting end when we set a date and time and record who's doing what.
4. Decision- Making Process:
We achieved consensus on a proposal that we continue practicing the consensus model.
5. Next Meeting:
Next meeting will be held on November 11 at 7 pm at Susan-Marie's place. After that the meetings will possibly be held in the Conservancy room at the Old School. Riane will check out the availability of the room.
Ideas were still flowing thick and fast. They included: a member's responsibility for making oneself heard such as when unable to attend a meeting, proxy by email or representative was suggested. It is helpful if we know that a certain topic is coming up so that we have time to think about it and prepare for it.
Co-facilitators will be: Veronica Timmons and deNeen Baldwin
The meeting will continue to discuss the Basis of Unity. Veronica will do her summaries of the Education and Sustainability categories.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Followup from Oct. 27th meeting
NOTE: The minutes for the Tuesday, Oct. 27th meeting will be distributed by email, but may not be posted on the blog before the next meeting (blog facilitator away for two weeks)
However, the next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 11th, one more time at Susan Marie's.
At the Oct. 27th meeting, an important update on the state of the field was shared. Please refer to the previous post for details.
Also, in the post before that, only 4 of all 6 drafts in progress towards our Basis of Unity were available. Work has already been undertaken tweaking the statement on Community, however for convenience of the membership, here are all six original draft statements in one place. At the next meeting on November 11th, the group will work on the drafts for Sustainability and Education, and review the 2nd draft of our statement on Community being amended by Sheila.
SPUDS BASIS of UNITY - FIRST DRAFT (for Oct 27/09 Meeting)
1) Community Building - draft (sheila)
In addition to caring for the soil and the food we produce, we also want to build community by providing affordable access to a fun, safe, welcoming environment that will encourage and nourish the cooperative participation of a diverse intergenerational group of people with various skills, perspectives and physical abilities. Together we will celebrate our harvest and eventually share the overflowing bounty with the broader island community.
2) Sustainability - (Veronica)
The membership agree to the following definition of sustainability
"Sustainability refers to the quality of life in a community, that is the economic, social and environmental systems that make up a community, and the extent to which those systems are providing a healthy, productive, meaningful life for all community residents, present and future. It means becoming aware of the holistic interconnections- visible and invisible- in which our day-today choices affect the intricate balance of social, economic, and ecological systems."
SPUDS will source and purchase supplies, services and products locally wherever possible. Preference will be given to Denman Island service-providers and suppliers.
We will move towards increasing the yield of the field production to ensure an organic vegetable supply for the future.
We will work with others in the D.I. community towards an island food sustainability program to support the Denman Feeding Denman movement.
3) Commitment and the Soil by Velda
The first idea could be “First, Do No Harm”.
ie- no toxins, harmful substances, and so on- I would also include ‘no harmful practoses’. This will mean different things to different people…BUT, doing things TO and FOR the land at the wrong time, CAN be quite harmful, as well as futile.
We need to be committed to our patch of Earth. We have lots of sources of information about what the land needs. When we determine its needs, THEN we will go ahead and meet those needs in the best possible way.
If green crops are to be the way of nurturing this patch, THEN its essential it be worked in at the appropriate time. Time is very important – if we are committed to this, we will be willing to forgo some other activities SOMETIMES in order to BE THERE. There are enough of us to do a good job of caring for the land, if we share responsibility, and if we ARE committed…
There is no merit in labour for labour’s sake. We have computers and lots of brains behind us. We can investigate new methods of land stewardship, we can try new ways and hopefully learn how to “love the land” in a progressive, non-greedy way. Let us now move in that direction before disaster overtakes us.
4) Education (Veronica)
We will encourage members to learn about organic farming, vegetable growing, how cooperatives operate and to develop the following skills: leadership, group facilitation, and communication.
Members will be empowered through skills building activities and will develop competencies experientially and formally.
Members will search out the educational model and practices that suit them best.
5) Group Process - draft from Fireweed
We strive for equality and inclusivity by sharing responsibilities and practising power-with (rather than power-over) in our deliberations and actions. Before speaking we pass our words through the Three Gates: “are these words true, are they necessary, and are they kind”?
6) Ethics (Mike)
Whenever possible, we will choose from the alternatives generated to address issues or problems in the field, those which are least harmful to the soil, plants, animals, people and the ecosystem as a whole. If a decision needing to be made in the field appears to necessitate going against any member's core values, it must be brought to the entire group for deliberation.
SPUDS seeks to be a non-commercial, non-profit endeavor. No individual, nor the collective, shall make any profit from the activities engaged in by SPUDS, other than to continue the necessary activities agreed upon by the entire group (e.g. buying seeds for cover crops, necessary tools or equipment, constructing a root cellar, etc.)
We shall engage in any and all activities from here unto perpetuity (or until SPUDS is no longer of this mortal coil) in an atmosphere that encourages fun and enjoyment. Should any member experience a serious lack of fun and/or enjoyment as a direct result of their membership in SPUDS, an official inquiry shall be launched to determine the root cause. If such a cause cannot be dug up by the Fun Subcommittee Working Group, the aggrieved member shall be composted.
However, the next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 11th, one more time at Susan Marie's.
At the Oct. 27th meeting, an important update on the state of the field was shared. Please refer to the previous post for details.
Also, in the post before that, only 4 of all 6 drafts in progress towards our Basis of Unity were available. Work has already been undertaken tweaking the statement on Community, however for convenience of the membership, here are all six original draft statements in one place. At the next meeting on November 11th, the group will work on the drafts for Sustainability and Education, and review the 2nd draft of our statement on Community being amended by Sheila.
SPUDS BASIS of UNITY - FIRST DRAFT (for Oct 27/09 Meeting)
1) Community Building - draft (sheila)
In addition to caring for the soil and the food we produce, we also want to build community by providing affordable access to a fun, safe, welcoming environment that will encourage and nourish the cooperative participation of a diverse intergenerational group of people with various skills, perspectives and physical abilities. Together we will celebrate our harvest and eventually share the overflowing bounty with the broader island community.
2) Sustainability - (Veronica)
The membership agree to the following definition of sustainability
"Sustainability refers to the quality of life in a community, that is the economic, social and environmental systems that make up a community, and the extent to which those systems are providing a healthy, productive, meaningful life for all community residents, present and future. It means becoming aware of the holistic interconnections- visible and invisible- in which our day-today choices affect the intricate balance of social, economic, and ecological systems."
SPUDS will source and purchase supplies, services and products locally wherever possible. Preference will be given to Denman Island service-providers and suppliers.
We will move towards increasing the yield of the field production to ensure an organic vegetable supply for the future.
We will work with others in the D.I. community towards an island food sustainability program to support the Denman Feeding Denman movement.
3) Commitment and the Soil by Velda
The first idea could be “First, Do No Harm”.
ie- no toxins, harmful substances, and so on- I would also include ‘no harmful practoses’. This will mean different things to different people…BUT, doing things TO and FOR the land at the wrong time, CAN be quite harmful, as well as futile.
We need to be committed to our patch of Earth. We have lots of sources of information about what the land needs. When we determine its needs, THEN we will go ahead and meet those needs in the best possible way.
If green crops are to be the way of nurturing this patch, THEN its essential it be worked in at the appropriate time. Time is very important – if we are committed to this, we will be willing to forgo some other activities SOMETIMES in order to BE THERE. There are enough of us to do a good job of caring for the land, if we share responsibility, and if we ARE committed…
There is no merit in labour for labour’s sake. We have computers and lots of brains behind us. We can investigate new methods of land stewardship, we can try new ways and hopefully learn how to “love the land” in a progressive, non-greedy way. Let us now move in that direction before disaster overtakes us.
4) Education (Veronica)
We will encourage members to learn about organic farming, vegetable growing, how cooperatives operate and to develop the following skills: leadership, group facilitation, and communication.
Members will be empowered through skills building activities and will develop competencies experientially and formally.
Members will search out the educational model and practices that suit them best.
5) Group Process - draft from Fireweed
We strive for equality and inclusivity by sharing responsibilities and practising power-with (rather than power-over) in our deliberations and actions. Before speaking we pass our words through the Three Gates: “are these words true, are they necessary, and are they kind”?
6) Ethics (Mike)
Whenever possible, we will choose from the alternatives generated to address issues or problems in the field, those which are least harmful to the soil, plants, animals, people and the ecosystem as a whole. If a decision needing to be made in the field appears to necessitate going against any member's core values, it must be brought to the entire group for deliberation.
SPUDS seeks to be a non-commercial, non-profit endeavor. No individual, nor the collective, shall make any profit from the activities engaged in by SPUDS, other than to continue the necessary activities agreed upon by the entire group (e.g. buying seeds for cover crops, necessary tools or equipment, constructing a root cellar, etc.)
We shall engage in any and all activities from here unto perpetuity (or until SPUDS is no longer of this mortal coil) in an atmosphere that encourages fun and enjoyment. Should any member experience a serious lack of fun and/or enjoyment as a direct result of their membership in SPUDS, an official inquiry shall be launched to determine the root cause. If such a cause cannot be dug up by the Fun Subcommittee Working Group, the aggrieved member shall be composted.
Field Update, Sept. 27th, 09
The following update was provided by Fireweed at SPUDS membership meeting, Tues. Sept. 27th
Background:
At the time of our SPUDS meeting with Mary Lang, three weeks ago on Oct. 6th, getting our fall cover crop into the ground as soon as possible was a priorty.
A decision was made that evening to convene in the field on the following weekend. Many hands came together on Sunday the 11th and Thanksgiving Monday and a great deal was accomplished.
The half of the field we had harvested was successfully tilled and seeded with fall peas. A third of the remaining half of the field was also prepared and planted.
One more third of this half of the field has now also been dug thanks to additional effort from members who volunteered after our last meeting, Oct. 16th.
In spite of all this hard work, according to Derek approximately a third of this half of the field remains undug, and this means that a full 2/3rds of the area that we would ideally be planting our spuds in next spring has not been seeded yet with the nitrogen fixing peas required for adequate soil fertility.
Derek's thoughts and recommendations:
It is likely too late now to continue with fall pea planting. Unless, as Derek put it, a work party goes out the next day (after the meeting) to finish digging, and immediately sows the seed. But given the cooler temperatures out there now it may still be too late anyway, since it is nearing the end of October. The seed needs at least a couple of weeks to germinate so it's most likely that we've lost our window of opportunity.
Derek pointed out that we ran into fertility problems this past spring due to inappropriate timing of cover crops and insufficient time for germination, so it might be in our best interests to save the pea seed already purchased, and to plant it in the spring as soon as the ground is dry enough.
Even though the peas purchased are called 'fall peas' for a reason, Derek says, he figures that given our budget restrictions a better use of the remaining seed purchased by Veronica would be in the spring. He recommends letting those plants mature into summer.
Basically, this would mean putting the health of the soil first, and not planting potatoes in this 2/3rd of that half of the field next spring that is not nutrient ready. Ideally the mature pea plants would then be mowed in the summer and a 2nd cover crop planted, like buckwheat, to continue feeding the soil.
Another option, given possible budget restrictions for future cover crop seed, might be to leave those peas standing to self-seed, although this would be experimental since seed germination this way could be spotty.
Anway, the option of saving the remainder of the seed already purchased until spring at this point is one for us to consider. We need to be keeping good records of planting times and conditions, and planning further ahead. Foregoing potato planting, at least on the scale we were hoping for again next spring, may be the best care of the land entrusted to SPUDS by the Hermitage.
In addition, Derek suggested that the approximately ten foot wide area still covered in sod spanning the bottom of the field, could be brought into eventual use by mulching it now to suppress growth. This could involve distributing the pile of cut rye currently sitting in the middle of the field over the area mentioned, and then using some of the hay bales on top of that to mulch the whole strip.
Derek says the mulch itself may not break down fully by spring, but that it might be pulled aside at that time for rototilling the area. He also suggested that the area could be left mulched for the year, rather than seeded with pea if it isn't ready for rototilling.
Background:
At the time of our SPUDS meeting with Mary Lang, three weeks ago on Oct. 6th, getting our fall cover crop into the ground as soon as possible was a priorty.
A decision was made that evening to convene in the field on the following weekend. Many hands came together on Sunday the 11th and Thanksgiving Monday and a great deal was accomplished.
The half of the field we had harvested was successfully tilled and seeded with fall peas. A third of the remaining half of the field was also prepared and planted.
One more third of this half of the field has now also been dug thanks to additional effort from members who volunteered after our last meeting, Oct. 16th.
In spite of all this hard work, according to Derek approximately a third of this half of the field remains undug, and this means that a full 2/3rds of the area that we would ideally be planting our spuds in next spring has not been seeded yet with the nitrogen fixing peas required for adequate soil fertility.
Derek's thoughts and recommendations:
It is likely too late now to continue with fall pea planting. Unless, as Derek put it, a work party goes out the next day (after the meeting) to finish digging, and immediately sows the seed. But given the cooler temperatures out there now it may still be too late anyway, since it is nearing the end of October. The seed needs at least a couple of weeks to germinate so it's most likely that we've lost our window of opportunity.
Derek pointed out that we ran into fertility problems this past spring due to inappropriate timing of cover crops and insufficient time for germination, so it might be in our best interests to save the pea seed already purchased, and to plant it in the spring as soon as the ground is dry enough.
Even though the peas purchased are called 'fall peas' for a reason, Derek says, he figures that given our budget restrictions a better use of the remaining seed purchased by Veronica would be in the spring. He recommends letting those plants mature into summer.
Basically, this would mean putting the health of the soil first, and not planting potatoes in this 2/3rd of that half of the field next spring that is not nutrient ready. Ideally the mature pea plants would then be mowed in the summer and a 2nd cover crop planted, like buckwheat, to continue feeding the soil.
Another option, given possible budget restrictions for future cover crop seed, might be to leave those peas standing to self-seed, although this would be experimental since seed germination this way could be spotty.
Anway, the option of saving the remainder of the seed already purchased until spring at this point is one for us to consider. We need to be keeping good records of planting times and conditions, and planning further ahead. Foregoing potato planting, at least on the scale we were hoping for again next spring, may be the best care of the land entrusted to SPUDS by the Hermitage.
In addition, Derek suggested that the approximately ten foot wide area still covered in sod spanning the bottom of the field, could be brought into eventual use by mulching it now to suppress growth. This could involve distributing the pile of cut rye currently sitting in the middle of the field over the area mentioned, and then using some of the hay bales on top of that to mulch the whole strip.
Derek says the mulch itself may not break down fully by spring, but that it might be pulled aside at that time for rototilling the area. He also suggested that the area could be left mulched for the year, rather than seeded with pea if it isn't ready for rototilling.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 09
See you at our next meeting of the whole, this Tuesday evening, Oct. 27th, once again at the home of Susan Marie, 3906 Wren Road! Please bring a folding chair if you have one, and thanks for remembering to help keep the space accessible for all by coming 'scent-free'.
Below, please find the following submitted from Sheila Nopper for dissemination to the membership prior to the meeting.
Hello Everyone,
Below are 4 (of 6) draft summaries of the subcategories for our Basis of Unity that the group identified at the last meeting.
Due to time constraints and other critical issues that also need to be discussed on Tuesday, Mike Nestor and I (who volunteered to cofacilitate this meeting) would appreciate it if you could review these summaries prior to the meeting and be ready to identify which ideas you are comfortable with and those which remain concerns.
Thanks and we hope to see many of you on Tuesday!
SPUDS BASIS of UNITY - FIRST DRAFT (for Oct 27/09 Meeting)
1) Community Building - draft (Sheila)
In addition to caring for the soil and the food we produce, we also want to build community by providing affordable access to a fun, safe, welcoming environment that will encourage and nourish the cooperative participation of a diverse intergenerational group of people with various skills, perspectives and physical abilities. Together we will celebrate our harvest and eventually share the overflowing bounty with the broader island community.
2)
Sustainability- (Veronica)
She will bring it to the meeting
She will bring it to the meeting
3) Commitment and the Soil by Velda
The first idea could be “First, Do No Harm”, ie- no toxins, harmful substances, and so on- I would also include ‘no harmful practoses’. This will mean different things to different people…BUT, doing things TO and FOR the land at the wrong time, CAN be quite harmful, as well as futile.
We need to be committed to our patch of Earth. We have lots of sources of information about what the land needs. When we determine its needs, THEN we will go ahead and meet those needs in the best possible way.
If green crops are to be the way of nurturing this patch, THEN its essential it be worked in at the appropriate time. Time is very important – if we are committed to this, we will be willing to forgo some other activities SOMETIMES in order to BE THERE. There are enough of us to do a good job of caring for the land, if we share responsibility, and if we ARE committed…
There is no merit in labour for labour’s sake. We have computers and lots of brains behind us. We can investigate new methods of land stewardship, we can try new ways and hopefully learn how to “love the land” in a progressive, non-greedy way. Let us now move in that direction before disaster overtakes us.
4) Education (Veronica)
She will bring it to the meeting
5) Group Process - draft (Fireweed)
We strive for equality and inclusivity by sharing responsibilities and practising power-with (rather than power-over) in our deliberations and actions. Before speaking we pass our words through the Three Gates: “are these words true, are they necessary, and are they kind”?
6) Ethics - draft (Mike)
Whenever possible, we will choose from the alternatives generated to address issues or problems in the field, those which are least harmful to the soil, plants, animals, people and the ecosystem as a whole. If a decision needing to be made in the field appears to necessitate going against any member's core values, it must be brought to the entire group for deliberation.
SPUDS seeks to be a non-commercial, non-profit endeavor. No individual, nor the collective, shall make any profit from the activities engaged in by SPUDS, other than to continue the necessary activities agreed upon by the entire group (e.g. buying seeds for cover crops, necessary tools or equipment, constructing a root cellar, etc.)
We shall engage in any and all activities from here unto perpetuity (or until SPUDS is no longer of this mortal coil) in an atmosphere that encourages fun and enjoyment. Should any member experience a serious lack of fun and/or enjoyment as a direct result of their membership in SPUDS, an official inquiry shall be launched to determine the root cause. If such a cause cannot be dug up by the Fun Subcommittee Working Group, the aggrieved member shall be composted.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Building our Basis of Unity
SPUDS next get-together is on Tuesday, Oct. 27th, 7:00 pm at Susan Marie's: 3906 Wren Road.
The meeting will be co-facilitated by Mike Nestor and Sheila Nopper, and continue with building our 'Basis of Unity'.
Please bring a folding chair if you can, and carpool! www.islandrideshare.com
NOTE: The opportunity to meet at Susan Marie's house, is in part to help maintain a scent-free environment for the comfort of chemically sensitive members of SPUDS co-operative. Several individuals in the group were affected adversely at our last meeting, so this is a gentle reminder to please abstain from the use of scented personal care products or laundry detergent before attending meetings. Please click here for further information. Thankyou for your cooperation!
The meeting will be co-facilitated by Mike Nestor and Sheila Nopper, and continue with building our 'Basis of Unity'.
Please bring a folding chair if you can, and carpool! www.islandrideshare.com
NOTE: The opportunity to meet at Susan Marie's house, is in part to help maintain a scent-free environment for the comfort of chemically sensitive members of SPUDS co-operative. Several individuals in the group were affected adversely at our last meeting, so this is a gentle reminder to please abstain from the use of scented personal care products or laundry detergent before attending meetings. Please click here for further information. Thankyou for your cooperation!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Minutes from SPUDS membership meeting, Friday, Oct. 16, 09
-originally recorded by Veronica Timmons-
7:00 pm -9:30 pm
3906 Wren Road, Denman Island
Members in attendance:
Brian Miles, Peter Bickel-Janes, Maxine Matilpi, Ron Dobie, Mike Nestor, Fireweed, Riane daSilva, Sheila Nopper, Rae Eckel, Velda Parsons, Bob Parsons, Margaret Fraser, Fox, Ron Sakolsky, Veronica Timmons, Karl Goodwin, Bob Vosburg, Herb Jones, Susan-Marie Yoshihara, Barbara Heywood-Jones, Charlie Johnston
Absent:
Corinne Bjorge, Andrew Fyson, Laura Busheikin, Marjo von Tooren, Shaun Woods, Bill Engelson, deNeen Baldwin
Co-facilitators:
Ron Sakolsky and Charlie Johnston
1. Agenda
- The Agenda
- Basis of Unity
- Agreement – Basis for Decision-making
- Field Decisions
Ron and Sheila shared some of SPUDS background by referencing our start-up grant from Freedonia, including some of the initial goals of the project as presented in our application for financial aid from the anarchist funding body (2007). [visit Freedonia online by clicking on the LINKS column, right hand side of blog]
"Our goal is to shift our food consumption away from its increasing dependence on imported produce and to shift our economic emphasis back to self-sustainability with small, local food production." [excerpted from our grant application to Freedonia; for further details see the whole application by clicking on the Funding Background link, also on the right hand side of this page]
The group used consensus process to begin building a Basis of Unity, brainstorming as follows:
- Community building
- Production for others
- Providing opportunities to grow food
- Increasingly sustainable
- Building caring relationships through sharing the harvest and activity
- Building empowerment through skill building
- Non-commercial
- Moving towards Denman food sustainability
- Experimentation of planting methods
- Enjoyable, fun
- Minimal harm
- Organic
- Not monoculture, crop rotation
- Strive for inclusivity
- Harvest celebration ritual
- Local sourcing
- Organic where possible
- Non gmo
- Prioritizing for the health of the soil
- Love and revere the soil
- Variety of vegetables
- Feed soil not the plants
- Be an educational model
- Educate ourselves
- Accessibility (sharing harvest)
- Encouraging youth
- Egalitarian
- Planting peace
Clarifications were requested of those who contributed the following ideas...
Planting peace: Sharing food, producing security/comfort. Sense ofcooperation/good-will
Non-commercial: Not selling food we grow. Not for profit
Minimal harm: Minimal harm to people, animals and the soil
Inclusivity: Including different ability levels of people. Including vegans in the cooperative, being able to afford memberships
Sustainability: Lack of fuel in the future. Move towards getting off fossil fuels
Not monoculture: Healthier for the soil and plants if crop is varied and changed
Production for others: Sharing the harvest with others if we do not need all the harvest
Egalitarian: Power sharing
The ideas brainstormed were then grouped by commonality into categories:
- Community Building
- produce food for others (outside the membership)
- hold a harvest celebration
- encourage youth
- increase the opportunities to grow
- strive for inclusivity
- accessibility (share the harvest)
- build a caring and sharing community
- share in growing activities
- plant for peace
- encourage fun and enjoyment
- Sustainability
- move towards Denman sustainability
- source products/supplies locally (where possible)
- move towards increasing sustainability
- Soil/Growing Issues
- use organic (where possible)
- prioritize for the health of the soil
- love and revere the soil
- use a variety of vegetables/not a monoculture
- encourage experimentation
- use a diversity of planting methods
- feed the soil not the plants
- encourage experimentation
- encourage fun and enjoyment
- Education
- educate ourselves
- empowerment through skills building
- be an educational model
5. Group Process
- be egalitarian – power sharing
- use the 3-Gates in communication
6. Ethics
- minimal harm to people, animals, plants
- be non-commercial (non-profit)
- encourage fun and enjoyment
The following members agreed to write up a category into statements. These will be presented to the membership at the next meeting for additional discussion and honing. They will also be posted on the Blog for members to access and think about prior to providing further input.
1. Community Building- Sheila2. Sustainability - Veronica
3. Soil/Growing Issues- Bob and Velda
4. Education- Veronica
5. Group Process- Fireweed
6. Ethics- Mike
A very brief followup discussion ensued about consensus, as the meeting's focus on forming a basis of unity had been previously determined as necessary to engagement in consensus building. However, there was insufficient time before the end of the meeting to determine how decision-making would proceed until the group has more time to deliberate on the consensus group process option.
One person suggested that we "work towards building consensus" [over time] as a group. Another suggested that we practise using it in the interim. Members were encouraged to look at the blog for information and to learn more about using consensus process.
4. Field Decisions
No formal discussion took place during the meeting about next steps in the field. However, as the membership was disbanding Margaret, Fox, Ron and Maxine volunteered to contribute to the digging left to do in the field. Veronica offered to call Derek to request his assistance in spreading the remaining peas.
NEXT MEETING: A date for SPUDS next meeting of the membership was set for : Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 7pm at Susan-Marie’s house. Co-facilitation of the meeting will be shared by Sheila Nopper and Mike Nestor. Please bring a folding chair if you have one, and carpool! Thanks for heping keep SPUDS meetings 'scent-free for inclusivity'.
The meeting ended at 9:30pm
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