Module 5.5 “ Sustainability and Education”

Through this assignment, I have learned that there are many local organizations here on the Big Island that support sustainability, communication and culture. The most interesting organization to me is the charter school located in Keaukaha, Keanala’ahana. My mother recently worked there as a math teacher and experienced the values that this school carries. This school links culture with education and emphasizes the importance of individual pursuits.

I am also aware that this organization provides a scholarship for further or higher education. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of and be aware of. I am relieved to know that more and more individuals and communities are supporting the efforts to slow down or stop the effects of global warming.

Module 5.4 “ Sustainability and Diversity”

Diversity is a complex word. It is the concept of acceptance and respect for one another and their cultures or beliefs. It means understanding that each individual is unique, 
and recognizing our individual differences. Diversity relates race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, 
political beliefs, or other ideologies.

The importance of diversity in relation to sustainability is the more cultures and communities’ work together to live sustainable and protect our environment, the impact will be great and it will increase the chances of having a sustainable economy. It also will help eliminate instability by all members contributing to the cause. In addition, every nation wants a strong, growing sustainable economy considering our current situation with pollution and limited resources.

Culture is also related to diversity. Each culture has its own ways of planting, farming and living sustainably. If each culture were to share their methods and practices with one another we would be able to maximize our resources and share the wealth and success throughout the world.

The most interesting thing I learned with this assignment is that there are so many opportunities for people to get involved with relating to sustainability, communication and culture. These organizations are making the effort to promote opportunities to help save the environment. It is amazing to see how many people do get involved. If it weren’t for this class, I would not be aware of such positive opportunities or have learned about the earth current environmental situation. These sites clearly displays that people are taking action towards saving the earth!

Module 5.3 “Social and Environmental Justice in Hawaii”

The websites in this module made me see through a different light.

Watching the clips brought sadness to my heart, however a gratifying emotion as well. As a student from a Hawaiian Immersion elementary school, I have been taught the story of the overthrow of Queen Lili’uokalani. The overthrow banned the use of the Hawaiian language and changed the Hawaiian culture forever.

The result of this situation put many Hawaiian families out of their homes and stole the land that once sustained their livelihood. I am sad to hear that this has caused a domino affect on the Hawaiian population and continues to cause chaos. However, I am relieved that the public has access to the truth and the actual story of what happened. Everyone needs to know and understand the truth!

It was one thing for the military to overthrow the Queen, but they also recently used the island of Kaho’olawe to practice the military weapons and bombs. They damaged the islands natural soil and the land became non-sustainable. Pohakuloa is another native place that is affected by the military with depleted uranium.

All the sites have a strong relationship with culture, sustainability and communication. The Hawaiian culture was exiled and communication through their native tongue was banned. The Hawaiian land was stolen which resulted in its inability to be sustainable and provide food for its people. The most saddening thoughts of these situations is that the white people do not understand the importance of being a part of a culture, so they are not able to relate to the Hawaiian or native people and believe what they are doing is right.

Module 5.2 “ Sustainability, Health and Healing”

I am surprised that prisoners are given free universal health care in “top notch medical facilities” while the local community members are not! What also surprised me was the situation where the women was denied financial assistance from her insurance company on the ambulance ride she received after a car accident. Apparently she was supposed to get it pre-approved, what a mess!

I also learned that the USA ranked #37 in Health Care Ranking. The American culture has definitely lost sight of the cultural norms that we teach our youth and practice as adults; taking care of one another. Instead, the government is encouraging and supporting the idea that money is more important than your health, the unity of our country and the environment. The government has forgotten how to use the basic tools of what we learn from our ancestors. I feel that the government is not communicating the right messages to the citizens of the United States of America. It’s a shame!

Module 5.1 “ Systems Theory”

1. Relating The Story of Stuff to Culture:

As a mother, I understand the importance of nutrition and its value to a child while breastfeeding. I was shocked to hear the facts that this video clip presented with the relationship of breastfeeding and reproductive toxins and synergistic chemicals. Breastfeeding is the most common cultural practices for cultures all over the world, and to realize that our government is encouraging these chemicals to be exposed to the infants are extremely disappointing. Doctors, nutritionist and local programs, for example WIC, encourage breastfeeding. This is a cultural practice and the greatest source of nutrition for an infant. The chemicals are not only affecting our environment, but the ways of our culture and lifestyle.

2. The three systems that they connect to sustainability are

a. Energy

b. Environment

c. Economic Development

3. Sustainability, Communication and Culture:

This video used a very creative way to display the truth about the world that we live in. The statistics that were presented were very shocking and distressing. To me, this video clip displayed how much the economy, the government and the people have contributed negatively to the earth’s current state. No one “gives a dam” anymore.

Module 4.2 "Group Contract"

Team 3: Today not Tomorrow

We have definitely had challenges working through this project. Even though I was assigned with being the leader; the other teammates contribute just as much. We expect each other to be on the same page and complete all tasks equally.

Communication is a big part of team process and we try our best to get in touch with the others. At times, an e-mail does not get to the designated person or not in a timely manner and communication is lost. We have experienced this more than once and with more than one person. At that time, both parties may feel left out or even irritated. It is at that time, that we should take extra measures in order to make sure everyone is still a team.

For our group project we decided to volunteer and help clean up South Point beach on Saturday November 13, 2010. We found this volunteer project through the university and Student Service Corps.

Our group expectations consist of meeting times, information we have to discuss during the meeting, member responsibilities, and communicating about missing or switching meeting times and dates.

For our group meetings we communicate through email, phone calls, and skype. We have all agreed upon being in charge of taking the minutes for when we meet and posting them on the blog. As a group we have all agreed that meeting though skype works best for us because of people's work, class, and personal schedules. If one of the group members are not able to attend the meeting they will let us know via email or phone so we can fill them in or move the date to accommodate everyone.

The jobs assigned to each person have been assigned and are expected to be complete, if they are not one of the other members or the remaining members in the group will complete this but will take note of the absence.

Module 4.6 "Podcast"

Module 4.6 “Podcast”

Dr.Becker, I would like to take the time to thank you for offering such an informative interview on Podcast. I am amazed by your personal experiences while living in an ecovillage and love how you want to provide that for us, as students. It would be a great opportunity if living in an ecovillage was an option for me as a student at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. I would definitely take the course. I would also enjoy learning the hands on methods of sustainability, learning other cultures and living a greener life. Thank you.

.

COM 343: Question 11-20

COM 343: Questions 11-20

1. Wangari Maathai made an amazing and powerful speech, The Nobel Peace Laureate Speech in 2004. She speaks to the women of Africa and reminds them of their power to step into action and make a difference. Throughout her speech she mentions where she got her inspiration from, was it:

a. Her mother

b. Childhood

c. Observations of Nature in Kenya

d. A &b

e. B & c

E, Wangari Maathai inspiration came from her childhood experiences and her observations of Nature in rural Kenya. Beyond You & Me pg. 161

2. T/F Almost 3 billion people live on less than 2 Euros a day. 45 million continue to die every year out of hunger and malnutrition.

True Beyond You & Me pg. 166

3. T/F The five key concepts of coaching is Curiosity, Listening, Intuition, Self-Management and Skill.

False; Curiosity, Listening, Intuition, Self-management and

Action/Learning. Beyond You & Me pg. 174

4. T/F Starting a New Ecovillage isn’t easy. Diana Leafe Christian provides tools for possible ‘structural conflict’ and Nine ways to resolve it. But, she learns that “the purely structural steps of starting a new Ecovillage has everything to do with the interpersonal aspects of ecovillage life later on.”

True Beyond You & Me pg.49-50

5. Mediation focuses on two important elements to resolve conflict. Which of the following is it?

a. Listening and Talking

b. Key Questions and Key Phrases

c. Key Phrases for Problem Solving

d. Counseling and Healing

B, Mediation: www.ronkelly.com/RonKelllyTools.html

6. T/F Dean Radin, states that there is such a thing called intentional chocolate. This intentional chocolate “makes positive intentions an actual ingredient - with mood-enhancing effects on those who eat it.” Is this true?

True Intentional Chocolate: oneminuteshift.com/videos/dean radin/intentional chocolate

7. New Leaders Communicate their Projects is an organization that supports:

a. Environmental Leadership

b. The Youth

c. Mentoring and Sponsorships

d. All of the above

D, New Leaders Communicate their Projects: broweryouthawards.org/

8. According to the “Is GMO food really dangerous” video, are genetically modified soybeans dangerous?

a. Yes

b. No

c. Sometimes

d. It depends

A, www.organicconsumers.org.articles/article 18150.cfm

9. Where is the world’s largest manufacture of genetically modified seed?

a. Monsanto, Missouri

b. Washington DC

c. Long Beach, California

d. Las Vegas, Nevada

A, www.organicconsumerorg.article/article 18150.cfm

10. T/F MRCSE or Midwest Regional Collaborative for Sustainability Education is promoting transformative visions of sustainability and sustainability education.

True, What the World Would Look Like Global Oneness Project

www.mrcse.org/index.php

Module 4.7 “Communication”

Module 4.7 “Communication”

1. Who is doing what?

At this point in our project Jackie A. is signing our group up for the service learning event on Nov. 13.2010 at South Point. She is also going to provide our group with details needed to prepare for the even. She is also responsible for bringing her camera to the event in order for our group to take pictures and document our experience.

Trisha is going to email Dr. Becker to find out the specific requirements and stipulations on what we need to include in our Power Point and in our 5pg personal response. She will also bring her camera to the service learning project.

2. Status:

We are currently keeping each other informed about anything related to the project and expect to see each other on Nov. 13, 2010 for the event.

3. What still needs to be done?

As a group, we decided that we will definitely meet one more time after the event is complete. At this meeting we will go over one another’s personal experiences, collaborate any new ideas for the project, look through the pictures and complete the Power Point as well as any last minute things we need to address.

Jackie A, Trisha B. and Tawny S. were present to discuss the above material and the next steps towards completing our project. We also discussed a plan for our next and final meeting. Any new information will be emailed and we will remain in contact until the completion of the project.

Module 4.5 “Media and Social Change”

Module 4.5 “Media and Social Change”

The website that I thought most interesting was the "New Leaders Communicate Their Projects" at broweryouthawards.org/. This website titled New Leaders Initiative, is an organization that encourages and recognizes environmental leadership by raising the profile of young emerging environmental leaders in North America. This organization is very unique because each year they award six recipients for the Brower Youth Award that entitles a $3,000 cash prize and an all-expense paid trip to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Reading the 2010 award winner project summaries, I found one that I personally enjoyed. Misra Walker, one of the award winners took a stand and fought for what she believed was important. She provided a new transportation route to the areas one "green" park in a heavily industrialized area. Creating a new route

for the bus system (which previously did not exist) made a great break through for the community members by avoiding the smoggy weather and putting an end to the limited access to such a beautiful place.

I learned that there are people all over the world who value sustainability, communication and culture. I am happy to hear that individuals take matters in to their own hands to do the right thing and make a difference for the environment. Great leaders understand hard work and the steps needed to accomplish their goals.

She made a clear statement when she put her efforts to making a new bus route for her community. She had positive intentions and communicated that through her project and its outcome.

I could apply this to my final project by not only joining a beach clean up with the Service Learning Corps at the UH Hilo, but also create and promote an event myself that is related to sustainability, communication and culture. I could organize an event that would create awareness about the importance of sustainability and culture. Perhaps, creating a real life Hawaiian tribe in Hilo, making a Hawaiian camp called "living sustainably while communicating you culture”. At this camp would include Hawaiian gardening, man made tools for building and farming, animals and a band of "American" or foreign items. Its all about taking the next step.

Module 4.4 “Communicating Hope & The Future"

Module 4.4 “Communicating Hope & The Future"

Intentional Chocolate

oneminuteshift.com/videos/dean_radin/intentional_chocolate

The International Chocolate site grabbed by attention because of the “chocolate” and also because it proves that the mind is such a powerful tool. Trying to determine if positive emotions and intentions are actual ingredients to a chocolate recipe, a study was conducted. This research project provided treated chocolate vs. your ordinary chocolate to different individuals and proved that the treated chocolate increase 60% of the individuals with their daily moods. This is an amazing conclusion.

This connects to sustainability, culture and communication by understanding that positive attitudes and thought need to go in to the efforts to protect our environment. It reminds me of the theory, “Law of attraction”; when thinking and believing in positive thoughts, that is what you will attract and receive, however it goes the same way if you think and believe negatively. You can set your mind to anything and make yourself believe that it can happen.

If every individual had good intentions and efforts toward recycling, reusing and renewing our environment would be more sustainable and more efforts to ward sustainable living would occur. Dean Radin, the man in the video clip said “ when offering our best intentions it may directly affect the world and other people. At some fundamental level, mind and matter really are deeply interconnected

Module 4.3 “Part A Conflict”

Module 4.3 “Part A Conflict”

A technique that I would apply to resolve a conflict related to sustainability is the “Mediation Approach.” This approach is designed to refrain from negative accusations by “pointing the finger” but rather to focus on the positive ways that people can phrase their words so the message is able to get across.

This website provided two conflict management tools that is effective. The first tool is to gather key questions before you meet with the other person. Figuring out what both parties would like to work towards (having an end goal) is important to recognize. Secondly, is the re-phrasing tool. It is important to phrase what you want to say in an objective and neutral way. As stated in the website, “you need to shift the question from "whose FAULT is this?" to "how could we resolve the problem ourselves, if we wanted to?".

We all can come to the conclusion that the earth is suffering from rubbish, plastic, fumes, ect. Instead of trying to identify who is to blame, we can approach the situation by asking everyone “how as individuals, can we change our habits to benefit the environment?” or “ what little changes can each individual make to save the environment for future generations?” It’s all about how you use your words!

Module 4.1 “Leadership”

Module 4.1 “Leadership”

The most important things that I learned from the readings and links are:

1.The “ask-and-empower” approach (pg 170)

2. The most important tool to be an effective human leader is

listening.

3. The three fundamentals of happiness: a sense of belonging in a

community of friends, freedom and the feeling that the choices and

decisions of one’s life are in one’s own hands, and time to reflect

about the meaning and direction of one’s life.

4. It’s important to continuously learn new skills and techniques to be

an elite leader.

The goal that I would have as a community leader regarding sustainability is to establish an Ecovillage. I would provide personal empowerment in my design for this Ecovillage, listen to all the members concerning their individual ideas, suggestions, concerns and feelings and to properly build a strong foundation for the Ecovillage.

My second goal would be to completely change that style of thinking, and rather teach about the things that fulfill our happiness as humans. For example, Brian Bacon says “in a world of massive choices, we’ve got endless opportunities for pleasure but very few opportunities for joy”, in his interview with Susan Szpakowski. This is a perfect example of what I would like to change for my community as their leader, instead of putting high value on materialistic things.

A hierarchy system is ideal in this situation for my Ecovillage. Everyone is equally important and has a chance to have their own input. My allies would be those of other Ecovillages that are successful or share the same goals as I do. The difficulties with achieving this goal would be to initially start the Ecovillage and create the awareness of the positive impacts it will have on each family. I would have to gain the trust with those who are interested. Also, having the funds to start the project would be a little difficult. However, in the end I believe I would be a perfect candidate for a leader of an Ecovillage. I would have the devotion, a strong support system and knowledge for me to achieve my goals if I were a leader of an Ecovillage.