Home  |  About Us  |  Contact Us  |  Store

About Us  |  Courses,Workshops & Events  |  Facilitators, Trainers & Consultants  |  Community Projects
Consultation Services  |  Affiliated Organizations  |  Sponsorships & Donations  |  Resource Center  |  Contact Us  |  Store

Including

7 STAGES TO SUSTAINABILITY

INTEGRATIVE ECO-SOCIAL DESIGN

WHOLE SYSTEMS DESIGN METHODS

EARTHWORKS & WATERSHED MANAGEMENT

       PATTERN LITERACY AND APPLICATION

(PHYSICAL AND INVISIBLE)

URBAN REGENERATION & VILLAGE DESIGN

NATURE AWARENESS & INDIGENOUS WISDOM

RIGHT LIVELIHOOD & LOCAL ECONOMIES 

SITE ANALYSIS AND COMMUNITY MAPPING

4TH SECTOR COLLABORATIVE DESIGN PROCESS

URBAN PERMACULTURE

PERMACULTURE IN THE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

In Association With

Empowerment Works

Sacred Earth Trust

Instructors

Jay Ma

Melanie St. James

Lillian Sum

Special Guests

Course Inspiration

Course Description

Want to learn to build a thriving future AND have the travel adventure of a life-time?

This training is an ideal capacity building opportunity for NGO leaders and others interested in international sustainable development to increase their skill sets in the field while also completing an internationally recognized certificate in Permaculture Design within the context of integrated sustainable development. With a special focus on social permaculture and cross-sector collaboration, this unique course is also perfect for permaculture enthusiasts seeking to expand and apply their skills for greater impact. Students will learn the skills to apply 7SS and Permaculture in their own organization's, communities, and project initiatives.

This is a rare opportunity to learn both of these powerful frameworks and regenerative design processes, how they can work together, and how they can be be applied some of the most pressing problems facing the world and communities today on a local and international level through cross-sector collaboration and grass roots implementation.

1. •Integrated Social, Economic & Environmental Development
   

2. •Vital tools & practices in locally-led community development
   

3. •Hands-on International Permaculture Design Course Certificate
   

Don't miss the next generation of whole system sustainability in the sacred Buddhist pilgrimage city of Bodhgaya, India - the place of the Buddha’s Enlightenment & UNESCO world heritage site.

WHO'S COMING:

* Aspiring & Experienced Sustainability Leaders

* Grass-roots Organizers

* NGO Leaders

* Permaculturists (of all experience levels)

* Social Entrepreneurs, System thinkers, Economists

* All ready to co-create a healthy, culturally rich, thriving world!

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN:

* Hands on experience in culturally rich context

* Internationally recognized certificate in Permaculture Design

* Leading-edge approach collaboration for cross-sector impact

* Core skills to apply Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) via 7 Stages to Sustainability (7SS) framework and Permaculture in your own organizations, communities, and projects.

What’s so unique about this course?

7SS + PDC unites Permaculture with best practices in Asset Based Community Development (ABCD). This is an ideal  capacity building opportunity for NGO leaders to earn an internationally recognized certificate in Permaculture within the context of integrated sustainable development.  With a special focus on social permaculture and cross-sector collaboration, this unique course is also perfect for permaculture enthusiasts seeking to expand and apply their skills for greater impact.

What’s 7SS?

Inspired by indigenous cultures and embracing leading edge capacity building tools, “7 Stages to Sustainability (7SS)" offers students a clear step by step collaboration road map empowering people, businesses and organizations to turn local assets into holistic solutions from the ground up. Started as a framework in 2001, after several years global grassroots community action, 7SS was developed into a service learning curriculum in China in 2009.

Leveraging this course for social impact in our site community, we are delighted to be partnering with with Sacred Earth Trust, an Indian-based NGO, to bring the 7SS curriculum along with a Permaculture Design Course to the villages of Bodhgaya, India. In addition to delivering essential 7SS tools for effective implementation of community-led solutions, this 2 week + sustainability intensive will be integrated with a full Permaculture design course focused on utilizing the 7SS and Permaculture Design curriculum towards real projects in the local villages. 

Utilizing the bio & culturally diverse landscape of Bodh Gaya as a design lab, graduates of 7SS + Permaculture course will have the opportunity to participate in the co-development of a follow up intensive, 7SS “Catalyst Action Training” (CAT), facilitated by global team members of Empowerment WORKS - a US 501c3 global sustainability think-tank in action dedicated to the advancement of whole-system, locally-led solutions.  Click Here for more information on the 7 Stages to Sustainability.

Whole System Co-Creation

Bringing the WHO, HOW & WHAT together to catalyze locally-led solutions.

In the field of collaboration, there are hundreds (if not thousands) of frameworks, methods and impact tools. 

To facilitate coordination across geographic, cultural and political boundaries, Empowerment Works offers two frameworks that integrate business, community and technology development: 7 Stages to Sustainability (7SS) and Partners in Empowerment (PIE).  Through identifying the "who, how & what" frameworks within this growing web, understanding the primary functions of each, and how they work with others in a whole-system, we foster coherence and transparency:

1. •WHO: 6 Sectors of Partners in Empowerment = the unique roles we play   
   

2. •HOW: 7 Stages to Sustainability = natural process we use to co-create
   

3. •WHAT: Goals, issues, actions & impact needed for a  thriving world
   

Mirroring the inherently repeatable and scalable (aka Meta) patterns found in nature, 7SS & PIE are complete systems on their own and also reflect the larger system which they are part of.

Thereby, 7SS is a process itself, and also encompasses and thus serves to aggregate the many more "who and how" parts (the diverse players and relevant methods used). And, as it is universal, it allows for the variable of "WHAT" (needs, issues & solutions) to be integrated and decided by those on the ground.

Applied as a curriculum, 7SS empowers local communities to build their futures independently. Ultimately, when delivered world-wide, the 7SS curriculum is our opportunity to empower a global community of practice to work together in thriving interdependence.

7SS as a Pathway to the Millennium Development Goals

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – comprise the eight most pressing social and environmental issues on the planet, from Gender Equity, Abject Poverty to Environmental Sustainability. Developed to provide students an opportunity to develop their own leadership skills via addressing one or more of

Wheel of Co-Creation

NOTE: While recommended as a way to categorize and thus more effectively share solutions, there are many options.  When combining the WHAT with WHO & HOW (6 Sectors and 7 Stages), we create a  SCALE-ABLE system honoring the gifts of all partners.

7SS Case Studies & Action Research

For over a decade, working with local communities affected by humanity's critical issues of AIDS, poverty and climate change across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the USA, Empowerment WORKS has continuously assessed the relevance and need for the 7 Stages to Sustainability (7SS) framework to expand in a way that enables global collaboration across Public, Private and Voluntary sectors. Representing experiences of what works, what's broken and opportunities for change, the Case Studies here inspire and inform the development of 7 Stages to Sustainability tools.

ONGOING 7SS CASE STUDIES / EW ACTION RESEARCH:

2013 - 7SS + PDC Training in Bodghaya, India

2011 - Nepal - Hamro Forum "7SS Catalyst Action Training" and "Local Summits" 

2011 - Botswana - Peace Corps Volunteer, Kyle Turk "Onsite 7SS tool development" 

2010 - Ghana - Kabissa (NGO) "Capacity Building Symposium/Local Summit 2012" 

PAST  7SS CASE STUDIES / EW PROGRAMS SINCE 2001:

2009 - China, East Asia launched 7 Stages to Sustainability (7SS) Curriculum

2007 - Kenya, East Africa - Amani Children's Center - Youth Entrepreneur Micro-grant

2006 - Suriname, South America - Micro-grants for Social Entrepreneurs

2002-2008 - Zimbabwe, Southern Africa - Orphan Care & Sustainable Development

2001-2007 - Senegal, West Africa - Casamance Institute of Arts & Sciences, EW Music

About Empowerment Works

Working globally from the ground up, Empowerment WORKS fosters a global network of Partners in Empowerment (PIE) united in action by a universal collaboration framework called 7 Stages to Sustainability (7SS).  Through The Global Summit, the African Local Summit, its ongoing Artists in Action event series and other educational forums, these Partners are empowered to contribute their diverse skills, appropriate technologies and markets to catalyze local impact.

Through this holistic mission, Empowerment WORKS inspires people across the globe to realize the value of their existing knowledge, unique talents and collective potential to change the world.

Permaculture in Developing Countries

From its inception Permaculture has quickly spread to over 120 countries where farms and other sites are successfully applying its' ideas, techniques and strategies. As further testament to its applicability, Permaculture is now being applied in many urban and suburban areas. In many developed countries these applications hold much promise for dealing with the many issues associated with mass populations.

Help Support the 7 Stages to Sustainability Campaign in Bodghaya, India!

We are looking for help to meet a a $5,000 matching donation to raise the needed funds to take the 7SS Curriculum and Projects in Bodghaya to another level! For more information and to support the campaign click here.

Certification Applicability

Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a Permaculture Design + 7SS Certificate. Design Certification is applicable towards Gaia University Degree Programs, and may be applied towards University credit in some cases.

Seven Stages to Sustainability (7SS) Permaculture Design Course: Dec 2013 - April 2014 - San Francisco Bay Area

During this unique, 16 Day, 5 part module training, we will also learn the process of the Seven Stages to Sustainability along with Permaculture Design as powerful frameworks to transform communities into resilient human settlements in greater harmony with nature. With a focus on international sustainable development and social entrepreneurship, we will look at successful case studies, move through design processes, and learn potent and practical tools for localized food, energy, water systems, community,and invisible structures for re-designing every scale of human habitat. As part of the course, students will apply the 7SS & Permaculture framework and process towards live design projects to be developed during the full course from Jan- April 2014, and delivered to stakeholders in the community on the final session on April 27.

For More Info on the S.F. Bay Area 7SS PDC Click Here.

Contact

1. •For more information about Sacred Earth Trust projects contact Lillian Sum at: Lillian@sacredearthtrust.org
   

2. •For more information on Empowerment Works visit: http://empowermentworks.org/
   

3. •For more information on the Permaculture Design Course email: education@livingmandala.com
   

4. •Or Call: 707-634-1461
   

To Register for the Course Click Here.

Tuition & Registration

Tuition includes course fees, materials, and food for the two week duration of the course. The course tuition does not include lodging or travel to the training venue. Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a Permaculture Design Certificate.

International Students $625 U.S

International Students Early Bird $575 U.S (Available for the first 8 registrants who register and pay in full).

Indian Nationals: $325 / 16250 Rs

Indian Nationals Early Bird: $275 / 13750 Rs (Available for the first 6 registrants who register and pay in full).

1. *Please inquire to apply. Donate to the Scholarship Fund!
   

To Register for the Course Click Here.

Scholarship Opportunities!

We are excited to announce that there are last minute Scholarship opportunities available for this course for those in need who demonstrate a capacity and strong desire to attend.

To apply fill our the Scholarship Application Form Here and email jay(at)livingmandala.com.

Refund Policy

Cancellations up to 3 weeks before the course before Oct 21 will be refunded, excluding a $75 processing fee. No refunds are given after Oct 20. In the unlikely event the course is cancelled, participants will be given a 100% refund.

Lodging

The course tuition above does not include lodging.  For estimated cost of just $100 US double occupancy for the duration of the course, we can reserve lodging for you at the local hostel / monastery hotel  where the course is being held or assist you in finding lodging elsewhere at a local hotel for very affordable rates. Lodging packages, tailored to preferences and budgets, may be paid for upon arrival.

Bodhgaya, India - The Place of the Buddha’s Enlightenment

Permaculture Design Course

Learn all about sustainability and receive your Permaculture Design Certificate in the setting of the sacred city of Bodghaya and its many monasteries, pilgrims and seekers who travel from all over the world to this place of the Buddha’s Enlightenment. do hands-on design projects that matter, face challenging exercises, do a permaculture design, and learn about the many facets of creating a sustainable lifestyle while benefiting the local community and the efforts for sustainability in Bodhgaya. This is a full immersion experience that will change your outlook and your life forever, as you begin to build a life of resiliency.

Using a variety of learning techniques and strategies this course presents Permaculture as an integrated design approach to create sustainable human habitat. Course time will consist of traditional lectures, guest presentations, group discussions, games, exercises, hands-on projects, photos, movies and site visits. While we will focus on land systems, many discussions and examples will be explored of applications in the 'Invisible Structures'. These are the social, cultural, political, and economic structures we create as humans that powerfully shape much of our world today. Not only will the course be about Permaculture, but it will also model it by its structure and the environment we create together during the course.

As part of the course students we will work in design teams to utilize the 7 Stages to Sustainability and Permaculture Design Course Curriculum towards tangible projects initiatives relevant in the local community of Bodghaya. The course will culminate with each team giving presentations of their design projects to the class, guests and local stakeholders. These designs will be left with venue to become valuable resources for them.

Join this course and be prepared for  a life changing experience which will given you invaluable design and collaboration tools, as well as leave you much more prepared to respond to the global changes that are starting to happen with solutions, resiliency, and compassion.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is geared for those who:

1. •Those who want to to learn the 7 Stages of Sustainability and other tools to become effective leaders in their communities to facilitate cross-sector collaboration for locally lead grass-roots sustainability initiatives.
   

2. •Want a complete and in depth overview to permaculture, all its component elements, strategies and techniques, and the process and methodologies for creating a holistic permaculture design from gardens to community design.
   

3. •Have an interest in learning skills for international sustainable development and mutually-supportive 4th sector global collaboration to advance of locally-led solutions.
   

4. •Want hands on-experience applying these skills to on-the -ground projects and initiatives with real communities in Bodghaya.
   

5. •Are through India who want to experience a truly life changing course that will give you skills and a design framework you can take with you the rest of your life to any country, continent, and ecosystem on the planet.
   

We expect the course will be filled half with International travelers, and half with Indian Nationals and locals. It is especially beneficial for farmers, ranchers, teachers, designers, all types of agriculturalist, architects, urban planners, engineers, resource managers, and anyone else who works with our physical world or does design work in its many forms. However, one does not need to be going into a permaculture career or a related field to benefit from this training. Many artists, medical professionals, business people, housewives, cooks, international travelers, and others have gained insights, understandings and powerful life, changing experiences that have enabled them to both increase their quality of life, as well as move all their endeavors towards creating a more sustainable world.

What is Permaculture?

Permaculture Principles

Pattern Literacy & Application

On The Cutting Edge Of A 10,000 Year old Technology

Permaculture for Organizations

Stepping up another level, Permaculture is an excellent way to weave together the different parts of an organization so that a unity and synergy can be created. In this way unforeseen benefits and ease will raise within the system. This workshop will present Permaculture with all of these applications in mind. We will focus on land systems with as much hands on work and examples as possible. In addition, many discussions and examples will be explored of possible applications in what are called the 'Invisible Structures', the social, cultural, political, and economic structures that shape much of our world today.

About Sacred Earth Trust

Goals:

1. •To find practical solutions on environmental issues, working within the diverse communities and connecting with the wider network.
   

2. • Together, working towards the transformation of consciousness to enable the maximum potential and growth for human development.  
   

3. •Using the environmental awareness and our relation to the planet as a tool for reflection.
   

Aims and Objectives:

1. •Working together with local and international organizations to tackle environmental issues
   

2. •Identifying and developing sustainable solutions
   

3. •Implementing practical solutions through engaging local community participation
   

4. •Empowerment through knowledge and transference of skills
   

5. •A platform for dialogue and support from the wider context.
   

6. •Demonstrating initiatives, co-operation and successful ways of working together
   

7. •Exhibit richness of humanity and culture, through social, economic and environmental change. 
   

8. •Working together with government bodies and local management committees.
   

9. •To develop a practical, ecological and sustainable methodology that can be replicated in other states/ districts.
   

Support Our Crowd Funding Project!

Transforming Plastic Pollution Into an Eco-Training Center in Bodhgaya

TO WATCH VIDEO CLICK HERE