Bioneers

Bioneer (root: "biological pioneer") is a neologism coined by filmmaker, author and eco-activist Kenny Ausubel. It describes individuals and groups working in diverse disciplines who have crafted creative solutions to various environmental and socio-cultural problems rooted in shared core values, including whole systems, (anticipatory) thinking, a view of all life as interdependent, and sustainable mutual aid.

Annual conference

The first annual Bioneers Conference, organized by Kenny Ausubel and Nina Simons, took place in 1990. Currently the conference takes place annually in San Rafael, California on the third weekend in October. The conference highlights the work of scientific and social innovators and helps support, nurture and propagate their ideas and models. Conference speakers come from interdisciplinary fields: environmental and socio-political activism; "green" biology, chemistry, design, architecture and urban planning; organic and "beyond organic" farming and gardening; indigenous perspectives; biodiversity and wildland preservation; alternative energy; engaged spirituality, literature and the arts; holistic and "ecological" medicine; ethnobotany; socially-responsible entrepreneurship, business and philanthropy; the environmental justice, women's and youth movements; independent media; etc.  In many cases the technological or social solutions to problems showcased are founded on emulation of natural self-organizing systems.

Beaming Bioneers

In 2002, Bioneers expanded with the addition of simultaneous satellite conferences, called "Beaming Bioneers," which model themselves after the conference in San Rafael. Beaming Bioneers sites screen satellite feeds of plenary speakers from the national conference, while also providing cting as conferences that focus on more regional solutions and presenters.

For more information, please visit the official Bioneers website

 

Imagine Grinnell

ImagineGrinnell is  a member-based community organization that focuses on enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Grinnell, Iowa and  the surrounding community. The foundation takes pride in identifying initiatives which community members support, but that do not fall under the purview of commerical enterprise or municipal government. In many cases, we have bridged that gap, forming coalitions to implement community improvement projects.

Created in 1985, the foundation always has been concerned with the future of our city. Formerly "The Grinnell 2000 Foundation", ImagineGrinnell uses its non-profit status and the strength of the Grinnell community to harness donations, government and private grants, and volunteers for a wide variety of community projects. Now in our twenty-first year, we remain actively devoted to our mission...

ImagineGrinnell is a grassroots organization that stimulates initiatives that:
• improve the quality of life for our people
• promote a healthy environment
• complement economic development efforts

For more information, please visit the Imagine Grinnell Website