If the saying "April showers bring May flowers" holds true, then I can almost guarantee you'll find yourself happily singing in the rain on your way to a few of these events (which, might I add, are mostly indoors - so rest assured, you can keep warm and dry). I know I will be.
From Africa to the oceans, from rain to oil, these events all offer a similar message: the fact that we all need to be collectively involved -- as individuals, as communities, as countries -- to facilitate the changes needed to help build a brighter, sustainable future.
Technology and Revolutions - the Gates Foundation and African Agriculture
Wednesdays, April 1, 8 & 15, 6-8 PM
Gould Hall 110, University of Washington, on the corner of 15th Ave NE and NE 40th St, Seattle
A three part discussion presented by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).
Wed. April 1st: Deconstructing the dominant technology paradigm. "Our society generally believes that technologies are neutral and value-free; they may be used for good or ill. Bill Gates` world-view of technology`s power to transform society is anchored in this belief as well as his own personal experience. This presentation will deconstruct this dominant ideology, showing that it is usually false and also disempowering– conditioning us to go along with a great many technological decisions made by powerful groups in their own interest."
Wed. April 8th: What are genetically modified seeds and why are they more harm than help? "It is often thought that implementing new technologies in agriculture is a necessary part of the solution to global hunger and poverty, including the use of “improved” varieties, such as those grown from genetically modified (GM) seeds....Examples will be used to show that “improved” varieties are not resolving issues of hunger around the world and are contributing to further economic disparity and ecological degradation."
Wed. April 15th: Green Revolutions: Past impacts, current issues and the role of philanthropy. "Based on claims made by AGRA, we’ll look at whether or not small farmers, women, and the reduction of poverty and hunger are really the central concerns of the “New Green Revolution” in Africa."
Free. RSVP by emailing Karen at agrawatch@seattleglobaljustice.org.
Curtis Ebbesmeyer: Flotsam
Thursday, April 2, 7:30-9 PM
Great Hall at Town Hall, 1119 8th Ave, Seattle
Studying washed up rubber duckies, sneakers and other items, oceanographer Curtis Ebbesmeyer has studied just exactly how chaotic ocean currents are and how they effect our global environment. His findings will give you a better understanding of the "blue planet" and may very well change the way you think about trash and the ocean.
Tickets: $5, available through brownpapertickets.
Working Collaboratively For Sustainability: Empowering Students for a New Generation
Saturday, April 4, 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Seattle University, 901 12th Avenue, Seattle
This event is part of a 3-day conference on sustainability hosted by Seattle University. Students will learn how to implement sustainability measures on campus, within communities and within a global perspective. This conference will also include a career fair showcasing local employment, internship and volunteer opportunities.
Tickets: SU Students, $12; Non-SU students, $20. Available from Google Checkout.
David Suzuki: Meeting Environmental Challenges
Tuesday, April 7, 7-8:30 PM
Great Hall at Town Hall, 1119 8th Ave, Seattle
Author of The Big Picture: Reflections on Science, Humanity and a Quickly Changing Planet, environmentalist David Suzuki will be discussing science-based solutions for some of the planet's most pressing problems. Aggressively addressing issues such as suburban sprawl, sustainable transportation, food shortages, biodiversity, technology, public policy, and other topics, Suzuki is one of the leaders in the battle to achieving a brighter, sustainable future.
Tickets: $10, $5/student, Free for children under 12, available through brownpapertickets.
Let Us Eat! Food Security, Trade and Migration in the U.S. and Mexico as NAFTA Turns 15
Thursday, April 9, 7-9PM
Seattle Labor Temple, Hall 8, 2800 1st Ave, Seattle
NAFTA turns 15 this year and has yet to deliver on claims of increased prosperity and reduced migration. Join a panel of civic leaders and community members to look at the impacts of trade and immigration policies on communities in the US, Mexico and beyond. Small group discussions (facilitated by panelists plus other local community leaders) will further explore the roots of migration and the various social movements for food sovereignty and trade justice in our communities.
Tickets: Free, donations welcomed. Homemade tamales will be available for sale, too!
Bloom! Seattle
Thursday, April 9, 7-11PM
Sole Repair, 1001 East Pike Street, Seattle
Bloom! is a new event focused on green innovation. Six speakers will share their passion for sustainability–what’s new and what’s making an impact. The event is produced by Seattle Greendrinks, Re-Vision Labs, Evoworx and Kevin Moore Consulting.
Tickets: $5, available through brownpapertickets.
Doug Fine: Petroleum-Free in One Year
Thursday, April 9, 7:30-9 PM
Downstairs at Town Hall, 1119 8th Ave, Seattle
NPR correspondent and author of Farewell, My Subaru
Tickets: $5, available through brownpapertickets.
Training for Transition:
An introduction to the Transition Town model for creating vibrant resilient communities
Saturday, April 11, 1-4:30 PM
EOS Alliance Headquarters, 650 South Orcas Street, Suite 220, Seattle
The Transition Town model is being used around the world to help communities become more resilient in response to climate change and "peak oil." The objectives of the Transition Town process are to:
- Explore and then follow community pathways to practical actions that will reduce our carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels
- Build community resilience to withstand shocks from the outside through being more self reliant in areas such as food, energy, health care, and economics.
Through this 3.5 hour lecture, participants will learn the steps of this transition and how they can change their lives and their communities so that they are designed to be more fulfilling, socially connected, and resilient.
Tickets: $45, Registration required.
Hedrick Smith: ‘Poisoned Waters’
Tuesday, April 14, 7-9 PM
Great Hall at Town Hall, 1119 8th Ave, Seattle
Former reporter and editor of the New York Times will be discussing highlights from the new documentary that he's produced -- Poisoned Waters. He will touch on topics from "emerging contaminants" in our drinking water to our progress (or lack thereof) in having a cleaner water supply, ultimately highlighting how consumer choices have a profound impact on the broader environment, including our very own Puget Sound.
Tickets: Free. Registration required, available though brownpapertickets.
AIA & Worldchanging Happy Hour
Thursday, April 16
Lecture: 4-6 PM, Wing Luke Museum, 719 South King Street, Seattle
Happy Hour: 6-8PM, Kaname Izakaya, 610 S Jackson Street, Seattle
Worldchanging will be teaming up with AIA Seattle for a lecture in their ReGeneration series, followed by networking and happy hour. Come one, come all!
Climate Day For Kids
Saturday, April 18th, 12-3 PM
PACCAR Pavillion, Olympic Sculpture Park, 2901 Western Avenue, Seattle
An Earth Day celebration for kids and their families. From learning about sustainable food choices, green energy and car-free transportation to making recycled art, exploring exhibits and playing games, this day is sure to be fun for the whole family! Don't forget see the puppet show (1:15 PM) and storytelling (1:45 PM) along with other performances at 12:30 and 2:30 PM. Activity stations by CoolMom.org, Feet First, Pacific Science Center, Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, SAM and many others.
Carpooling and alternate modes of transportation highly encouraged. Event held indoors in case of inclement weather. Free.
Wangari Maathai: ‘The Challenge for Africa’
Sunday, April 19, 7:30-9PM
Great Hall at Town Hall, 1119 8th Ave, Seattle
Wangari Maathai (who I wrote about here and Emily Gertz wrote about here), founder of The Greenbelt Movement, will be discussing her new book, The Challenge for Africa
Tickets: $5, available though brownpapertickets.
Green The Pub (Pike Place Pub, That Is)
Wednesday, April 22, All Day
1415 First Avenue, Seattle
Heard of Carrotmob? Seattle Greendrinks has partnered with the Pike Pub & Brewery to produce Seattle's first Carrotmob event! The pub has agreed to take 25 percent of all sales earned on April 22 (Earth Day) and invest them in energy retrofits and other improvements to improve the pub's efficiency, reduce its waste, and more. In short, we'll make it a greener pub. Grab a bite and help a local business become more sustainable!
Rain Garden Workshop
Thursday, April 23, 630-830 PM
EOS Alliance Offices, 650 S. Orcas St. Suite 220, Seattle
Stormwater runoff is one of the biggest threats to water quality in Puget Sound due to an increase in new development. Flooding, pollution and the scouring of our streams are problems we will have to address.
One solution to these problems caused by runoff is a rain garden -- a strategically placed, planted depression that captures storm water and filters it into the ground. If done properly, the plants you choose can attract the birds, the bees and the butterflies, and even the curiosity of your neighbors. Learn how to implement such a garden in order to preserve and restore the lands we live in.
Tickets: Free. Advanced registration required through email.
Solar Works! In Seattle: Solar Primer
Thursday, April 23, 7-8 PM
ERAC/Highline Public Schools, 15675 Ambaum Blvd. S.W., Burien
Does solar power really work in Seattle? What options do I have? What financial incentives exist? How can I tell if I live in a good location for solar power? These questions plus many others will be answered through this workshop that will teach participants about design, installation, costs and benefits of solar electric and hot water systems, so that they can better decide which options are best for personal use.
After attending the presentation, participants may choose to gain a more in-depth understanding of one of the technologies by attending a Solar Works! Introduction to Solar Electric(PV) or our Solar Hot Water 101 workshop.
Tickets: Free, although registration is required through eventbrite.com.
Deciding what events to highlight this month was a challenge -- not quite as big as the $100K challenge we here at Worldchanging are working on -- but pretty darn close. Why? Because April is packed with amazing things to do! If I left out any that you think are worldchanging, please comment below to spread the word. Or if you know of an upcoming event (in May or beyond), let me know by emailing me -- sean [at] worldchanging [dot] com.
Photo credit: flickr/skedonk, Creative Commons License.
