Creating Learning Communities

Introduction
Consultants for Learning Communities
Coalition for Self-Learning

Table of Contents

A 2001 Guidebook
and
Directory of Consultants
for
Creating Learning Communities
a project of
A Coalition for Self Learning
produced with support from
The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation
(A penultimate draft)
* * * * *

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INTRODUCTION
LEARNING COMMUNITIES

“Learning Communities” has many connotations, this Guidebook and Directory of Learning Communities Consultants is most concerned with three definitions: Communities that learn, communities that provide learning opportunities , and Communities of learners.
Communities that Learn

Most directly “Learning Communities” implies communities that are learning, evolving and continually moving into new eras. Today this connotation of learning communities is most relevant because all of society is in a state of transition. The EuroAmerican world evolved in the “Dominator Paradigm.” That is, with a mindset that held that the Earth was made for the domination and use of man, and that all else women, children, animal, plants and the physical universe were for man’s use.

Science has revealed a different cosmos. A cosmos that evolves holonisticly. That is, a world of interlocked and interdependent systems within systems within systems, or holons within holons. This new worldview we call the “Gaian Paradigm.” It conceives of humans as imbedded in family, imbedded in community, imbedded in society, imbedded in nature. The well-being of each individual depends on the well-being of the larger holons in which he is imbedded as well as the small holons that are his parts. Of most immediate importance to the individual is the family, and community (an extended family). The well-being of each of us is dependent on our evolving community. And the evolution of our community is dependent on the learning growth of each of us.
Communities that provide Learning Opportunities

Another related connotation for “learning community” is a community that provides life long learning experiences for all its citizens. A community in which each individual is recognized and partcipates in the evolution of the community. And in which the community recognizes that every aspect of the community is part of the learning experience of its citizens.

Libraries, museums, farms, fields, forests, factories, businesses, parks, mountains, lakes, and the streets are where we learn. A Learning Community is one that recognizes, develops, and promotes learning opportunities for all of its citizens. Citizens of all ages are provided opportunities to increase their skills and their knowledge. Future citizens are not locked away in schools separated from family, community, society and nature. They are active parts of the every evolving community and participate throughout their lives in the affairs of the community.
Communities of Learners

The third, and perhaps the most telling, definition of Learning Communities is as communities of learners or, more accurately communities of self-learners or autodidacts. Self-Learning is almost a tautology. We are “Learning All the Time” as John Holt put it. Or as modern brain research reveals every input from our senses is sorted by a function of the brain and harmonized with our existing memory in a single neural network that is distributed throughout the brain. This process implies that each brain, that is each learner, is a unique holon accepting knowledge in its own unique way. New knowledge cannot be forced into a group of different individuals at the same time in the same way.

Within this context learning communities provide systems of socialization. Not socialization in mere terms of companionship and meeting every person’s basic need for “belonging.” But more in the terms of forming society, learning about others as well as learning with others. The learning community is the rock bottom of all we are. It is a foundation on which the larger community and society is built.

We are at all times communities of learners. But seldom have we consciously created our own learning communities. Too often our learning communties are ephemeral without permanence. In the past decade or so there has been a rapid increase in grassroots groups taking their own learning into their own hands. Book Clubs, Homeschool Support Groups, Learning Libraries, and many other forms of collaborative learning have proliferated across America and around the world. Civil Society has rapidly become a third leg of governance along with the nation state and the corporate network. Grass Roots Support Groups (GROs a subset of NGOs) are solving local problems with local skills and local resources.
The Directory of Consultants for Learning Communities

This first edition of a Guidebook and Directory of Consultants for Learning Communities integrates these three aspects of learning communities. It’s purpose is to serve the myriad grassroots groups now involved in taking over their own learning and creating a society based on the values of. need for, and pleasure in knowledge. We welcome your suggestions on how we may serve you better.

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Co-Operators
Communitarians
Alternative Education Proponents

CONSULTANTS FOR LEARNING COMMUNITIES
^
Consultants
CO-OPERATORS

Jane Livingston
33 Oak Grove St.
Veazie, ME, 04401 USA
Phone: (207) 947-4117
E-MAIL: write or call first
URL:

Independent contractor specializing in cooperative education and promoting the cooperative way of doing business, with strong professional ties to Cooperative Development Institute, the Northeast regional co-op development center, and Cooperative Life, the regional federation of co-ops and credit unions (see www.cooplife.com). Experienced in workshop facilitation, community organizing, study tours, conference planning, writing/editing/publishing, radio production, improvisational theater, popular education, some fundraising. Focus on understanding the economy, sustainabilty, group process, community building, and on discovering and supporting examples of „the good life‰ that do not involve spending lots of money or consuming lots of resources. Sliding scale fees, open to barter.
Laddie Lushin
RD 1, 4120 Braintree Hill Rd.
Randolph, VT. 05060 -8854 USA
Phone: (802)728-9728
E-mail: Lushin@quest-net.com

Laddie Lushin is an attorney in private practice. He is also a CPA, although not currently licensed as such. Since 1979, his legal practice has been limited to cooperatives and nonprofit organizations with a concentration in corporate, tax and securities law matters. Much of his legal practice involves the design and implementation of unique organizational structures, finding creative solutions to legal problems, and resolving compliance and operational problems. He endeavors to accommodate small organizations with limited financial resources.

Lushin wrote a chapter on Organizing Learning Co-ops and obtaining a 501(c)3 status as a "New Chapter" in http://www.CreatingLearningCommunities.org
Parent Cooperative Preschools International
National Cooperative Business Center,
1401 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 1100,
Washington, DC 20005, USA
E-mail: pcpi@ncba.org
URL: http://www.cooperative.org/children.cfm

PCPI is a non-profit, service organization dedicated to the family and the community. Membership is open to schools, councils, libraries and individuals who support the cooperative movement in child care. PCPI's goals are to - strengthen and expand the parent cooperative movement as well as community appreciation of parent education for adults and preschool education for children; promote desirable standards for the program, practices and conditions of cooperative preschools, kindergartens and other parent sponsored preschool and child care programs; cooperate with family living, adult education and early childhood educational organizations in the interest of more effective service relationships with parents of young children; study and promote legislation designed to further the health and well being of children and families. PCPI and its members offer a number of publications at varying prices, which are listed in the PCPI Resource Catalog.
National Cooperative Business Association
National Cooperative Business Center,
1401 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 1100,
Washington, DC 20005, USA
Phone: (202)638-6222
E-mail: ncba@ncba.org

NCBA is a membership association for all types of cooperatives. It offers a number of publications for cooperatives including the video, The ABCs of Cooperative Child Care, which contains valuable information that will help families start and later run their own cooperative child care center or preschool. Featuring member-owned and run cooperative child care centers, the video - describes the various kinds of cooperative child care centers explains how cooperative child care provides high quality, affordable child care for member families provides tips to create and maintain successful child care cooperatives. The video is available for $19.95 through http://www.cooperative.org/catalog/
North American Students of Cooperation
NASCO Main Office
P.O. Box 7715
Ann Arbor, MI 48107-7715
Phone - 734.663.0889
Fax - 734.663.5072
Anjanette Bunce, Member Services Coordinator
E-mail: abunce@umich.edu or nasco@umich.edu
URL: www.umich.edu/~NASCO
or
West Coast Office
P.O. Box 12816
Berkeley, CA 94712-3816
Phone:(510.)848-2667
Fax :(510)848-2001

The North American Students of Cooperation is a federation of campus and community cooperatives dedicated to strengthening and expanding the cooperative movement across the United States and Canada. NASCO's primary focus is cooperative education. Its programs include educational conferences, training services, career development, and information provision. Through its affiliated organizations (the Campus Cooperative Development Corporation and NASCO Properties), NASCO works to expand the movement by providing developent and management assistanct to burgeoning cooperative and organizing groups.
Northcountry Cooperative Development Fund
1219 University Av SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-331-9103
612-331-9145 Fax
E-mail: ncdf@ncdf.org
URL: www.ncdf.org

Northcountry Cooperative Development Fund (NCDF) is a member owned and member governed financial intermediary representing a pool of money invested by the co-op community and its supporters in order to act as a catalyst for the growth and development of cooperative enterprises. Our Fund's mission is to promote economic equity and community stability by making loans to cooperatives, thus fostering enterprises owned democratically by the people who use them. Since its incorporation in 1978 as one of the first community development loan funds in the country, NCDF has provided access to capital to a range of small consumer, worker, housing and agricultural producer cooperatives.
Margaret M. Bau
Cooperative Development Specialist
USDA Rural Development - Wisconsin
4949 Kirschling Court
Stevens Point, WI 54481 USA
Phone: (715) 345-7600 x 171
Fax: (715) 345-7669 (fax)
E-mail: Margaret.Bau@wi.usda.gov

The USDA Rural Development co-op development specialists assist rural residents form new cooperative businesses or to use the cooperative model to address unmet social or economic needs. All technical assistance is free of charge and includes:

Presenting general information on what is a co-op
Organizing a steering committee and board of directors
Guiding a steering committee and members through the steps of organizing a co-op
Conducting a potential membership survey
Drafting by-laws, articles of incorporation, and marketing agreements
Researching portions of a feasibility study
Assisting with the creation of a business plan
Exploring an equity drive and financing options (including stock offerings)
Providing board of director and new member training.

Center for Cooperatives,
University of California
E. Kim Coontz , Academic Coordinator
One Shields Ave.
Davis, CA 95616 USA
Phone: (530) 752-1366 , Fax: (530) 752-5451
E-mail ekcoontz@ucdavis.edu
URL: http://cooperatives.ucdavis.edu

Kim is a cooperative specialist for parent cooperatives. She also works with worker, consumer, and marketing cooperatives. The Center for Cooperatives is a university outreach center dedicated to cooperative education, research and development assistance.
Worker Co-operative Developers' Network,
of the Canadian WorkerCo-op Federation
1627 - 49th Ave. S.W.
Calgary, Alberta, T2T 2T8 CANADA
Phone: 403-287-2069
E-mail: hazel@bistro.net
URL: www.workercoop.ca

The Worker Co-opDevelopers' Network is a group of organizations and individuals who provide consulting services to worker co-ops across Canada. Services are available for groups wishing to start worker co-ops, or who needassistance as their co-op develops. A certification program is in place for the Developers, and opportunities for training of the Developers are publicized. The Network works closely with the CWCF's Worker Co-op Fund, a $1.5 million investment fund providing capital for worker co-ops.
Canadian Co-operative Association
275 Bank Street, suite 400
Ottawa, Ontario; K2P 2L6. CANADA
Michelyne Coleman. Executive Assistant
International Development Unit
Phone: (613) 238-6711 ext. 217
or    (866)266-7677
Fax:: (613) 567-0658
E-mail: michelyn@coopcca.com
URL: www.coopcca.com

UCUDAP is a joint project of the Canadian Co-operative Association and the Council of Ukrainian Credit Unions of Canada (CUCUC) funded by the Canadian International Development Agency. Its goal is to assist Ukraine in developing a functioning credit union movement by providing relevant technical expertise. Exchanges of personnel between Canada and Ukraine, in particular, and contributions of taking time from members of the CUCUC are a key element of this technical assistance. This program includes internships, twinning and on-site training.
Co-operative Assistance Network Ltd
154 Magdalen Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 2JX, UK
Phone: +44 1206 765608
E-mail: can@co-op-assist.co.uk
URL: www.co-op-assist.co.uk

Co-operative Assistance Network (CAN to its friends) is a worker co-operative. We provide advice, support and training to co-operative and community enterprises. CAN and its associates run accredited training courses for groups and individuals looking to start up or grow a co-operative enterprise. Based in Colchester, England, we work with partner organisations across Europe. Our charges are £300 per day plus Value Added Tax and any international travel costs.

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Consultants
COMMUNITARIANS

Sustainability Institute
P.O. Box 174
Hartland Four Corners, Vermont, 05049 USA
802-436-1393
E-mail: bethsawin@vermontel.net
URL: http://www.sustainer.org
or
Sustainability Institute
Elizabeth R. Sawin, Ph.D., Project Manager
13 Spencer Meadow
Hartland, VT 05048 USA
Tel & fax: 802-436-1393
E-mail: bethsawin@vermontel.net
Permanent email: beth.sawin@alum.dartmouth.org

The transition to a sustainable world is above all a transition in world view and paradigm. The focus of the Institute's education and communication efforts is to provide information and experiences to help shift mindsets. The content of our educational programs unites the studies of science and systems with the experience of intuition and connection. Starting in January 2001 we are offering a 2 day workshop entitled Systemability: Systems Thinking for Sustainability. This workshop helps people learn how to apply the tools of systems analysis (stock and flow diagrams, causal loop diagrams, system archetypes) to problems of sustainability.
Future Search Network,
Marvin Weisbord & Sandra Janoff, co-directors
4700 Wissahickon Ave., Suite 126
Philadelphia, PA 19144 USA
Phone:(215 )951-0328.
FAX: 610 658-0991
E-mail: mweisbord@futuresearch.net & sjanoff@futuresearch.net
Direct Phone: (610)896-7035 (Marv); (610)896-7034 (Sandra)
Twin Oaks Communities Conference
138 Twin Oaks Rd,
Louisa VA 23093 USA
Phone: 540-894-5126
E-mail: conference@twinoaks.org
URL: www.twinoaks.org or http://medusa.twinoaks.org/cmty/cconf/

The weekend-long Communities Conference offers both formal and informal workshops on various aspects of communal and cooperative living--economics, policy-making, interpersonal, and more. The gathering takes place at a rustic campsite at Twin Oaks, a 35-year old income-sharing intentional community. The focus is on learning from the resource people present, while having fun connecting with others with shared values.
Twin Oaks Community Course/Visitor Program
138 Twin Oaks Rd,
Louisa VA 23093
Phone: 540-894-5126
E-mail: twinoaks@ic.org
URL: www.twinoaks.org

publications, consultations, legal, or other) Twin Oaks Community, a 35-year old income-sharing, egalitarian, non-violent intentional community, offers three-week visits throughout the year. Partcipants attend orientations describing how our various cooperative systems function (decision-making, legal structure, economics, healthcare, etc.), as well as participating in the life of the community.
Center, Communities of the Future
Rick Smyre
Box 3508
Gastonia NC 28054-0020 USA
Phone: 704 864-9196
E-Mail: rlsmyre@aol.com
URL: www.communitiesofthefuture.org

Rick Smyre is a national recognized futurist specializing in helping local communities develop "capacities for transformation" to help communities prepare for a constantly changing society. He provides seminars and guidance in how to integrate trends of the future and transformative thinking into the activities of local citizens. He is President of the Center for Communities of the Future and the author of several published papers to nclude, "Rewiring a Community's Brain" in the book, Creating Learning Communities.
Communities by Choice
433 Chestnut St.
Berea KY 40403 USA
Phone: (877)-671-3777
E-Mail: info@CommunitiesbyChoice.org
URL: www.CommunitiesbyChoice.org

A network of people committed to restoring and preserving the economy, ecology and equity of all communities. It provides sustainable decision-making tools and resources to thousands of people and communities around the world.
Center for Rural Affairs
Attn: Jon Bailey
P. O. Box 406
Walthill, NE, 68067 USA
Phone: 402-846-5428
E-mail: jonb@cfra.org
URL: www.cfra.org

Established in 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs is a private, non-profit organization working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities through action oriented programs addressing social, economic, and environmental issues. The Center provides lectures, discussions and publications on issues concerning the future of rural America and agriculture.
Steven Larrick
UNL College of Architecture
210 Architecture Hall
Lincoln, Nebraska 68588-0112 USA
Phone: (402)-472-9217
E-mail:
URL:

Steven Larrick is community development coordinator for Nebraska's Urban Community Improvement Program (UCIP). The UCIP providestechnical assistance and recognition to neighborhood associations acrossNebraska. A wide range of printed materials are available on various elements of neighborhood development. Through the UCIP webpage, a history of grassroots neighborhood involvement in Nebraska is documented over the last 10 years. Mr. Larrick also serves as book review editor for the JOURNAL OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY, which can be accessed at: http://www.comm-dev.org
Institute for Appropriate Technology
PO Box 90
Summertown TN 8483-0090 USA
E-mail: info@i4at.org
URL: www.i4at.org

Since the mid-1970s we have instructed more than 5000 individuals from more than 50 countries in the methodologies and economics of creating sustainable community. Our work primarily involves technology transfer-giving people the skills and tools they need to create human settlements in balance with nature. We are an active participant in the Agenda 21 and Habitat II processes as a consulting NGO at the United Nations. In 1994 we started our Ecovillage Training Center to offer regular courses ranging from basic and advanced Permaculture to waste treatment and natural buildings. We are also the international office for the Ecovillage Network of the Americas.

Ecovillage Training Center
The Farm
POB 90 Summertown TN 38483-0090 USA
Tel: 931-964-4474 Fax: 931-964-2200 http://www.thefarm.org/etc
http://ena.ecovillage.org/
http://dx.gaia.org/
http://www.i4at.org

Southwest Intentional Community Coalition (SWICC)
PO Box 911
Santa Fe, NM 87504-0911 USA
E-mail: info@swicc.org
URL: www.swicc.org

SWICC was formed to facilitate the exchange of information and resources and facilitate communication and networking between intentional communities, community organizations and individuals interested in community in the Southwest. SWICC's area of coverage includes Arizona, New Mexico, southern Colorado and southern Utah.

SWICC will accomplish its mission through the publication of a quarterly newsletter, through the organizing and hosting of local and regional discussion groups, gatherings, and other events, and through its web site - www.swicc.org - which includes listings of Communities, Community-Seekers, and community-related information and resources. Membership is $10/year, and includes a subscription to our quarterly newsletter and free community and seeker listings on our website and in our newsletter. Visit our web site or contact SWICC for more info or to join today!
Occidental Arts and Ecology Center
Dave Henson, Director
15290 Coleman Valley Road
Occidental, CA 95465
(707) 874-1557 x204 / fax: (707) 874-1558
E-mail: dhenson@oaec.org
URL: www.oaec.org

Dave Henson is the Director of the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center, an 80-acre organic farm, ecology education, and residential training center in Northern California. Dave offers workshops and consulting services in a wide range of areas including:

For intentional communities and education centers: Finding and Buying Land; Legal and Financial Structures for Intentional Communities; and Starting and Sustaining Intentional Communities;
For environmental and social justice groups: Community Mapping; Power Analysis; Campaign Strategy; Non-Violence Direct Action Preparation; and Rethinking Corporations, Rethinking Democracy;
For any group: Organizational Development and Strategic Planning; Effective Decision Making and Group Facilitation; and Conflict Resolution.

Email for OAEC catalogue.
Tree Bressen
1680 Walnut St.
Eugene, OR., 97403 USA
Phone:(541)484-1156
E-mail: tree@ic.org

Tree Bressen offers meeting facilitation and workshops on consensus decision-making for cooperatives, nonprofits, schools, political groups, and other organizations. She has helped numerous groups find solutions that meet everyone's needs. She is particularly experienced at assisting groups going through organizational restructuring. Other areas she can support your group in include working with emotions, dealing with underlying conflicts, planning agendas, listening well, building community, and coming to agreements. Don't settle for frustrating meetings--learn skills that bring people together and make your meetings productive and upbeat.
The Northwest Intentional Communities Association (NICA)
Building a better society, one neighborhood at a time.
22110 East Lost Lake Rd.
Snohomish, WA 98296 USA
E-mail: Floriferous@msn.com
URL: http://www.ic.org/nica/NICA.htm

Our Mission:

To coordinate the exchange of information and resources between NW intentional Communities and others.
Facilitate communication and networking between local, regional, and national intentional communities organizations.
Ascertain and promote intentional communities aims and values that contribute most to community sustainability.
Foster and assist the study of and education on all major elements of intentional communities.
Assist organizing and financing efforts of and for intentional communities.

What we do

For the last five years we have published Community Resources, a small, 6-12 page newsletter containing information for, about and by intentional communities in the Northwest. The newsletter provides a means for any community in our network to send information to all the communities in the area. We include information from the gatherings, resources such as books, websites, etc. and also list communities with openings and people looking for communities. We send our newsletter to every intentional community we hear about in the states of Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Individual subscribers from dozens of states also get
Bernie Slepkov
1-213 St. Paul Street,
St. Catharines, Ontario
L2R 7J8 CANADA
Tel: (905) 984-3493
E-mail: bernies@mergetel.com

Available to assist any efforts in creating learning communities environments. I have spent the past several years envisioning various models and strategies that play well into almost any concept for a learning community. I am restricted to the limitations of this (computer) technology. That by no means restricts the ideas that I can provide for anyone wishing to start a learning community, or seeking direction in which they might go.

Author of the online "New Chapter:" "An Enterprising Reform" on: http://www.creatinglearningcommunities.org/../book/additional/slepkov.htm
Four Frogs Permaculture Design
at the EarthHome Centre
Bob Ewing,
224 Red River Rd. #24046
Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7A 1B6 CANADA
Phone: (807)344-9864
E-mail: fourfrogs@altavista.com

Four Frogs Permaculture Designs assist individuals and communities to develop sustainable living systems. Four Frogs offers green planning services for people interested in establishing a small business. The EarthHome Centre is a community learning centre which offers workshops on sustainable living as well as demonstrating that sustainability is a reality.
Centre for Creative Communities
118 Commercial Street,
London E1 6NF, UK
Melina Manasse, Projects Officer
Phone: +44 020 7247 5385
Fax: +44 020 7247 5256
E-mail: info@creativecommunities.org.uk
URL: www.creativecommunities.org.uk

Established in 1978, and based in London, the Centre for Creative Communities is an independent charitable information, advice and research organisation with extensive national and international experience. It has worked in cultural exchange, urban regeneration, formal and informal education and in cross sector based community development. The Centre is committed to the building of sustainable and creative communities, communities in which creativity and learning have pivotal roles to play in personal, social, civic and economic development.

Although the Centre is not directly involved with enabling grassroots organisations to obtain legal status, we offer a wealth of information through our website and library which provide grassroots organisations with the content needed to convince legal bodies of their qualifications. The library, open to the public by appointment, contains extensive material on the field of arts and education, health, community development and urban regeneration. CCC conducts research, publishes books and a quarterly newsletter, organises conferences and seminars and stages exhibitions.
The Living Village Trust
The Six Bells Ctr., Church St.
Shropshire, SY9 5AA, UK
Phone: +01588 638 958
Fax: +01588 639 122
E-Mail: living.village@btinternet.com

Building a 40 house community on 5 acres of our 18 acre plot. The community is designed to reduce car use, provide places to work, child care, recreation, and garden plots. Within the rco-friendly village will be a "Life Centre" containing a "Learning Studio." This will be a place for personalized learning, encouraging both individual and group learning. Families will be helped to practice home-learning and to learn in co-operation with other families. People from the community will be invited to share their skills in workshops and in 'one to ones." The Learning Studio and the village itself will be a model of a "Learning Community" that reccognizes and applies the finding of modern science regarding multiple inteligenes and learning styles and the basic human need for belonging and community.
David Wortley
Mass Mitec
The White House
38 Main Street
Lubenham
Market Harborough
Leics LE16 9TF UK
Phone:+44(0) 1858 410366
E-mail: dwortley@massmitec.co.uk
URL: www.massmitec.co.uk     www.comknet.org.uk     www.harborough.org.uk

Mass Mitec specialises in the use of information communications technologies for community development and empowerment. We provide seminars, consultancy and technology infrastructure to help communities share knowledge and shape their own social and economic futures.

Community Commerce and Knowledge Network (ComKnet) Project

Virtual Conferencing for Community Development

http://www.harborough.org.uk/webcast/webcasthome.htm

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Consultants
ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROPONENTS

Institute for People's Education and Action
107 Vernon St,
Northampton, MA , 01060 USA
(413)585-8755
URL: http://www.peopleseducation.org

Working with community organizers, adult educators, social justice workers, and others involved in creating a more just , equitable, and sutainable future. We have a bookstore, provide courses, hold an annual conference, and provide a traveling institute on popular, folk, adult, and other forms of participatory, community-based learning.
Jeff Grossberg, Eastways Consulting
72 Baker Rd.
Shutesbury, MA, 01072 USA
(413)259-9100
E-mail: eastways@ic.org

Jeff has been creating, managing and consulting with visionary organizations for 30 years. As a consultant to more than a hundred progressive enterprises, he has led organizational development efforts and has managed numerous successful fundraising campaigns, raising tens of millions of dollars. He was Executive Director of Omega Institute, and of several nationally prominent organizations in the fields of spirituality, and child development.

Jeff provides support with fundraising, visioning, strategic planning, board development, management coaching, tax-exempt applications, etc. He consults extensively with intentional communities, alternative schools, and groups working in the fields of sustainability, peace and justice, holistic health, socially responsible business and spirituality.
Patrick Farenga
Holt Associates,
2380 Massachusetts Ave. Suite 104
Cambridge, MA, 02140 USA
PHONE: (617)864-3100
E-MAIL: Lpatrick@holtgws.com
URL: www.holtgws.com

We offer private consultations, seminars and lectures for conferences, publications and a magazine, all about homeschooling young people and learning outside of school for all ages. Our magazine, Growing Without Schooling, was founded in 1977 by the late author/teacher John Holt.
Electronic Grange Network
RR1, Box1070
Weld , ME; : Maine, ZIP CODE: 04285, USA
PHONE: (207)585-2299
E-MAIL: egrangenet@yahoo.com
URL: http://www.electronicgrange.net

The Electronic Grange Network, exists to serve the information needs of rural, low-income families. Through building basic computer literacy skills, improving written literacy skills, and enhancing collaboration among its target population, EGN's goal is to reduce geographic and economic barriers to communication and information access by bridging the gaps between people, technology, and resources. We offer a wide range of local "Hands on" and distance instructional consultation services. EGN is a working rural economic development model in the global economy.
Karen Saum
RR 2 Box 1544
Bucksport ME 04416 USA
(207) 469-3946
E-mail: karensaum@aol.com
URL: www.westendwebs.com/ruraltech

Project Rural Tech helps low income families in the Bucksport Maine, area to obtain computers and access to the internet.
Power to the Youth
615 Little Silver Point Rd.
Little Silver, NJ 07739, USA
Phone: (732)530-1128
E-mail: info@youthpower.net
URL: www.youthpower.net

Power to the Youth is an organization of, by and for young people dedicated to helping other young students take action in their schools. We believe that the current model of traditional schooling is disempowering, wasteful, and in the end, anti-learning. Furthermore, we believe that the students are the most crucial ingredient to any real change in the state of education and society. We are currently acting as a resource base and information clearinghouse for anyone interested.
Youth Venture
75 Maiden Lane, Suite 334
New York, NY 10038 USA
(212) 402-4204
E-MAIL: yvnewyork@yahoo.com
URL: www.youthventure.org

Youth Venture is a national organization (headquartered in Washington, D.C. area) that invests in young people as changemakers by giving them the foundation they need to create, lead, and launch their own community minded organizations, clubs, or businesses. Youth Venture enables young people between the ages of 12 and 20 to create, lead, and launch their own organizations, and through these organizations, to take greater responsibility for their own lives and communities.
Jerry Mintz
417 Roslyn Rd,
Roslyn Hts, NY 11577 USA
Phone: (516)621-2195 (800)769-4171
E-mail: jerryaero@aol.com
URL: www.edrev.org

Jerry Mintz is the director of the Alternative Education Resource Organization (AERO), considered by some to be the primary hub of communications for educational alternatives around the world. He edited the Almanac of Education Choices which lists over 6000 alternatives, many of which he knows about from personal experience, and is editor of the Education Revolution Magazine. He also founded and directed for 17 years Shaker Mountain School, in Vermont, an has helped people start many others. His consults with people searching for educational alternatives or who wish to create them.
Katharine Houk
c/o Longview Publishing
29 Kinderhook Street
Chatham, NY 12037 USA
Phone: (518)392-6900
E-mail: allpiekjh@aol.com

Katharine Houk is author of the book Creating a Cooperative Learning Center: An Idea-Book for Homeschooling Families, a resource for those interested in creating community based centers for learning. She is co-founder of The Alternative Learning Center, a parent-run cooperative for families educating their children outside school. Katharine is available for consultation and for speaking about home education and starting cooperative learning centers.
The Natural Learners
Learning & Resource Center
610 Speedwell Forge Road
Lititz, PA 17543 USA
Contacts: Christine Gable (717)627-4874

E-mail: sagable@earthlink.net
Kay Byrnes (717)394-2024

E-mail: dbyrnes@bellatlantic.net

We are a child-centered, non-sectarian group of learners (home schoolers) meeting to share and grow together. We respect each person as an individual, trust in their natural abilities, honor their uniqueness, and provide educational opportunities. As children and adults, we are learning all the time. We have come together in this group to grow and support each other on our individual paths. Our group plans field trips, classes and parents meetings, and also has a Resource Center.

Our Resource Center & Library includes informational books and resources about homeschooling in addition to others of interest to our members. This is a place where our families can get together on a regular basis, build friendships, and learn and play together. It is a place where children and adults decide together what avenues of interest to pursue; we also invite members of our community to come and share their talents and interests with us. The Natural Learners also has an egroup site where members can communicate with other members in addition to finding current information about events. Our group plans special events throughout the year: the Not Back to School Picnic, the Living and Learning Fair-Year 2001 with Storyteller Jim Weiss, and a Spring Gathering. We also publish The Natural Learners Newsletter.

The Natural Learners is currently filing for non-profit status. This will enable The Natural Learners to receive both public and private grants, provide us with limited liability protection, and enable us to continue developing our goal of helping to create Community Learning Centers.
The Self-Education Foundation
POB 30790
Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
E-mail: Info@selfeducation.org
URL: www.selfeducation.org

SEF is a philanthropic foundation working to build and support a cohesive movement, across cultures and disciplines, of communities initiating their own education as a tool for social justice.

Our goals are to:

Raise money to make awards to inspired, community-based groups and campaigns.
Increase networking and resource-sharing between movements which share a common use of education for liberation, but which do not generally share resources, network, or utilize each other as allies. We utilize our newsletter and website toward this end.
Create more community infrastructure and support for self-education and life-long learning by supporting community learning centers and organizing events which bring communities together.

Michael and Carrie Nobel Kline
114 Boundary Ae.
Elkins, WV 26241 USA
Phone: (304)637-5511
E-mail: UNITY@NEUMEDIA.NET

We are available to teach and lead workshops, in the context of elderhostels or community trainings. Our expertise is in oral history, public folklore and audio production. We teach interviewing techniques geared toward gathering oral testimonials. We also teach about folklore and the power of the oral tradition, combining our own live musical performance with examples from clear recordings and final productions unveil the lives of Americans not generally included in mainstream debate. Our areas of specialization include family stories of Appalachian people and ethnic minorites. Our music consists of high mountain harmonies with melodic flat picking style guitar backup.
Leta M. Mach
Director of Cooperative Education
National Cooperative Business Association
1401 New York Avenue, N.W., Suite 1100
Washington, D.C. 20005
Phone: 202-383-5450
E-mail: lmach@ncba.org
URL: www.cooperative.org

(see entry for NCBA under Co-operators)
Tammie Fowles, MSW, Ph.D.
22 Valkyrie Circle
Columbia, SC 29229 USA
(803)419-8256
E-mail: tammie@sageplace.com
URL: http://www.sageplace.com

"Tammie Byram Fowles is a psychotherapist, author, consultant, and trainer currently residing in Columbia, South Carolina. She received her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut, and her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Southwest University. She is the author of "BirthQuake: A Journey to Wholeness" www.sageplace.com/birthquake.htm and the founder of www.sageplace.com.

Dr. Fowles is available for consultation and training at no charge for non-profit groups and organizations committed to the creation and maintenance of cooperative learning communities."
National Coalition of Alternative Community Schools
1266 Rosewood, Unit 1
Ann Arbor, MI 48104-6205 USA
Contact person: Alan Benard, Director
Phone:(734) 668-9171; (888) 771-9171
E-mail: ncacs1@earthlink.net
URL: http://ncacs.org

"Our mission is to unite and organize a grassroots movement of learners and learning communities dedicated to participant control and the elimination of human and ecological oppression.

"The National Coalition of Alternative Community Schools networks participant-controlled learning programs, including privately and publicly funded schools, homeschooling families and support programs, intentional communities, alternative education publishers and resources. We offer connection to our community of teachers and learners throughout the United States and many other countries through our newsletter, National Coalition News, the National Directory of Alternative School, ncacs.org, our member email list server, and the annual NCACS Conference. We also provide expert consulting to communities wishing to start community-based, participant-directed learning programs. We operate the NCACS Teacher Education Program, and member schools may become accredited through the National Association for the Legal Support of Alternative Schools."
Cabrini Connections, Tutor/Mentor Connection
Daniel F. Bassill, President,
1111 N. Wells, Suite 503
Chicago, IL 60610 USA
Phone (312)573-8851
Fax:312-573-8816
URL: www.tutormentorconnection.org

The Tutor/Mentor Connection (T/MC) has created a data base of more than 13,000 leaders, volunteers and stakeholders in existing tutor/mentor programs in Chicago and around the country. The T/MC uses its database as a "knowledge center", providing referrals to volunteers, donors, parents and social service workers, or planning information to community groups looking to start new programs. It also uses its database to share information and to invite leaders to work together. The T/MC combines its data with computer mapping software, to visually "show" where poverty is concentrated in Chicago, and what tutor/mentor programs serve different areas. It also uses GIS mapping as a planning tool to help identify assets in a neighborhood who might join together to build and sustain great tutor/mentor programs.

The T/MC has also developed a calendar of sequenced events and a media plan to promote the need for effective tutoring and mentoring programs to be in every high poverty neighborhood, to draw visibility and resources to programs already operating in these neighborhoods, and to draw visitors to its www.tutormentorconnection.org web site, which hosts much of this information, along with links to hundreds of tutor/mentor organizations around the country.
The Leadership Project
Kelly Patrick Gerling, Ph.D
5905 Slater Road
Merriam, KS 66202-2839 USA
Phone: (913)724-2400
URL: www.leadershipproject.net

The Leadership Project, Inc. was founded and is run by Kelly Patrick Gerling, PH.D. It is a training and consulting organization that specializes in helping groups develop better leadership skills. This includes inner skills of thinking and outer skills of communicating. The results of these skills being used in an organization are better teamwork, improved employee satisfaction, enhanced organizational effectiveness and the fulfillment of values that are important to the group. The website has more information about the services we can provide for your group, or for you as an individual through leadership coaching.
Dr. Eric Flescher
15016 W.150th
Olathe, Kansas 66062 USA
PhoneL913-780-5902
E-mail: KCStarguy@aol.com
URL: http://ada.lesley.edu/faculty/flescher/team1.htm

Presentations and workshops deal with the use of computers, internet, simulations and integration with teaching , learning and thinking skills. "20 + ways for using the internet, for teaching , learning and education " concentrates on a model showing how to use the internet for educational purposes in many ways. "S.I.M.- Simulations, Internet and Metacognitive activities showcases internet based and software based simulations, using the internet and multiple intelligence based alternative assessment forms that I have invented. The "Use of Multimedia in education" showcases software, hardware and internet applications in education. Workshops customized to meet keeds. For further information and brochure contact by email.
Kye Nelson
7307 Broadway, #3
San Antonio, TX 78209 USA
10/413-4339
E-mail: kyenelson@workingprocess.com
URL: http://www.workingprocess.com

First, consultation on how to facilitate the growth of a homeschool (or other) learning community so that it provides a rich variety of collaborative activities for its members which arise out of their own expressed interests.

Next, consultation about how one can facilitate the collaborative learning process itself (as members of the community work together on things that interest them) so that what each person is and needs most deeply is heard day in and day out, and continues to become part of a whole that supports each person very exactly.

And finally, help in getting unstuck when a group or individual is trying to do something they care a lot about, but for one reason or another seem to have gotten bogged down.

A 501(c)(3) educational organization
Alexander Laszlo, Ph.D. and Kathia C. Laszlo, Ph.D.
1761 Vallejo Street, Suite 302
San Francisco, CA 94123-5029 USA
Phone/Fax: (415) 346-1547
E-mail: info@syntonyquest.org
URL: www.syntonyquest.org

Learning to think anew requires learning to learn anew. Current educational reform does not address this challenge. Our work facilitates the design of Evolutionary Learning Communities where people can engage in lifelong learning and meaningfully contribute to the creation of a sustainable future.

For more information, please contact us:

Looking forward to learning and designing with you!
Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT)
Machynlleth, Powys, WALES
SY20 9AZ, UK
Phone 01654 705950
Fax: 01654 702782
E-mail: info@cat.org.uk
URL: www.cat.org.uk

CAT is an environmental educational charity, offering a huge range of services, including it's unique visitor centre, mailorder books and products, courses, membership, consultancy, free information, resources for teachers and pupils, and residential visits. CAT has been in existence for over 25 years and is one of the world's leading eco centres. It is a community, a learning center, and a theme park exemplifying the simple satisfying, sustainable and ecologicl sound lifestyles everyone can lead, and may have to lead in the future.

CAT relies entirely on the gifts from supporters to continue this free information service. Please consider making a donation if you can, so that you and others can continue to benefit from this service. You may join and/or keep up to date with the Centre and sustainable living by becoming a member, email ata@cat.org.uk for details.
Merrill L. Tew
6979 Palm Court #112-C
Riverside, CA 92506 USA
Phone: (909)788-5506
E-mail: mltew@pe.net
URL: http://www.pe.net/~mltew

Semi-retired college educator and alternativeeducation advocate hosts a web site that contains resources for optional learning methods. An advocate of transformation in education.

See: "Tew's News and Views" Alternative/Home School Resources on my web page, "Yearn to Learn"
Vic Desotelle
2870 S. Palisades Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062 USA
Phone: 831-465-0377 ph
Fax: 509-753-7406
URL: http://www.inKNOWvate.com
E-mail: desotelle@skybiz.com
Family: http://skyboom.com/desotelle

My focus:

organizational geometries that can enhance learning (relationships), sustainable business development (creativity that accounts for next generation needs), and cultural mythologies (transparent values that make us do what we do)
Family Learning Center
2315 173rd Avenue NE
Redmond, WA 98052 USA
Phone: (425) 702-3331
Fax: (425) 401-8875 fax
E-mail: eschwartz@lkwash.wednet.edu

Beth Schwartz, teacher, (though I will be moving at the end of this year)
Lead Teacher: Jon Wartes

The Family Learning Center is an alternative program of the Lake Washington School District, serving students in grades K-12. We have existed in our current form for 3 years.

We offer classes and/or one-on-one consulting with certified teachers to families and students who are home schooling. Our current enrollment is approximately 240 students. We offer multi-age classes, grouped into K-2nd, 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, and 8th-12th. We also offer credit for high school classes and work with parents to create individual Learning Plans for their students. Most students attend 5 hours per week, then home school for 25 or more.
Paths of Learning Resource Center
Robin Ann Martin, Coordinator
P.O. Box 703,
North San Juan,
CA 95960.
E-mail: robin@PathsOfLearning.net
URL: http://www.PathsofLearning.net

Robin Martin coordinates the Paths Of Learning Resource Center, sponsored by the Foundation for Educational Renewal. As coordinator of the Center, she offers free networking and resource advice via e-mail for pointing you towards the organizations, authors, and resources best suited for creating more holistic and humanistic alternatives in education. Robin is now completing her doctorate in education from Iowa State University.
Individualized Choice Education (I.C.E.) Program
Darlene Quayle or Marci Van Cleve
1637 Grant Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368 USA
Phone: (360) 379-8004
E-mail: dquayle@mail.ptsd.wednet.edu
URL: http://www.ptsd.wednet.edu/district/info/specprog/ice/ice.html

We are an individualized curriculum, contract-based educational opportunity in the Port Townsend School District. We offer enrichment classes and provide assessment, curriculum and regularconferencing to maintain communication and progress in all subject areas. Parents are involved in the conferencing and off-campus learning activities. We also provide information to our families about local educational opportunities, homeschool connections and study groups, public library programs, and community interaction such as mentoring and job shadowing.

High school students have the opportunity to earn credits toward a high school diploma, and students K-8 are evaluated with narrative assessments. Some of our secondary students also choose to take up to two classes on campus to further enrich their educational offerings.

We are funded by the state FTE funding ratio based upon our enrollment. Students are considered full-time public school students.
Bob Fizzell
1201 NW 109th Street
Vancouver, WA 98685 USA
Phone (360) 574-4017 voice or fax
E-mail: eduserve@igc.org
URL http://alternative-education.org

Staff training, program development, program evaluation, numerous publications. Primary focus is on developing high quality choices for all students.
Home Education Magazine
Post Office Box 1083
Tonasket, WA 98855-1083 USA
509-486-1351
E-mail: HEM-Info@home-ed-magazine.com
URL: http://www.home-ed-magazine.com

Our third-generation homeschooling family has published a magazine for other homeschooling families since 1984. Our focus is on empowering individual families to take responsibility for their children's education. Current subscription price is $32.00 per year (6 issues); special discounts available at our website: http://www.home-ed-magazine.com
Family Learning Organization
Kathleen McCurdy
University of Natural Learning
Post Office Box 7147
Spokane WA 99207-0247 USA
509-467-2552
E-mail: homeschool@familylearning.org
URL: http://www.familylearning.org

Family Learning Organization is a not-for-profit corporation established in 1986 to provide services for homeschooling families. Its founder, Kathleen McCurdy, started homeschooling her children in the 1960s in northeastern Washington. She is available as a speaker, consultant, and lobbyist.

FLO provides testing services to homeschooling families around the country, publishes the quarterly Family Current, and provides numerous other services for homeschooling families.

The University of Natural Learning was estasblished in 1998. It offers a 20 hour video correspondence course for parents on how to homeschool through 'natural learning'. It is very helpful for families just starting out or trying to recover from 'burnout'.
Autodidactic Press
PO Box 872749
Wasilla, AK 99687
PHONE: (907)376-2932
E-MAIL: info@autodidactic.com
URL: www.autodidactic.com

A small press and website dedicated to the proposition that lifelong learning is the lifeblood of democracy and a key to living life to its fullest. We advocate the philosophy that an education should be thought of not as something you get, but as something you take. Our website offers resources for self-education with the aim of inspiring adults to create and carry out a lifelong learning philosophy. "Self-University Newsletter" is free online for those who wish to teach and encourage the value of independent scholarship. In each issue of the newsletter, author Charles Hayes features contemporary books in the context of lifelong learning.
Wondertree Foundation for Natural Learning
Founder Brent Cameron
Box 38083
Vancouver, BC
V5Z 4L9 CANADA
Phone: (604) 224-3663 and (250) 866-5341
E-mail: brentcameron@telus.net
URL: www.wondertree.org

Wondertree was founded in 1983 by a 5 year old girl who did not want to give up the control of her life in school and chose to work with her father. For the next 12 years a small group of children created a learning community where the learning emerged from their conversations and enthusiasm to understand. During this time 2 Master's Thesis, a number of reports and a book were written on the emerging methodology that sustains and empowers Natural Learning. An intensive course has been taught for 12 years and is now offered on the internet as Self-Design Online. The Wondertree Learning Consultant Group offer consulting services to parents, educators, learners and community groups to help them create learning communities based on the Self-Designing Process.
Wendy Priesnitz & Associates
The Alternate Press
Box 340,
St. George ON
N0E 1N0 CANADA
Phone: 1-800-215-9574
Email: natural@life.ca
URL:: http://www.life.ca

For 25 years, we have been helping people across North America challenge assumptions and change paradigms about how and why our society educates its children. Collaborative learning with a holistic perspective is the focus of our work in helping establish individualized and group, home- and community-based, learning experiences. We provide consulting to groups and individuals, keynote addresses, workshops, and articles for magazines, books and newsletters. Consulting from $60 per hour, workshops and other presentations from $1,000.
Marshal B Anderson
98 Highfield Lane, Newbold
Chesterfield
S41 8BA UK
(01246) 204126
E-mail: marshal@marshal.co.uk
URL: http://www.marshal.co.uk

I offer consultation/presentations on the setting up of on-line learning communities amongst home-schooled students.

UK contacts might be interested in a presentation I'm doing on this subject on 16/11/00 at the RESOURCE conference in Doncaster. The presentation is entitled 'Extending home-tuition with on-line learning' and seats are bookable on (020) 7958 4931
Schoolhouse Home Education Association
311 Perth Road,
Dundee DD2 1LGm SCOTLAND
Attn: Alison Preuss
Tel: 01382 646964
Fax: 01382 640472
E-mail: info@schoolhouse.org.uk
URL: http://www.schoolhouse.org.uk

Schoolhouse is a recognised Scottish charity which offers information, support and advocacy to home educating families, and public information service to all those with an interest in home-based education in Scotland.
Philip Kwok-fai HUI, Ph.D.
Department of Educational Policy and Administration
The Hong Kong Institute of Education
10 Lo Ping Road, Tai Po
Hong Kong. CHINA
Tel. (852) 2948-7963 (o.); (852) 9788-5676 (m.)
Fax: (852) 2948-7619
Email: phui@ied.edu.hk

As a specialist in comparative educator and teacher educator, I could provide services on lectures, publication, learning strategies, consultants as so on. Please use the following information in your directory.
Virtual Learning Academy
RR #2
St. Albert, Alberta,
T8N 1M9, CANADA
Contact: Deb McGee, BGS, AGDDE(T), MDE
Phone: (780) 460-7371
Fax (780) 460-5313
E-mail: debmcgee@virtual-learning.ca
URL: www.virtual-learning.ca

Virtual Learning Academy's mission is to build a global community of people who are committed to the homeschooling movement and are forging alternatives to conventional schools. We do this by offering a variety of online courses and workshops designed to help parents become more confident in their homeschooling efforts.

Courses focus on ways of helping children learn what they need to know outside of a traditional classroom. Participants engage in dialogue through the use of email, a bulletin board conference and chatroom. A variety of assignments are presented from which participants choose an activity that meets their learning needs or interests. Courses are facilitated by experienced homeschooling parents and online educators.
Michael Reber
Kanazawa Institute of Technology
Nonoichi-machi 7-1, Ishikawa-ken
921-8501: Japan
PHONE: 011-81-762-48-1100 X2226
E-mail: reber@neptune.kanazawa-it.ac.jp
URL: http://www2.kanazawa-it.ac.jp/englishd/reber/clc1.htm

Michael Reber is currently a facilitator for the International Community Learning Center Network. His specialization is in assisting people with thinking of ways to develop and implement learning networks within their own local communities.
Marko Koskinen
Helsinki, FINLAND
Phone +358-50-3319358 (mobile)
E-mail: marko@vapaus.nett
URL: http://www.vapaus.net

Consultation and lectures about e.g. learning, interaction, emotions, democratic decision making, alternative education and homeschooling. Personal and group counseling. Legal consultation for schools, students and teachers about different possibilities and alternatives. Support for all people interested in educational change.
Joel D Black
1849 Marshall
Enumclaw, WA 98022 USA
Phone: (360)825-0865
E-mail: jblack@whiteriver.wednet.edu

21 years a homeschooler, and experiential ed. Owned a private school and helped build another. Involved in alternative, outdoor and gifted education for many years. First vice-chair of the WA homeschool org. Can help in testing, curriculum, learning style, alternatives, family ed., community ed. learning in weird settings. Unusually ways of getting what you want. Written numberous monographs, 3 books and have presented at over 100 conferences. Have worked with thousands of families trying to take control of their own education. Doctorate in educational psychology, emphasis experiential. How can I help you?
Rose Marschall
Program Coordinator
Olympic Peninsula Academy
Phone: 360-582-3403
E-mail: rikmarsh@tenforward.com

I am a homeschooling mom of 22 years that is the founder and Coordinator for the Sequim School District's Homeschool Allotment Program.

I have written a How To book on Homeschool allotment Programs. The title is Homeschool Allotment Programs: The New Homeschool Movement    How to Start a Parent Partnership School.

I offer my services as a consultant to people that want to start new Allotment Programs; especially a Homeschool Allotment Program. Homeschool Allotment Programs are School district Programs that reserve part of the FTE funding per full-time FTE students enrolled in their programs. They are incredibly self-supporting and very efficient and a model of education in the future.
Creating Preferred Futures
Cole Jackson, Co-Facilitator
Learning Ventures International
4831 Vaughn Ave.
Orlando, FL 32806 USA
PHONE: 407-240-8504
E-MAIL: colej99@earthlink.net
URL: http://www.planet-tech.com/preferred_future
Creating Preferred Futures (CPF), http://www.planet-tech.com/preferred_future, is an international distance-learning initiative for children and youth that is designed to enhance critical thinking, creative problem solving, and decision making through the use of futures-oriented learning themes, methods, and collaborative activities. The project provides resources, tutorials, learning tools, discussion lists, expert facilitation, and interactive forums used to engage students and teachers in cooperative learning activities and share their work worldwide.
Karen M. Funk, Director
Bayside Children's College
1025 Center St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: 831-454-0370
E-mail: karen@baysidechildrenscollege.com
URL: http://www.baysidechildrenscollege.com

Description of Services: Will provide consultant services to anyone starting up a school, charter or private or group of homeschoolers,of any grade levels K to 12. Have established school in Santa Cruz for ages 5 to 18--personal choice and personal attention is emphasis. See website above for details about this prototype school. I have been in education for 40 years, have BA, MA (Ed.Admin.), and am candidate for EdD.
Kathryn Stout, BSEd., MEd.
408 Victoria Avenue
Wilmington, DE 19804-2124
USA
Phone/Fax (302) 998-3889
Email: DesignStdy@aol.com
URL: www.DesignaStudy.com

Kathryn offers private consultations and seminars for homeschooling families and is available to speak at conferences. She has written several books which serve as extensive teaching guides so that families and teachers have a framework from which to choose teaching methods and materials that will suit each child's needs, rather than forcing a child to fit a packaged curriculum.

Descriptions of the books, as well as her monthly teaching helps column, are available at the Design-A-Study web site listed above.

Kathryn also offers enrollment in her umbrella school, Academy Adonai, as an option for those homeschooling in Delaware. She meets personally with individual families four times during the school year to offer suggestions and monitor progress.
Attraction Retreat
250 Tucker Ave. #20
Friday Harbor, WA 98250 US
CONTACT PERSON:

Dave Paulsen, Executive Director

Allison Weeks, Education Director
PHONE: 360.378.8932
E-MAIL:dp87@centurytel.net or kylermom@aol.com
URL: (coming soon) www.attractionretreat.org

Parent organization is a 501(c)3 and a special NGO consultant to UNESCO. Attraction Retreat, in Q1 2002 is in an active fund drive for permanent facilities, and is currently generating revenue.

As part of Project NatureConnect and the Institute of Global Education, AR has distance based home study courses and accredited graduate programs in Applied Ecopsychology/Integrated Ecology -- Educating and Counseling with Nature through the Natural Systems Thinking Process (NSTP). We also offer two week retreats, weekend workshops, and seminars; individual growth and awareness counseling; training for environmental and social justice activists; continuing education classes for educators, therapists, and counselors; and organizational/management counseling/consulting.

The programs are directed toward healing, restoring, and building responsible relationships in balance with Nature, because we can't afford to continue denying that destroying one's life support system is a very good definition of insanity. The NSTP shows through Nature's example how to live in ways that allow all others to live as well.

For the Earth...

_dave_(this entire message is composed of recycled electrons)

This directory of consultants for learning communities has been produced by 'A Coalition for Self-Learning' as an addendum to their book Creating Learning Communities edited by Ron Miller and published in August 2000 by The Foundation for Educational Renewal.

The book grew from a concern that the emerging new society required and deep fundamental review of why we learn, when we learn, how we learn, and what we learn. It is not enought to "fix the schools." Social needs, brain research and new techniques and technologies suggest that radically diferent learning system is needed, is possible, and is happening.

Publisheing Creating Learning Communities was the half time kick-off for a campaign to involve others in the analysis of the basic essence of learning and for the Coalition to initiate projects to help create cooperative community life-long learning centers to replace the government controlled authoritarian school system designed to transform an agricultural society into an industrial one.

We invite others to join us in this examination of the future of learning and its impact of the future of society.

For discussion of the CONCEPTS join LearningCommunities- subscribe @yahoogroups.com

For discussion and action on a STRATEGY join CCL-LLCs-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

To read the evolving "New Chapters" for the book see: http://www. CreatingLearningCommunities.org
A Coalition for Self-Learning
POBox 567, 5 Lake St.
Rangeley ME 04970-0567
USA
Februrary 2001

COALITION FOR SELF-LEARNING

Mission Statement:

The Coalition for Self-Learning envisions and co-creates a world of cooperative life-long learning communities.

Composition:

The Coalition is a matrix of individuals and groups, networking freely and acting in concert in mutual support of the Mission Statement.

Principles and Goals:

Life-long learning communities are diverse, open places where individuals develop meaningful ways to enhance, enrich, honor and celebrate each other, families, communities and society, acting as a significant element in an emerging cooperative commonwealth.

The Coalition promotes ideas and actions for creating learning communities.

The Coalition expands and advances the relevance of learning to societal change.

The Coalition explores, develops, disseminates and implements new concepts for organizational systems that result in the equitable sharing of power and wealth, well-being and self-sustaining conviviality of the Earth and all its life forms.

The Coalition demonstrates that the Internet is a powerful tool for organizing actions, learning creative concepts and engaging constructive discussion.

Tools:

To aid the Mission of the Coalition, we have developed the following tools :
Creating Learning Communities Website:
www.CreatingLearningCommunities.org/
Discussion Lists:
groups.yahoo.com/group/LearningCommunities/ for Concepts and
groups.yahoo.com/community/CCL-LLCs for Strategy.
Books available:
"Creating Learning Communities" ($21.95 or online)
"Guidebook for Creating Learning Communities" ($4.00)
www.CreatingLearningCommunities.org/resources/consultants.htm
Learning Cooperatives Quarterly:
www.CreatingLearningCommunities.org/newsletter/index.html

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