Workshop Descriptions + Bios
Edward West: Turning Communities-of-Purpose into Collaborative Resource-Sharing Webs
Organizations: Hylo & Impact HUB Oakland
The way we define financial value is showing it’s limitation: it doesn’t account for cultural or environmental degradation as a side effect. And, it’s connected to each of our work-lives: People often work jobs that don’t feed their souls or create real value in the world in order to make ends meet, in service to the survival drive of amoral organizations. More and more, we are recognizing these limitations, but what practical steps can we take to participate in building a better world? Peer-to-peer decentralized creation is coming, and quickly. And, key to this transition is each of us getting in touch with our deepest and most aligned work, backed by the support of our purpose-aligned communities. What tools might help us turn our communities-of-purpose into creative, collaborative, resource sharing webs? How do we begin to collaborate at scale in new ways? How do we create a healthy ecosystem in which the beautiful positive intent to build a better world that we all have inside us can be cultivated, nurtured, and communicated with others so we can create anything we can imagine? In this discussion, we’ll touch on different types of peer-to-peer infrastructure that will facilitate emergent creation and collaboration, including co-working, crowdfunding, and Hylo, a new web platform designed to help facilitate co-creation in communities of purpose.
Edward West builds infrastructure to allow people to realize their visions for a better world. He is the Co-Founder of Hylo, a social network designed to turn communities-of-purpose, such co-working spaces, accelerators, and maker-spaces into vibrant resource-sharing webs. He is also Co-Founder of Impact Hub Oakland, a new co-working and community space in Oakland. He believes networks of entrepreneurs and creators, working within and between communities, fueled by love and passion, and connected by next generation software tools and physical spaces, will unlock new possibilities for catalytic collaboration, and a humanity working together to build a shared future. In 2006, he co-founded Mission Motors, manufacturer of high performance electric motorcycles and advanced electric vehicle components. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Yale University, and an MBA from Presidio Graduate School. He is an advisor to numerous startups, and has taught at entrepreneurship at the Presidio Graduate School and the CCA's Design MBA.
The way we define financial value is showing it’s limitation: it doesn’t account for cultural or environmental degradation as a side effect. And, it’s connected to each of our work-lives: People often work jobs that don’t feed their souls or create real value in the world in order to make ends meet, in service to the survival drive of amoral organizations. More and more, we are recognizing these limitations, but what practical steps can we take to participate in building a better world? Peer-to-peer decentralized creation is coming, and quickly. And, key to this transition is each of us getting in touch with our deepest and most aligned work, backed by the support of our purpose-aligned communities. What tools might help us turn our communities-of-purpose into creative, collaborative, resource sharing webs? How do we begin to collaborate at scale in new ways? How do we create a healthy ecosystem in which the beautiful positive intent to build a better world that we all have inside us can be cultivated, nurtured, and communicated with others so we can create anything we can imagine? In this discussion, we’ll touch on different types of peer-to-peer infrastructure that will facilitate emergent creation and collaboration, including co-working, crowdfunding, and Hylo, a new web platform designed to help facilitate co-creation in communities of purpose.
Edward West builds infrastructure to allow people to realize their visions for a better world. He is the Co-Founder of Hylo, a social network designed to turn communities-of-purpose, such co-working spaces, accelerators, and maker-spaces into vibrant resource-sharing webs. He is also Co-Founder of Impact Hub Oakland, a new co-working and community space in Oakland. He believes networks of entrepreneurs and creators, working within and between communities, fueled by love and passion, and connected by next generation software tools and physical spaces, will unlock new possibilities for catalytic collaboration, and a humanity working together to build a shared future. In 2006, he co-founded Mission Motors, manufacturer of high performance electric motorcycles and advanced electric vehicle components. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Yale University, and an MBA from Presidio Graduate School. He is an advisor to numerous startups, and has taught at entrepreneurship at the Presidio Graduate School and the CCA's Design MBA.
Betsy morris, PhD: planning & leading effective gatherings
_Organization: East Bay Cohousing / Cohousing California
Planning and Leading Effective Gatherings >> Yes! You can Facilitate Fun and Fulfilling Meetings! Meet Betsy Morris and come learn the ABC, and some D’s of good group meetings and other types of gatherings. Meetings are like a captivating theatrical production or a good trip - when you plan well for the energies you encounter, they can be something to look forward to rather than fear or avoid.
In 40 whirlwind minutes, you’ll get some helpful concepts, simple tools, and a chance to play with: Agreements, Bodies, Connections; Differences in Decision-making; and using Group Works Card Deck. Get beyond the verbal and the formal and bring your whole body and experience into effective cooperative community.
Betsy, who lives at Berkeley Cohousing, is a certified Small Group Leader and Experiential Educator. She designs and leads many kinds of participatory group events as co-host of East Bay Cohousing, a meetup for cooperative living, and in her consulting practice, Planning for Sustainable Communities.
Planning and Leading Effective Gatherings >> Yes! You can Facilitate Fun and Fulfilling Meetings! Meet Betsy Morris and come learn the ABC, and some D’s of good group meetings and other types of gatherings. Meetings are like a captivating theatrical production or a good trip - when you plan well for the energies you encounter, they can be something to look forward to rather than fear or avoid.
In 40 whirlwind minutes, you’ll get some helpful concepts, simple tools, and a chance to play with: Agreements, Bodies, Connections; Differences in Decision-making; and using Group Works Card Deck. Get beyond the verbal and the formal and bring your whole body and experience into effective cooperative community.
Betsy, who lives at Berkeley Cohousing, is a certified Small Group Leader and Experiential Educator. She designs and leads many kinds of participatory group events as co-host of East Bay Cohousing, a meetup for cooperative living, and in her consulting practice, Planning for Sustainable Communities.
Wild Willpower: Wildharvesting cooperatives
This presentation would be an overview of where Wild Willpower is heading- how our website can be used by communities to form "wildharvesting cooperatives" to bring wild goods to markets from public wildlands using ecologically-restorative, wildfire-preventing techniques (which are really just "Native American ways re-packaged into a systems mode of communicating & enabling it). We'll be explaining how we're using the system to free the people of the system by dumping all our profits into "wild living spaces" for everyone & how all our proceeds dump back into the commons- difficult to explain in this one paragraph. Invitations for artists, authors, performers, wildharvesters, wild skills teachers, online developers, & more as well as much "wild living skills knowledge". Presented alongside a couple original songs by Reverend Distance Fathoms Everheart of The Church of Human, Animal, & WildNatural Freedom.
I've been hitchhiking the U.S.A. since August 7th, 2002 writing original songs & documenting the skills of a Native American elder while bringing together a rock & roll opera & a practical, organized vision for reform that includes "a way out" for people of all economic levels. I have over 40 original songs written front he side of the road that brings arrogant but lovable avant-garde sham rock to a society who had no idea they were in need of such a thing! Transgender animal freedom artist, inventor of several things, documentary producer, book publisher… more about my backstory here: http://www.wildwillpower.org/or-make-a-one-time-donation/council-members/distance-evehearts-bio
I've been hitchhiking the U.S.A. since August 7th, 2002 writing original songs & documenting the skills of a Native American elder while bringing together a rock & roll opera & a practical, organized vision for reform that includes "a way out" for people of all economic levels. I have over 40 original songs written front he side of the road that brings arrogant but lovable avant-garde sham rock to a society who had no idea they were in need of such a thing! Transgender animal freedom artist, inventor of several things, documentary producer, book publisher… more about my backstory here: http://www.wildwillpower.org/or-make-a-one-time-donation/council-members/distance-evehearts-bio
Chong Kee Tan & Kendra Shanley:
Interactive Game to experience different monetary systems
Organization: Bay Bucks
This is a easy to learn and fast-moving interactive game that enables participants to experience the impact of using different kinds of money to how they feel and relate to others. We have conducted it for local business owners and student groups. Participants consistently report new understanding about this thing called "money" and are able to see it with new eyes. Chong Kee Tan has been an activist for more than 15 years, working in the area of Asian democracy, press freedom, censorship, and -- after coming to the United States -- in the area of equal rights and sustainability. He is a technology entrepreneur, and founded a website that became the subject of study in a Stanford University PhD thesis and was published by University of Washington Press in 2006. After the 2008 financial crisis, he began studying our financial and monetary systems, and quickly came to realize that changing these systems could help address many of the most pressing problems facing the world today. He started Bay Bucks as a TransitionSFproject in hopes of addressing these problems and making the SF Bay Area more resilient. Chong Kee received his BA (Hons) in Computer Science from Cambridge University and his PhD in Chinese Literature from Stanford University. Kendra Shanley has a background in Biology and International Health Sciences. After completing her Master of Science in Parasitology in London, she moved to the Bay Area and worked in STD & HIV prevention and Public Health research for several years. During this time, she became increasingly concerned for the future of our communities in the face of environmental degradation and a faltering economy. Transition SF led her to attend a December 2011 workshop with author Charles Eisenstein (Sacred Economics: Money, Gift, and Community in an Age of Transition), which inspired her to quit working in Public Health in order to begin researching local and complementary currencies. She discovered that many of the needs of the community, including access to health services, could be most readily and sustainably addressed through a flourishing local currency. After meeting Chong Kee earlier this year, she found a dedicated partner with whom to start Bay Bucks. |
Anthony Shephard: Electric Economy Evolution - Cryptocurrencies and the blockchain
Organization: Coinbase
The implications of the blockchain technology are far reaching and as of today, only just being realized. Currency, specifically the cryptographic digital currency Bitcoin, was the first popular implementation of a blockchain. Decentralized payment networks, secure trust-free trade, and autonomous corporations are the first wave of innovations to follow Satoshi Nakamoto’s whitepaper outlining the open-source Bitcoin/blockchain protocol. Why does decentralized digital currency matter? How can this change the way we think about money? What are the possible impacts this can have on the business world at large? How will this affect us directly? Let’s explore the possibilities with a brief presentation, open questions, and group discussion.
Anthony has been fascinated by computers since he was old enough to play Mario on the Nintendo Entertainment System. Growing up and coming online with the dawn of the global internet and high-speed networking has given him a sense of trust in open networks and human ingenuity. Ever the optimist in an increasingly isolating digital world, he is always looking for the next technology to catalyze the rapid spread of knowledge and opportunity for all.
The implications of the blockchain technology are far reaching and as of today, only just being realized. Currency, specifically the cryptographic digital currency Bitcoin, was the first popular implementation of a blockchain. Decentralized payment networks, secure trust-free trade, and autonomous corporations are the first wave of innovations to follow Satoshi Nakamoto’s whitepaper outlining the open-source Bitcoin/blockchain protocol. Why does decentralized digital currency matter? How can this change the way we think about money? What are the possible impacts this can have on the business world at large? How will this affect us directly? Let’s explore the possibilities with a brief presentation, open questions, and group discussion.
Anthony has been fascinated by computers since he was old enough to play Mario on the Nintendo Entertainment System. Growing up and coming online with the dawn of the global internet and high-speed networking has given him a sense of trust in open networks and human ingenuity. Ever the optimist in an increasingly isolating digital world, he is always looking for the next technology to catalyze the rapid spread of knowledge and opportunity for all.
slobodan nesovic, Psy.d.: transforming harmful energy structures
Organization: B-Awake Network
In this presentation you will experience energy-healing approach from Europe (Balkans), which is based on contemplative prayer and is enriched by modern extra-sense research. Slobodan will cover some theoretical basics for working as a healer such as anatomy of human energy structure, significance of Lighting Body ('Higher Self', '10th chakra', etc.), transformation of NMES (negative mental energy structures), as well as easy to learn depth meditation technique for working with personal unconscious and spiritual-material development. Live demonstration of how to transform harmful energy structures.
Dr. Slobodan is a founder and a therapist at B-Awake Network--an emerging platform that connects mental health professionals with the public. He maintains energy health practice in West LA and works as a therapist at American Indian psychiatric clinic in Downtown LA. He is UCLA alumnus with bachelor’s degree in psychology and he graduated from CIIS (California Institute for Integral Studies) as a doctor of clinical psychology in 2011. Slobodan has been involved with Evolver Network as a lead organizer for Evolver Los Angeles spore since November 2013.
In this presentation you will experience energy-healing approach from Europe (Balkans), which is based on contemplative prayer and is enriched by modern extra-sense research. Slobodan will cover some theoretical basics for working as a healer such as anatomy of human energy structure, significance of Lighting Body ('Higher Self', '10th chakra', etc.), transformation of NMES (negative mental energy structures), as well as easy to learn depth meditation technique for working with personal unconscious and spiritual-material development. Live demonstration of how to transform harmful energy structures.
Dr. Slobodan is a founder and a therapist at B-Awake Network--an emerging platform that connects mental health professionals with the public. He maintains energy health practice in West LA and works as a therapist at American Indian psychiatric clinic in Downtown LA. He is UCLA alumnus with bachelor’s degree in psychology and he graduated from CIIS (California Institute for Integral Studies) as a doctor of clinical psychology in 2011. Slobodan has been involved with Evolver Network as a lead organizer for Evolver Los Angeles spore since November 2013.
hivemind collective: Community discussion
What needs do you see among your communities? What can the community networking done by HiveMind do to meet those needs?
Facilitated by the HiveMind collective - Lindsey Morris, Alicia Morton, Magenta, Sjeanne Erich Lindemann, and Anthony Shephard.
Facilitated by the HiveMind collective - Lindsey Morris, Alicia Morton, Magenta, Sjeanne Erich Lindemann, and Anthony Shephard.
Cassidy: Adaptogenic Lifestyle~ Designing Your Evolution
Beyond Mind Body
This class is intended to give an overview of the evolutionary process and how to consciously take part in it. Utilizing the commonly understood biological sciences and the current epigenetic/quantum sciences, participants will learn how to adapt their lifestyle to become a driving force for personal and human evolution.
Cassidy’s mission is to inspire and empower people to live the fullest expression of their highest potential. Cassidy is a re-evolutionary educator, trainer, and coach who empowers people to reach the next level in whole health and fitness for the mind, body, and beyond.
This class is intended to give an overview of the evolutionary process and how to consciously take part in it. Utilizing the commonly understood biological sciences and the current epigenetic/quantum sciences, participants will learn how to adapt their lifestyle to become a driving force for personal and human evolution.
Cassidy’s mission is to inspire and empower people to live the fullest expression of their highest potential. Cassidy is a re-evolutionary educator, trainer, and coach who empowers people to reach the next level in whole health and fitness for the mind, body, and beyond.
Aravel forbes: sound bath
Blue Green Harmony
Welcome. Relax and receive in an immersion of sound. Those who wish to play will lay on the floor as a group, with a crystal grid weaving through us and Himalayan singing bowls on some bellies. As the bowls ring, our minds clear, our bodies remember, our energy moves. We can free something deep within us, whether it is what we want to let go of or what we want to create. Our prayers and intentions ride on the sound waves. Vibrations coalesce in space and time, creating form. Conscious co-creation.
I am called Aravel. I am on an epic adventure on this Planet Beloved. I explore, experiment, dig up, dive deep and fly high. I am learning the art of falling gracefully into the unfolding experience of the Divine Mystery, blossoming through life, throughout and beyond time and space. I overflow with gratitude and awe. My peace is in Trusting the Process. My practices are freedom, forgiveness, offering and receiving. My Joy is dancing, singing, and blessing with the Sun, Moon, Water, Wind, Trees, Birds, Earth, Stars, Music. My fun is in serving in our evolving process. My laughter comes at the hilarious ways life shows up. My growing edge is relationship. My tools are intuition, channeling, listening, feeling, and going for it. I offer hugs, time, presence, touch, compassion, acceptance, enthusiasm. I carry singing bowls, crystals, feathers, songs, and other beings to share with those who are called and receptive. I am in my Truth and Power when I release all these beliefs and identifications and just Flow from my center. It's an amazing ride.
Welcome. Relax and receive in an immersion of sound. Those who wish to play will lay on the floor as a group, with a crystal grid weaving through us and Himalayan singing bowls on some bellies. As the bowls ring, our minds clear, our bodies remember, our energy moves. We can free something deep within us, whether it is what we want to let go of or what we want to create. Our prayers and intentions ride on the sound waves. Vibrations coalesce in space and time, creating form. Conscious co-creation.
I am called Aravel. I am on an epic adventure on this Planet Beloved. I explore, experiment, dig up, dive deep and fly high. I am learning the art of falling gracefully into the unfolding experience of the Divine Mystery, blossoming through life, throughout and beyond time and space. I overflow with gratitude and awe. My peace is in Trusting the Process. My practices are freedom, forgiveness, offering and receiving. My Joy is dancing, singing, and blessing with the Sun, Moon, Water, Wind, Trees, Birds, Earth, Stars, Music. My fun is in serving in our evolving process. My laughter comes at the hilarious ways life shows up. My growing edge is relationship. My tools are intuition, channeling, listening, feeling, and going for it. I offer hugs, time, presence, touch, compassion, acceptance, enthusiasm. I carry singing bowls, crystals, feathers, songs, and other beings to share with those who are called and receptive. I am in my Truth and Power when I release all these beliefs and identifications and just Flow from my center. It's an amazing ride.
bob otis: sacred plants & seeds
Chicken Paw - www.thechickenpaw.com
Displayed to sell or trade - about 15 small (rooted, potted, legal, of ethno / entheobotanical interest) plants + a number of seeds in small clear packets. Plants include Brugmansia Vars., S. Divinorum, Trichocereus Var. cacti, Phalaris A., American Belladonna (A. Solanum), etc.
Hailing from Oakland by way of Oak Ridge Tennessee, Bob Otis comes from a long line of mystics, preachers and doctors. Bob's roots range from early Quaker heritage through current evangelical Christianity (experienced during Tennessee visits), all the way to his own expressions of pantheistic mysticism and respect for plant and material sacraments. Bob Otis has a Masters of Divinity degree from University of Chicago, works with software for complex systems "knowledge engineering" in healthcare / life sciences - modelling early Buddhist concepts of dependent co-arising in formal research projects. Bob Otis loves to garden, trade plants, seeds and tips for growing and communicating with sacred plants and materials!
Displayed to sell or trade - about 15 small (rooted, potted, legal, of ethno / entheobotanical interest) plants + a number of seeds in small clear packets. Plants include Brugmansia Vars., S. Divinorum, Trichocereus Var. cacti, Phalaris A., American Belladonna (A. Solanum), etc.
Hailing from Oakland by way of Oak Ridge Tennessee, Bob Otis comes from a long line of mystics, preachers and doctors. Bob's roots range from early Quaker heritage through current evangelical Christianity (experienced during Tennessee visits), all the way to his own expressions of pantheistic mysticism and respect for plant and material sacraments. Bob Otis has a Masters of Divinity degree from University of Chicago, works with software for complex systems "knowledge engineering" in healthcare / life sciences - modelling early Buddhist concepts of dependent co-arising in formal research projects. Bob Otis loves to garden, trade plants, seeds and tips for growing and communicating with sacred plants and materials!
Infinitea
In traditional Chinese Gungfu or “Kung Fu” Tea Ceremony, we sit before a being offering the five elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. These elements when combined nourish the mind, body, and spirit and bring our beings into alchemical alignment. By accepting this gift and participating in ceremony, we connect to the Universal awareness, which is a channel to all beings everywhere. This is the foundation of our tea ceremony. The essence of tea is simplicity, a gift that can be received by all. To be served without being judged allows for complete surrender to the present moment — to fully appreciate the Now.
Proceeds help fund the Pure Land Tea Foundation, an educational organization sharing the art, history, and culture of Chinese Tea.
The creator of InfiniTea, Ms. Kelly VanPelt, is a tea enthusiast, wellness coach, and Total Vitality Practitioner since 2008. She studies under Master Ming Yi Wang, who is founder of the Total Vitality Program. The Total Vitality Program is based on ancient Chinese wisdom, including many aspects of Daoist and Buddhist teachings. The program focuses on hydration, self empowerment, diet, and kung fu. InfiniTea is a service that integrates aspects of hydration and Kung Fu. Peace, serenity, presence - one cup of tea at a time.
Proceeds help fund the Pure Land Tea Foundation, an educational organization sharing the art, history, and culture of Chinese Tea.
The creator of InfiniTea, Ms. Kelly VanPelt, is a tea enthusiast, wellness coach, and Total Vitality Practitioner since 2008. She studies under Master Ming Yi Wang, who is founder of the Total Vitality Program. The Total Vitality Program is based on ancient Chinese wisdom, including many aspects of Daoist and Buddhist teachings. The program focuses on hydration, self empowerment, diet, and kung fu. InfiniTea is a service that integrates aspects of hydration and Kung Fu. Peace, serenity, presence - one cup of tea at a time.
chocolate by jessica osterday, gracias chocolate
Medicinal Elixirs by Brilliant Elixirs
The world's most powerful herbal Elixirs.
Our mantras: Drink Herbs, Feel Good, Love Life.
Brilliant Elixirs take social drinking beyond booze with organic, tasty, botanical beverages that produce delightful sensations without synthesized chemicals or alcohol.
We source powerful and yes, legal plants from around the world and craft them into delectable drinks. We bottle our beverages for shelf stability in Oakland, California and ship them world-wide.
Brilliant teams, which we call the Brilliant Buzz , serve our Elixirs at bars, nightclubs, parties, and festivals in the Bay Area and beyond.
Our mantras: Drink Herbs, Feel Good, Love Life.
Brilliant Elixirs take social drinking beyond booze with organic, tasty, botanical beverages that produce delightful sensations without synthesized chemicals or alcohol.
We source powerful and yes, legal plants from around the world and craft them into delectable drinks. We bottle our beverages for shelf stability in Oakland, California and ship them world-wide.
Brilliant teams, which we call the Brilliant Buzz , serve our Elixirs at bars, nightclubs, parties, and festivals in the Bay Area and beyond.