May 2: Green Agendas Compete–Economic Summit? Cultivate Change?

The day after the Prom Ride May 1, you are cordially invited to get up early to arrive at City Hall by 9am Saturday  to attend Ventura’s Economic Summit: Opening Up Opportunities and Overcoming Obstacles hosted by the City of Ventura and the Ventura Chamber of Commerce.

OR–head up to Ojai’s Oak Grove School (founded by none other than Krishnamurti) for the green activist invigoration Cultivating Change In Our Own Backyard. Details follow.

Either way, register NOW!

If getting to Ventura County May 2 is a stretch,  consider organizing similar events in your hometown!

Saturday May 2, 2009 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli Street Council Chambers

Join businesses, community leaders, economic experts, and Ventura City Council members as we work together to chart a new course for growth and prosperity.  Your participation is valuable in mapping a vibrant and sustainable economy for Ventura’s future.

Please come prepared to join one of five concurrent breakout sessions:

1. Improving the City’s Bottom Line and Fiscal Health
2. Fostering Smart Growth
3. Greening Ventura’s Economy
4. Retaining/Expanding Jobs and Businesses
5. Enhancing Our Business Climate

Immediately following the breakout sessions, each group will report their recommendations to the City Council, who will direct staff and assign action items for a 90-day, 1-year and 5-year workplan.

Refreshments provided. Register online at www.venturachamber.org.  For questions, contact 805/676-7500 or e-mail info@ventura-chamber.org.

–OR–

On Saturday May 2^nd an unusual one day conference for progressive organizations and individuals will take place on the campus of the Oak Grove School in Ojai California. The subject is how to achieve grassroots change in our communities in this dire economic climate. Friends of the Environment is sponsoring this unique day to provide an opportunity to network, learn, expand, gain insight, competence and reach out to Cultivating Change In Our Own Backyard. We need the voice of experienced community activists like yourself to shape our discussion. Please send this invitation to your contact list of friends and help us spread the word.

Just click on the web site address right here http://www.cultivatingchangeinourownbackyard.org and see our list of diverse Co-Hosts and sign up to join us for an open systems conference, facilitated by a professional leader, Dorothy Wallstein. Ms. Wallstein worked with the OBAMA campaign and she has volunteered to provide us the opportunity to re-examine our goals for community. The purpose of the conference is to inspire collaborative alliances that support organizations and become more effective in realizing objectives for change.  You and your organization will work with like-minded community organizers, businesses owners, educators and others and showcase the work you do.  Come to collaborate with diverse participants to solve problems and to be surprised.  Organizations can offer their materials, display an exhibit or organize a discussion.

The Cultivating Change In Our Own Backyard conference will begin at 9am and include lunch and end at 4pm. There is a donation of $25.00 that pays for the facility and luncheon.  There will be a welcome gathering with the whole group (100 to 150 people) and breakout sessions for in-depth discussion on topics the group has selected.  The focus is on creative problem solving.  We expect you to go home with realistic possibilities and plans for your organizations.  We will send you a map with your confirmed reservation and location of parking spaces.

An after-conference party (optional) will take place at the Farmer and the Cook, nearby. Live music and organic food will be available.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi

Sincerely,

Your community activist team:

Carol Smith, City Council Member, City of Ojai
Helen Conly, Volunteer Coordinator & Member Friends of the Environment
Dorothy Wallstein, Event facilitator
Linda Harmon, Journalist, Ojai News
Sue Broidy, Treasurer Friends of the Environment
Sean Keenan, Film Maker, Businessman
Sponsor: Friends of the Environment
PO Box 1301
Ojai, CA 93024
Phone: 805 640-7340 for reservations
Email reservations: conlyhelen(at) gmail.com
If you prefer to mail your donation check send to address above before April 15 please.