Living in community, like being in any relationship including marriage and family, is a challenge filled with mystery and much time passes before we really understand what we are dealing with. However, we become quite quickly aware that community, as relationship, exaggerates tensions that we feel: the tension between our autonomy and the demands of community organization; the ever-present tension between competing commitments; the impact of community dynamics on marriage, family, child-rearing - are just some of the stresses that begin to shape our lives as members. We are hoping to bring together individuals from many groupings to share in good conversation. - Cost: $30 per session - Presenters: Dr. John L. Hoff and Colette Hoff, M.Ed. have worked as marriage and family educators and counselors serving the Goodenough Community and many other living groups for almost 30 years.

Earth Vision presents spiritual ecology, explorations of nature and soul. Five books delve into the wilderness within. The first e-book is free.

Living in community, like being in any relationship including marriage and family, is a challenge filled with mystery and much time passes before we really understand what we are dealing with. However, we become quite quickly aware that community, as relationship, exaggerates tensions that we feel: the tension between our autonomy and the demands of community organization; the ever-present tension between competing commitments; the impact of community dynamics on marriage, family, child-rearing - are just some of the stresses that begin to shape our lives as members. We are hoping to bring together individuals from many groupings to share in good conversation. - Cost: $30 per session - Presenters: Dr. John L. Hoff and Colette Hoff, M.Ed. have worked as marriage and family educators and counselors serving the Goodenough Community and many other living groups for almost 30 years.

As community is comprised of the many voices of its residents, so is each person comprised of their unique stories. Constructive and unproductive, our stories’ efficacy has power over us. Know how to use your story to support you and how to support other’s stories. Identify the characters in your story and share your best self with your community. As NLP Solution Focused Coaches, we have created an event that will cover coaching and several processes that all add up to a fun participatory evening. We look forward to meeting you! Alberta District-Little Church 5138 NE 23rd Portland, OR 97211 Cost: $20; $5 discount if you mention Intentional Communities. Thursday, January 17, 2008 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Begins promptly at 7 PM. Be well, Deb Ochoa

Come stay with us at our intentional community located just 18 miles SE of Eugene, Oregon on 87 acres of forests, meadows, and gardens for this amazing retreat experience. So many of us long for clear guidance for our lives. Dreams provide a never-ending stream of just what we need. When the sun sets, we can see the stars. And when the conscious mind goes to sleep, we can receive the subtler guidance and blessings from other aspects of the self and The Self. In this workshop, we will touch on ways to improve dream recall, ways to receive dream guidance on particular issues in our lives, and ways of working individually and in groups with the gifts we receive. Retreat Cost: $260 - $325, sliding scale

About this Unusual Series: Let us imagine a time when men are not men and women are not women. What would that look like and how would our society be different? What if we were all simply unique human beings and we paid no attention to the shape of the body or the way it is “plumbed”? What if there were no essences of the feminine or the masculine? What if the Divine Essence discouraged each person from using femininity or masculinity against our basic humanity? This is a way to begin exploring why it is valuable to focus on the differentness that men and women have from each other as genders. In doing this, we are being consistent with evolutionary psychology, where diversity is highly valued. Motivation to really explore the essential differences between men and women comes from wanting to reveal the mysteries that reside in gender differences--the different lives that happen to us because of our interpretations and expressions of being man and being woman. ~ The Design Team

Dr Jaysen Q Rand will be Discussing the Return of Planet X at the Orcas Center on Orcas Island, Washington stateFebruary 16 2008 from 5pm to 9pm

Looking to join a cohousing community? The Puget Sound Cohousing Fair is your chance to meet with members from Forming Groups, who would love to have your input on building a community from the ground up, or members from established communities with units for sale/rent. If you're new to the Cohousing concept, you can also meet with folks from NICA or the Cohousing Association of the US. We will also offer a brief tour around the host cohousing community. Childcare is available (donations requested). The Feb 17 fair includes; Cascadia Cohousing (Seattle), Clearwater Commons (Bothell/Mill Creek), Duwamish Cohousing (Seattle), Ecovillage Dungeness (Port Angeles), New Earth Song Cohousing (Bothell). Hope to see you at Jackson Place Cohousing from 1-3pm.

Third Thursday Seminar Series. Our desire is to share our life with those around us. Yet who we are and how we express ourselves has a direct effect on our environment. As a community we share our values, capabilities and behavior. Our identity is mostly wrapped around our behavior. Discover how to use Logical Levels to support you and share your best self with the community. As NLP Solution Focused Coaches, we have created an event that will cover coaching and several processes that all add up to a fun participatory evening. We look forward to meeting you! Alberta District-Little Church 5138 NE 23rd Portland, OR 97211. Thursday, February 21, 2008 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Begins promptly at 7 PM. $20 Please visit the site to download a two-for-one gift certificate. Be well, Deb Ochoa

"There is a deep longing among people in the West to connect with something bigger -- with community and spirit. People know there is something missing in their lives, and believe that the rituals and ancient ways of the village offer some answers." During this weekend experience, the prosperity we intend to create will be awakened in a powerful way, making room for NEW VISION, NEW CREATION, and MANIFESTING POWER. Sobonfu Somé is an initiated tribal teacher and spokesperson for the Dagara tribe of Burkina Faso, West Africa. She is a published author, and an activist for the rights of women and children worldwide. She is a ritual master bringing the practices and rituals from her people to the world. Dates & Times: Friday, 7 pm, March 7 - Sunday, 12 pm, March 9 Cost: $325, including lodging at Lost Valley Educational Center in beautiful surroundings with delicious organic vegetarian meals

About this Unusual Series: Let us imagine a time when men are not men and women are not women. What would that look like and how would our society be different? What if we were all simply unique human beings and we paid no attention to the shape of the body or the way it is “plumbed”? What if there were no essences of the feminine or the masculine? What if the Divine Essence discouraged each person from using femininity or masculinity against our basic humanity? This is a way to begin exploring why it is valuable to focus on the differentness that men and women have from each other as genders. In doing this, we are being consistent with evolutionary psychology, where diversity is highly valued. Motivation to really explore the essential differences between men and women comes from wanting to reveal the mysteries that reside in gender differences--the different lives that happen to us because of our interpretations and expressions of being man and being woman. ~ The Design Team

Northwest Intentional Communities Association (NICA) is having its annual winter gathering. It will be a fun event! It is a chance to meet other people that are involved with community living. The panel discussion this year is on combining local food and community. There will also be some singing and dancing and lunch potluck. Check out our website for more info.

About this Unusual Series: Let us imagine a time when men are not men and women are not women. What would that look like and how would our society be different? What if we were all simply unique human beings and we paid no attention to the shape of the body or the way it is “plumbed”? What if there were no essences of the feminine or the masculine? What if the Divine Essence discouraged each person from using femininity or masculinity against our basic humanity? This is a way to begin exploring why it is valuable to focus on the differentness that men and women have from each other as genders. In doing this, we are being consistent with evolutionary psychology, where diversity is highly valued. Motivation to really explore the essential differences between men and women comes from wanting to reveal the mysteries that reside in gender differences--the different lives that happen to us because of our interpretations and expressions of being man and being woman. ~ The Design Team

About this Unusual Series: Let us imagine a time when men are not men and women are not women. What would that look like and how would our society be different? What if we were all simply unique human beings and we paid no attention to the shape of the body or the way it is “plumbed”? What if there were no essences of the feminine or the masculine? What if the Divine Essence discouraged each person from using femininity or masculinity against our basic humanity? This is a way to begin exploring why it is valuable to focus on the differentness that men and women have from each other as genders. In doing this, we are being consistent with evolutionary psychology, where diversity is highly valued. Motivation to really explore the essential differences between men and women comes from wanting to reveal the mysteries that reside in gender differences--the different lives that happen to us because of our interpretations and expressions of being man and being woman. ~ The Design Team

Got Problem Kids? Here's your Problem Student Problem-Solver Conference. You name the problems and this workshop delivers hundreds of immediate, problem-stopping answers. You will leave with innovative, more effective strategies for school failure, truancy, dropping out, work refusal, violence, delinquency, bad attitudes, depression and more. College credit and clock hours are available. Free sample interventions, and free monthly Problem Student Problem-Solver magazine available at our web site, youthchg.com, or via email (dwells@youthchg.com), or call toll-free to 1-800-545-5736. Work-study financial aid is available for all classes. Call for details. Coming to many cities around the US. Also available on videotape and DVD. Call 1-800-545-5736 for information and a workshop flyer. College credit and clock hours for many disciplines offered for both live and recorded classes. On-site workshops can also be scheduled for your school, agency or conference. This class also makes a

About this Unusual Series: Let us imagine a time when men are not men and women are not women. What would that look like and how would our society be different? What if we were all simply unique human beings and we paid no attention to the shape of the body or the way it is “plumbed”? What if there were no essences of the feminine or the masculine? What if the Divine Essence discouraged each person from using femininity or masculinity against our basic humanity? This is a way to begin exploring why it is valuable to focus on the differentness that men and women have from each other as genders. In doing this, we are being consistent with evolutionary psychology, where diversity is highly valued. Motivation to really explore the essential differences between men and women comes from wanting to reveal the mysteries that reside in gender differences--the different lives that happen to us because of our interpretations and expressions of being man and being woman. ~ The Design Team

Join us for a conversation about South Sound Cohousing. Visit the site and meet our members and friends. We'll gather Sunday, May 18th, 5 pm, at the apartments at 1004 S. 12th St., #8, (corner of S J St.) (Please let us know you're coming and bring folding chairs or cushions since we're not moved in yet.)

The Cascadia Permaculture Institute is offering a certificate course in Permaculture Teaching, at Wolf Gulch Farm, near Jacksonville, Oregon. Participants will be empowered to advocate for meaningful change by becoming certified permaculture teachers during this week-long, highly participatory class. Please visit our website for complete course information and FAQs.

Join us for a potluck picnic on the site of our proposed cohousing community! We are seeking members who will be willing and able to buy units when we purchase this existing apartment building and adjacent lots. (We're located at S 12th & J St in Tacoma's Hilltop neighborhood.) So we're hosting a potluck picnic Friday, 7 pm, open to anyone interested in getting to know us, explore our vision and share your own about what this property can become. Please bring a dish to share (no one turned away if you can't bring something!). Also bring plates, cups, etc. since we're trying to be sustainable so no throwaways will be provided. And if you play an instrument, bring it along and we'll see if we have enough for a jam session! This is a party, after all!

About this Unusual Series: Let us imagine a time when men are not men and women are not women. What would that look like and how would our society be different? What if we were all simply unique human beings and we paid no attention to the shape of the body or the way it is “plumbed”? What if there were no essences of the feminine or the masculine? What if the Divine Essence discouraged each person from using femininity or masculinity against our basic humanity? This is a way to begin exploring why it is valuable to focus on the differentness that men and women have from each other as genders. In doing this, we are being consistent with evolutionary psychology, where diversity is highly valued. Motivation to really explore the essential differences between men and women comes from wanting to reveal the mysteries that reside in gender differences--the different lives that happen to us because of our interpretations and expressions of being man and being woman. ~ The Design Team

About this Unusual Series: Let us imagine a time when men are not men and women are not women. What would that look like and how would our society be different? What if we were all simply unique human beings and we paid no attention to the shape of the body or the way it is “plumbed”? What if there were no essences of the feminine or the masculine? What if the Divine Essence discouraged each person from using femininity or masculinity against our basic humanity? This is a way to begin exploring why it is valuable to focus on the differentness that men and women have from each other as genders. In doing this, we are being consistent with evolutionary psychology, where diversity is highly valued. Motivation to really explore the essential differences between men and women comes from wanting to reveal the mysteries that reside in gender differences--the different lives that happen to us because of our interpretations and expressions of being man and being woman. ~ The Design Team

Our theme for this summer’s gathering of communitarians and community seekers will follow along the lines of Diana Leafe Christian’s workshop called “Heart of Healthy Community: Communication, Process and Dealing with Conflict.” See www.creating-a-life-together.org for more information on Diana’s work. An adept facilitator, Diana has offered to hold a workshop and join our other planned community festivities that will include sharing stories, singing, meals, dancing, ritual and celebration. Pre-registration required for food planning and sleeping accommodations 30 tent spaces available/camping facilities (no showers) bring your own marked plates, utensils, cups for meals and lawn chairs/blankets for program gathering Cost for the weekend (includes simple meals): $25 minimum per adult & youth/children under 12 free Childcare available during program time at cost

Network for a New Culture Summer Camp West: Near Medford, OR. Our intention is to build sustainable, nonviolent culture through intimacy, personal growth, emotional transparency, radical honesty, equality, compassion, sexual freedom, and community. Workshops listed at http://www.nfnc.org/08

Imagine yourself striking a perfect balance between giving and receiving, loving and being loved, being taught and teaching. The Human Relations Laboratory is a week long, experiential journey, where you, as an individual, partner, or family, can experiment with new ways to learn. You can expect opportunities to experience yourself practicing new behaviors with encouragement from others; a rich intergenerational experience, including a program for children and youth; social creativity, and a rejuvenating, healing experience of living amid the 70 acres of natural wonders. Held at Sahale Retreat, a 70-acre site of farm, forest and wilderness, registrants have an opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural world. There are programs for all ages.

Permaculture Design Course at The Blue Raven Permaculture Homestead, Salt Spring Island, BC Sept 8-28, 2008 Three week intensive Permaculture Design Certification Course Create a sustainable human environment for yourself and the planet Instructors: Brandon & Patti Bauer ~ The Blue Raven Permaculture Farm, Doug, Sam & Yuriko Bullock ~ Bullock’s Permaculture Homestead, Michael Ableman ~ Foxglove Farm, Dan Jason ~ Salt Spring Seeds, Michael Nickels ~Seven Ravens Permaculture Farm, Jan Steinman ~ EcoReality Co-op, Adam Gold ~ SS Exotic Mushrooms The Permaculture design course will include 145 hours of lecture/discussion and hands-on experiential learning in permaculture. We will explore and demonstrate different styles and methods of organic agriculture, eco-forestry, sustainable energy systems, and self-sustaining systems in land stewardship and urban living. The course will delve deeply into; Permaculture principles & techniques Soils, Water Climate Pattern observation Herbology

Got Problem Kids? Here's your Problem Student Problem-Solver Conference. You name the problems and this workshop delivers hundreds of immediate, problem-stopping answers. You will leave with innovative, more effective strategies for school failure, truancy, dropping out, work refusal, violence, delinquency, bad attitudes, depression and more. College credit and clock hours are available. Free sample interventions, and free monthly Problem Student Problem-Solver magazine available at our web site, youthchg.com, or via email (dwells@youthchg.com), or call toll-free to 1-800-545-5736. Work-study financial aid is available for all classes. Call for details. Coming to many cities around the US. Also available on videotape and DVD. Call 1-800-545-5736 for information and a workshop flyer. College credit and clock hours for many disciplines offered for both live and recorded classes. On-site workshops can also be scheduled for your school, agency or conference. This class also makes a

Got Problem Kids? Here's your Problem Student Problem-Solver Conference. You name the problems and this workshop delivers hundreds of immediate, problem-stopping answers. You will leave with innovative, more effective strategies for school failure, truancy, dropping out, work refusal, violence, delinquency, bad attitudes, depression and more. College credit and clock hours available. Free sample interventions, and free monthly Problem Student Problem-Solver magazine available at our web site, youthchg.com, or via email (dwells@youthchg.com), or call toll-free to 1-800-545-5736. Work-study financial aid available for all classes. Call for details. Coming to many cities around the US. Also available on videotape and DVD. Call 1-800-545-5736 for information and a workshop flyer. College credit and clock hours for many disciplines offered for both live and recorded classes. On-site workshops can also be scheduled for your school, agency or conference. This class also makes a terrific

Bringing together the wisdom of the group for the best possible decisions--it's a nice ideal, but how do groups do it effectively? This workshop will offer a coherent approach to consensus, including the official structures (agreement, standing aside, blocking), the principles underlying them, and what it really takes to make them work. Presentation will be mixed with exercises and practice.

Human rights, social justice, and ecological wellness are closely woven together. Come explore how climate change can approach these domains. This weekend, youth from all over the Northwest will be converging on the UW campus for a climate justice summit called Re-Energize the Northwest. The summit is free and will provide trainings in activist tactics and techniques as well as panels and workshops on critical climate and environmental issues. Register (and find more information) online: cascade.sierraclub.org/node/1884 Please come! And forward widely! The Cascade Climate Network Re-Energize the NW project team would like to extend an invitation to anyone and everyone we can reach.

Looking to join a cohousing community? The Puget Sound Cohousing Fair is your chance to meet with members from Forming Groups and established communities with units for sale/rent. A Cohousing 101 presentation will introduce the concept and Tours of Duwamish Cohousing are available. Childcare is available (donations requested). See the website for more info!

The Beauty of Barter presents another incredible, free-of-charge event! This event was created to benefit women, women’s groups and women-owned businesses (Bed & Breakfasts, Travel Agents, Retreats,Massage Therapists, Printers, etc.,) who need calligraphy or computer work such as websites (over 2000 Templates), business cards, brochures, handwritten letters and invitations, etc.,) who want to exchange products, services or gift certificates rather than money for those services. Services also available for out-of-state residents who can't attend this event as well. Free snacks. More info: www.TheBeautyofBarter.org Date and Time: Thursday, November 20th, 2008 6pm-8pm, Olympia, WA Location: The Freeschool Community, 617 Decatur Street, Olympia, WA 98502