Inaugural Hawai`i Bioneers Conference of the Pacific (HBCP)
Aloha! The inaugural Hawai`i Bioneers Conference of the Pacific (HBCP), organized by local community members, students, and volunteers, will take place October 19-22, 2006 in Honolulu, Hawai`i at the University of Hawai`i-Manoa campus. Since 1990, the Bioneers Conference has assembled a unique cross-cultural and global gathering of "biological pioneers." The impetus for the movement is to produce positive change to save the planet and to seek solutions based on ecological truth. Bioneers brings together areas of activism for sustainability, spirituality, science and social justice.
The Bioneer maintains all life is interconnected and interdependent. We must listen to nature's wisdom and live in balance with the world. The first step is to start with soil and soothe the soul of humanity. The bold ideas of brilliant initiatives for breakthrough innovation is at the heart of the Bioneer movement -- reaching global solutions based on grassroots strategies balancing the recognition of the inalienable rights of nature and the realization of human rights around the world.
This conference features a satellite down-link of this year's concurrent Bioneers Conference in San Rafael, California. On this weekend, Honolulu will join other a very select group of "Beaming Bioneer" conferences around the country in cities such as Boulder, Atlanta, Detroit and Houston in experiencing sessions by luminaries in the field such as Lois Gibbs, Paul Hawken, Clayton Thomas-Muller, and Amy Goodman, and many more. Plenary presentations will cover issues of the biosphere, food & farming, environmental education, independent media, living democracy, advocacy art, green business entrepreneurship & eco-nomics, social & environmental activism, ecological architectural design, renewable energy, youth leadership, indigenous wisdom & knowledge, women's leadership, and more.
The Bioneers Conference also provides an important local forum for interdisciplinary discussions, workshops, and learning. Thus, the focus will be on Hawaii's uniquely diverse community and unique environment, and the social and environmental challenges that we face in the islands.
In addition to the beamed-in plenaries, locally-organized events held at the University of Hawai`i Manoa campus will include a talk by Pacific Islands climate change activist Ben Namikin, and a film on the teachings of the late Native Hawaiian kumu John Kaimikaua. HBCP will offer bring together Hawaii's leaders in eco-activism and progressive lawmakers to converse on crucial campaigns for the future of our `aina. From preventing the patenting of the taro plant to providing renewable energy for all residents, there will be panels and presentations on imminent issues of the islands. HBCP will also feature an 'Aloha `Aina Hoolaulea,' which will be a large area for exhibitors and vendors of sustainable products and nonprofit organization representatives, and "Excursions of Empowerment," which will take participants to the land to experience sustainable alternatives firsthand. To complement these events, there will also be live music, photography and poetry intended to entertain, inspire and educate. Very importantly, the HBCP is pleased to present a special daily menu of `ono grinds prepared from the finest organic ingredients by Ono Pono Café for full conference participants!
Through the screening of the plenaries and the local events, the Hawaii Bioneer Conference of the Pacific aims to create community stories about practical environmental solutions and innovative social strategies for restoration of harmony between humanity and the earth. We hope to further develop a unified movement connecting cooperation and compassionate communities based on diversity, dialogue and democracy in an information society where ecology, economy and humanity thrive.
We would like to invite your organization to join the Bioneers Conference of the Pacific as a partner organization in this exciting first year. Partner organizations who contribute $100 will be offered the following benefits:
* Acknowledgement and recognition in our press, conference literature and throughout the conference events;
* One standard-sized booth/table space at the exhibition center as part of the "Aloha `Aina Ho`olaulea" in the UH Campus Center;
* An invitation to organize a forty-five minute panel of representatives from your organization to present an environmental issue that you're working to find solutions to;
* 25% discount off the regular conference fee for their registered members, which includes an official Bioneers t-shirt;
* and finally, a unique and exciting opportunity for your members and supporters a chance to learn, listen, discuss and engage with like-minded community members.
We will provide Partner organizations a full conference program and schedule, with a special participant registration form, which they can distribute electronically or in print form for their regular members to obtain their discount.
We invite organizations like yours that share our commitment to environmental and social sustainability to become partners with Bioneers to bring this exciting event to Honolulu for the first time. Our NGOs can unite and coordinate a collective dialogue and creative learning center. Our state can serve as model for sustainable living where people can take the knowledge and true aloha from Hawai`i to transform their own communities into images of Hawai`i based on respect for the earth.
Thank you for your support and participation in this exciting first-time event. We ask for your response by Friday, October 13, 2006.
Sincerely,
Joshua Cooper
Organizer (T: 542-7204; e: joshua@hawaii.edu)
PS : Please see the attached registration form for more details and payment information.
More information on the national Bioneers conference is available at www.bioneers.org
Complete Hawai`i Bioneers conference info is at www.humanrightshawaii.org |
