Health & Fitness
The Bioneers Are Coming
The 22nd Annual Bioneers Conference is a gathering of environmentalists, NGO leaders, scientists and community leaders to discuss our society's most pressing problems. It runs Oct. 14-16.
A sneak preview of The 22nd Annual Bioneers Conference was released yesterday. This year's conference, Oct. 14-16, 2011, held at the Marin Civic Center complex in Terra Linda, presents a far-from-traditional experience.
Always on the cutting edge of thinking and action, the conference is a gathering place for scientists, NGO leaders, environmentalists and others to discuss ways to deal with the world's most pressing problems. This year's theme is Breakdown to Breakthrough: Reimagining Civilization in the Age of Nature.
Registration began June 1. A few scholarships for educators and nonprofits are offered.
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Comprehending the totality of offerings in the conference brochure can be challenging. Selecting one section to read, then visiting another, returning and reflecting, to eventually form a whole concept of the event, is a suggested approach.
A couple of years ago, I attended a pre-conference seminar as a requirement for the Inaugural Leadership Academy at the Center for Ecoliteracy in Berkeley. That one day of exposure and learning about innovative environmental education programs across the U.S. was meaningful beyond words and I wished I could have afforded in time and resources to attend the entire Conference.
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Unfortunately, for me, like many, work commitments and the price of full conference attendance were obstacles.
If attending the full conference isn't economically feasible, exploring ways to attend a day or a series of conference activities within a working person's budget can be an adventure in itself.
Bioneers describes the Conference as...a leading-edge forum and environmental conference where social and scientific innovators focus on solutions inspired by nature and human ingenuity.
My personal request: Offer more scholarships and make the experience a bit more affordable for people who would not only like, but love, to attend, feeling prohibited by the pricey conference registration fees. Scale back the conference size, expenses and honoraria a bit to make it more affordable or offer more scholarships and work-study opportunities.
