SYMPOSIUM FIRST EVENT FOR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

The first of the 50 events took place in Binghamton, NY, with the “Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream” symposium at Broome Community College. The symposium was a Pachamama Alliance program.

“I saw the event capture the interest and participation of both experienced activists and people new to thinking of themselves as having something important to give in creating the future,” said colleague and event organizer Janice Ulangca. “Work in pairs and small groups alternated with excellent DVD presentations by people such as Desmond Tutu, Thomas Berry, Matthew Fox, Thich Nhat Hanh, Wangari Mathai, Paul Hawken (author of Blessed Unrest) and Rob Hopkins (Transition Communities).”

The closing circle at a symposium held at Broome Community College, Binghamton, NY. The event, a Pachamama Alliance program called Awakening the Dreamer, was the first of 50 celebratory events organised by ICA-USA.

Representatives of ten local co-sponsors of the symposium gave short reports on current activities of their respective groups. Organizations sending representatives included the Centers for Community Engagement from both Binghamton University and Broome Community College, groups that focus on political information and activism, and a coalition that works on the environment issues and local small business development. The Peace with Justice Committee of the Broome County Council of Churches recruited the co-sponsors, handled publicity, registration, and provided food. The facilitation team for the symposium had traveled from Ithaca and Hunter Mountain, NY, and Baltimore, MD, to volunteer for the event.

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