Current Sustainable Communities Seminar began January 31, 2009

The 2009 course began January 31 and runs 8 Saturdays from 9 to 1 pm. The $250 tuition fee covers classes, handouts, and associate membership in the Environmental Forum of Marin.

The Application section below contains information about how to apply for the seminar.

For more information,email the EFM Sustainable Communities Seminar Director, Valerie Merrin

Overview

Environmental Forum of Marin’s 2009 Sustainable Communities Seminar was created for community leaders and their staff but offers all Marinites the most current, useful and trustworthy environmental information needed for informed decision-making on the community as well as personal level.

With environmentally progressive policies already instituted at our County level of government, as well as at the State, the imperative for our community leaders to fully understand what environmental sustainability means and encompasses has never been greater.

The concept of environmental sustainability presents us with this challenge:

to pass on to our grandchildren a world in which human use of natural resources is in balance with nature’s ability to replenish those resources.

How can business, nonprofit and government policy decisions incorporate the concepts of environmental sustainability? What personal lifestyle decisions can be made and what actions can be taken which will build a more healthful environment for all of us?

The Sustainable Communities Seminar students will learn these answers from approximately 35 highly-respected, local environmental leaders and teachers who will explain the practical and scientific reasons for incorporating environmentally sustainable decisions in our lives. Students will bring their questions and get first-hand answers! Our speakers will include college and university instructors, politicians, business people and environmental activists—many who have real-world experience in creating, deciding or implementing environmentally sustainable policy.

This course is offered primarily to inform and to inspire. While there are no tests and no mandatory reading, extensive resources and recommended readings are provided for each day’s focus topic. Each class is devoted to one overarching subject, with each building upon the other in order to provide you with the most fruitful learning experience possible.

Schedule for 2009 Course

Each class addresses a specific topic as it concerns Marin, with several classes providing an overview of regional, state, and global environmental issues as well.

It is because of the quality of our speakers that Environmental Forum of Marin has, since 1972, consistently garnered an excellent reputation for its courses.

Members and their guests were welcome to attend classes, as visitors, but conditions apply. Permission from the Director is mandatory prior to attendance. Please inquire three days minimum prior to class date: Seminar@MarinEFM.org

Applicaton for 2009 Course

You are encouraged to attend the full seminar. Additional options are available to attend one or several individual classes. If you attend at least six classes, you will receive a free 2009 membership in Environmental Forum Marin.

Full Seminar pricing: all 8 classes = $250; $225 for early registration before January 1, 2009.

Individual Class pricing: 1 class = $50, 2 classes = $90, 3 classes = $125, 4 classes or more = $250 (same as full seminar).

Cancellation Policy: No refunds provided after the seminar begins on January 31. However, paid participants may attend missed classes the following year.

The Environmental Forum of Marin (EFM)’s mission is to promote a sustainable world through environmental education. Inspiring leaders and advocates for the environment since 1972. EFM is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and a United Way of the Bay Area Certified Agency.