Spend time in a progressive community, exploring a world of green living, social justice and personal well-being with a group of peers.

Resilient Earth Immersion

Dates*

Module 1: Be Local – Mar 7 - 27, 2021*

Module 2: Be Bioregional – Mar 28 – Apr 17, 2021*

Module 3: Be Global – Apr 18 – May 7, 2021*

*Due to Covid-19, dates are subject to change*.

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Description

The Resilient Earth Immersion Program are a series of three, 3-week long residential programs at EcoVillage Ithaca, for up to 8 participants. The program is structured around learning skills which build personal, community and planetary resilience.

Days start with movement (often yoga) and meditation doing something healthy for your body and mind. Most mornings involve skill building in a wide variety of skills as we create a more sustainable way of living on Earth. Each week focuses on different sets of skills from conscious communication, to art & activism, to permaculture and farming.

I would love to thank you for the warm welcome and hospitality. My stay included such useful information and skills, such as active listening, building, farming, recycling, re-use and composting!

Students picking berries on our berry farm.

Afternoons are filled with a variety of activities which may involve work that contributes to current projects happening at the EVI, such as harvesting vegetables on one of the farms, clearing land for new farm projects, building new structures like tiny houses or solar ovens, making gourd art, or maintaining trails.

Days are filled with in-depth and lively conversations about personal and leadership development, living in community, social justice, and environmentalism with related readings, journaling and writing exercises. They will also be filled with hands-on activities including field trips, community service projects, conducting research, cooking and eating together, exercising, and spending time in the outdoors.

*A view of Ithaca and Cayuga Lake. EcoVillage Ithaca is on the left/west side of the lake.*

Some evenings may be more structured than others. You might spend time with your new friends building a campfire or watching an inspiring movie organized by the program staff or by you!

There is free time to get out to Ithaca’s many incredible outdoor parks or relax and explore on your own or with the new friends you’ll make in the EcoVillage and with your other program participants.

Students and a Forester building a new fence to keep out the deer.

Program Eligibility

The Resilient Earth Immersion Program is designed for young adults, ages 18+ We are seeking a diverse group of individuals from a variety of cultures, gender identification, race, ethnicity, economic background and ability. The ideal candidate will have a curious mind and an open heart and will be willing to engage with others in a respectful and courteous manner. S/he will be passionate about the need for real and sustained change in the world that involves exploring methods of living that are inclusive of all peoples and beneficial for our planet.

We are seeking a diverse group of young adults to participate in our Resilient Earth Corps Programs!
Scholarships available.

Program Costs & Scholarships

Module 1: Be Local – $2750

Module 2: Be Bioregional – $2750

Module 3: Be Global – $2750

Price for all 3 Modules $7500

Program Cost Includes:

Full time programming
Accommodation on the land at the EcoVillage Ithaca
All meals
All excursions which are part of the program
All supplies needed for group projects

Not included are personal expenses including medical fees, health insurance, personal items, and toiletries. Travel to and from EcoVillage Ithaca is also not included.

Scholarships (full and partial) will be available as funds permit. It is our intention that interested and qualified participants will not be turned away on the basis of financial need. Funds will be awarded based on need and availability and will be determined on an individual basis based on your application information.Once an applicant has been accepted into the program, a $1000 non-refundable deposit will be required to reserve your space. The remainder of the balance will be due August 1st unless other arrangements are made. We can discuss payment plans if needed.

Housing Information

Resilient Earth Corps participants are housed within EcoVillage Ithaca. All participants will have their own room or share a room or house with one or more participants. Participants can indicate their preference for housing when they apply.

Food

One of the most important factors in working towards a more sustainable way of living on this earth is to recognize how integral our eating habits are to the health and well-being of our bodies, minds, and spirits. Our dietary choices affect our animal friends, our soils, our waters, and our social networks. Residents at EVI take healthy eating seriously. To this end, meals will be mostly organic, locally grown, planned, cooked and eaten together … and delicious!

Dietary preferences and restrictions of all program participants will be taken into consideration and are requested on the application form.

Safety & Security

The safety and well-being of program participants is a high priority. Luckily EVI is one of the safest places on earth. It is also a modern-day community with electricity, running water, internet access and just a few minutes drive to the City of Ithaca and nearby hospitals and clinics. The city of Ithaca is also very safe and crime is minimal. For the occasions in which participants will be leaving the Ecovillage, either on their own or in groups, proper orientation will be given to ensure personal safety. In addition, all program guides, staff, and volunteers will be given required training regarding codes of conduct and safety protocols. All program participants will be asked to disclose any personal health information or other circumstances to help the program guides facilitate their well being.

Program Guides

The Resilient Earth Immersion Program is led by staff members who will be meeting with the program participants on a daily basis to lead discussions and activities, coordinate group projects and monitor group dynamics.

Many residents of the EcoVillage will also be actively involved with the program participants by serving as their host families, working alongside them on village projects, cooking and eating together, mentoring them on their exploratory projects and contributing their expertise through various workshops and presentations.

Members of EcoVillage Ithaca in front of their new solar panels.

Staff and Members of the Advisory Circle:

Featured

Nathan Scott

Nathan is the Director of Thrive Ecovillage Education Center. He is a resident of the EcoVillage and an seasoned global experiential educator who has directed study abroad and gap year programs around the world. Nathan has a passion for both community living and care for the planet and is the co-founder of the Global Climate Corps, a global youth leadership program in climate engagement. He is also an artist and activist who brings the two together through outdoor giant puppet performances, raising awareness about the critical issues of our

Liz Walker (Advisor)

Liz is the co-founder of EcoVillage Ithaca. She has lived here since it was built in 1996 and organized the development of its three neighborhoods. Liz has written award-winning books about living sustainably, leads trainings and tours about various dimensions of life at EVI, has walked across the United States and is an all-around wonder woman! She guides program participants in understanding the many dimensions of community life at EVI including conflict resolution and cooking for large groups.

Jay Smith (Advisor)

Jay is a lifelong environmental activist who moved to the EcoVillage in 2015 from New York City. He’s been involved in many inspiring urban farming and food justice movements in New York City and was even an urban beekeeper. Since moving to Ithaca Jay has become a Master Composter, a member of the Equity and Accountability Committee of the Groundswell Center for Local Food and Farming, a member of Black Lives Matter Ithaca and a co-organizer in the formation of the West Village “Dig’Nity” Garden. He’s currently researching and writing a book on the expected impacts of climate change and food production, especially as it may affect African-Americans. Jay mentors program participants in the program areas pertaining to farming.

Jared Jones (Advisor)

Jared recently retired from nursing after working for more than 40 years in everything from health promotion to hospice. Since moving to Ecovillage in 1996 he has been involved in orchestrating community building activities and celebrations including dances, singalongs and rituals/celebrations. He was also part of the construction team that created the Third Neighborhood at EcoVillage (TREE) and has a strong working knowledge of green building techniques and renewable energy choices. He has traveled widely in North and Central America and in the Eastern Hemisphere and those travels have significantly informed his world view. This collective experience gives him a broad background to consider as we explore the ideas of personal growth, health, and community sustainability together. Jared teaches program participants do-it-yourself and green building skills.

READY TO APPLY FOR THIS AMAZING OPPORTUNITY?

APPLY HERE

MORE ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Questions? contact@thriveithaca.org

Note: The Resilient Earth Immersion is a program of Thrive Ithaca EcoVillage Education Center.