Where We Go from Here: Building the Collaborative Commons program to feature Van Jones, Vandana Shiva, Bill McKibben, Winona LaDuke, Jeremy Rifkin, and more
RHINEBECK, NY – The Omega Center for Sustainable Living (OCSL) will present Where We Go from Here: Building the Collaborative Commons, a major conference providing much-needed solutions to many of the most critical issues of our time, from economic and environmental concerns to social justice. The conference begins Friday, October 24th at 9 a.m. and runs through Sunday, October 26th, 2014 and will feature world-renowned environmentalist Vandana Shiva, cohost of CNN’s Crossfire, Van Jones, author and president of the Foundation on Economic Trends, Jeremy Rifkin, and other leaders in whole-systems thinking.
“Understanding the connections between society, nature, and individuals and the core principles that underlie all natural systems is the first step in creating healthy communities,” said Robert “Skip” Backus, chief executive officer at Omega. “As a society we are grappling with big issues that could drastically affect our environment and our well-being—everything from how we generate and distribute energy to ensuring food quality—so it is imperative that we educate ourselves about ways to create the potential for a regenerative future. We are thrilled to present such an esteemed panel of experts to help guide this vital discussion.”
Through keynote talks, panel conversations, and interactive sessions, Where We Go from Here will examine how we move forward in our understanding of the commons to address the critical questions of our time, and harness proven solutions. Leading economists, environmentalists, designers, architects, and activists round out the list of speakers.
Founded five years ago, the Omega Center for Sustainable Living (OCSL) includes the first green building in America to receive both LEED® Platinum and Living Building Challenge™ certifications, and has evolved into an emerging environmental leader, offering programs that teach the regenerative environmental practices modeled by the building. Where We Go From Here will include a tour of the award-winning OCSL. Omega Institute is integrating similar designs into other facilities on its Rhinebeck, New York, campus. In addition, the Omega Women’s Leadership Center is the first commercial project in the United States to meet Passive House certification standards with a building designed to use very little energy and reduce heating costs by 75%.
People are invited to join the conversation about where we go from here on Twitter @Omega_Institute (conference hashtag #OCSL), and on Facebook.com/Omega.OCSL.
For complete details or to register, visit eOmega.org/2014ocsl or call 800.944.1001.
A limited number of media passes are available. Photography restrictions may apply. To apply for a media pass, visit eOmega.org/press.
About Omega Institute for Holistic Studies
Founded in 1977, Omega Institute for Holistic Studies is the nation's most trusted source for wellness and personal growth. As a nonprofit organization, Omega offers diverse and innovative educational experiences that inspire an integrated approach to personal and social change. Located on 200 acres in the beautiful Hudson Valley, Omega welcomes more than 23,000 people to its workshops, conferences, and retreats in Rhinebeck, New York, and at exceptional locations around the world. eOmega.org
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