Dear friends,
We hope this message finds you joyful and productive!

Gaia University is pleased to announce that we are now operating on three different continents!  Affiliated centers on the east and the west coast of the USA as well as in Brazil and Germany are offering in total five different programs, all related and essential to the field of Earth regeneration.

In this mailing we especially want to introduce you to the pioneer regional center of Gaia University, active since the spring of 2006 and now coming into full capability -
the Ecovillage Training Center (ETC) at the Farm in Tennessee, USA.

For the last ten years, a professional team headed by Albert Bates, has been providing learning opportunities in sustainable living through apprenticeships, workshops and internships. Courses in wide-ranging fields such as Permaculture, Natural Building, Shitake mushroom growing, Ecovillage Design and more have given hands-on experience to potential world changers from more than 60 countries.

The Gaia University system offers the opportunity for workshop participants of the ETC to explore the deepening of their knowledge and experience by entering into a Bachelors or Masters degree program.  Gaia U's action learning methodology keeps the focus on practical project-based learning enabling you to integrate your work and your study.  See www.gaiauniversity.org or write to info@gaiauniversity.org for further more information and to see the programs being offered for Fall of 2007 at the ETC.

To learn more about all of the activities of the Ecovillage Training Center see the attached anouncements, e-mail to ecovillage@thefarm.org or check the website www.thefarm.org/etc

 We invite you to join us in learning to create vibrant and sustainable human cultures here on Earth.

The Gaia University Team 

Permaculture courses

After Peak Oil:  Fundamentals of Permaculture (Part I)
Aug 31-Sep 9  
Perennial gardening, shelter, water and waste management, aquaculture, forestry, and how to organize supportive local economies. A. Goodheart Brown, Scott Horton, Albert Bates, Matthew English, Jennifer D. English and Valerie Seitz; $1100 includes meals and lodging.

After Peak Oil: Ecovillage Design Practicum (Part II)
Sep 9-18   Working with a local developer, we will design an urban Ecovillage on 3 acres of South Nashville in the Fairgrounds area. Instructors include Greg Ramsey of Village Habitat Design, Valerie Seitz of the Delft School of Environmental Design, Scott Horton, Albert Bates and special guests. $1100 includes meals and lodging.

Advanced Permaculture Design and Teacher Training
October 7- 17   This combination workshop meets the needs of people who have already received a Permaculture Certificate, who are seeking to improve their skills.  The course prepares people to teach introduction courses in Permaculture and Ecovillage design and to apprentice as teachers on full versions of these powerful, foundation courses.  Instructors: Andy Langford, Liora Adler, Albert Bates, Matthew English, Jennifer D. English and Valerie Seitz. $1100 with meals and lodging.

Immersion Apprenticeships

Ecovillage Immersion Apprenticeships
July 22-Aug 12, Oct 14-Nov 9   Learn organic food production, natural building and Permaculture within the Farm community. Apprentices may take courses within their session at no additional cost and courses outside of their session for 50% off.  Receive a certificate in Ecological Design. $300/week.    

Alternative Energy courses

Biofuels Conversions, August 10-12
Biofuels Introductory Course, October 19-21 (No Conversion)
The course, with Jason Deptula will go over the technologies and options currently available to retrofit vehicles and power equipment to use cleaner, renewable, domestically produced fuels.  Participants will gain some hands on experience with conversions of diesel to veggie oil, gas to ethanol, or internal combustion to electric.  Cost of the courses is $225 for 3 days, meals and lodging.

Solar Installation
Oct 10-14   Become a solar installer with this course from Ed Eaton of Our Sun Solar, one of the foremost solar installation companies in the US. Course $500, meals and lodging included. We will install a PV system.  Optional two-day extension to tour solar homes can be added October 14-16 for $150.

Tour of Alternative Homes
Oct 15-16   showcasing solar power off-grid and grid tie, wind power, passive solar, natural building, solar hot water heating, biofuels, Permaculture gardens and more! 

Alternative Energy
October 16-19   Learn how to grow your own fuels and convert your vehicle to run on alcohol or veggie oil.  Learn about various solar applications for your home. This 4-day course will get you started towards personal energy independence. $350, meals and lodging included.

Solar and Biofuels Intensive
October 10-21   Attend all three of our Green Power Courses and the two-day tour for a reduced price.  Participants get to partake in the Solar Installation, Tour of Alternative Homes, Alternative Energy and Biofuels courses for a reduced price of only $1100 for 11 days, instruction, certification, meals and lodging.