EDE Curriculum 2012.pdf - Gaia Education

And so, the Social dimension of the EDE introduces these vitally important issues and offers the tools
and skills necessary to effectively manage them. Ecovillages, as quintessential models of sustainable
community, offer unique opportunities for developing and implementing language and techniques for
bringing the subtleties of human inter-action to the surface, where they can be examined, worked
with, and elevated. Through this part of the curriculum, we want to share as much as possible of the
body of wisdom that has been gathered, and is still growing, from all these experiences. Our goal is to
facilitate the creation of new communities and the renewal of existing ones. Communities flourish as
the people that live within them flourish!
The Social dimension of the EDE addresses vital aspects to human existence in the following five modules:
� Module 1 - Building Community and Embracing Diversity discusses the basics of building
community, and teaches values and skills that help foster an atmosphere of trust.
� Module 2 - Communication Skills and Decision Making is a journey into learning the art of
decision making, conflict management, and the effective facilitation of groups.
� Module 3 - Leadership and Empowerment offers lessons in distinguishing between ‘power
from within’ and ‘power over,’ and developing leadership skills as an important part of taking
responsibility.
� Module 4 - Art, Ritual, and Social Transformation describes how communities and individuals
can awaken their creative powers of celebration.
� Module 5 - Education, Personal Networks and Activism Takes a Look at the dimensions of
knowledge and awareness that connect us to past and future generations, as well as to communities
all around the globe.
Social Dimension Resource: Beyond You and Me
Beyond You and Me: Social Tools for building Community is the Social Key of Gaia Education’s series
Four Keys to Sustainable Communities Everywhere on the Planet. Download gratis from
www.gaiaeducation.org
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