Get to know Cecile Andrews, simplicity advisor and Dena Marshall of Marshall Mediation.
What are you going to speak about at the MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR?
On Saturday at 10 I’ll be speaking about Living with Joy and Balance: How to live more simply, slow down, build community, find your passion, and live with joie de vivre.
On Sunday at 9 I’ll be talking about Community Happiness Circles: In response to all the attention on happiness and Gross National Happiness, we’re starting community circles that help people understand what happiness is; help them reach their happiness goals, and create a culture that encourages happiness for the common good.
What are you most looking forward to sharing with FAIR attendees?
People are confused about what happiness is, and it’s important for us to understand it for the well being of both people and the planet. The life we live in the US not only doesn’t make us happy, it’s destroying the planet. People must come together for community, calling, and celebration. Modeled after my Simplicity Circles, the Happiness Circles are enjoyable and easy to get involved in.
Tell us about your background with your particular topic.
I’m the author of three books which deal with happiness: Circle of Simplicity, Slow is Beautiful, and Less is More. I have my doctorate in education from Stanford and I’m active in Seattle and Palo Alto Transition Town activities.
Why should fairgoers attend your presentation?
Learn how to have more joy and happiness!
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What are you going to speak about at the MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR?
My workshop is a short seminar in water conflict management. It’s called “Tools and Strategies for Working It Out Over Water.” The brief summary is: Water’s for fightin’, right? Wrong. Issues of water rights, water quality and water quantity frequently arise in rural areas. This workshop will provide some tools for getting the information you need to make good decisions and work with your neighbors better. I’ll be speaking on Sunday at 4p, on the WSU Stage.
What are you most looking forward to sharing with FAIR attendees?
I think FAIR attendees will be particularly interested in learning how to manage water conflict better. I really look forward to sharing some practical tips and tools for working together better on the tough issues.
Tell us about your background with your particular topic.
I am a professional mediator and facilitator, with a focus on water conflict management. I grew up as a small-scale farmer, studied geology in college, environmental law in law school and then completed a graduate certificate in water conflict management. Now I assist watershed councils, landowners, public entities, and private businesses with navigating tough questions around water allocation and management.
Why should fairgoers should attend your presentation?
My presentation will give you a ready-to-use set of practical tools for talking about water with your neighbors. It will also provide you with a deeper understanding of how collaborate water use agreements are made, and what makes them work.
How will you get to the FAIR, and how far do you have to travel?
My family is coming up from Portland, Oregon for a fun day at the fair. We’ll drive our little diesel engine VW, stay for the day, and head back home after my workshop in the afternoon.
What are you most looking forward to at the FAIR?
This will be our very first time at the Mother Earth News Fair, and also at the fairgrounds. More importantly perhaps for the kids, we want to try some new foods!
What advice do you have for attendees?
Wear comfortable shoes, bring a notebook, and take your time!
If you were stranded on a deserted island and could have only one thing, what would you choose?
A water purifier.
Thank you both. This concludes our Puyallup Speaker Spotlights for 2011. We’ll see you ALL at the FAIR!
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Please visit the FAIR website for more information about the Puyallup, Wash. FAIR June 4-5, and upcoming FAIRs in San Rafael, Calif. and Seven Springs, Penn. Tickets are on sale now for all fairs.
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