Monthly Archives: March 2017

A few weeks after the prairie burn. Photo by Lucas.

I love the month of March. Every year, as winter cold dissolves into spring, I find myself amazed at the sheer heartiness and determination it must take for plants and animals to survive a climate that turns against them for months on end. Im reminded of the creativity and strength of will our ancestors must have had to possess in order to survive and thrive without so many of the technological advances we enjoy today.

Lucas here, contemplating the spirit of the grass as it sprouts up through the scorched landscape of a recent prescribed burn site here at Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage.

Its odd to see the charred landscape with such a subtle veneer of green, fading in and out as I walk along the path. The black and green contrast creates a stunning effect, almost like ocean waves, washing up and down the rolling hills. Brutal destruction, softened by the presence of the next generation, an unbroken chain of survival and balance that stems back millions of years.

Of course, this particular bout of destruction is designed to have an overall positive effect for the land, boosting native wildflower populations and ensuring a suitable habitat for all the little brush-dwellers. A bittersweet prescription for the health of the system as a whole.

Therein lies an analogy. Our environment is the basis upon which we survive. Everything weve accomplished, good, bad, and in between, has taken place within a climate and environment that is stable and relatively predictable. Its important for us to gather as much information about our atmosphere as we can, and respond when the data shows trouble on the horizon. Weve done it before with CFCs in the 1980s and 90s, and now were finding out that weve been poking a bigger, badder beast, and for much longer.

The diagnosis and prescription suggested by those working in the field of climate science, taking the measurements and crunching the numbers, is also bittersweet. I count myself fortunate to have friends and neighbors who are willing to hear and respond to these warnings by adjusting how we live our everyday lives.

Unfortunately, its going to take much more than a few folks, or a few communities to tackle our dependence on fossil fuels. Its going to take the majority of us, reaching back and finding some of that collective ancient creativity and determination to carve a more sustainable path forward. I consider my time here at Dancing Rabbit to be another form of service to my country, as helping tend the flame of sustainable living until folks figure out just how vital these strategies are.

And people are figuring it outover the last couple of years Ive been here Ive had numerous conversations with not only some of the visitors, but some of my military friends as well. Ive watched as some of my friends and family have come to understand the severity of the situation, and watched opinions shift in ways I didnt think possible. As a result, Ive become more confident that, given time, the argument for sustainable living will only become stronger and more persuasive.

Im also realizing that I am not solely responsible for convincing and changing the world; I can only take responsibility for changing myself, and doing it well enough that others can incorporate those strategies when they choose to.

I have no doubt that over the course of the next few decades, demonstration projects and communities like Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage will be integral in developing and demonstrating practical solutions.

Like the brilliant green grass poking through scorched Earth.

Until then, well be here, experimenting, learning, and teaching as though our lives depended on it. Indeed, they might, soon.

Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage is an intentional community and educational nonprofit outside Rutledge, focused on demonstrating sustainable living possibilities. Public tours are offered April October on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. In the meantime you can find out more about us by checking out our website, http://www.dancingrabbit.org, calling the office at (660) 883-5511, or emailing us at dancingrabbit@ic.org.

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Sometimes the Grass Really is Greener - Memphis Democrat

Stateside's conversation with Jeff Hadley, chief of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety.

Have you ever seen an old movie where police officers are walking the beat in a neighborhood? It turns out foot patrols are more than just a movie trope. They can actually be a way for police and public safety officers to build closer ties with the people they serve and protect.

A recent study by the Police Foundation examines that tradition of foot patrols, and how its working in four communities, including Kalamazoo.

Jeff Hadley, chief of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, joined Stateside today.

The report from the Police Foundation singles out Hadleys department as taking a particularly innovative approach to build trust and enhance its relationship with the community.

Back in March 2014, the department launched its initiative by sending officers to knock on every single door in the city. Hadley said thats approximately 15,000 doors.

I mean, it was ambitious I will qualify that by saying not everybody answered the door or were home at the time we knocked on the door, but we figured wed reached a good number of our citizens, he said.

The department accomplished the task in 15 months time. Hadley said the experience was eye-opening for both the community and its officers.

"We have to humanize each other. And you cant do that on Facebook. You cant do that in a car. You have to do it connecting with people in a real way."

[Officers] really realized theres so many good people out here, in our community that support them, that need them, that want them. And, you know, that really came through in their discussions with the citizens during those contacts, he said.

This type of on-the-ground interaction with community members wasnt meant to be a one-time experience.

It really needs to be part of the everyday toolbox for any officer in any community, Hadley said. So it should become natural to them, right? Im going to get in my squad car, Im going to go to my district, Im going to answer my calls for service because thats part of what we do but in my free timeIm going to get out of my car, Im going to connect with people.

He said departments should be intentional about it until walking the beat and connecting with community members becomes part of the DNA of the organization.

We have to humanize each other, Hadley said. And you cant do that on Facebook. You cant do that in a car. You have to do it connecting with people in a real way and it has to be authentic and genuine thats what connects people and community together is their trust in you, their belief in you and their support of you. And this is just one way to do that from a grassroots organizational perspective.

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By walking the beat, Kalamazoo officers nurture genuine relationships with community - Michigan Radio

Leslie Orrantia, right, poses with a hero of hers, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor

Leslie Orrantia, right, poses with a hero of hers, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor

Leslie Orrantia is the director of community relations at the University of Wisconsin, a post shes held since August. She has been on campus for four years, serving since 2012 in the School of Educations External Relations office and as assistant director for the Wisconsin Collaborative Education Research Network within the School of Education. Prior to her work with UW-Madison, she served as a caseworker in Madison for nearly five years, collaborating with area nonprofits, government institutions, community organizations and local media to best address client needs. It was her work as a caseworker that really taught her the value of listening to others.

Rank your Top 5 MCs. I listen to almost every genre. My mood changes with my music and my music with my mood, so this question is a tough one. For my top MCs, Ive decided upon those who make more than good music, those who remain relevant throughout time and those who politically engage and inspire their listeners to do the same.

1. Nina Simone, the original MC 2. Blackalicious 3. Killer Mike 4. 2pac 5. Salt-N-Pepa

Which motivates you more: doubters or supporters?

Without a doubt, I need supporters in my life to thrive. I surround myself with supporters in large part because if all my time and energy are invested into building up someone who will forever doubt me, themselves, or our world, then Im wasting what could otherwise be invested into making today better than yesterday and making positive change in the lives of others. Supporters are more likely to be thought partners and we need an even playing field to truly build community, empower ourselves and one another to best contribute to the collective good, and produce the most impact and sustainable change.

I believe perspective is critical. We may not have a lot of choices in life, but each day we can choose a positive outlook. Weve all had hardship, some greater than others, but its an intentionality around reflection upon that hardship to inform who you are and who youll continue to be. I choose to be positive. I feed off of other peoples energy, so on a day Im feeling bummed, I selfishly push out good energy because I know folks will send it back my way. And on the majority of days, when Im my optimistic self, I recognize some other folks may be feeling bummed and the least I could do is make them smile, even if its limited to that moment, so I give hugs, make jokes, smile big, and ask, then listen to, how people are. Kindness, consideration, and warmth feed good energy into people and they send it back your way. Yall are feeding this in me so Im always sure to return the favor.

Why do you live in Madison?

I want to make our community better.

I grew up in a large suburb outside of Los Angeles. Although my community surely had some positives, one very big challenge I recognized in my teens was that folks simply accepted hardship with an it is what it is mentality and were often politically and civically disengaged, keeping their heads down and living their day-to-day dis-empowered.

Madison is different. More people care here and more are involved. I love the shared governance structures, community-building efforts, marches, the greater voter turnout, so many folks being the change they wish to see, and the rowdy folks that inspire others to be more rowdy than theyd otherwise be.

I believe change is made and sustained by people. And since we reside in a smaller community than others in which Ive lived, I feel that change is more viable here. Madison is smaller, smarter, and less broken in many ways than other places Ive lived and I believe all of this makes change possible, but we need to bring light to the areas that are not well-lit, bring attention to the issues and areas that arent getting any, and this starts with relationships, leverage, and intentionality. I think we have this as a community and I believe my skills, capacities, and ambitions fit Madison to aid in this change making effort.

What three leaders in Madison under 50 have impressed you the most?

Karen Menendez Coller. Karen is a good friend, an inspiration, an advocate, a team player, and most importantly a role model. Shes strategic, visionary, patient, humble, immensely kind, and endlessly supportive.

Gerardo Mancilla. Im proud to know Lalo. Hes got more grit and tenacity than most and could be anywhere making change, especially with his doctorate in curriculum and instruction, changing today for tomorrows future, and yet he has chosen to make change in our community. Hes thoughtful and strategic about how his interests and capacities align for making much needed community change, he shows up, and he delivers.

M Adams. I dont know M well, but I do know she leads without ego. She recognizes that leadership is support for grassroots organizational growth and sustainable change is a product of grassroots civic and political engagement and top-down support. Shes immensely wise and lives an important role some leaders never learn, deciphering when we pick up the mic versus when we share it with others.

All these folks recognize our youth are our future, equity needs to be our first priority, we must organize and unite for sustainable change, and the answers to our challenges exist within our communities.

Whats the biggest stumbling block in Madison to turning the corner on our racial disparities?

First, race is a complicated political construct made further complicated by distinctions across cultures, class, histories, and a multitude of other factors. Im not sure I can capture such a complex issue in a few paragraphs, but Ill scrape the surface by saying this: Race relations are quite different here as compared to other places I have lived. I believe this is in part because our community has historically been predominantly white and mostly homogenous. As our minority communities have grown rather dramatically over the past decade, the majority communitys social justice theoretical mindset is now being challenged to be applied to our new reality. Much like any transition from theory to action, this process is awkward, difficult, takes practice and intentionality. Now that issues within our marginalized communities are becoming more widely known, many across our broad community recognize the need for addressing racial disparities, but have not deciphered their individual role in facilitating meaningful collective and culturally sustainable change.

I believe this plays a role in the biggest stumbling block in Madison to turning the corner on our racial disparities. This leads to the conflation of two purposes when engaging in community dialogs to move our community forward, if and when folks intentionally engage in these spaces. One purpose is to outline where we are at present, validate the challenges of our marginalized communities, and get on the same page so we build our next steps together from a shared foundation. The second purpose is to collectively identify our individual roles and establish our shared approach to making positive change and ensuring socially just, equitable outcomes.

What are your top three priorities at this point in your life?

Be better to others than I was the day before, myself included.

Keep learning.

Choose happiness.

Name three things you miss about living in Oxnard, California.

Outside of the obvious answer, my family, I deeply miss eating oranges and avocados off trees and visiting farmer-operated fruit stands; solo drives through the desert, fields, orchards, mountains, and along the coast; and the Latino influence on mainstream culture, between pan dulce at the chain grocery stores, Spanish in your ear in public spaces, huevos rancheros at every diner, and Banda or Norteo music on the radio.

There have been numerous challenges on the UW campus. As the Director of UW Community Relations, what four things would you like the community to know UW is doing to address the brown and black experience on campus?

One of the biggest challenges I tackle in my position is sharing everything of value happening on and off campus. Whether research, outreach, teaching, inclusivity, no matter the area, UW is a community of 65,000 faculty, staff, and students doing a ton of incredible work. There are a number of efforts, both top-down and bottom-up that are in development with regards to improving the student experience, but Ill highlight the following:

1. Our Wisconsin, piloted in fall 2016, is a program designed to build reflection, understanding, and community into the first-year transition for undergraduate students. The Division of Student Life worked with leading faculty to develop curriculum prioritizing reflection around identity, equity, and inclusion. The program was successfully implemented and recent evaluation confirmed its value to our students. Results indicate that compared to those who did not participate in the program, participants showed greater interest and openness to conversations and interactions with diverse groups. As a result, this summer, the program will be introduced to Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) to serve 99 percent of incoming students. This effort ensures all students participate in building community and alleviates the pressure on students of underrepresented identities from bearing the burden of educating the majority.

2. Many of these issues are deeply embedded in our institutionalized structures on and off campus. In recognition of this, last spring Chancellor Blank urged all units, academic and administrative, to prioritize equity and inclusion training. As a result of this effort, a few schools and colleges are leading the development of resource creation to bolster faculty and staff support for our students. Personally, the larger unit of which I am a part, University Relations, comprised of marketing, communications, corporate and government affairs, is collectively participating in a learning community through the remainder of the year. Similarly, units across campus are developing equity and inclusion training to address this need.

3. Last week in the good company of 150 members of our campus community, I was excited to participate in the soft-opening for UWs Black Cultural Center. In addition to a space for our Black students to call their own, it is an intentional space that has been designed collaboratively to celebrate Black culture and history on our campus. The Black Cultural Center will have an official opening later this year, so stay tuned.

4. We have a number of campus-wide efforts that have been implemented over the past few years and are in various stages of development. As I mentioned before, remedying some of these issues is only half the battle. Our institution is fortunate to have extensive engagement of alumni, students, staff, faculty, and others, all invested in sustaining our institution for the long term and improving it for future Badgers. With that said, communication of our efforts is equally critical. To address this need, we have created a campus climate website to keep folks updated on the progress of these priority initiatives. Check it out at http://www.campusclimate.wisc.edu.

What song that you really love would you be embarrassed to let people know you like?

I made a decision a long time ago that I wouldnt get embarrassed anymore. Obviously, this was one of the wiser decisions in my life, because lets be real life is too short. However, I think people might expect me to feel embarrassed about Electric Light Orchestras Mr. Blue Sky.

Would you rather be rich or have a position of power and why?

Wealth may provide comforts and security, but it can also cloud our pursuit of living a robust, purposeful, and fulfilling life. A position of power has the capacity to do the same, but with intentionality and reflection, I believe it can enable long-term and sustainable change for the better and, most importantly, you can always pass the mic to others.

If we asked some of your best friends about you, how would they explain you?

So I asked and was fortunate to hear what I hoped for: genuine, intentional, passionate, energetic, fun, and hilarious.

Do you believe there is a Latino and black divide? If so, how do we address that division?

Lets say ish. I believe there are clear cultural divides, though I believe they are a product of passive circumstance in lieu of active discrimination. I believe if and where we dont interact with other people unlike us, we either dont think about what we dont know or we fill in the blanks with guesswork. The truth is, day-to-day life is hard and logistics run the show. We dont always have time, money, or energy to do something outside of eat, sleep, work, and care for our families. We strive for balance, and while striving for balance is good to keep one on track, its hard to challenge ourselves to get out of our comfort zone. So, I believe our greatest divides exist at the working-class level because folks are busy working and caring for their families, and outside of libraries and grocery stores, there arent a lot of organically diverse places for adults to meet others unlike themselves.

To address this issue, I think we need a two-generation approach. We need to create spaces for our youth in our schools to reflect on the self, our individual role in making our society a better place, engage in meaningful community building conversations and discuss these larger societal issues. For adults, I think we need to meet people where they are by building free opportunities for folks to meet in familiar spaces like libraries, churches, schools, and break bread together in community, and be intentional about building a respectful discourse.

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12 on Tuesday: Leslie Orrantia - WISC - Channel 3000 - Channel3000.com - WISC-TV3

Nick Kotsopoulos Telegram & Gazette Staff @NCKotsopoulos

WORCESTER - An independent research group is sounding an alarm about the city's long-term liability for retiree health insurance, saying its current funding system is "unsustainable."

In a report on Other Post-Employment Benefits, known as OPEB, the Worcester Regional Research Bureau stated that unless the city changes the funding system to cover future retiree costs, the problem will only grow, and could ultimately force reductions in municipal staffing and services, and increases in taxes to cover those annual costs.

According to the research bureau, the city's unfunded long-term liability for retiree health insurance is $860.8 million for this fiscal year.

It is $133 million more than what it was two years ago, and $205 million more than four years ago.

"Worcester faces an OPEB liability significantly larger than the city's entire annual budget ($611 million)," the research bureau report stated. It is unsustainable. Local government, like all governments, must adopt a system whereby costs are paid as they are incurred and not deferred to future generations.

"A defined contribution post-employment system rather than a defined benefit system is needed," the report said. "The OPEB liability will be a difficult challenge for Greater Worcester communities for decades to come. It requires intentional and strategic action today, or it will one day prove insurmountable."

The research bureau's report, which goes before the City Council Tuesday night, comes out as City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. is in the midst of putting together his fiscal 2018 budget proposal.

The report urges the city to take steps to reduce its current OPEB liability, such as expanding cost-sharing requirements so retirees would have higher contributions rates, and reducing the future number of eligible individuals by outsourcing or privatizing certain municipal functions.

It said the number of OPEB eligible employees could also be reduced by extending the period before an employee vests or increasing the number of weekly hours worked for eligibility (currently 20 hours, excluding teachers).

In addition, the research bureau suggested that communities work with the state to develop a comprehensive plan to eliminate OPEB, though it acknowledged that this and the one to extend the vesting period for employees would likely require state approval.

"Worcester and its neighboring communities should look at creative ways to transition from an employer-sponsored retiree health care system," the report said. "Admittedly, it is likely a long-term approach. Eliminating OPEB for new employees is a start, but it could require six or more decades to phase out current employees."

Under state law, the city is required to provide health insurance benefits for retired employees.

A city or public school employee is considered 100 percent vested after 10 years of credible service, according to state law. That means the city is then responsible for contributing to the employees and the employee's spouse's healthcare costs upon retirement for the rest of their lives.

The research bureau said the projected $860.8 million OPEB liability is generated by the city's 4,146 active employees potentially eligible for future benefits, and the 5,083 retired employees or their survivors currently receiving benefits.

Worcesters unfunded OPEB liability is equal to 6.5 percent of its total assessed property valuation for fiscal 2016.

No community in the Worcester area has fully funded its OPEB liability. In fact, the highest level of funding among local communities is less than 7 percent of the total obligation, according to the research bureau.

Unlike the city's pension system, state law does not require municipalities to address OPEB liabilities. Municipalities are required, however, to calculate and report current OPEB liability, and determine an annual payment for fully funding OPEB over 30 years.

For many years, no funding source was in place to finance the city's future post-employment health benefits. As a result, the city simply paid as it went, but as health insurance costs continued to escalate, they took up a bigger share of the overall city budget each year.

When the city adopted its Five Point Financial Plan a few years ago, it established a policy that commits 30 percent of free cash surplus funds from the previous fiscal year for deposit into an OPEB trust fund account.

In addition, Mr. Augustus took an unprecedented step in this fiscal year by setting aside $500,000 in the citys operating budget that serves as an additional OPEB contribution for the year.

The manager has acknowledged that the city's OPEB liability is a significant, long-term financial risk to the city. He said efforts have been taken each year to pre-fund the liability and, in turn, help mitigate the citys long-term-risk.

In addition, the city has taken several actions in recent years to lower its health insurance costs, which in turn have prevented the OPEB liability from increasing even more significantly.

But the research bureau pointed out that while the citys OPEB trust fund had nearly $8.9 million in assets as of June 30, it represents only 1 percent of the total liability.

As a result of its failure to systematically address OPEB, the city of Worcester is currently $281.2 million in arrears on a 30-yar program to retire its OPEB liability, the research bureau report said. With no new efforts to reduce OPEB obligations, the citys liability will reach more than $2.5 billion in 30 years.

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Worcester's retiree health costs 'unsustainable' - telegram.com - Worcester Telegram