Resurgence Summer Camp is back...

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Bringing the art of gentle protest to this year’s festival season!

The ideas, ethos and spirit of Resurgence & Ecologist will spring to life again at our annual Resurgence Summer Camp from Friday 30 June to Sunday 2 July, when we return to the beautiful Green and Away tented eco village, near Malvern, in rural Worcestershire. Please note the early booking deadline is 15^th May.

Having taken a break in 2016 to make space for Resurgence’s 50^th anniversary ‘One Earth, One Humanity, One Future’ festival in Oxford, this year’s Summer Camp – billed ‘Resurgence Live’ – is an invitation to “build community and share solutions for a sustainable future”.  

“Continuing our quest to inspire a happier, healthier, more sustainable world, our ‘Resurgence Live’ Summer Camp is a weekend of inspiring talks, workshops, music, storytelling, poetry, craft, and gatherings around the campfire,” says Greg Neale, Editor-in-Chief of Resurgence & Ecologist magazine. “It’s a time and place to share rich experiences, recharge, rest and enjoy.  Join us for a live experience of Resurgence & Ecologist in action and share inspiration for living a more meaningful life.”

Headline speakers at the event include Satish Kumar, Editor Emeritus of The Resurgence Trust; Leo Johnson, co-presenter of the BBC Radio 4 series Future Proofing; “free thinker” Matthew Shaw, who advises ethical cosmetics company Lush on activism and social change in the digital age; nature connection facilitator and grassroots activist Kara Moses; and Sarah Corbett, who uses craft as a tool for gentle activism to influence long-term change.  The Craftivists’ approach “If we want the world to be more beautiful, kind and fair, then shouldn't our activism also be more beautiful, kind and fair?” is a theme that runs throughout the weekend programme, with talks and workshops that will be both challenging and uplifting.

Music highlights include Ombiviolum, with their magical mbira-infused Zimbabwean rhythms, and Eleanor Brown, a creative activist and songwriter using words, music and rhythm to connect, express and uplift. Poet Matt Harvey brings his inimitable sprinkle of humorous, lyrical activism, and – by popular demand – Denise Rowe and members of Ombiviolum will also be running an African dance workshop.

The tranquil, riverside Green & Away site, charged primarily by solar power, has a range of “back to nature” accommodation on offer, including the chance to rent bell tents and yurts.  

Tickets for this small, convivial event (including all vegetarian meals) are limited to 140 places, so book early to avoid disappointment.  To take advantage of the Early Bird rate, book by Monday 15 May!

For more info and to book visit www.resurgence.org/summercamp
or email us at the Resurgence office

Flying the flag for a greener future

Help Resurgence celebrate 50 years at our festival in Oxford next month!

Leading figures from the environment, peace and social justice movements prepare to gather at Worcester College in Oxford for Resurgence’s One Earth, One Humanity, One Future festival next month (22nd -25th September) celebrating our 50^th anniversary and setting out a new vision for a more sustainable future.  Please join us if you can and be part of the conversation! 

Famously described by The Guardian as the “spiritual and artistic flagship of the green movement”, Resurgence – published as Resurgence & Ecologist since 2012 – started life in 1966 as a radical fringe magazine and has gone on to become the leading voice for some of the crucial environmental issues of our times.

The lineup of speakers includes Craig Bennett (Friends of the Earth), John Sauven (Greenpeace), David Nussbaum (WWF), Caroline Lucas (Green Party), HRH The Prince of Wales (delivering a video address), Mark Goldring (Oxfam), Jonathon Porritt (Forum for the Future), Jeremy Leggett (Solar Century),  Tim Smit (Eden Project), American environmental activist Bill McKibben,  Dame Fiona Reynolds, Tony Juniper, filmmaker David Puttnam, Rowan Williams, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, MP Andrew Mitchell, and ‘Earth Pilgrim’ Satish Kumar - who edited Resurgence for 43 years and continues to manage the Resurgence Trust,  the educational charity which publishes the magazine and its two websites.   

Satish Kumar, renowned for his many long-distance walks for peace and environmental causes, will be making a 50-mile pilgrimage to the festival, travelling from the source of the Thames to Oxford, arriving on Wednesday 21^st September. 

Satish and Greg Neale, his successor as Editor-in-Chief at The Resurgence Trust, said:  “Over three days of lively dialogue, discussion, talks, performances and celebration, many outstanding ecological, environmental and political thinkers, plus artists, poets and spiritual leaders, will celebrate 50 years of Resurgence, and share their passion, ideas and inspiration for building a more sustainable world for the 50 years to come.”

Indian environmental activist Vandana Shiva, who will address the causes of climate change at the festival’s launch event, said: “For the past 50 years, Resurgence has been championing the interlinked causes of sustainability, social justice and respect for Nature. Now the time has come to design a new way of life and economy, so that we can sustain human existence without harming the Earth.”

The festival talks, panel sessions and lively debates, will be interspersed with stirring arts performances, including traditional Indian dance by Nilpah Shah, a performances by the Dragon School’s Idris Choir, and poetry from Simon Armitage, Matt Harvey and US rapper and activist, Prince Ea.  

Michael Morpurgo, former children's laureate, whose books famously inspire children to discover and cherish nature, and who is also appearing at the festival, said:  “Now more than ever it matters that we look after our planet, that we feel the belonging that leads to a sense of both wonder and responsibility.  Thank you to Resurgence for providing this One Earth, One Humanity, one Future festival as a platform for us to tell the story.”

Held in partnership with Oxfam, UPLIFT and Network of Wellbeing, the One Earth, One Humanity, One Future festival will critically highlight the importance of respecting and caring for our Earth and all its living creatures and plants as a vital first step to inspiring real and lasting sustainable change.    

For more information about One Earth One Humanity One Future, visit: www.resurgence.org/R50event

More Information about Resurgence: Resurgence & Ecologist magazine and its two websites (www.resurgence.org; www.theecologist.org) are published by The Resurgence Trust, an educational charity (no. 1120414) which promotes ecological sustainability, social justice and spiritual values. For details of how to become a member of The Resurgence Trust, and receive six magazines a year, visit our membership page, or contact the Trust: 01208 841824. To order the latest issue of Resurgence & Ecologist (Sept/Oct 2016) in print or pdf format, visit:  http://www.resurgence.org/shop/issues.html

Will Gethin is a freelance journalist and Founder of Conscious Frontiers

One Earth, One Humanity, One Future

Join us to celebrate 50 years of Resurgence at our festival in Oxford where we bring together 50 plus international speakers and performers to galvanise action for a more equitable and sustainable world.

We’re very excited to be celebrating 50 years of Resurgence at our One Earth, One Humanity, One Future festival at Worcester College in Oxford from 22nd-25th September, which will gather leading international environmentalists, social justice and wellbeing activists, politicians, artists, writers and performers, to explore ways to build a more equitable and resilient future.

Likened to a “Hay Festival for the green and social justice movements”, the festival will also bring together leaders from Oxfam, Green Peace, Friends of the Earth, WWF and other pioneering NGOs - as well as Resurgence readers, fans and the public – to share ideas and inspiration for creating a more sustainable future, and to collectively reinforce the Green Renaissance which Resurgence helped to initiate. It’s extremely rare and exciting to have such an eclectic range of global change makers all in one place to share ideas and inspiration for making our planet a more sustainable, healthy and happy place to live in for future generations.

The line up of speakers and performers  gathering to expound the holistic vision for humanity which Resurgence has helped sustain for half a century includes US spirit and science author, Fritjof Capra; Indian activist and campaigner for farmers' rights, soil and seeds, Vandana Shiva; Green MP Caroline Lucas; environmentalist Jonathon Porritt; campaigner and celebrity chef, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall; filmmaker Lord Puttnam; former Children’s Laureate, Michael Murpurgo; bestselling US author Dr Bruce Lipton; ‘new economy’ pioneer Helena Norberg-Hodge; land artist Richard Long; mindfulness pioneer Mark Williams; former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams; and US rapper activist Prince Ea – a celebrated voice for the youth generation.  Early booking is advised as events are already selling out.

"The One Earth, One Humanity, One Future festival promises to be an extraordinary occasion,” says Greg Neale, Editor of Resurgence & Ecologist magazine. “It's rare to have so many distinguished figures from the worlds of environment, social justice, spirituality and the arts together over three days in such beautiful surroundings as Worcester College, Oxford.  We are looking forward not only to hearing leading thinkers discuss some of the most pressing topics of our age, but also to celebrating the history of Resurgence, planning the magazine’s future, and sharing ideas and inspiration for building a more resilient world for the next 50 years and beyond.”


Worcester College and its gardens provide a stunning venue and backdrop to this three day feast of dialogue, discussion, talks, stirring performances and celebration. Steeped in centuries of learning, the remarkable college architecture is set amid 26 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, offering a tranquil haven to discuss and reflect on the ideas and inspiration of the programme.

Other festival highlights include a video message from HRH The Prince of Wales entitled “Quest for Harmony”; US Sacred Economics author Charles Eisenstein’s call for a “Revolution of Love”; leading US environmentalist Bill McKibben’s plea to end our reliance on fossil fuel; Simon Armitage’s “Poems of the Land”; daily performances from the festival’s poet-in-residence, Matt Harvey; a talk by novelist Paula Byrne about the connecting stimulus of Nature poetry; a Resurgence Trust readers session led by Greg Neale; the launch of  Satish Kumar’s new documentary Being an Earth Pilgrim; and a talk by Mark Goldring, CEO of Oxfam GB, calling for solutions to global poverty.

Launched in 1966, sharing the radical ideas of Sixties idealists concerning everything from nuclear disarmament, decentralisation and localism, to environmental causes, human rights and animal welfare, today our once fringe publication Resurgence has become the leading voice for some of the crucial issues of our times.

Rock star activist Paul McCartney says: “Happy 50th anniversary Resurgence!  My family and I have been involved in animal welfare and vegetarianism for many years now and would like to congratulate you for the good work you do for the planet and creatures who live in it.  Best wishes for the future.”

At 50, Resurgence has come of age because the ideals and causes it stands for have become increasingly relevant and mainstream. Edited by Satish Kumar for the last 43 years, the magazine has created a common vision for the once disparate green, social justice and wellbeing movements to work together in service to the Earth and all living beings. Bringing these groups together to celebrate 50 years of Resurgence in Oxford, the festival provides a unifying focus to build a strong movement of ecological sustainability, social equality and spiritual renewal, the three dimensions of a holistic vision.

The One Earth One Humanity One Future festival is being organised by The Resurgence Trust  in partnership with Oxfam, UPLIFT, Network of Wellbeing and the Tedworth Charitable Trust.

Mark Goldring, Chief Executive of Oxfam GB says:  “We are delighted to be partnering with Resurgence & Ecologist to support this exciting One Earth, One Humanity, One Future festival in Oxford, celebrating Resurgence’s 50 years at the forefront of the green movement and exploring ways to bridge a more equitable and sustainable  future.”

BOOK NOW TO SECURE YOUR SEATS!  Event tickets bought individually for each session/event cost £10.00 per booking; speaker sessions cost £10 per person; a £10 discount is available for all bookings of £50 or over. For further information visit: www.resurgence.org/R50event or call 01497 822 629 (9am-5pm Mon-Fri).

More Information about Resurgence
Resurgence & Ecologist magazine and its two websites (www.resurgence.org; www.theecologist.org) are published by The Resurgence Trust, an educational charity (no. 1120414) which promotes ecological sustainability, social justice and spiritual values. For details of how to become a member of The Resurgence Trust, and receive six magazines a year, visit www.resurgence.org/membership;  or contact the Trust: 01208 841824

Summercamp magic at Green and Away

This year's Resurgence Summer camp takes place from Thursday 30 July until Sunday 2 August 2015 - providing a weekend of inspiration, ideas, wellbeing and networking in Europe’s foremost sustainable conference centre.

The Resurgence summer camp is an opportunity to be inspired, learn, discuss, explore ideas, recharge and relax. The camp takes place on a unique site run by Green and Away, aptly described as a ‘small corner of paradise’, situated alongside the River Teme, near Worcester.

Throughout the weekend there are talks by Resurgence & Ecologist contributors, workshops, music, craft and performance, with time for networking, discussions, walks, or simply enjoying the beautiful site, nestled near woodland and the river.

The summer camp gives people the chance to experience truly sustainable living within the context of a small community. It holds the vision of what our lives could and should be like – connected, joyful and inspired, with a sense of sharing and deep understanding, having the space to laugh together, exchange concerns and create solutions.

There are only 140 places on the camp, so by the end of the weekend there is a real sense of community, connection and wellbeing. An insight into how the camp makes people feel can be heard through the voices of those who’ve experienced the summer camp. Here are some reflections on previous camps: 

The Resurgence summer camp gives me the fuel to carry on living and promoting eco-justice.

Unique, inspiring and insightful talks. Open and safe space has allowed me to develop my inner wisdom and enabled my vision to come to the surface. Thank you everyone who shared wisdom from the heart on the start of my new journey.

I feel nourished in mind, body and spirit. I have been inspired by the young people here and am full of optimism for the future.

It has been a very instructive, nourishing, fun, and most of all heart-warming weekend. So many thanks. – Shantena, speaker

A huge thank you for such a magical and wonderful time I had at the Summer Camp, and I was genuinely sad to leave. It really is such a magical spot and the feeling of love for the Earth was so incredibly strong! - Polly Higgins

Thank you so much for hosting a wonderful and inspiring Resurgence camp.  It was certainly nourishing for and a celebration of the soil, soul and society!  We really enjoyed participating, exploring how to live Earth Law, and living in harmony with Nature.  The camp demonstrated to us the potential of alternative forms of messaging such as poetry and storytelling. We left feeling very creative. - Carine and Tom at Gaia Foundation and Wild Law UK

Green and Away set up their unique ‘outdoor conference centre’ every summer, thoughtfully constructed and organised to create the perfect space to exchange ideas about sustainable living and build solutions to our current crisis.

In addition to an eclectic selection of marquees, yurts, large tents and small break-out spaces, Green and Away also provide luxury accommodation for those who prefer to camp, glamping-style!

This year’s programme for the Resurgence summer camp includes:

Speakers

Julian Rose: organic farmer and activist

Paul Mobbs: environmental consultant, author & lecturer

Matt Harvey: author and poet

Joe Hoare: the laughing Buddha

Satish Kumar: Editor-in-Chief, Resurgence & Ecologist

Nicola Peel: Eyes of Gaia

Alex Nunn: Action for Happiness

Workshops

Qi Kong - Dong Sticks (bamboo stick exercises): June Mitchell

Harmony Singing around the fire: Janne Tooby and Toni Gilligan

Indian Raga and embodied voicework: Will Tooby

Music

Carolyn Hiller and Nigel Shaw

Sika

Open mic - share a poem, song, instrument or dance


Performance

Philip Ralph: The One Eyed Man

Miti Desai: Indian Dance

All food is provided in the weekend ticket price (3 meals a day, plus teac, coffee and homemade cake!). The food is lovingly prepared by the Green and Away team - all vegetarian, cooked on site using organic, local produce where possible and of course delicious.

Booking

Weekend tickets, including all food: £160

You can book ticket online on the Resurgence website. BOOK NOW

For enquiries, please call 01237 441293 or email us.
For more information about Green and Away, including luxury camping options visit the Green and Away website.

Please share on social media:
#resurgencecamp
@resurgence_mag
@green_and_away

The Resurgence summer camp is fundraising event for The Resurgence Trust, an educational charity dedicated to raising awareness of the key ecological and spiritual issues of our time. Registered charity no. 1120414.

Network of Wellbeing Celebrates World Environment Day

Florence Scialom looks at activities lined up by the Network of Wellbeing (NOW) to mark World Environment Day on Friday, 5 June.

NOW have shared a series of inspiring guest blog posts and videos on the connections between wellbeing and the environment throughout this week, as follows:

•    Connect with nature for improved mental health: World-renowned environmentalist Jonathon Porritt shares a guest post on the health benefits of nature. In particular, Jonathon talks about his experiences as President of The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), and TCV’s innovative Green Gyms project.
•    Nature is central to wellbeing: Campaigner, writer and leading environmentalist Tony Juniper shares a guest post offering his reflections on how Nature is central to our wellbeing, and should not be sacrificed for a misguided pursuit of 'progress'.
•    Strategies to build wellbeing for people and planet: This post shares some recent NOW video interviews, offering insightful perspectives on wellbeing and the environment. One interview is with Alan Watson Featherstone, Founder of Trees for Life and the other is with Chris Johnstone, Founder of The Centre for Resilience, Happiness and Positive Change.
•    Friends of the Earth: The final post in this series will be from Friends of the Earth, and will be shared on NOW’s blog on World Environment Day. 

Enjoy more with less

“Seven billion dreams. One planet. Consume with care.” This is the theme for World Environment Day 2015 shared by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which coordinates global activities for the Day. This theme has served to inspire NOW’s range of activities. “Living sustainability is about doing more and better with less”, says the UNEP. NOW agrees, and therefore is keen to help highlight ways we can enjoy life with less, while being mindful of the world’s natural resources.

NOW has run a photo competition over the last month to help celebrate the lead up to World Environment Day, inviting entries which show how we can enjoy life more with less environmental impact. Prizes for the best entries include a free ticket to the Resurgence Festival of Wellbeing 2015 in London, a year’s subscription to Resurgence and the Ecologist magazine, and a free copy of Satish Kumar’s book, Soil, Soul and Society. Entries have now closed, and NOW will be announcing the winner(s) from the range of beautiful entries received on their blog soon.

Foraging for Wild Food

Throughout NOW’s activities for World Environment Day, it’s been emphasised that Nature is essential to our overall wellbeing. Another way NOW will be celebrating Nature’s bounty for World Environment Day is through running a Foraging Walk in Totnes (Devon, UK) together with Transition Town Totnes. NOW's Dr. Larch Maxey will be leading the Foraging Walk, and he’ll be guiding participants to find Spring treats from alexanders, daisies and  dandelions to valerian, wild garlic and yarrow. For those outside of Totnes, NOW have also put together a blog post sharing some useful resources on foraging.

Celebrating Nature

It has been proven that Nature is good for us, and the green life can be a good life. NOW wants to mark World Environment Day by encouraging people to connect with the joys of nature, and celebrate how it’s possible to enjoy life to the full whilst still respecting the environment.

You can help to spread the word to raise awareness about World Environment Day, through sharing some of the blogs, videos and photos mentioned above via social media. You can find NOW online via their website www.networkofwellbeing.org, as well as on social media via Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Bionote
Florence Scialom has a background in communications, community building and research. She works at the Network of Wellbeing (NOW), helping to coordinate NOW’s online communications and community building. She holds a BA in International Relations and Development Studies, and an MA in Anthropology and Development.

Photo credit: Sunny Loch Lomond, in Scotland - World Environment Day photo competition entry from Rebecca Crowther.