Are you interested in a discussion course in Sacramento on nutrition that explores food systems and their impact on culture and society and inspires people to take responsibility for the Earth and sustainability in Sacramento? Check out the Renaissance Society for those active in retirement which will offer a class, "Menu for the Future--A Path to Sustainable Living," that begins Friday, Feb. 4, 2011. But the recommended class size is only 10 to 15 students.
Are you interested in what's eating America or what's America eating? You might want to set up a similar course at another location or a discussion class on the topic of how nutrition impacts culture and society where you can explore food systems effects on people, cultures, and societies. How can you best inspire people to take responsiblity for the Earth and sustainability by learning more about nutrition--right here in Sacramento?
This Sacamento-based class held at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) is open to the public if you join the Renaissance Society (for lifelong learning). Participants will use a discussion guide from the Northwest Earth Institute, which is a non-profit organization committed to inspiring people to take responsibility for the Earth. The Renaissance Society provides a variety of classes for retirees, for those active in retirement interested in life-long learning. There are no exam in the courses.
The class will examine personal values and habits, engage in stimulating conversation, and consider ways to take action towards create a more sustainable future. The discussion-format class is open to a recommended size of just 10 to 15 people. You can also purchase the "Menu for the Future" discussion guide if there's room in the class.
Just in case you're interested in a class like this in Sacramento, you always can form your own class and locate it where you like, such as in the conference room of a local public library or in your house of worship's social hall, a senior center, or in one of the classrooms in public parks.
Also, you can volunteer or start your own classes on the topic of nutrition and food systems and their impact on culture and society. If you want to organize your own discussion class, check out the website, Organize a Discussion Course. Also Find out about the EcoChallenge.
You also can Volunteer for NWEI, or check out NWEI Membership Information. If you want to find out more about the Renaissance Society, the new classes for retirees interested in life-long learning starts January 28th. Some classes are on campus on Fridays and some classes on Wednesdays are off campus. To join or see the classes and get the catalog, check out the Renaissance Society website at CSUS.
Have you heard of the Northwest Earth Institute (NWEI) and its focus on the relationship between diet, personal well-being, and the environment? Would you like to volunteer or to set up a discussion class on food, nutrition, and sustainability?
The Northwest Earth Institute is a national leader in the development of innovative programs that empower individuals and organizations to transform culture toward a sustainable and enriching future. According to its website, currently, NWEI offers nine discussion courses for small groups. NWEI's self-guided discussion courses are suitable for workplaces, universities, homes, faith centers, neighborhoods, and community centers. NWEI programs encourage participants to explore values, attitudes, and actions through discussion with other people. Click here for NWEI EarthMatters news, updates and opinions.
On January 28, 2011, there's a program called "Introduction to the Renaissance Society" at 10:00 a.m. at the Hinde Auditorium, University Union building, at CSUS. For more information on the Renaissance Society in Sacramento at CSUS, check out what's happening for the Spring semester which begins after January 28th when there's a meeting at CSUS to introduce new members to the various courses being held. If a class is closed, you can contact the NWEI to see whether you might be interested in setting up a similar but not conflicting class at another location, date, and time pertaining to nutrition, food, and sustainability.
The actual courses begin February 4th for the on-campus classes and other dates for the off-campus classes. Some Wednesday off-campus classes start Feb. 2nd for the Renaissance Society's classes. Check out the following links for further information:
On-campus Friday morning seminars
On-campus Friday afternoon seminars
How to Set Up Your Own Discussion Group on Nutrition and Sustainability in Sacramento
If you want to set up your own discussion course on nutrition and sustainability in Sacramento, check out the website: Menu for the Future. The NWEI discussion class is about food and sustainability, food choices, sustainable food choices, sustainable agriculture, industrial agriculture, local food, locavore, food and health, food and culture, food systems, food communities, creating food communities.
You can take a class in Sacramento already starting or set up your own class in another location. For example, check out the website for the discussion class on Menu for the Future.
Menu for the Future is a six-session discussion guide exploring the connection between food and sustainability.
"Food is our common ground, our universal experience." - James Beard
Discussion Course Goals:
• To explore food systems and their impacts on culture, society and ecological systems.
• To gain insight into agricultural and individual practices that promote personal and ecological well-being.
• To consider your role in creating or supporting sustainable food systems.
Topics Covered:
1. What's Eating America: Given the array of food choices and advice, eating in modern industrial society can be wrought with confusion, contradictions and anxiety. Session One considers the effects of modern industrial eating habits on culture, society and ecological systems.
2. Anonymous Food: Session Two traces the historical shift from family farms to industrial agriculture to present day questions surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMO) and industrial organics. The session examines the ecological and economic impacts that have accompanied the changes in how we grow and prepare food.
3. Farming for the Future: Session Three explores emerging food system alternatives, highlighting sustainable growing practices and the benefits of small farms and urban food production. The session considers how individuals can make choices that lead to a more sustainable food supply.
4. You Are What You Eat: Session Four explores food systems from a human health perspective. The session considers the influences that shape our choices and food policies from the fields to Capitol Hill, and the implications for our health and well-being.
5. Toward a Just Food System: The readings in Session Five examine issues of hunger, equity, and Fair Trade. The session considers the role that governments, communities and individuals can play in addressing these issues to create a more just food system.
6. Choices for Change: Individuals and communities are discovering the benefits of choosing local, seasonal and sustainably grown and produced foods. Session Six offers inspiration and practical advice in taking steps to create more sustainable food systems.
Check out my three daily Examiner columns on nutrition, healthy trends, and women’s issues.
Sacramento Healthy Trends Examiner
Sacramento Women’s Issues Examiner
Also: Follow my other Examiner articles on nutrition on the following Facebook site and/or the following Twitter site.
Are you interested in what's good about food in America? Then view the film, INGREDIENTS: It's a feature-length documentary film, illustrating what is good about food in America. Narrated by Bebe Neuwirth, the film takes us across the United States; from urban food deserts to heavily diversified farms to the kitchens of celebrated American chefs. Click here for more information.
More Resources:
Menu for the Future Course Description Flyer
A short video called The Food and Climate Connection from Why Hunger
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