To the Black, Indigenous, and people of color in our straw bale community,
We received a very powerful message from an African American woman educator in which she shared how important it is for us to clearly state that Black, Indigenous, and people of color are “welcomed and wanted” at our workshops.
It became clear that we have not done enough to create that safe, welcoming space or to share that message broadly. We understand that we will never know what it is like to be a Black, Indigenous, or person of color in this country. What we DO know is that you are welcome in the straw bale community and at our workshops.
SCHOLARSHIPS OPENINGS
For years, we have offered scholarship positions for our workshops as we recognize the large financial commitment that signing up for one can be. Today, we are announcing the following openings specifically for the BIPOC community:
-Scholarships include all tuition, meals throughout the workshop, access to bathroom and bathing facilities, and a camping spot. Travel expenses are the responsibility of the scholarship recipients but if you are within driving distance, we are happy to connect you with other participants to help set up a ride-share.
-Scholarships will be available yearly during each workshop season.
If you would like to apply, please complete your application.
We look forward to hearing from you and to seeing you at a workshop soon!
Timbo and Dainella
8 Responses
Thanks for doing this! We need to do so much more…
(Old white guy who doesn’t qualify)
Thanks for your support Christian. Us old white guys have a big responsibility to do what’s right and to speak out against things that aren’t. Thanks for being a part of the solution.
Thanks for having this opportunity. Like you said, it is important to explicitly say it is a welcoming environment for all diversities and not assume that people know that.
Stating our beliefs and values may seem unnecessary to some, but I believe it is important to be clear on such important topics.
Hi Cece. Sorry for the delayed response here. I continue to learn about the importance of speaking our truths publicly so that others may know exactly where we stand. I continue to speak up. stand up, and speak out.
As a women of African decent, who just happened to be perusing on this site, your statement feels amazing and welcoming. These intentional steps are what is needed. Continue to be explicit in your awareness and goals for more inclusivity.
Thank you for reaching out. I am glad you feel welcome here, that is my want.
Andrew and Gabriella as a Black man that attended your Ft. Garland workshop, I as an individual found it both welcoming and safe. That said outreach into BIPOC communities is important to building better communities for all. BIPOC communities have long been overlooked by the environmental, permaculture organizations and do not participate not because they do not have and interest but because they have not been invited.
I am very happy to see that you are doing scholarships for BIPOC communities and will look for opportunities to helping you with this endeavor.
Hi James. Nice to hear from you again. Thank you for giving me that feedback. I look forward to connecting again.