Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we gently slip into Winter time here in North Carolina, I write to offer a glimpse into this moment of The Eco-Institute from my perspective as Executive Director.
Many of you know, I have held the various iterations of the Institute for almost 20 Years. And since 2019, when we established the Rising Earth Immersion program, we have hosted many incredible young changemakers both resting and rocking this place, this land, and each of the staff who hold this work. I have witnessed and felt the over-and-above dedication and sacrifice that we have all given to the vision of providing a learning sanctuary for Social & Ecological Healing. I have witnessed so many of you supporting the vision that was born those years ago in so many beautiful ways. I am hugely grateful. And I am also exhausted.
The year 2022 has been, and still is, a year of reckoning—both for the Institute and the world around us. We have experienced staff and board changes and are being held accountable to our core values by each cohort of young change-makers that passes through. We have, at times, fallen short, which has led to BIPOC staff and participants assuming tasks and responsibilities beyond their roles. We would like to take this opportunity to both acknowledge and apologize for this. We realize now that our work is just beginning.
When one spends 20 years examining the roots of human-Earth disconnection, the historical (and current) political forces become apparent. How we relate to the more-than-human beings of the Earth Community is deeply rooted in our cultural socialization. Unfortunately, our industrial culture and capitalist society primarily view the Earth and her living beings in ways of use, and ultimately exploitation.
We acknowledge that in order to hold the work of Healing the Human-Earth Relationship, we must examine the injustices that have systematically fractured the land connections and lifeways of indigenous communities, communities whose cultural relationships with Earth have traditionally been mutually enhancing and sacred.
In our gradual transition from being a mostly white-led organization, to building relationships and partnerships with communities of color, we are learning that the work of Healing the Human-Earth Relationship is not apolitical.
In order to build the racial awareness and uphold our commitment to collective liberation required to hold multi-racial cohorts of young changemakers, we are going to need new organizational structures, new leadership, and significantly more resources.
In order to prepare this place to hold collective liberation in relationship to nature connection (if that is ours to do), we must take this winter to stop the hustle, to evaluate and consider, to receive feedback, and keep building on structures that can hold and be part of a healing system. We need that system to break down the inequalities that so many feel, and truly equip us all with the skills to navigate the coming times.
With this challenging work ahead of us, this is what The Eco-Institute at Pickards Mountain will look like in the coming months of rest and reconsideration:
The Garden
We have made the difficult decision to close the garden and not offer garden co-op for at least the first half of 2023. Sadly, this means saying goodbye to Martin Jahn - our dedicated teacher and gardener. We want to deeply thank Martin and his family for all they have contributed to the Eco-Institute over the last two years and trust that we will all stay connected in the wider community. We also want to thank all of you who have been part of the garden. We understand that this is a core element of the community and that it will be greatly missed. During this time, the land will be allowed to rest as fallow beneath a blanket of cover crop. We will keep everyone updated as to when the garden re-opens.
Meg
During this time of reflection and strategic planning, I will also be engaging in much needed rest and recovery. For this winter season, my office hours will be limited. I ask for your patience, as I may be slower to respond during this time.
Sustaining Income
In order for us to maintain fiscal responsibility surrounding our inherent and general administrative needs during this time, we will be focusing on renting our beautiful spaces to the larger community for events, workshops, weddings, and retreats. We are updating our website with more information regarding venue rentals. In the meantime, reach out to host@eco-institute.org to learn more.
We understand that stepping into a reflective time and not running programs has financial considerations. We are realistic about those considerations and, at the same time, know that the work we are committed to during this season is a vital response to our current situation, both here and on a planetary level. With your support, we have been given a great opportunity and we now humbly ask for your continued support, your patience, and your prayers. We need you now more than ever.
With care,
Meg Toben, with The Eco-Institute Board