John M. Gerber, Professor
Winter Course in Mexico through UMass - HONORS 397I
One of the problems I continue to see among good people is our inability to live according to our ideals, especially while working in groups. We particularly don't have good models or experience discussing difficult issues and making decisions together. I see way too many student groups, non-profit organizations, and especially large institutions falter in their intended mission simply because people don't know how to talk with each other. And these are the "good," well-intentioned people.

So, next January I intend to do something about it. I'm going to lead a new UMass course called "Participatory Leadership: Consensus, Conflict and Community" or less formally known as "Leadership for Social Change".

It takes place an Ecovillage called Huehuecoyotl in the Volcano Belt of central Mexico. I'm inviting you to join me to learn together how to do the important work of healing ourselves, our institutions and maybe the planet. If you are interested, please have a look at the web page description at... http://www.umass.edu/umext/jgerber/Mexico.htm

If you can't participate yourself, perhaps you can pass this along to a friend.

This 4-credit course (offered through UMass Commonwealth College in partnership with Living Routes Study Abroad for a Sustainable Future) will take place during the winter break from January 3-23, 2005. It is an International Community Service Learning course that will include lots of local community engagement. The focus of the course will be on participatory decision-making, non-violent communication, conflict resolution, issues of power, understanding root causes of conflict, building community, and creating positive change. There is a strong Community Service Learning component to the class.

If you would like more information, feel free to contact me or Living Routes directly at 413-259-0025. You must apply (its simple) through the Living Routes office. There's also more information and course application materials on the web at http://www.livingroutes.org/programdetails/mexico/overview.html