All welcome
Reverence: Being Alive in the Sacred and Accountable to the All?
Is reverence about being alive in the sacred and being accountable to the all?
Does reverence precede religion?
If the basis of reverence originates from "do unto others as they would do unto you", does reverence exist?
The purpose of this class is to openly and deeply explore the true sacredness of reverence and bringing reverence into the place of a daily, ongoing process.
On Debt: An Anti-capitalist Reading Group
A reading group around issues of debt, starting with David Graeber's recent book, Debt: The First 5000 Years. Here's a blurb about the book:
Before there was money, there was debt
Every economics textbook says the same thing: Money was invented to replace onerous and complicated barter systems—to relieve ancient people from having to haul their goods to market. The problem with this version of history? There’s not a shred of evidence to support it.
Here anthropologist David Graeber presents a stunning reversal of conventional wisdom. He shows that for more than 5,000 years, since the beginnings of the first agrarian empires, humans have used elaborate credit systems to buy and sell goods—that is, long before the invention of coins or cash. It is in this era, Graeber argues, that we also first encounter a society divided into debtors and creditors.
Graeber shows that arguments about debt and debt forgiveness have been at the center of political debates from Italy to China, as well as sparking innumerable insurrections. He also brilliantly demonstrates that the language of the ancient works of law and religion (words like “guilt,” “sin,” and “redemption”) derive in large part from ancient debates about debt, and shape even our most basic ideas of right and wrong. We are still fighting these battles today without knowing it.
Debt: The First 5,000 Years is a fascinating chronicle of this little known history—as well as how it has defined human history, and what it means for the credit crisis of the present day and the future of our economy.
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Bread!
This is a class about baking bread. We will start with the foundations and learn through practice and experiments. We'll build our own wild yeast starters to make sourdough, practice kneading together, and work with different flours, proportions, and shapes. Roll your sleeves up and rise to the occasion! You doughn't want to miss this great bread class!
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Rhythm in the 20th Century
Rhythm in the 20th Century explores the many varieties of rhythm in popular, jazz, and classical music in the last century. Students will learn the development and characteristics of Louis Armstrong’s swing, Steve Reich’ minimalism, John Coltrane’s free jazz, Igor Stravinsky’s primitivism, Oliver Messiaen’ isorhythm, John Cage’s aleatoricism, Hip-Hop artists’ beats, and others. Class preparation will include thought provoking reading assignments and critical listening. Class sessions will include equal parts of discussion, lecture, and listening.
Music fans of all levels are invited. Course work will be oriented towards listening and discussion. Some scores will be analyzed; a basic understanding of music notation will be useful, but is certainly not required. Readings and recordings will be made available to students via the Internet or, by request, on disc.
Exploring Homeschooling
Whether you are just starting to homeschool your children or are just considering this option, this workshop will cover the basics and answer your specific questions about the homeschooling scene in Minnesota. We will discuss the statutory requirements, your options within those requirements, and the broad range of resources and educational philosophies that make up the homeschooling community. Bring your questions and get some answers!
Teach-In: Cargill's Corporate Personhood and Impacts on our Food System
Come discuss the super-powers of corporate personhood as they relate to BigAg. We will case study Cargill and talk about issues such as:
-BigAg Executives & FDA: revolving door
-What is corporate personhood?
-Cargill's role in NAFTA and Free Trade agreements
-Impacts of Cargill's monopoly (vertical integration)
-"Commercialization of photosynthesis" and impacts for the 99%
-What we can DO about it!
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Improvised Contact Between Luminous Beings
Contact improvisation, according to wikipedia, is defined as: "a dance technique in which points of physical contact provide the starting point for exploration through movement improvisation...one of the best-known and most characteristic forms of postmodern dance."
According to my friend Lisa, contact improvisation is "a bunch of [wierdos] rolling around on each other"
I would define contact as a way to develop, through exercises of physical and mental meditation, an appreciation of the sensitivity, strength, softness, familiarity and unpredictability of our bodies and, consequently, the bodies of others. I would argue that the purpose of contact is to explore the expectation which our bodies' movements and habits conform to, and find the edges of those expectations to peel away the layers that insulate us from one another.
The individual and cooperative efforts by which these exercises take place are as diverse and meaningful as the attitudes of the participants. The code of contact is that no participant is ever obligated to take part in any exercise that they are not comfortable with, and anyone may join in or step back from these exercises as they see fit. Of course, the Tao Te Ching says (paraphrased) "Opposition is growth," and thus it should be noted, that every offering that participants bring to this class will be rewarded.
Introduction to iMovie
In these two hours, instructor Ben McGinley will go over the very basics of Apple's iMovie program. We will learn the iMovie interface and its accompanying tools. You will learn how to use these tools to import footage, add cool titles and transitions, and choose accompanying music of your choice from your iTunes library. By the end of the class, you will have an understanding of basic media management and editing that will give you confidence when editing your own movies. The fee for this class is $10, but scholarships are granted on request. Register at thedatabank.com:
https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/262/donate.asp?formid=TCM-Event&c=3431292
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Finding Your Voice Online
"Carrie Daklin is mad as hell and doesn't want to take it anymore," begins a column by Ruben Rosario. Want to keep reading? You bet. That's because Rosario always writes with voice, with attitude, with a passion that grabs the reader. Journalism prof Carrie Brown-Smith writes: "Voice doesn’t HAVE TO mean less facts or more ill-informed ranting ... there’s still hard-hitting reporting, but the person behind the story isn’t completely hidden. If anything, the biases they are trying (often to little avail) to hide are instead transparently represented to the audience and become part and parcel of their expertise rather than a liability." If you want to work on livening up your writing, join us for Finding Your Voice, a two-hour workshop at the Daily Planet office on January 11, 7-9 p.m. Register ahead of time, and e-mail instructor Mary Turck (editor@tcdailyplanet.net) samples of your writing — something boring you'd like to improve or something with voice that you'd like to brag about.
Course tuition is $10; scholarships are available for students to whom this fee is a burden. Register at thedatabank.com:
https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/262/donate.asp?formid=TCM-Event&c=5092822
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Performance & Poetry
This class will listen and view poetry in performance—audio, film, and live. The Twin Cities is a hotbed for this type of poetry, and we will take advantage of this opportunity.
Performance poetry takes many forms: highly dramatic reading, spoken word, hip hop, even types of singing. All will be explored.
We will discuss and, perhaps, critique the performances. We will also bring in performance poets to help us better understand their art and the art form in general.
Finally, we will do our own writing and performing. Nobody will be asked to do something they don't feel comfortable with, but some sharing will be encouraged. If desired, a class members may receive critique from me or their classmates either in a public discussion or privately.
As for me, I have been an active, publishing poet since 1989. While I am not only a performance poet, performance has always been one of my central interests. If curious, check out my website at jeffersonhansen.com.
Occupy Support Class
This Class will combine chit chat about theories of social change with strictly practical efforts to support Occupy Minnesota activities at the Hennepin County Government Center and elsewhere. The basic deal will be that people who attend class are expected to do something helpful and practical for the cause that next week as well. Classes will focus on figuring out one easy thing that anyone can do that week while coordinating longer term and more comprehensive efforts that are generated by class participants organized into teams for that purpose.
The instructor is an adjunct professor of justice and peace studies at the University of St. Thomas, so he is experienced with both the chit-chat side and the practical side of social change efforts. The effort to accomodate academic interests will be real, but subordinate to doing practically useful things for Occupy instead of JUST chit-chat. "Never a meeting without an action" will be a representative goal adopted from WAMM (Women Against Miltary Madness). Connectivity to other peace groups in town will be natural, like especially with the Veteran's for Peace who have been very present for Occupy Minnesota.
Class will meet each Thursday evening for 1 - 2 hours to prepare whatever help for Occupy will occur that week.
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Intro to QiGong
This is an introductory level class/lecture on Qi Gong that includes the following:
--Explanation of what Qi Gong is, how it works
--Slides of pictures from classes and clinical settings in China of Qi Gong Masters in famous Beijing traditional hospitals, including stories and explanations of how medical QiGong is scientific.
--A brief relaxing and quieting Qi Gong meditation to experience yourself
--A healing demonstration of Dr. DesMarais emitting Qi
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Street Medic Training
This ~20 hour course is designed to provide the participants with basic first aid skills, as well as specialized skills focused on protest situations.
Skills taught are patient assessment, treatment for wounds, head/neck injuries, illnesses/allergic reactions, heat and cold concerns, chemical burns, "less lethal" weapons injuries, when to seek higher medical care, and general preparedness for changing or unpredictable situations.
Street Medicine is not only for protesters: the course is designed to empower participants to take an active role in keeping themselves and their communities healthy and safe, while reducing their dependence on industrialized medical systems that are often inaccessible or hostile to many people.
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Everyday Revolutions Workshop Series
A workshop series focusing on topics and skills that contribute to building resilient communities and relationships based upon resistance, mutual support, well-being, and joy.
October
Sundays, 4:00 to 6:00pm
16 Protest: know your legal rights
23 DIY Soaps, Shampoo, and More
Wednesdays, 6:00 to 8:00pm
5 Stenciling
12 Mental Health (3 to 5 pm at OccupyMN)
19 Zine Making starting @ 6:30
November
Wednesdays, 6:00 to 8:00pm
2 Screen printing
9 Sewing and Fibers (tentative)
16 How to Deal with Police
Sundays, 3:00 to 5:00pm
6 Queer and Trans Issues
13 Direct Action
20 First Aid
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Programming & Design
Enrollment is now active. Feel free to email / tweet / +1 / blog or repost this url so we can get some more signups.
No location has been set but we have options. Before class is officially nailed down to dates I would like to have a meet up with all interested students where we can talk about locations and ideas about what people are looking for in this class.
This is an experimental course designed to cover all aspects of web design and development in one program. The goal is to be project orientated and quickly move from basics into advanced topics like programming and interface design.
The goal is to have classes every other Saturday (dates not finalized) for three hours. Then two to three hours of "take home" work. This course should be about six hours a week.
It is important to have students that understand how to use a computer (how to get pictures off their camera, how to “google” things, how to check their bank statements online, how to install software) but you do not need to have any formal training to take this class. We will be starting at the bottom.
African American Patriots of the Revolutionary War
A historical look at the events leading up to and the events of the Revolutionary War. The emphasis will be placed on African-American patriots and how they helped win America's war for independence.
Bike Workshop - Derailleur Adjustments
This event is sponsored by MacBike, the bike co-op at Macalester College.
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Bike Workshop - Truing Wheels
This workshop is sponsored by MacBike, the bike co-op at Macalester College.
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Bike Workshop - Bottom Brackets!
This workshop is sponsored by MacBike, the bike co-op at Macalester College.
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Bike Workshop- Brakes!
This workshop is sponsored by MacBike, the bike co-op on Macalester's campus.
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Expressions for Wellness & Effectiveness (EWE) Workshops
Expressions for Wellness & Effectiveness (EWE) Workshops Mondays 7-9 PM L'Orange Gallery Walker Community UMC, 3104 16 AV S MPLS
First and Third Mon WRITING JAMES LIVINGSTON
Second and Fourth Mon ART JANET COURT
UNTIL THE END OF DECEMBER
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Audio Electronics
Audio Electronics, project building more self selected project oriented than previous versions of class
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Belly Dancing
Come explore the exquisite arts of your magnificent body, invigorate and enliven your being inside and out, sexify the soul's dance from the bottoms of your feet! We will play with a wide variety of belly dancing techniques, from the grace of traditional egyptian cabaret to the depths of heart-thumping tribal to the funktastica of newfangled shenanigans. We welcome your energy and celebrate your input, this will be the most fun way to start your week. All W-T-F dance lovers are welcome, this is a body-positive space, no experience necessary! Bring your own scarf or belly-dancing belt (if there is interest, we have materials n skills for making your own!) and be prepared to shake it.
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Planning radical families
This course is for folks who care about reproductive justice and radical politics. We will talk about what makes our radical families work, and how we make decisions that support radical families--not just our own, but all forms and types of radical intentional families around the world.
The reproductive justice movement is a feminist movement to address the social and political forces that constrain family planning choices. Radical family planning is for those who are in the privileged position of being able to plan their families around the values of the reproductive justice movement.
Consider the following:
¨ Society encourages white, non-poor, and able-bodied women to have children. It discourages poor people, people of color, queer people and people with disabilities from doing so.
¨ The state forcibly takes children away from families who disproportionately happen to be poor and non-white, especially Black and Native American families.
¨ White affluent families in the United States consume more resources than any other family demographic in the world.
The purpose of this class is to create intentional community around family planning and reproductive justice, and to support radical families of all kinds. We include child-free folks, parents, and queer and intentional families of all configurations. Our discussions center around how we define family for ourselves and how we plan our families in ways that support radical politics and social justice. We share information about coparenting, doulas, natural family planning methods, single parenting in community, abortion access, adoption issues, involvement of childfree people in the lives of children, easing the burden on parents and any other information that supports fairness for families. Also, the blog is up! radfam.tumblr.com
Dates are:
Fri, 9/16/2011 - 17:00 - 19:00
Sun, 10/16/2011 - 17:00 - 19:00
Fri, 11/18/2011 - 17:00 - 19:00
Fri, 12/16/2011 - 17:00 - 19:00
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Making Headlines, Making Change: Media Work for Social Justice Activists
Tired of grossly inaccurate coverage, or no coverage at all, of your social justice organization in the mainstream media? Then this course is for you.
This interactive educational experience will guide you through the steps of creating an engaging media strategy that maximizes the chance of accurate press coverage for your organization or action. Our first class session will focus on the question- "What is the media and how does it work?," revealing the hidden workings of the corporate media machine. From there, we will look at case studies of coverage of social justice activism, discuss the role of media work to support your organization's mission, and identify your own goals for media coverage. We will then discuss how to tell your organization's story in a compelling way and construct a detailed media strategy to help you get coverage. The final sessions of the class will be dedicated to the nuts and bolts of executing an effective media strategy: developing a press list, writing press releases, pitching your story, staging a media event, and maintaining relationships with reporters. You will leave this course with a thorough theoretical and practical understanding of how to get the press coverage your organization needs to fulfill its mission.
Course Schedule
Day 1
What is the media? How does it work? aka "Why won't reporters cover our action?"
Why do we want press coverage? What are our goals?
How to Tell Your Story so that the Media Listens
Day 2
Nuts and Bolts: Developing a Press List
Nuts and Bolts: Writing Press Releases
Day 3
Nuts and Bolts: The Pitch
Nuts and Bolts: The Media Event
After-Action Follow-up
Reflection on Course
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Navigating American Sign Language Access in Your Activism
This will be a 6 week course with field trips (possibly not on class dates) and guest facilitators. This class will teach the basics of what you would need to know to make your organizations or actions more accessible to the Deaf & Hard-of-hearing (D/HH) on a personal level and an organizational level.
The class will include beginners' ASL (American Sign Language), as well as the Foundations of Deaf Culture.
Upon completing this class you should:
-Have the ability to carry on a conversation in ASL at a beginners' level.
-Have a basic grasp of Deaf Culture and the history of innovation and oppression of
Deaf & Hard-of-hearing folks.
-Have an understanding of current movements to create access for folks with
dis/abilities in the Twin Cities.
-Have the ability to provide interpreting services through an agency or independent
consultant for folk who would request accommodations at/in your
organizations/events.
-Have more ideas to bring to your everyday activism that would create more access
for more folk with intersecting and complex identities/bodies.
-Have the ability to use some Deaf technological devices.
You may video phone or Skype into these sessions, but it is preferred that if you are able that you would come to the classroom.
Please request accommodations as soon as possible. Every effort will be made to ensure your requests.
amandaleegenaro@gmail.com or 612-226-4474 text/voicemail or amandaleegenaro AIM
Some accommodations are already built in in the group agreements for a "Safer Environment". If you would like a copy of this statement before the first meeting please email me.
Things may change based upon facilitator or class decision. If the time listed on the website is not something that will work with your schedule or you can't make all of the dates, please email me and we will work something out.
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The Fantasy of the American Dream in Post-Modern Culture
Over the last thirty-years we have seen a return of social conservatism within our culture, particularly within our economic policies. This has led to a growing gap between the rich and the poor, to the consolidation of wealth and power in the hands of the few, and to the erosion of the basic infrastructure within urban communities. Why? Many scholars argue that the laissez-faire values that have been resuscitated within American politics have enabled the ruling class to control media outlets in ways that garner public consent and shape public policy. This course is an honest attempt to investigate the history, theory, and effects of what many scholars call neo-liberalism--this political project of the new conservatism. If you have any interest in politics, economics, and philosophy, as it pertains to our current state-of-affairs, then you would be interested in taking this course.
Building an Earth Oven
I would like to organize a class to build an earth oven. I have done this before but never here in Minneapolis.
We will start with a classroom session talking about the science behind earth plaster construction and thermal mass cooking. Then we will build the oven over a series of approximately 8 sessions.
This class is early in formation. In order to make it work and do it cheaply, we will need to find:
1) somebody who has a whole lot of clay soil that we can remove from their yard
One Possible way to do this is by building a raingarden for someone. In building the rain garden we can extract lots of clay soil.
2) Find someone who owns some land nearby who would like an earth oven. Anyone?
3) Find someone with a truck who can haul clay and sand for us.
Until we find these things we will not set a date for this class. However, if you are excited about this please feel free to contact me. Lets work together to find the resources we need to make this happen. It is possible if it takes a long time figuring these logistics out we will do this class spring semester. In the meantime, lets work together to track down what we need, and maybe build that rain garden.
There is also a possibility that this class will be done in collaboration with the Environmental Justice Advocates of Minnesota (EJAM). They are starting a grassroots natural building campaign with North Minneapolis residents
Writing and Performing Political Theatre
The instructor has an MFA in Theater with a playwriting emphasis and has produced social/political-minded work in San Francisco, Minneapolis, and Illinois. The class will emphasize techniques for effective character construction as the basis for creating a script, along with fundamental elements such as dramatic conflict, obstacles, and character arc. Specific in-class exercises will be used as well as homework assignments designed to generate material. Suggestions for creative use of different performance modalities and techniques will be developed through movement-based exploration in class, as well as use of video/audio resources. As the class continues each student performs his/her work-in-progress, with instructor feed-back and direction. The class culminates with a full student performance of their work.
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Business and Communication Skills
In this class you will get the basics of running your own business - in whatever area you wish. We cover accounting skills, rules and regulations, marketing and values clarification. Because the class is small, there will be time for individual coaching and discussion
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Making websites (from scratch)
-- This class is now pretty much closed because we're far enough that it would be difficult to jump in. If you still want to join, give me a call 609-462-2535. --
These days everyone can publish content online using blogging or content management software and services such as Blogger, Wordpress or Drupal. However I'm not too interested in teaching about using software or services that are always subject to change. My goal is to empower you to understand how websites work, and to put core concepts into practice.
This course will cover (or uncover) how to make a website from the ground up!
There will be three main components:
1) Overview of how websites (and the internet) work
2) Designing your own site using photoshop
3) Coding the site using xhtml, css, and javascript
I realize that things can change, and if we want to follow a different direction that's OK with me.
No experience required for this course. If you are scared of photoshop or words like xhtml, but have always wanted to know how to design and code a website, this course is for you! Even if you have some experience, you might still learn something.
Computers will be provided. Just bring yourself!
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Zumba/International Dance Fitness
Zumba is a cardio dance workout class that incorporates the basics of salsa, merengue, cumbia and samba into fun dance routines. No dance experience is necessary-- just the desire to work up a sweat and have a great time! Class will begin with a warmup, progress through several dances, and end with a cooldown.
Note: this is not an official Zumba-trademarked class, but inspired by the Zumba style!
Please contact me to let me know of your interest.
The time/date: Tuesdays, 5.30 to 6.30 at Dayton's Bluff Rec Center. This location is just off of I-94 and perfect for people who work on the East Side or downtown St. Paul, or anywhere in St. Paul close to the highway.
More info: I also teach this class at the Arizona Dance Studio, 2821 Nicollet in Minneapolis. Wednesdays, 8 to 9pm. These classes cost $5, but that's practically free...and all proceeds go towards the Arizona Bridge Project, a youth program for teen girls! Come to one or come to both!
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Business and Communication Skills
This course focuses on basic business skills - how to set up your small business, how to keep track of incomings and outgoings; how and what deductions to take; how to create a marketing plan; what kinds of insurance do you need; and any other aspect of running a small business.
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Feminism discussion circle
What is your story with feminism? How do you interpret feminist ideas in the context of your own life? How do you benefit from hearing the stories and ideas of (other) feminists? This discussion circle is a place to share our stories, to truly listen to one another, and to see how we might benefit from connecting our ideas together in discussion around feminism. This is a place for feminists and womanists including transwomen, men and humans of all genders who want to discuss feminism. Discussion will be semi-structured to promote fair exchange, so that all who wish to speak may speak, with the option of feedback from the group. I will send out a reading for those who wish to read it, but you do not have to complete the reading to be welcome in our circle. Please email me with any questions. I look forward to our discussions!
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Pure Yoga
Please click on the below comment and Read!
This class will explore Hatha, Raja and some Karmic Yoga. Suitable for all skill levels, and hey, how often do you find free Yoga these days since the commodification of Yoga and meditation? This class will attempt to explore Yoga in its purest forms, as well as stretch and strengthen your body and mind.
This class will meet every week- except if it is raining
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The Roving Women Cycling Club / Cicloturismo
[para español, ver abajo]
The first class will meet at...
3530 East 28th St, Mpls MN 55406. (Its a big building full of studios across from Brackett Park in Seward, and the entrance we'll use is a side door on 28th Street.)
Starting June 15 @ 5pm
This class was born out of a desire to get together people who are interested in bike touring but have been intimidated by it (the physical demands, the bike culture, whatever) and DO IT! We will go on rides around the cities, learn about bike maintenance, touring resources, make crafts, and more! The class will be shaped by the desires of the people in it, so we will decide later how far we will go, but the idea is for the class to culminate in a three day/two night bike trip in the area. We want to emphasize that this is for people of all biking backgrounds!
Our ideas for the weekly classes leading up to the trip include:
- Weekly meetings and roving group rides
- field trips to bike friendly places, such as Sibley Bicycle Depot
- Discussions on how to physically prepare for a bicycle tour
- Lesson on how to fix a flat + other bike maintenance
- Plan and map out a final three day/ two night ride.
- Learn how to make a spoke-let
We will not be able to provide bikes, so we recommend you own (or be able to borrow) a bicycle in good working condition. (We will have a basic maintenance day, so it doesn’t have to be perfect!)
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La primera clase se reunirá a las ...
3530 East 28th St., Minneapolis MN 55406. (Es un gran edificio lleno de estudios a través de Brackett Park en Seward, y la entrada que vamos a utilizar es una puerta lateral en la calle 28.)
Desde junio 15 @ las 5 en la tarde
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Stuff that's tricky to do with a camera
Do you understand your camera?
I like to imagine that I do, but my camera's pretty confusing, too.
All you need to understand is shutter speed, aperture and film speed, but with all the things to shoot and ways these interact, it can be pretty tricky!
Have you ever tried to do a photo project from the internet? I've done a bunch, developing film in coffee, for instance, that's pretty easy. Long exposures with flash stencils mirages? I do okay at that, but there's a trick to it, there's certain things you have to understand to do it. We can learn together.
Come by with any concern, or try to learn how to do specific things with long exposures, which will be my focus for the summer. You do need something like an SLR to do long exposures, but I may be able to provide these if I am told of a need in advance.
Look at these fish. If you do crafts or visual art and want to know something about photography, then I have fun experiments you may appreciate.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lotusduck/5557830464/
We will have weekly classes in July and August, not including July 4th.
Mondays are field days, where we shoot and Fridays we will have an open studio for those interested in editing their photos or learning about editing or even developing film!
Open studios are Fridays, starting at 7p, and you can stay as late as 10.
You don't have to attend all the open studios or all of the field sessions! We will try to keep in touch so that we know what materials to have and whether or not to wait up for you before we take off on ADVENTURES.
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Grassroots Organizing: Media 101
July 13, 6-8pm
Location: 626 Selby Ave, conference room above Mississippi Market
This interactive course is designed to give folks the tools they need to become better advocates for their communities. Working with the media can seem like an intimidating process, but this workshop will give you the hands-on skills you need to feel confident. Specific skills addressed in Media 101 include writing and submitting letters to the editor and op-eds, writing media advisories and releases, pitching reporters to cover an event, and building relationships with media outlets. Be prepared to do some writing and role-playing (though in a fun, not intimidating way!). All are welcome.
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Postcolonial Yoga
This is a class that will focus on yoga as a practice that has the potential to benefit the body and mind, rather than a practice that transports us out of a capitalist economy and into to an Eastern fantasy of purity and escape. At the same time, this class will try to position the practice of yoga within a historical framework that spans from its inception as a facet of a larger South Asian tradition to its appropriation by the West as a bourgeois pastime. Each class will be composed chiefly of movement, with brief discussion at the end. Optional reading materials will be provided. Open to all levels.
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Abolition, Race, Science Fiction: Reading Octavia Butler's Kindred and Terry Bisson's Fire on the Mountain
Class time to be determined - sadly, the time interface isn't working so it's showing up wrong!
How does science fiction write American history? How does science fiction write racism, slavery, insurrection, rebellion? What is it to be a writer of color writing slavery? What is it to be a white writer writing slavery?
In Butler's Kindred, a working class African-American writer is pulled back through time to a Maryland plantation because of her connection to her white, slave-owning ancestor. In Bisson's Fire On The Mountain, the raid on Harper's Ferry succeeds and an anti-slavery guerilla war begins, rewriting American history (for the better, obviously). These novels talk about community under racism, individual responsibilities, group struggles and the personal costs of fighting slavery. Both have a lot to say about how and why people engage in struggle.
In this class, we'll read a section from each book for every class session. We'll do a lot in pairs and small groups, with some big-group work. Discussion structure will use Training for Change methods as much as possible. I'll also have some material and do a couple of short presentations about the history of radical science fiction and science fiction writers of color. We'll talk about what the books have to say and how they say it. Our first meeting will be to talk about class goals, discuss what we like to read and talk a little bit about science fiction writers of color and science fiction that talks about race.
I have a couple of reading copies of the books available for loan. Books will be available at a 20% discount through Boneshaker.
We'll meet as often as the class wants - if everyone wants to read 1/2 a book each time, we can have two discussion sessions; if everyone wants to read more slowly, we'll adjust. We'll establish this at the first meeting.
Fermentation Basics
Wednesdays 12-2pm (June 29 - Aug 17)
Location: 2205 Bloomington Avenue
The class will be mostly hands-on, collaborating to make different fermented foods and drinks, with a little information thrown in about the science, history, health benefits, and traditions associated with the different processes. People with all levels of experience are encouraged to participate. Things we've made in past classes include: tempe, kimchi, sourdough breads, hot sauce, beer, kombucha, miso, ginger beer, and vegan cheese.
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Introduction to Precalculus and Calculus I
First class: July 14th (at the U of M, STSS 119) 4:30-6:30PM
Why:
Like the idea of learning introductory Calculus without the pressures of the graded classroom? Have you ever wanted to see math put to practical use? This course will be intended to give anyone with a fluency in basic Algebra and Trigonometry the opportunity to learn introductory Calculus topics without the pressure. I am hoping to make this course fairly informal, interactive, and fun (Math fun?!). This course will give a slow to medium paced approach to basic Calculus with an abundance of real life applications, demos, pictures, and videos.
What:
Topics for the course include a review of basic algebra and trigonometry, the concept and use of derivation, an introduction to numerical methods, an introduction into the concept of integration and more. Practical examples will be an emphasis of this course; while the material may sound intimidating to the non-math saavy, these mathematical concepts CAN be used in everyday life and will give anyone a greater appreciation for physical phenomenon and Calculus application.
When:
This course will be offered in the summer of 2011, beginning in June and ending sometime in August. The times of the course offering are not yet set and will be determined by the availability of those interested in taking the class, but will most likely be once or twice a week in the afternoon or evening. Location is additionally unknown at this point in time. I will also be producing a course website for ease of access of materials and to host additional information for the more ambitious learner.
Fierce Light Yoga
Wednesdays, July 20 - Aug 17
Location: Powderhorn Park Rec Center
Inspired by the documentary film FIERCE LIGHT: When Spirit Meets Action, this class will explore ways to ground, center and power yourself as an activist/revolutionary/artist/member of a burgeoning movement towards global peace and abundance. We'll work with yoga, mind-body centering practices, powerful breath work, energy clearing and guided meditation. Learn ways to release feelings of isolation and smallness and begin to live by creative power. If there's interest, we'll practice using creative expression (writing, art, song) to channel inner light into transformative action in your community, movement, family, ecosystem.
Beginners and experienced yoga students both more than welcome, AND please don't feel that you need to already be an 'activist' to benefit from the class... if you feel drawn towards greater engagement with the present moment, want to root down into your passion and power, to find your cause and your stake in our gorgeous hungry tenuous world, come on down to Fierce Light Yoga!
Please bring a yoga mat and a blanket (if you can...if not let me know and I'll find an extra mat/blanket for you).
"We never thought it could get this bad, but we never imagined it could be this good. That the human could display such incredible creativity and connectivity and ingenuity as is happening now in this movement that has no name, in this great turning." -Joanna Macy
Location
Community and Herbal Medicine in Disaster Situations
Herbal and Community Approaches to Disasters
When disaster strikes, government response is often slow leaving
victims without help for days. Community preparedness and response is
vital. This workshop will teach you how to prepare. You will practice
some response tactics and learn to seek out recovery resources. This
is an introductory workshop that will provide learning and
preparedness resources and suggestions for further education.
Sometimes herbal medicine is the only medicine immediately available.
Learn about the plant medicines that can be stored or gathered for
these situations. Visit our website to learn about our work in Haiti
after the earthquake:
http://serpentine-project.org.
Pre-register by sending an email to info@serpentine-project.org.
Sliding-scale donation: $20-$60
At the bandshell at Father Hennepin Park, 420 Main St. SE
Saturday May 21, 10am - 6pm.
Location
Let's have Fun, get Physical, get Creative and get Real!
The intention is to guide you through this weave of artistic mediums for the purpose of opening you up and freeing your creative spirit to swim with confidence in the waters of transformation. There's no ceiling on expression in my classes. My desire is to share this outlandish process with a group of 9 to 12 people who feel the urge to be healthy, pay attention, act silly, be creative, live spontaneously, be heard, seen and create what will be your dreams desire. Yup, it's that easy! It's also a lot of fun!
The objective: Truth, courage, community, confidence, clarity, creativity and calm, for the purpose of being in a more naturally vibrant flow of life. The objective is up to you really. It's my job to facilitate, inspire and guide you with great enthusiasm and skill toward your desires.
no one turned away for lack of funds.
PLEASE CONTACT ME BY E-MAIL TO COMPLETE YOUR ENTRY INTO THE CLASS! eatfear2001@yahoo.com subject LETS
Location
Kiswahili Discussion Circle
this discussion group would be ideal for people who are either trying to brush up on speaking Swahili or who haven't yet had much exposure to Swahili but are serious about learning (e.g., you have plans to travel to East Africa). for beginners, we can offer some basic materials; however, the learning curve will be sharp.
people who have taken Swahili through St. Paul community education along with a local person who has briefly lived in Tanzania have committed themselves to help form the core of the discussion group... so this IS happening.
Location
Business and Communication Skills
This course focuses on basic business skills - how to set up your small business, how to keep track of incomings and outgoings; how and what deductions to take; how to create a marketing plan; what kinds of insurance do you need; and any other aspect of running a small business.
Location
Biochemistry
Come and learn about how our bodies work on the chemical level. Why do we get diabetes? Why is alcohol hard on your liver? Why is getting burned bad for my skin? I am a medical student, and am trying to bring science to populations of people who would like to learn, but may not do it otherwise. I will go in depth on a number of topics and I will get 'science-y.' For that some amount of basic chemistry or biology experience in your past would be helpful. This will be what you want to get out of it. If you want to know the names and memorize all the pathways, great. If you don't feel like memorizing it (who would?) don't feel like you need to. THERE ARE NO EXAMS, THIS IS FOR FUN AND YOUR INFORMATION! All I hope for, is to get people interested in science and how their own bodies work. If you are an undergraduate student and want to take this as a stress free walk through before you take the real thing, great. If you are a medical student and want to use this as a way to review for the boards, (that is what I am doing), also great. And if you just want to know about your body but never had the time, money or chance to learn about biochemistry, I'll help make sure you are following along. Regardless of why you want to come, I promise to make this a fun environment. This will take place twice a week for one hour.
Ben Brasseur
Street Medic First Aid Training
Street Medics have a long history providing emergency first aid at small protests, mass demonstrations, in the wake of natural disasters, and more. We are dedicated to providing free health care, starting with prevention and following through until patients can access definitive care. This 18 hour training will go over basic first aid skills, (such as personal protection, patient assessment, diagnosing illnesses and injuries, splinting, bandaging, etc.)self-care, ethics of first aid, and operating under special circumstances (natural disaster, chemical weapons, "less-than-lethal" weapons, etc.).
IWW Work People's College
Come join us for a day long educational event dedicated to building the power and consciousness of working people, getting revolution back on the table, and staking out strategies for real, people centered change.
The tentative schedule is as follows (updates as they arrive!)
10-11:30am Capitalism in Crisis: A Working Class Perspective
11:30-1pm The Ongoing Struggles in the Middle East
1-2pm Lunch
2-3:30pm Organizing Low Wage Workers
...Featuring members of CTUL, SEIU Local 26, and the IWW's Jimmy John's and Starbucks Union campaigns
3:30-5pm Reviving the Strike, General Strike: Featuring the experiences of rank and file workers
5-6pm Dinner
6-8pm Kill the Bill: Focus on Madison and Beyond
8-9pm IWW Open House
9pm-? Afterparty!
Currently, lunch will be provided free of charge, and dinner may be pot luck style.
This class is an IWW event, but is open from all people/workers.
Location
Mantenimiento de Bicicletas
Esta clase está direccionada a la introducción y al mantenimiento completo de tu bicicleta. Aprendiendo arreglar tu propia bicicleta puedes ahorrar dinero, además tendrás un transporte seguro y confiable, también serás una persona capacitada que entenderá como funciona tu vehículo de trasporte. No es necesario que los participantes entiendan de mantenimiento de bicicletas antes de las clases, lo único que tienes que traer es tu persona encantadora, si quieres puedes traer también tu bicicleta y un deseo enorme de aprender!
Location
PyStar - Programming Workshop for Women and their friends
cf: http://pystar-mpls-1.eventbrite.com .
Location
Toward a Community Owned Economy
Workshop and discussion about the need for an economy based not on growth and markets but on production for community needs. Covers views of the future (possible vs. probable), the collaborative model used so successfully by large corporations, the participatory-collaborative model of Mondragon, and the work beginning now to create a "community-owned economy" here (expanding on Mondragon), with land and agriculture as its base
Location
Omulu Capoeira Guanabara
Our student organization is a collection of students from diverse backgrounds that learn and practice the Afro-Brazilian art of Capoeira. Capoeira is an art that combines martial arts, dance, and culture, and provides an environment for people to develop themselves physically as well as mentally and emotionally.
Omulu Capoeira Guanabara is an international partnership that has two headquarters. One is based in the United States, in directed by world-renowned Mestre Preguiça, a student of the famed Mestre Bimba. The other headquarters is based in Sweden, led by Mestre Di Mola. The two function as one, and provide one of the world's largest networks of affiliated capoeira academies, with branches in Brazil, the U.S., Canada, Sweden, Venezuela, Mexico, and Japan.
Many new students often want to know what to expect during their first class. Our classes our geared towards students of all training and fitness levels, as well as to individuals of all different body types, age, and sex. We strive to create an all-inclusive atmosphere where each student can both contribute to the group and benefit from it. Many capoeira alumni describe how their experience in class betters them physically, emotionally, and mentally.
A typical class will begin with a warm-up, a series of stretches that include important postures in capoeira, practice with capoeira movements, and finally class will generally end with a roda (pronounced ho-da). In the roda, students will use to movements practiced early in class to play the game of capoeira with a partner. We also play instruments and sing songs traditional to capoeira during this part of the class. For capoeira class, it is best to wear loose-fitting clothing such as a t-shirt and sweatpants or yoga pants. Students will go barefoot in class. Uniforms are available for purchase, but new students are encouraged to come in their own work-out clothes during their first few classes.
The Bruce High Quality Foundation — TEACH 4 AMERIKA - A conversation on Arts Education
Rally takes place on April 9th at the University of Minnesota, This page is for the discussion, April 10th at The Soap Factory 6-8pm. There will be a reception either before or after at a location nearby the Soap Factory where food and drinks will be provided.
Please note that space for the discussion is limited, please RSVP to this program by requesting membership in this class. This Workshop is for the discussion on April 10th. More information about the rally will be available soon.
What is art school for? Given its exorbitant cost and the unlikelihood of art market success for most students, what should art education be? And what institutions are best suited for the task? Teach 4 Amerika: The Conversation asks local art students, creative thinkers, and arts professionals to consider these questions on the local level as the first step toward constructing a national imagination of the future of arts education.
Participants will arrive prepared to share and exchange in an open forum the ideas, methodologies, and individual histories that have informed their practice. Participants should consider:
1. Define what it means to work with or within arts education for you.
2. What would you say are the top three problems with arts education in your area today? Why?
3. Imagine the best possible educational situation for yourself. What does that look like?
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Location
Writing Our Lives In Society
Writing Our Lives in Society: You don't have to think of yourself as 'a writer' for this class... but you DO have to write - in the ways you want to - to tell your stories and find your truths about what you've lived and seen. That might mean true stories, fiction, poetry, essays, opinions... pretty much anything you feel compelled to write. And you have to read other people's writing, and come ready to talk about it when we meet every other week. We'll talk about how each piece of writing affects us personally, what we think about the ideas, why we write what we write, and how our writing makes up pieces of this huge collective reality we call 'our society.' This isn't your usual 'creative writing' class - we aren't going to criticize each other's writing artistically, suggesting that this word is 'too cliche' or that sentence should be moved. We aren't going to correct grammar or spelling, either. What we're doing is writing through our experiences - past and present - using writing to discover, to grow, to connect to other people, and to critique our society through this writing.
The main thing here is the desire and willingness to write, to have others read what you have to say in written form, and to talk about each other's writing.
Location
Pure Yoga
THIS CLASS LOCATION HAS BEEN SET! (regardless of what the exco site is saying!)
It is an outdoor yoga class! We will meet at the location below and often walk to other locations if we so please.
This class will explore Hatha, Raja and some Karmic Yoga. Suitable for all skill levels, and hey, how often do you find free Yoga these days since the commodification of Yoga and meditation? This class will attempt to explore Yoga in its purest forms, as well as stretch and strengthen your body and mind. This class will cater to all levels of experience. We will begin with a discussion, centering, warming up, continue to cool down, and end with meditation.
This class will meet every week- except if it is raining
Please bring a mat or blanket/ towel.
PLEASE NOTE: Just because you are signed up for this class does not mean you need to attend every week- although this will make the class easier for you; you are welcome to come when you can ( I know everyone is busy in the summer)! Feel free to join us at any time throughout the season. There is no limit on membership, so bring friends!
If you have trouble finding us on Sundays at 4 pm in Saint Paul- please call me.
Jennie @
207-902-2767
or
207-659-9255
Location
The Exploration of Revolutions (Political, Social, Economic, & Cultural Revolutions)
As we view world events unfold before our eyes, we are beginning to realize that the international community is in fact changing at an alarming rate. What was once considered to be fair and normal in the past is suddenly classified as immoral and barbaric in the immediate present. The revisions, transformations, and advancements that have been made in the name of modernity directly interrelate from our historical past. We often take the events of the past and apply them as lessons to support a revolutionary point of view in the immediate present. The human mind presents us with amazing power, but very few of us demonstrate a sense of appreciation for its true capabilities. Many neurologists will confirm that most of us do not even use half of our brain capacities. There are many reasons that can explain this particular reality, but the vast majority of us can agree upon the fact that the world is quickly becoming an intellectual wasteland. These “blank” periods pave the way for revolutionary change.
Data Security Now! or, What Your Data is Doing Behind Your Back and What You Can Do About It
This four-part workshop series will cover a number of topics in computer security to help people, particularly activists and organizers, use computers and the internet more safely. These workshops will be collaborative efforts that build off the interests and knowledge of everyone in attendance. In the spirit of free software, we'll all work together to decide which topics we want to explore and how much focus we want to give to each one.
The tentative plan for the workshops is as follows:
Session 1 will cover an introduction to computer security topics, debunk common myths, and review some simple options for browsing the internet more safely and anonymously, at home and on the road.
Session 2 will focus on ways to protect yourself against hackers, including such topics as different ways you can be attacked, creating strong passwords, protecting against phishing and Trojans, and using anti-virus software.
Session 3 will focus on protecting yourself against state surveillance and searches, including such topics as how to encrypt your email and personal data, trends in law enforcement attacks on activists' personal and political data. and different ways internet activity can be tracked, hacked, and controlled by the government (and what to do about it).
Session 4 will focus on protecting yourself from yourself, including such topics as setting up encrypted backups for your data and securely erasing data and disposing of old computers more safely.
The workshops will shamelessly plug the benefits of Linux-based operating systems (e.g., Ubuntu, Debian) but will provide information on Windows and Mac systems as well. Folks with knowledge to share about good security practices on any platform(s) are especially welcomed to attend, but no previous computer expertise is required to benefit from this workshop. All are welcome.
Location
Learn to fix the brakes on your bike!
Location
Learn to overall a hub!
We'll be teaching how to overall a hub, and everyone will get to practice- if you don't arrive by bike we have bikes you can practice on!
Location
Derailleurs
This will be a quick workshop on how to adjust your derailleurs.
Location
Fix a Flat
This will be a quick 1 hour class about how to fix-a-flat on your bike.
Location
Bike Feminism: What it is, How we live it, How to share it
In this class we'll be talking about what bike feminism means and how our lived experience with gender interacts with our lived experience as cyclists. The first two classes we will talk about what feminism means, how we feel like we can apply it to biking, and read some bike feminist things. The last two classes we'll come up with a class project of how we can share our experiences, produce it, and distribute it. This class will be a lot of fun, and a space for meaningful discussion about how gender and biking.
Location
Re-thinking Schools, Re-thinking Learning: Democratic Education Discussion Group
Calling all youth-workers, education rabble-rousers, social justice educators, EXCO fellows, free schoolers, home schoolers, de-schoolers, un-schoolers, re-schoolers...what is your vision for education? Share it with us!
Our intention with this class is to create a space to learn together about various forms of alternative, democratically based education. By that we mean schools or other sites of learning (EXCO, for example!) that are re-defining what it means to be educated. We mean educational spaces that are specifically centered on self-directed learning, youth governance and development of students ability to think & learn outside the classroom. We will explore schools & projects here in the Twin Cities that are intentionally structured to give students a voice in their own education. We will be structuring the course as a discussion group – a space to workshop ideas, share thoughts and revelations, and attempt to answer some of these questions together. As facilitators, we will try our best to foster a climate of curiosity and learning - you can expect us to prepare readings, share our experiences in the traditional public school setting, and lead discussion – but we are not experts, and what this class/group becomes very much depends on those who are present! In the spirit of EXCO, we invite you to join in a collective learning experiment – we will see what we can learn together.
Over the course of this group, we will work together to come to a better understanding of alternative ways of learning & "doing" school. Topics and discussions could take many different forms, and will be determined by group interest. Facilitators will provide readings/videos/topics for the first few weeks.
Questions we might explore:
What is the purpose of education, and what are the goals of “becoming educated”? To what extent does our current system achieve this aim?
What is learning and where does it happen?
Location
Everyday English
One hour of English as a second language instruction for Mujeres en accion y Poder, then a second hour of English as a second language instruction for the community at large.
Jue, 03/03/2011 - 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Jue, 03/10/2011 - 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Jue, 03/17/2011 - 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Jue, 03/24/2011 - 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Jue, 03/31/2011 - 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Jue, 04/07/2011 - 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Jue, 04/14/2011 - 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Jue, 04/21/2011 - 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location
Child Development and Arts Education
Involving children in creative art activities goes far beyond just being about “art for art’s sake”. This presentation will give an overview to parents and educators about how the arts affect children in their everyday life and enhances their abilities in academic performance. Stages of physical and mental growth—brain development, effect on fine motor skills, problem solving and creative thinking skills will be discussed. It will also focus on how children perceive artistic achievement and how that often differs from an adult perspective and vision of what is considered successful. The goal of this presentation is to have you walk away with useful tools and knowledge that will help you address and enhance children’s educational and creative experiences and outcomes.
Location
Radical Child Raising & What Schools Can Be
Topics for study & discussion will include history & philosophy of pre-K-12 Grade "free schools," democratic governance with youth, adult/youth roles & partnerships, "hidden" curriculum, unschooling, & youth liberation/empowerment. The philosophies & practices of Second Foundation School (the Twin Cities' oldest/only K-12 democratic, independent school) will be examined as a local example of a thriving youth-centered community.
Location
Restoring our Relationship with Earth: Achieving Sustainability in a Resource Hungry World
This class will investigate the necessary transition towards a harmonious existence with our natural environment. To re-establish this harmony, we will discuss the implementation of ecologically based approaches as we move from a human view to an ecological view of the world where each transaction inherently restores the water, air, soil, and habitats to health and indefinite sustainability.
This course is designed to provide the information necessary to initiate a paradigm shift towards a harmonious existence with our natural environment. Topics of discussion will include presentations on Ecological Issues (6th Mass Extinction/Climate Change/Energy Descent), Political Issues (Global Discrepancy in “Wealth”/Centralized Power/Ecologically Based Economics) and Psychological Issues (Consumerism/Increases in Disorders of Modernity). From these discussions, we will investigate truly sustainable and resilient approaches to a more fulfilling and improved quality of life. Through this class, we will develop the ability to proactively implement such approaches in your community.
Location
Artistic Development - How to Find Your Own Style
Do you love the idea of creating Art but don't know where to start? Are you already drawing or painting and want to improve? Do you feel proficient but strive to grow? Then this is the class for you!
"How to Find Your Own Style" is a class is for those who are looking to increase their technical knowledge while learning methods to attain more creativity in their work. You will discover how to master the fundamentals and explore new directions, all while lessening the anxiety associated with them. This is an excellent class to take before you take your next workshop with any other artist!
This class will focus on instruction, demonstration and discussion. Bring your laptop or notebook so you can take notes, ask questions, understand concepts. If you'd like to bring an example of your work for critique, please do.
This class is intended for artists of all levels.
This class is intended for adult students.
Location
A Wake Up Experience
A multi-media interactive experience that aims at seeing the real possibility of building a more just, sustainable, and thriving world in our lifetime. The program focuses on our role as a generation, unexamined assumptions, fostering an interconnected worldview, awakening to a 'movement of movements' alive on the Earth today, and how we can more actively and authentically engage ourselves in this work. This program is an adaption of the 'Awakening the Dreamer Symposium'
Location
Basic Hand Stitching and Sewing Machine Class
The class involves learning to hand stitch and the use of the Sewing Machine. In this class learning to sew buttons and the use of measuring is available. Learning the parts of the sewing machine and making an article is what will be presented. There will be snacks and social time will be available to get to know others and learn something that can be used in the future. Even if you miss a class you will learn something new each time you come. So come and check us out, learn something new and have fun doing it
Location
Cooking in your Community: Connecting People through Food - Cocinando en su Comunidad
Participants in the class will learn about food,
culture, and language through cooking workshops and group
conversations. Facilitators will share some of their own knowledge and skills, but we encourage participants to share their own knowledge of other languages and methods of cooking. The class will be very interactive and hands-on.
People who love to eat or cook will enjoy the class. Participants who speak languages other than English are strongly encouraged to participate. However, no special skills are required to be in the class and we welcome all participants regardless of skills or experience cooking. If you would be interested in leading one of the classes, start to
think about a type of food you know how to cook and would like to
share with the class. We'll base the class around the skills and
interests of the people who decide to participate. We may have a few
guest cooks as well!
Participantes aprenderán de comida, cultura y lenguaje por talleres de cocinar y conversaciones de grupos. Facilitadores compartirán su propio conocimiento, pero formentamos que participantes comparten su propio experiencias en otros lenguajes, culturas y métodos de cocinar. La clase será muy interactiva y experiencial.
Personas que encantan a concinar o a comer les gustará la clase. Participantes que hablan otras idiomas aparte de inglés son fuertamente formentados a participar. Sin embargo, no habilidades especiales de cocinar son necesarios y todos participantes son acogidos. Si haya personas que les intersen a demostrar una receta para una clase, empiece a pensar sobre un tipo de comida que sabe a concinar y que le gustaría a compartir con la clase. Construiremos la clase sobre la habilidades y los intereses de los participantes. Tendremos unos concineros invitados también.
Mon, 03/07/2011 - 6:00 - 8:15 PM
Mon, 03/14/2011 - 6:00 - 8:15 PM
Mon, 03/21/2011 - 6:00 - 8:15 PM
Mon, 03/28/2011 - 6:00 - 8:15 PM
Mon, 04/04/2011 - 6:00 - 8:15 PM
Location
Yoga
This class will be a dynamic vinyasa practice, intended to ground and center through connecting breath and movement. Using the breath as a guide, we will flow through sun saluations and asanas (yoga poses), concentrating on alignment to build strength, flexibility, and mind-body awareness. I plan on tailoring the class to the students individual needs. Themes of self care will be integrated into the class, focusing on healing and taking time to relax and restore the body. Some yoga experience preferred but not totally neccessary.
Location
Some Herbalism
This class will introduce people to some of the basics about using plants as medicine. We will learn how to make salves, tinctures, and oils. There will be basic plant identification and sustainable harvesting. This is an enormous topic and we will only be dipping our toes into it. Because of that, participants will learn about different resources to continue studying on their own. Most of our classes will be in Minneapolis, but we could self-organize a field trip or two if people are interested and have cars. Participants will need to provide small jars / bottles for making and storing tinctures, salves, and oils.
Location
Introducción a Ubuntu Linux
Ofrecido a través de Free Geek Twin Cities,
Anticipo 3 reuniones. Fecha y hora serán confirmadas despues de consultar los interesados. Se puede atender todos o una sola.
Este taller se ofrece un ambiente para mostrar lo que Ubuntu Linux puede hacer a través de demostraciones y prácticas. El objetivo es responder a estas preguntas
1. Qué es Ubuntu Linux y en qué se diferencia de un PC con Windows o un Mac?
2. Qué son las ventajas y los usos frente a las desventajas y limitacions?
3. Ubuntu funcionará en mi ordenador?
4. Puedo probarlo sin necesidad de instalarlo?
5. Qué implica la instalación?
Aunque el énfasis es el español, acomodaré a todo aquel que quiera aprender.
Offered through Free Geek Twin Cities,
I plan for three sessions, date and time determined after consultation with class members. Participants may come to one or all.
This workshop will provide an environment to show what Ubuntu Linux can do through demonstrations and hands on experience. The purpose is to answer these questions:
- What is Ubuntu Linux and how it is different from Windows PC and Mac's?
- What are the advantages and Uses versus limitations and restrictions
- Will Ubuntu work on my computer?
- Can I try it without installing?
- What does installation involve?
Although the emphasis is Spanish, I will try to accommodate anyone who wants to learn.
Location
Knit & Such
Come and knit with us! We can teach you the basics (we have some supplies to get you started), help you through a rough spot in your pattern, or just keep you company while you work on your own fantastic creation. Crochet, hand spinning, cross-stitch, embroidery, latch hook, origami, bookbinding, friendship bracelet making, macrame, calligraphy, collage, and anything mostly portable and not too messy or noisy are also very welcome.
This is a friendly knitting group. We occasionally meet at folks' houses, we potluck, we celebrate silly birthdays. We would love to see some new faces, whether you can only make it once in a while or every week. There's a facebook group, Knitting and Such, if you'd like to check us out before you join us for an afternoon.
Location
Mahadrin Klezmer Music Ensemble
NOTE: This class will resume in the FALL (2011)
This band offers a creative outlet for the study, performance, and ultimately, preservation, of klezmer music in a relaxed and non-judgmental, but serious, environment. While some degree of basic musicianship is requested (ability to play by ear and/or sight-read, basic competence on at least one instrument), the group is open to musicians with different levels of musicianship and backgrounds.
Don't know what klezmer is? Come find out firsthand and learn to play one of the world's greatest and most quickly evolving musical folk genres. This is an ongoing course and all of the information provided before is still applicable.
We are in transition right now: the time/location listed is tentative. If you are interested in participating, just sign up via this site, and we'll keep you posted with info.
Location
The Global Economic Crisis
THIS COURSE HAS BEEN POSTPONED until further notice.
This course is open to all who want to learn about the economic crisis. No background knowledge in economics is necessary.
In 2008 Chairman of the Federal Reserve Ben Bernanke, while watching financial markets go ballistic and nearly grind to a halt, decided that without immediate and heavy-handed intervention the global economy would plunge into depression. The U.S. Federal Government rushed to pump trillions of dollars into financial markets. Now, “austerity” is being invoked across Europe and North America—including here in Minnesota—as a necessary adjustment in a time of crisis.
The aim of this course is three-fold: first, to understand how and why capitalism creates crisis. Second, to understand how this particular crisis developed over time and space, up to the present. Lastly, to discuss and better understand progressive and radical alternatives to the right-wing responses—e.g. austerity measures—to economic and social problems related to the crisis.
The class will meet four times in March, once each week. The first class will include a lesson on theories of capitalist crisis and a brief discussion of the last global crisis of capitalism which erupted in the 1970s. Then there will be one reading every week (15-35 pages), which will be the basis of our discussions in class. There are also some videos we can watch in class or on our own during the week, and I'll bring in some other materials to contribute to the discussion such as political cartoons, newspaper clippings and popular magazine articles.
Before the course starts I will talk to each participant via e-mail to decide on the specifics of the class, including the exact schedule and readings.
Location
Beginning Meditation and Mindfulness for Activists
"We can never obtain peace in the world if we neglect the inner world and don't make peace with ourselves. World peace must develop out of inner peace."
Mindfulness can simply be defined as being fully in the present moment and fully accepting anything that happens, just simply observing everything as it occurs. Within the larger concept of 'mindfulness' there are methods such as meditation, yoga, qigong, tai chi and others that help focus an individual more fully on the present moment.
My goal in this course is to help you to be happier and more peaceful by facilitating your own learning of these methods and you will be able to practice these methods quite easily on your own after even coming to one of these classes.
Meditation has been getting a lot of press in recent years thanks to recent advancements in brain imaging that has shown scientifically that meditation, yoga, qigong and other ancient practices have concrete, positive results for a person's health. Various benefits include greater calmness, lowered blood pressure, lowered stress levels, increased ability to concentrate and others (If you Google Scholar 'meditation' and 'Jon Kabat-Zinn' or 'Richard Davidson' you can get a whole list of research articles). The best way to learn about these benefits, though, is through first-hand experience.
Meditation and other practices are very effective ways to self-heal and find inner peace. Mindfulness is compatible with any belief or non-belief system, so whatever your belief or non-beliefs are, these practices can help you in relieving stress, having greater calmness, etc...which is pretty cool :)
There is a lot of activist work to be done in the world today with so much happening and taking care of ourselves is something we might be tempted to neglect. Yet the more at peace we are with ourselves and what is going on inside of us, the more effective and greater attention we can give toward improving the world outside ourselves.
Spanish/English Conversation Circle and Language Learning
We meet from 6:30 to 9 pm once a week, with the first hour for large circle conversation (translated into both English and Spanish), and the remaining time spent in smaller group or pair language learning. This may be about 45 minutes of English learning and 45 minutes of Spanish learning, but we will work out these specifics together when we see what the needs and wants of most people in the class are. Another option will be setting aside some time for class members to take turns teaching other skills, cultural information, etc. We will meet in the large kitchen area of a home, with room for about 20 people in a circle. When we split up for smaller group work, there are two other rooms we can use as well. Children are welcome. We ask that each person come with at least one question to contribute to the discussion in our large conversation circle. We try to apply Paulo Freire's premise that everyone is a co-teacher and a co-learner.
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Psychology and Community Activism
Wednesdays 7:00-8:30pm, starting June 22nd and ending August 31st
Location: probably U of M Psychology Department
This class will explore the ways in which theory and research from the field of psychology may inform, and be informed by, efforts of community activists. The work of community activists, neighborhood organizations, and non-profits are vitally important to improving the well-being of people locally and globally. The field of psychology has produced some insight into issues relevant to activism efforts, though the knowledge may not always be spread to those that may be best suited to use it. The Psychology and Community Activism EXCO class aims to improve dialogue between social scientists and community activists, in a method that is reciprocal and sustaining.
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home assesment, a dialog with comunity members & trades people on finding and maintaining a home
a discussion group in order to design a class for future Exco sessions
for who: home buyers, home owners, land lords, renters with housing livability issues
What: home assessment, Project assessment, cost assessment
Aura Strengthening and Psychic Self-defense
This workshop is designed especially for those who work in the helping fields, such as counselors, nurses, massage therapists and others, including anyone who seeks to feel more comfortable with a stronger, more resilient and less porous energy field.
We will discuss and practice time-tested ways of managing and strengthening our energy field through intention and visualization, as well as learn some practical tips to assist us in becoming more comfortable in our home, work, and personal space.
Dress comfortably and come see if what we offer can help you feel more buoyant.
Namibia: One of Africa's Newest Nations
In the first half of the workshop, we examine Namibian history, geography, politics, and culture from the perspective of Namibian activists, freedom fighters, politicians, teachers, and students. During the second half, we learn from successful Namibian initiatives such as the Penduka Cooperative for Women, Habitat Research and Development Centre, Basic Income Grant, and Young Achievers Empowerment Program.
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Astrology 101: Wish Upon a Star
I have for many years fostered an interest in the study and practice of the oldest science, astrology. For millennia people watched the heavens to determine the best time to accomplish tasks, from mundane everyday things, to planning weddings, and waging wars. Over the centuries, astrology has been celebrated, refined, condemned, and celebrated again. It has been called an art, a science, and a superstitious pseudoscience. It is my goal to share the facets of it that emphasize all three. It is my hope that even if you do not subscribe to the beliefs of astrological pinciple that you will at least garner some information that can be used, at the very least, as a nice icebreaker in any social situation. In this class I will share my knowledge on the following aspects of a very important piece of human history:
*Natal astrology, or birth signs, using the traditional method and the supposed effects on personality
*Synastry, or astrological compatibility
*Using natal astrology to learn more about what the stars say about your natural tendencies, hopefully to gain insight into your psyche (whether it be through belief or disbelief is up to you)
*Mythology behind the constellations used and the different guises that each sign has gone through
*A history of the use and misuse of astrology across the globe
*Astrology from other cultures (briefly) Including Chinese "astrology", Vedic Astrology, and Mesoamerican astrology
*Whatever else we get around to!
Polymathic Aesthetism (A forum and exhibition)
This class is both a forum and exhibition (everyone welcome!)
In this class we will be exploring:
A. Polymathic Aesthetisicm, a functional system for implenting ideas on a larger scale. The aesthetic supposes that through the use of certain recontextualized metaphors such as Adam Smith's Invisible Hand and the Human web when paired with a little footwoork seemingly improbable ideas become probable, palitable, and overall doable.
B. The curation/installation of an exhibition. We will create and hold an exhibition from conceptualizion all the way to installation.
You do not need any sort of "artistic" background or knowledge of the art to world to attend. Polymathic Aesthetism caters to all talents and is not specific to so called "artistic talents."
(All minor art supplies are provided.)
Thanks a bunch!
Winter Bike Commuting (December) - CANCELED
CANCELED due to low registration
Don't let the winter keep you off your bike. Come learn tips on how to stay warm and safe while biking this winter, as well as how to maintain your bike against problems caused by salt and corrosion.
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Winter Bike Commuting
Don't let the winter keep you off your bike. Come learn tips on how to stay warm and safe while biking this winter, as well as how to maintain your bike against problems caused by salt and corrosion.
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RNC 8 Fall Event Series
Help us make this a time of movement building and solidarity!
Join the RNC 8 Defense Committee and an array of community organizations for six events coinciding with the trial of the final four RNC 8 defendants. The RNC 8 are Minneapolis activists who were charged with felony conspiracy for their role in organizing protests at the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul. Events will begin with dinner and a brief update on the trial, followed by different content each week. Half of proceeds will go to the RNC 8 defense fund, and half will be donated to rotating political projects.
November 5: COINTELPRO 101
Screening of the new documentary “COINTELPROP 101” and Q&A w/ former political prisoners Claude Marks and Ricardo Jiménez.
proceeds benefit soon-to-be political prisoner Scott DeMuth's defense fund
November 12: No SB1070! No to anti-immigrant laws, from AZ to MN
Co-sponsored by MIRAc; slideshow and reflection on anti-SB1070 actions and organizing across the country with organizer Isaac Martín.
proceeds benefit MIRAc (Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee)
November 19: Minneapolis Autonomous Radical Space (MARS) - We Are Not Alone
Co-sponsored by MARS; Panel discussion on the history (and future) of Twin Cities radical spaces.
proceeds benefit MARS (Minneapolis Autonomous Radical Space)
December 3: TC Indymedia 2010 Resistance in Review
Co-sponsored by TC Indymedia; videos, slideshows and reflection on Midwest resistance in 2010
proceeds benefit resistance to mountain top removal in Appalachia
December 10: The Forest for the Trees/Shannon Murray
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Inmigracion: Las Politicas y la lucha Pro-Inmigrante
Ven, aprende y amplia tus conocimientos sobre inmigracion. En esta clase trataremos temas como: Los EEUU y las causas de inmigracion, las leyes migratorias que nos afectan, respuestas al dialogo anti-inmigrante, logros del movimiento inmigrante, metas de accion para el futuro, entre otros.Tambien, podras conocer a otras personas de la comunidad que tienen interes, y otras que ya luchan en el moviento pro-inmigrante.
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Frances/French
"Introduction to the world in French" - Survey of French world civilization, including history, geography and various cultures. Includes: France, Canada, Caribbean and Africa. Introduction to numbers and daily expressions ( name, food, travel, etc.)
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Ingles/Spanish:Intercambio de Idiomas, Dual Language.
En esta clase los que hablan español aprenden ingles y los que hablan ingles aprenden español. Como parte de la clase, practican el nuevo idioma con los otros participantes. Aqui usted tendrá un ambiente comodo para aprender ingles/ español para el trabajo, para mejorar la pronunciacion o para la razon que sea según el nivel, las metas y el interés que Ud. tenga. Si se le hizo dificil aprender ingles o espanol, en esta clase tendrá exito. Usaremos materiales desarrollados por experiencias enseñando ingles en Mexico y Columbia pero esta bienvenido a llegar con sus preguntas, libros o cualquier material que le gustaria entender mejor.
In this class, Spanish- speakers will learn English and English-speakers will learn Spanish. After learning new concepts, you can try them out with native speakers of the other language in your class. Whether you need to know English / Spanish for work, to improve pronunciation or spelling, for travel, to make new friends, or anything, you'll have a friendly atmosphere to practice learn that will accomodate your interests, goals, ability level. Even if you've tried before and found it difficult, this class will work for you. We will use different materials developed through experience teaching English independently in Mexico and Colombia, as well as teaching high school Spanish here in the U.S. Explore topics of real life, work with a variety of resources, and begin creating a language portfolio if you want. Learners will develop personalized vocabulary, enhanced phonetic awareness, and a wide range of second language acquisition skills. You are welcome to bring your questions, books, or any materials that you would like to understand better. Time will be provided for individualized attention as well.
Requirements: Recommended basic materials will be listed on the first day of class.
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Mecanica Automotriz
Ensenanza de la mecanica como afinacion, frenos y los conocimientos basicos.
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Nutricion
Explicar el beneficio que tienen las frutas y verduras que se clasifican en Piramide de colores y porciones que debe uno de comer al dia.
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Jovenes Adolescentes
La clase para las Jovenes Adolescentes es enfocada a la autoestima, al desarrollo emocional, fisico y hasta espiritual de una joven. Se enfoca en trabajar en metas.
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Cardio Kick Boxing
Cardio Kick Boxing es una clase de ejercicio enfocada en trabajar el abdomen, esta basada en karate, kung-fu (o artes marciales), el Cardio Kick Boxing es uno de los ejercicios mas completos donde puede quemar hasta 1000 calorias por una hora intensa de ejercicio.
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Zumba Fitness
Es una clase que se dedica al bienestar y enfocada a la salud Fisica y Mental, nos ejercitamos, es una mezcla de Baile, Aerobicos y mucha diversion.
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Computacion
Ayudar a los estudiantes a entender la internet, ayudar a resolver problemas comunes, actualizaciones, instalacion de softwares, etc.
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Dibujo
Dibujo es la imagen que representa el arte de lo que te gusta, de lo que piensas, de tus emociones y la habilidad de demostrar tu don o profesion. La clase de dibujo seria ensenando lo basico despues a dibujar y por ultimo como pintar los dibujos.
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Cocina Mexicana
Seran clases de comida variada tales como mariscos, ensaladas y un poco de soya. Tratando de no usar aceites ni grasas para mantener una mejor salud.
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Experiment in Collaborative Creativity.
The activities in our group will be experiential. We will begin with a few warm up exercises to get acquainted and hopefully get in the flow of creative collaboration. The group includes some personal sharing and reflective writing. The main activity will be choosing a subject to explore, sharing personal stories related to the subject, then creating a piece of work that represents parts of each members story. The form of the work is open to our imagination. The structure of the group evolves as needed and as the collaborative process moves forward. Decisions are reached by consensus. What comes out of the collaboration will be ??????.
A few of the questions and explorations inherent in the activities are how to balance individual needs with the needs of the group/community; how to value and integrate differences and keep conflict stimulating, creative, and productive; when boundaries inhibit integrative processes and when they promote integration; what mix of flexibility and holding the line leads to "successful" co creating,etc.
Throughout the experiment members are encouraged to evaluate the process on both personal and social levels for discussion when the activities conclude. The nature of the class/group experiment requires regular attendance for the full 8 weeks in order to build on the previous exercises and experiences.
Requirements: Curiousity, a willingness to share personal information related to the chosen subject matter, open to exploring in a non linear fashion, and respectful interaction, and regular attendance to derive the full benefit of the collaboration, especially in the earlier weeks of the experient.
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Salsa Caribena
Es una clase muy dinamica la cual nos mantendra ejercitados. Se puede practicar en pareja o solos, esta acompanada de musica con ritmo de Salsa, pasaremos un tiempo divertido, al final de estas 8 clases, estaran felices de poder bailar Salsa Caribena!.
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Tejido de 2 agujas
El tejido es un arte hecho por las manos con dos agujas, se pueden hacer bufandas, gorros, sweaters.
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Clases de Danza y Baile
En esta clase se practica baile social tal como salsa, cumbia, merengue y tambien danza folklorica mexicana. Esta clase funciona tanto para ninos y adolescentes como para adultos.
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Theatre of the Oppressed
No theatre experience necessary! We will be using the tools and techniques of Theatre of the Oppressed to play, dialogue and connect with each other. Theatre of the Oppressed was developed in Brazil and is now used all over the world as a means for personal and community exploration and transformation. Based in the experiences, stories, struggles and desires of the group, we will use in-your-body activities to explore and dialogue together. These are tools you can also take and use in many different group settings.
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Anticipating Collapse
Preparing for Collapse
Collapse is coming. Collapse of exactly what? The U.S. dollar? Agro-industrialism? Civilization itself? Ecological environment? Is it already here?
This discussion group will explore these possibilities and more in an attempt to understand the impending feeling of a fore-coming collapse. Many communities anticipate some sort of rupture to this current state of culture/society. What will this look like? What perspectives are worth considering when attempting to understand the nature of collapse?
A great attempt will be made to keep meetings from becoming alarmist or conspiratorial. This is an opportunity to mingle in many perspectives of collapse. People who are primarily interested in propagating their own vision without space for others are not welcome. This is a sincere effort to understand the nature of collapse to give solid ground to any efforts of preparation. Once a semi-solid understanding of collapse is reached, discussion on preparation will be held. The intention of this group is to be productive in moving forward towards preparation.
Expect meetings weekly during the month of October.
Basic Bike Maintenance at Sibley Bike Depot (registration CLOSED!)
PLEASE NOTE: The class was just pushed back one week. The class will now begin September 26, rather than September 19 as initially scheduled. Information below is now updated.
Intro to fixing and maintaining your own bike! No previous experience required. This is a 4-week class, Sunday afternoons 4:30-6:30, September 26, October 3, Oct. 10, Oct. 17. Classes are taught by the staff and board at Sibley Bike Depot, a not-for-profit community bike shop at 712 University Avenue in St. Paul
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Becoming Riflemyn - Rifle Marksmynship
This course will supply knowledge and skills required to become a Riflemyn. A riflemyn is a person capable of hitting 20" targets from 500 meters with standard equipment. Information covered will range from fundamental to advanced skills, depending on progress of the students. The goal of this course is to expand responsible rifle knowledge into urban culture. Students will be able to transfer their knowledge to members of their respective communities.
The course will likely be several meetings, beginning with classroom orientation of safety and basic firearms knowledge. This will include discussion of types of rifles for prospective buyers. A comprehensive text will be provided. This will be followed up with one or more range days where one will be able to learn the concepts and knowledge of becoming a Riflemyn. Students are encouraged to provide their own rifles, though this is not necessary. An ideal student will be open to eventually purchasing a rifle and being comitted to learning the trade of Riflemynship through dedicated practice. Please email the facilitator upon registering to explain your level of interest.
It should be noted that while this is an introductory course, it is complete in riflemynship content. If one is dedicated to learning and open to absorbing the information, one will have the skills to acheive a standard of marksmynship that exceeds 99% of rifle owners. We call this the Riflemyn standard. Those who acheive this standard will be considered a Riflemyn, and will recieve a nifty patch. This course is in no way a statement of political belief or motive. It is simply the knowledge of skill. While all are welcome, outwardly oppressive or offensive perspectives will not be tolerated.
Batucada do Norte – Brazilian Drumming Ensemble
Batucada do Norte is a community group dedicated to studying and performing the many street drumming styles found in Brazil during Carnival. Founded by brothers Tim and Pat O’Keefe in 2006, the group has performed at many events throughout the Twin Cities, including the annual May Day Parade, the Minneapolis Mosaic Festival, and the Minnesota History Museum’s Nine Nights of Music. Our weekly gatherings will include both instruction in the basics of Brazilian rhythms for beginners, and rehearsals of the group’s repertoire. No prior musical experience is necessary to join, just open minds and open ears. Some musical instruments will be provided.
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fermentation basics
The course will cover a little about the science and history behind different processes of fermentation, and each class will be devoted to making a different fermented food or drink. Some things we've made in past classes include kombucha, kimchi, hot sauce, beer, wine, ginger beer, miso, tempeh, yogurt, and kefir.
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School Choice, Charter Schools, and Minneapolis: Exploring the Privatization and Marketization of Schooling in Our City
The class will be a majority reading and discussion group with the potential to get involved in some education activism, through our class or through other projects that are already in the works in the area. I will have interesting and relevant readings prepared. However, the class will be a project of all involved and all will have a say in what we read, discuss, and do together.
We will work together to understand how the impact of school privatization via charter or contract schools, and other trends and policies that seek to transform public education to align with neoliberal and free market ideologies. We will discuss how this transformation benefits/negatively impacts different groups of people in the cities, the possibilities for radical change in the way we think about educating young people, and the relevance of the public school system in its current form to our daily lives and desires. There are many ways we can explore these issues including but not limited to:
- privatization and the increasing role of philanthropy in public education
- the commercialization of schooling and students and parents as consumers
- the increasing hierarchization of public schooling (i.e. magnet schools) and unequal distribution of resources
This is an ambitious class with many fruitful directions to take - directions that we can decide on as a group based on our collective interests.
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Mahadrin Klezmer Ensemble
This band offers a creative outlet for the study, performance, and ultimately, preservation, of klezmer music in a relaxed and non-judgmental, but serious, environment. While some degree of basic musicianship is requested (ability to play by ear and/or sight-read, basic competence on at least one instrument), the group is open to musicians with different levels of musicianship and backgrounds. Don't know what klezmer is? Come find out firsthand and learn to play one of the world’s greatest and most quickly evolving musical folk genres. This is an ongoing course and all of the information provided before is still applicable.
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