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Sunrise: Off-Grid 2010

Date started: 
19 August 2010
Public Launch date: 
22 August 2010
Number of People Involved: 
500
Geographic region : 
South West
Geographic region : 
England
Geographic region : 
United Kingdom
Last updated: Friday, 16 July 2010

Website

http://www.sunrise-offgrid.com
Contact Project
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Project Aim

We are in a Transition of the Ages

As we plunge further into this transition, as the Earth shudders beneath our feet and global civilisation teeters on the brink of chaos and collapse, as we veer between visions of fear and optimism, we have a choice as to what path we take...To step into a Brave New World as a committed participant or to stand aside and let other shape our futures.

Whether we face the End of Oil, or the End of Our Time itself, our duty as stewards of Planet Earth is to consciously step forward into a new world, forging the future and reconnecting with our Home.

 Off-Grid is a deep exploration of community living, creativity and consciousness. Learn to generate your own power, eat from nature, site in ceremony, design the future and move beyond your perceived limits. Marvel at Earth's mysteries, rebirth your wild side. 

Off-Grid is a chance to refine your skills and define your values as a participant in a sustainable future. Its an intimate environment in which to share skills, trade knowledge, impart wisdom and make a difference. Four days out of the world to get into changing our world. In a society teetering on the brink of disaster, can we afford not to?

Further details

 Come and learn, play, relax and be inspired to live more fully in a world in transition. Off-Grid is a totally participatory, family-focused gathering bringing you a practical exploration of community living, sustainable practices and revolutionary ideas.

Its a place for community activists, Transitioners, green families, holistic practitioners, permaculturalists and anyone who wants to live a little more in tune with the planet. Its a place to gather ourselves and network with each other; to share our knowledge, skills and wisdom.

The Themes of the event include:

Off-Grid Living * Transition Towns * Land and Food * Sustainable Communities * New Economics * Practical Action, Eco-Build, Crafts and Alternative Technology

Focused around the Off-Grid College, a 12 module course in all aspects of Off-Grid living, the event has a Transition Towns hub at its core promoting the values of this movement and exploring the divergences and similarities between the various movements for change in our communities. 

The Off-Grid event has its own Transition Currency, the Sunrise SOL (see Sunrise SOL project profile) and includes topics such as:-

THE OFF-GRID COLLEGE:

A 12 module course running over 4 days, covering all the essentials you need to begin the move towards an Off Grid, low impact lifestyle

Self-Power: Solar, wind, 12 volt systems and more - Water sourcing, recycling and waste water disposal - Eco-build Construction classes - Planning Legislation & Building Regulations - Grow your own food Permaculture -Composting - Wild Food Preparation & Walks - Creative Waste Recycling - Bushcraft Off-Grid Medicine - Land Rights and more

EXPLORING NEW CONCEPTS:Living Off the Grid - The Sunrise Currency – SOL ‘Symbol of Life’! An experiment in local currency - Barter Markets - Alternative & Experimental Economic Systems – Landsharing and Mapping - Common Law and Freemen - Swaps, Recycling, Freecycling and Freeconomies

REFINING OUR SKILLS:-

Build a Horsedrawn Wagon - Generate your own power: Solar Panels and Wind Turbines - Bushcraft and Wilderness Survival - Basics of Living Outdoors – Rainwater Harvesting - Growing our own food - Build an Oven - Green Crafts – Build a Hot Tub - Eco-Building Techniques – Fitting Woodburners - Composting and Compost Loos – Kitchen Medicine - Forest School for Kids & Teens

EXPANDING OUR KNOWLEDGE:-

Planning Law - Off-Grid Living - Plant Law and Practice - Herbcraft – Sustainable Food - Permaculture - Urban Food and Farming – Wild Food - Transition Town Initiatives – Stone Age Survival – Earth Energies – Creative Waste Recycling – Storing and Preserving Food

 

Inspiration

The will to bring changemakers together. Being inspired by the Off-Grid movement and by Transition Towns. The need to create an environment where subjects could be explored in detail but in a less formal environment than a conference and in nature. To revise the rules around 'festivals' and what they mean, by creating something small and beautiful with a focus on learning, networking and on sharing our skills, knowledge and wisdom.

Outcomes so far

A very successful Sunrise: Off-Grid was held in 2009 to mostly positive acclaim. The SOL currency was a fascinating experiment and gave me insight into how reluctant people were at first to use it, distrusting it and its value, even in such a small environment. I now understand better the challenge of introducing it on a wider scale in a town.

Unexpected outcomes

There were elements that some people didn't like. We found that some people still came expecting a 'festival' and were probably disappointed. If you didn't come to learn, network or participate in some way, it was an unsuitable environment and these people stood out.

Obstacles, and how we overcame them

Local Authority - There is a problem with the licensing system used by local authorities around events that are educational focused but offer music and alcohol as an auxillary service. The Police took time to understand it wasn't a party.

Lessons Learned

Focus - The event was too unfocused at times. It had venues and elements that weren't necessary and actually distracted from its primary purpose to teach key skills and knowledge. Some of the talks weren't suitable and there was too much going on at times. We would not invite some venues back this time around.

Links and Partnerships

Natural Communities CIC, Transition Network, Freeconomy Network, Permaculture Association, The Land is Ours and many more...

Sources of Funding

Avalon Fair Shares help fund the SOL currency

Sources of materials

We put out a call to various networks seeking teachers and various materials. This was responded to brilliantly!

Contacts

Primary point of contact: 
DanSunrise
Media point of contact: 
DanSunrise
Web point of contact: 
DanSunrise
Volunteer point of contact: 
DanSunrise
Themes: 
Arts & Crafts
Themes: 
Business & Economics
Themes: 
Education
Themes: 
Energy
Themes: 
Food
Themes: 
Health
Themes: 
Inner Transition
Themes: 
Housing
Themes: 
Local Government
Themes: 
Transport

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