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Annual
Empowering Sustainability Gathering
University of California, Irvine
July 16-20, 2018
Summary Report
2
1. Introduction
The 8th Annual Empowering Sustainability Gathering took place at the University of California
Irvine from July 16 to July 20, 2018. The twenty-nine participants (sustainability fellows)
represented seventeen countries and a broad variety of disciplinary fields, expertise, and
experience, ranging from scholars, to practitioners and activists.
3
On Wednesday, fellows participated in two workshops. A workshop on “Co-design,” led by Sofia
Vallarta, highlighted the principles of co-design and the findings of her own research about the
ways in which the fellows of the Empowering Sustainability Conference have engaged in co-
design. It also engaged the fellows in discussing and envisioning possibilities to strengthen
future collaborations. Gonen Sagy and Adrian Downey led the afternoon workshop in Corona
Del Mar. Inspired by “Netukulimk,” the concept of sustainability practiced by the Mi’kmaq
people, the workshop encouraged fellows to reflect upon their personal contact with nature
and to open up about the inner journey, challenges, and joys. At the end of the workshop,
fellows were able to spend some time at the beach before returning to the housing.
Two additional workshops were conducted on Thursday. Ranulfo Paiva Sobrinho and Karla
Cordoba’s workshop on “Blockchain-based Monetary Governance for Sustainability Using
BeSpiral Beta” provided a hands-on engagement activity that allowed fellows to understand the
basic structure and potentialities of blockchain for sustainability. In the afternoon, Allan Trimpi,
a retired physician, discussed theoretical concepts and practical ways that stress affect
decision-making.
On Friday, Morgan Bailey, Founder and Coach at Intrepid Coaching, facilitated a hands-on
workshop on “Transformational Conversations: Coaching Skills for Leadership.” In the
afternoon, fellows enjoyed a meditation and yoga session led by Dr. Phong Luong, Psy.D., UCI
Graduate Counselor, who taught techniques to reset and recharge. The gathering ended on
Friday afternoon with a discussion about a travel grant project organized by fellow Jeremy
Lambeth. Fellows also had the opportunity to provide feedback on the gathering and make
suggestions for next year.
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2. Fellows and Contact Information
¬ 29 fellows
o 20 returning, 4 new, 4 returning after a long time
o 18 women, 11 men
¬ 17 countries
o New countries represented: Uganda, Ghana
PhD Student in
Adrian Downey Canada Education
Mr.adowney@gmail.com
Community
Engagement at the
Chace Warmington USA (SoCal)
University of California,
chace.warmington@gmail.com
Irvine
Post-doctoral
researcher at United
Charli Hibbert USA States Environmental kathleen.hibbert@gmail.com
Protection Agency
(EPA)
5
FIRST LAST COUNTRY POSITION EMAIL
Managing Trustee at
Debjeet Sarangi India debjeet2002@gmail.com
Living Farms
Senior Trainer at
Canadian
Gonen Sagy Canada/Israel gonen9999@gmail.com
Environmental
Assessment Agency
Information Manager at
Jeremy Lambeth USA jeremy@jeremylambeth.com
Dartmouth College
Principal Researcher,
School of Social
Juliana Zanotto Brazil/USA
Ecology, University of
jzanotto@uci.edu
California, Irvine
BeSpiral
Karla Cordoba Costa Rica & Sustainability School muguika@gmail.com
Co-Founder
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FIRST LAST COUNTRY POSITION EMAIL
Blogger, Photographer,
USA (New Art Curator, and
Ligia Martins ligmartins@gmail.com
York) Corporate Sustainability
Consultant
Environmental and
Sustainability Officer,
Central European
Logan Strenchock Hungary/USA StrenchockL@ceu.edu
University; Organic
Garden Team Member,
Zsamboki Biokert
Founder of Love A
Lydia Natoolo Uganda/USA lydia.natoolo@gmail.com
Community
Coordinator
of education programs
Mariann Dosa Hungary at the School of Public
mariann.dosa@gmail.com
Life
Founder
at Rerendevdura
Markendy Desormeau Haiti and livelihood Specialist markendyd@hotmail.com
at Food for the Hungry
Dominican (FHD)
Project Scientist,
University of California,
Irvine Department of
Mojgan Sami USA (SoCal) Population Health and msami@uci.edu
Disease Prevention,
Program in Public
Health
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FIRST LAST COUNTRY POSITION EMAIL
Advisor of Intangible
Cultural Heritage,
Nicolas Lozano Colombia
Instituto Distrital de
nlozanog@gmail.com
Patrimonio Cultural
Writer, Co-founder at
Sustainability.School,
Ranulfo Paiva Brazil and Post-doctoral ranulfo17@gmail.com
Researcher at
UNICAMP
Actress and
Rocio Carranza Costa Rica rocicarranza@gmail.com
Independent Activist
Graduate Student
Gomez
Sofia Mexico at Universidad del soydeagua@gmail.com
Vallarta
Medio Ambiente
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3. Conference Program
Monday
9:00-10:00 a.m. Conference opening and welcome: About the Empowering Sustainability
Initiative
Juliana M. Zanotto
Healing the Earth Through Healing Ourselves. Daniela Solano (Costa Rica)
Empowering Access to Higher Education for Refugees and Asylum Seekers: Central
European University's Open Learning Initiative.
Logan Strenchock (United States/Hungary)
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3:30-5:30 p.m. Group Activity.
Tuesday
EMPOWERING SUSTAINABILITY IN FRAGILE AND CONFLICT RIDDEN STATES
9:00-9:15 a.m. Welcome. Dr. Stergios Skaperdas, Professor of Economics, Clifford S. Heinz
Chair, Director of the Center for Global Peace and Conflict Studies.
9:15-10:30 a.m. Building Stability and Resilience: IDA 18 Fragility, Conflict and Violence
Mitigation Regime. Julia Komagaeva, Central Asia Knowledge Network Coordinator at the
World Bank.
10:50 a.m. - 12:00p.m. Mapping the Propagation of Drought Impacts Across the World.
Dr. Amir Aghakouchak, Associate, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UCI
1:30-2:15 p.m. Sustainable Efforts in Developing Countries: How to Achieve Them and How to
Scale Them. Lydia Natoolo, Founder of Love A Community.
2:15-3:00 p.m. A Case for Pro Bono Representation at the African Court. Uloma Onuma,
Attorney.
3:30-5:00 p.m. Trajectories of Conflict and Peace: Cities in Divided Societies. Dr. Scott Bollens,
Professor of Urban Planning and Public Policy, and Warmington Chair in Peace and
International Cooperation at UCI.
5:00-5:30 p.m. The Global Neonationalist Wave and Its Implications for the World Order.
Dr. Sergei Plekhanov, Associate Professor of Political Science at York University and Former
Deputy Director of the Russian Academy of Sciences Institute for the U.S. and Canadian Studies.
Wednesday
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 pm. Workshop: Co-design. Sofia Gomez.
2:30-6:30 p.m. Workshop: Netukulimk: Circles, Land, and Heart. Gonen Sagy and Adrian
Downey.
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Thursday
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Workshop: Blockchain-based Monetary Governance for Sustainability
Using BeSpiral Beta. Ranulfo Paiva Sobrinho and Karla Cordoba.
Friday
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Workshop: Transformational Conversations: Coaching Skills for
Leadership. Morgan Bailey, Founder and Coach at Intrepid Coaching.
1:30-3:00 p.m. Breathe and Be: Asanas and Meditation Techniques to Reset and Recharge. Dr.
Phong Luong, Psy.D., Graduate Counselor.
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4. Feedback (Online Survey)
The anonymous survey was sent to all 29 participant fellows. We received 21 responses.
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13
Thinking about the PIP TALKS how much do you agree or
disagree with the following statements?
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree I don't know
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
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Comments about PIP TALKS:
¬ I liked getting to know what other fellows are involved in and how they are coping
with challenges. 2-2 PIP talk each day.
¬ The most I like is that PIP talks are useful to connect with people and get to know
about fellows, their lives, networks, actions... I loved Nicolas Lozano PIP talk,
and his approach to heritage as a bio-cultural issue. I like PIP talks very much, I
feel we should keep them and encourage fellows to participate... is a very good
training always to share our stories to an audience. Thanks for organizing this
interesting activity =)...
¬ I liked all PIP talks but would be better to have more time for the presentation
and then for questions.
¬ Keep everything the same --- or even more PIP talks. Nicely done!
¬ We should leave more time for questions at the end and also perhaps think about
more structured facilitation of the Q and A session.
¬ In general, the idea of PIP talks is good but thematic approach could be
enhanced to add some logic and structure.
¬ I loved all of them, it's a great chance to see the passion of other fellows and
what they do and care about back in their communities.
¬ A thematic focus for the whole panorama of presentations
¬ PIP Talks are always great to see how our fellows are doing in their respective
projects. I particularly liked the one given by MaryAnn from Hungary.
¬ Getting to know other fellows ... some pip talks lacked pictures and a
presentation it would have been nice to have pictures
¬ The talks gave us a window into a lot of topics and started a critical and deep
conversation. I wish we could have some more time to develop the topics as
group conversation after the PIP talks
¬ The NGO of Uganda Lydia Natoolo. That's reflect the idea of my project that I am
working on.
¬ having the opportunity to understand other fellows work and background, this is
super useful to make connections and identify possible collaborations.
¬ It's good to have several short bursts of interesting subjects. It seemed like
almost every PIP talk went longer than designed. It should be 10 minutes or less
with 10 minutes of questions to keep it dynamic.
¬ PIP Talks helps me to better understand the projects other fellows are doing.
¬ The PIP talk that was particularly good in my opinion is a fundamental activity
because is space where you can know something about the fellow´s work and
interests.
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Thinking about the LONG PRESENTATIONS (by Debjeet and
Abena) how much do you agree or disagree with the
following statements?
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree I don't know
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
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Comments about LONG PRESENTATIONS:
¬ The topics were very relevant, the presentations very high quality, the presenters
well prepared and knowledgeable in their fields. I particularly liked Abenas, I think
her work and approach is easily adaptable to a broad range of contexts.
¬ What I like the most is that presenter can give more details and information, and
explain more about the system they are talking about. For me is very hard to
keep my attention for long periods, visuals always help me to be attentive and
focus... when there are not images to present to tell the story... is easy to get lost.
¬ I liked specially about Resilient Cities
¬ The longer presentations are a bit of a gamble because of length but when they
are good (as in the case of this year) it can be a great result.
¬ Long presentation should come with substance and be either general to appeal
to everybody or thematically specific but not too specific (e.g. engineering,
construction etc) as not everybody has the adequate technical knowledge to
comprehends
¬ It was a great way to know more about a certain topic
¬ More granular references
¬ Abena's presentation was very interesting and introduced me to an entire field of
subject matter I had never otherwise considered.
¬ Getting to know deeply about a subject
¬ Debjeet presentation as always, was outstanding. I would love to see and have
much more of him.
¬ Debjeet's presentation. Help me reflect on what should be done in the future
¬ I really enjoyed Abena's presentation, it was an interesting topic and she brought
not just her experience but also valuable information. Deebjet work is also
interesting, but for me is difficult to follow a presentation without visual aids
(slides or photos).
¬ I like the opportunity to delve deeper. It could be interesting to pre-plan some
theme or structure for the long presentations while leaving the PIP talks fluid and
loose.
¬ The Abena´s presentation was particularly good because she told about a new
and interesting topic. The development of the concept of resiliency and it´s role in
urban spaces give me a lot of thing to think about.
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Thinking about the PRESENTATIONS ON FRAGILE STATES
(by guests and fellows on Tuesday), how much do you agree
or disagree with the following statements?
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree I don't know
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
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poverty... to environmental stress... it helps to be emphatic, to understand
brothers and sisters that live away of our lands and territories. I would love to
have more proactive experiences, i mean if we have a presenter sharing
knowledge that was produce by study, that describes a problem, it would be
lovely to have another presenter that is implementing or exploring ways to solve
the problem.
¬ the presentation about Jerusalem and Belfast was very interesting.
¬ I would either like to see fragile states -- OR - a similar topic. (I chose agree for
both - but want to convey one or the other)
¬ I think my opinion may be different than others because I was quite interested in
both topics focus theme. I enjoyed the long presentations but was disappointed
to not have a structured Q and A panel afterwards. Perhaps shorter
presentations would allow for more interaction with presenters afterwards.
¬ This topic is definitely very important and this should be part of the program
however this should come with specific angle (thematic direction) linked to the
general program/agenda or come first with general basics to give more
background information on the subject to the audience.
¬ Part of that was new to me, in this world where it's becoming more difficult and
complex it's very good to know what we can do for a better world and future. Of
course first, you have to learn what is going on!
¬ Tracking newly fragile states, get representative speakers
¬ The presentation on Israel and Ireland was very interesting. The other
presentation was a little more difficult to pay attention to as it ran very long.
¬ Opening a space to talk about it
¬ Dr. Skaperdas and Dr. Plekhanov were amazing! In particularly Dr Plekhanov. I
would like to listen more and have much more time for group conversation with
them. our understanding of key trends with respect to this topic is critical to our
work.
¬ Scott Bollens presentation. That's help to understand better the conflict in
Jerusalem and Belfast
¬ Guests from outside should have to engage more with our questions and
concerns, and the lingering feelings/thoughts we have about what they've said.
¬ it gave me the opportunity to learn about regions that are usually out of my
scope... and with really pertinent topics. Dr. Scott Bollens presentation was
outstanding, as always
¬ Very interesting topics and lens to critically observe other countries, however it
felt forced, and quite disjointed in style and substance from the rest of the week.
Having a day with themed presentations from others outside of the fellows is a
good idea, but keep the topic relevant.
¬ Yes
¬ It was a pretty interesting segment of the day but maybe too long, because each
presentation remains a lot of information.
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Thinking about the WORKSHOPS (by Sofia on Co-Design,
Ranulfo and Karla on Blockchain; Allan on Stress and
Decision-Making; Morgan on Coaching Skills; Phong on
Meditation), how much do you agree or disagree with the
following statements?
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree I don't know
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
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Comments about WORKSHOPS:
¬ We should continue to get at least one representaive from native Americans and
/ or Canadians to the workshop
¬ I particularly liked the workshops that thought us actual skills (e.g. empathetic
listening (Morgan) or managing stress (Phong)). I would like to see more such
workshops next week. I would ask the people who hold the workshops to focus
on new skills and practical knowledge and make their workshop participatory not
in the sense that they interact with the participants, but that participants actually
try doing different things. How to mobilise large numbers of people for
sustainable social change would be a topic that we could explore in the form of a
ws.
¬ I loved the alternative currency shared by Karla and Ranulfo. Would like to have
an experiment having and using our own currency (ES currency). Many of us are
facilitators, in multi cultural communities were we live... i would love to have a
workshop on mediation/facilitation of experiences (workshops, gatherings) with
international/multicultural audiences... and keep on facilitating each other to
practice.
¬ workshops from local people would be awesome!
¬ Meditation workshop was AWESOME! Co-design workshop was good. The other
workshops had either too strong of an agenda (Blockchain) or were too ego-
stroking for the presenter and not beneficial to the audience (stress/decision and
coaching skills). I like the idea of having workshops.
¬ The workshops should certainly always be activity based and I especially like the
idea of more movement based workshops (not necessarily yoga) but
encouragement to presenters to include a well structured "active" portion of the
workshop.
¬ The workshops were very diverse and interesting, they should definitely be part
of the program.
¬ All of them were great! i only have few comments on 1. Stress and decision
making: the beginning was great and i thought i will come out with some helpful
skills on how to actually make decision and manage stress but the second half
ended up to be talking at and all theory that didn't make any sense at some point.
2. Coaching skills: the facilitator was condescending in delivering the workshop
and answering questions.
¬ Many learning modalities engaged, learning & reflection took place
¬ I liked to practice what a community would function as with the idea of Karla ans
Ranulfo's cryptocurrency. I unfortunately was late to Sofia's program.
¬ More broad skills would be useful. Perhaps workshops that built off one another.
¬ I loved the workshops specially Morgan phong and Sophia I don't know why I
specially think the one on stress should have been a pip talk or less time
¬ Each workshop was unique. I experienced Sofia's workshop on Co-Design as
great and very relevant to our group. Ranulfo and Karla contributed new
understanding on Blockchain. Allan's workshop on Stress and Decision-Making
was interesting yet possibly too long. Phong was amazing and did good to
everyone.
¬ I like Allan Stress and decision making. That will help us to better control
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stressors.
¬ I only had the chance to participate in Sofia, Allan and Morgan's workshops. The
three were useful, fun and hands-on. We even adopted the learnings from "co-
design" to our own workshop. Allan had a lot of great information, but it was short
in time.
¬ CO-Design was quite useful, could have been even better if it did not start from
what appeared to be a defeatist mindset (as if the outcome did not matter and
made the exercise seem futile); Blockchain was interesting, well-planned, and
engaging; Stress management could have been better at a different time, the
content was too heavy for the late time in the day to stay focused and engaged;
did not participate in the other workshops. Suggestion: spread out the workshops
throughout the week, maybe 1 each day.
¬ Yes
¬ It was really good to knew the Blockchain initiative of Carla and Ranulfo, and
understand the meaning and complexity of the alternative currencys.
22
Thinking about the CIRCLE (facilitated by Gonen and Adrian
at the beach) and the GROUP DISCUSSION (facilitated by
Juliana on Friday afternoon - on travel grant, potential
collaborative projects, and feedback), how much do you
agree or disagree with the following statements?
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree I don't know
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
23
Comments about the CIRCLE and DISCUSSION:
¬ I liked the space it had created for the fellows to share their inner journey and
feel connected
¬ I liked that we could be reflexive - personally and professionally. Coping
strategies - working in hostile environments that make us susceptible to burnout.
¬ Development of a protocol to make decisions that affects all of us. Juliana asked
us to support her making choices and taking decisions, and I think she is right
and want to support her. So maybe having a protocol could help us to make
smart decisions together and in a collaborative way.
¬ I liked both -- and feel we need both next year -- but Gonen's and Adrian's was
too long.
¬ I like the idea of open discussions but they should be shorter in length if they do
not have a more specific aim/goal. We need to allow time for people to vent,
share, express but it doesnt necessarily need to be for multiple hours.
¬ The discussion circles could be organized in the end of each day to reflect on the
activities/information obtained during the day. This would allow to sustain
contact/connectivity, reflection and generation of ideas throughout the week.
¬ The circle was a great experience and a great learning moment about myself and
others
¬ The mutuality; the aspect of popularity in photo giveaway was awkward
¬ It seemed a little unstructured and I think that some people are too shy to speak
up unless prompted.
¬ I loved everything
¬ I liked the CIRCLE, yet it was physically challenging by the hit and very noisy
location, I wish we could do it in more relaxed location. Some people did not
participate at it and we missed them. The GROUP DISCUSSION was great! I
could not have enough of it.
¬ I like the Group discussion. Will allow us to be always connected
¬ The learning from circle is Rhizomatic in nature-- just as nature is rhizomatic.
¬ i didn't participate of these sessions
¬ These two events shouldn't be rated together, they were so different in content
and delivery. Its useful to have flexible time to reflect in the week and how it
connects with our personal goals and general directions in life. General sharing is
fine, but we need to be mindful that spiritual activities are inappropriate to
schedule as formal components of the program.
¬ I didn´t participate on their workshop.
¬ It was a good opportunity to get to know the other fellows, to be connected but
maybe the facilitation could be better.
24
Thinking about the SOCIAL ACTIVITIES (breakfast, lunch,
dinner, trip to the beach, night gatherings at the housing),
how much do you agree or disagree with the following
statements?
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree I don't know
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
25
Comments about SOCIAL ACTIVITIES:
¬ Beach activity was the best
¬ Getting to know people from all over the world who are doing amazing things.
Maybe there can be more of the predetermined (but flexible) social activities. E.g.
outings together. Not everyone knew of the evening minglings or some people
might not feel comfortable joining such spontaneous gatherings.
¬ I loved them. The beach could be better organized but we also could be more
involved on that, i mean, it could be a team work, we could co design this
logistics couple of weeks before the conference, just the fellows that are willing to
do so... and then we talk about and share visions and ideas. I would love to have
more social activities to share the links of culture and cultural expressions, to the
environment and nature around our people and territories. Traditional music and
dances for example.
¬ I would argue that it is not the "social" aspect- but the time in which we are not
engaged in brain activity. This year there was far less "social/decompressing"
time. In the evening after dinner - there was very little hanging out - like there had
been in the previous years. Everyone appeared extremely exhausted this year --
(Maybe climate change??) -- it just seemed like people were wiped out. Enjoying
the meeting -- but tired from very busy days...
¬ Going to the beach is always enjoyable but the logistics of getting back this year
were not the best. I missed out the extended time on the beach together which
we had last year but I think the length of the workshop influenced that. I would
also enjoy a more movement based workshop on/near the beach.
¬ All the time we spent together was great! the Dinner at the professor house was
a great opportunity to connect in a smaller group. The beach is always a highlight
from me. I wish we have more time to socialize when not everyone is tired
¬ Circle feedback and sharing helped deepen understanding
¬ I love downtime with the group but unfortunately miss out on many opportunities
to participate in them as I am a local fellow. The logistics of the beach were a
little confusing as the location changed and the leader of the workshop located
there was unreachable.
¬ We need more social time! This was critical time to connect with the fellows.
¬ I will like to see an activity like the woman's luncheon or the ecology project in
Capistrano
¬ I dislike that we didn't have enough time to enjoy the beach.
¬ Visiting Prof Whiteley house was lovely, he is such a caring person, and we had
the chance to see him under a different light and share more ideas with him and
other fellows. Would be great for future gatherings to have musical instruments
on site, at least a guitar and some percussion :) it is becoming difficult to travel
with additional things like these.
¬ I like that they were social.
¬ talk with other fellows and to meet new people.
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The following statements refer to the ORGANIZATION,
LOGISTICS, and GENERAL aspects of the 2018 gathering.
How much do you agree or disagree with the following
statements?
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree I don't know
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
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Comments about ORGANIZATION, LOGISTICS, AND
GENERAL GOALS of the Gathering:
¬ The dynamics of the week could be reconsidered: instead of days with mostly
presentations and days with mostly workshops, mix different types of activities
each day. Have yoga in the afternoons before dinner (dinner could be later). I
feel recharged, inspired and my mind being opened.
¬ I would love to be more involved in the organization.
¬ Everything went perfect before, during and after.
¬ could we substitute one workshop for collaboration time??
¬ I had all the information I needed. This is outside of the subject but a bike on
campus would be very useful (and help us arrive on time :) ) I use what I learn
each year at the gathering to enrich my knowledge of what is happening in
different communities around the world, and also to learn more detail about
perspectives in the US and North and South America.
¬ Just big thanks to the team!
¬ hope that the contact e-lists are shared
¬ I look forward to this conference every year and although I may feel that I do not
contribute as much as others, I feel very welcome. I have made friends that I plan
to visit in the coming year and using the travel grant.
¬ I think everything was great I just missed that we could enter Saturday and have
a Sunday get together
¬ Thank you!
¬ Communication in some capacity other than WhatsApp would be greatly
appreciated for those of us outside the web of technology.
¬ Sorority houses were way better than previous housing, loved ours. Also loved
our reusable cups, thanks for making the effort to reduce our waste creation.
Juliana, Charlie and Cambria did an amazing work as always. I would love to see
good progress with the process started thanks to Sofi, i firmly believe that
periodic communications strengthens collaboration
¬ Great work! Done with excellence and compassion.
¬ it was perfect
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