The new model is to create a one-on-one correspondence style course that provide personal attention with open enrollment and a payment plan, while retaining a project-based and mentored approach. This allows participants to sign up when they want to, and progress through the course at their own pace. Someone who is focused and has the time can complete the course in as little as 3 to 4 months, but allows up to 24 months for someone to work through the course work if necessary. Participants will be grouped together with others who sign up during the same time period, up to a maximum number of students per section. Projects, discussions, and questions get posted to an online classroom to organization and structure the material. This is where guest instructors, teaching assistants, and myself will see and respond to student work. Classwork will be distributed via five packets, each one corresponding to a particular section of the course. Section one contains unit one and serves as an introduction to the course and as an assessment of the student. Section two covers units 2-4 and is an introduction to permaculture and methods of design. Section three covers plants, animals, and the landscape. Section four is about broader permaculture design, sustainability, designing for disasters, and community. Section five contains Unit 13 and is the wrap-up and final design project. Each unit provides the core material for the topic area, and are to be completed and submitted individually for assessment. That assessment is the basis for additional instructional material, such as recommended reading, videos to watch, or projects, to tailor the course to a student's strengths and weaknesses. The payment structure for the course is a sliding scale of $75-125 per unit, for units 1-12. Unit 13 is your final project and included in that pricing. However, I do not want price to be an issue. Please let me know if you need to make other arrangements. Enrollment is open now, with the courses starting June 1st. Do you want to sign up? Get in touch: E-mail: The Permaculture Podcast Facebook: Facebook.com/ThePermaculturePodcast Twitter: @permaculturecst The Permaculture Podcast with Scott Mann The Permaculture Podcast (Episode: 2014Byte0509)

To accompany this I recommend you listen to Matt Winters "The Gift" for what I consider a narrative showing permaculture as a comprehensive approach across place and time. From there, the following guest's discussions offer additional insight into the various elements of how we can think about as well as apply this principle.

Exploring Permaculture with Larry Santoyo
Natural Building and Design with Bob Theis
More Natural Building with Bob Theis
Modern Agricultural Systems with Dr. Laura Jackson
Carbon Farming with Connor Stedman (Part 1)
Carbon Farming with Connor Stedman (Part 2)

What are your thoughts on Principle 2? Let me know by leaving a comment below.

Let me know if there's anyway I can help you on that path. Want to add your thoughts to the discussion about homeschooling and homesteading?

Leave a comment below.

I've included some quotes from the text as well as some of my own observations on understanding the world around us, and some of my failures. Thank you to Kyle and Matt for suggesting a return to the fundamentals of permaculture and an examination of some of the core texts.

One of the problems in discussing permaculture, is the idea of what it is exactly. The focus too often is on the physical end with the origin of what we're doing lost by what we can interact with. Something looks messy and natural? That doesn't mean it works, is providing the ecosystem services as intended, or that the functions actually stack. Permaculture isn't about plants. Or cob ovens. Or swales. Or hugelkultur. Or herb spirals. Or spreading, slowing, and sinking water. Those are strategies and techniques and too often used in places they aren't appropriate, or justified because someone wants to use them. That's alright, but let's be honest about the want rather than trying to make something fit. Permaculture is about designing permanent human civilizations, balanced in ethics that care for the earth, people, and return the surplus, by taking responsibility for ourselves and our future generations. It can look however you want it to in the landscape and is broadly applicable to any human system, not just for growing food.

What is Permaculture to you? I'd like to hear your voice as part of the conversation by leaving a comment below.

[caption width="160" align="alignleft"] Karryn and her peach.[/caption]My guest for this episode is Karryn Olson-Ramanujan, a permaculture teacher, designer, and one of the founders of Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute. This interview is about women in permaculture, and how a pattern language emerges to make the community and movement more inclusive and constructive for everyone interested and involved in building a better world. The starting point for this conversation was Karryn's article, which also forms the title for this episode, "A 'Pattern Language' for Women in Permaculture." This powerful piece outlines patterns that provide solutions to create an environment for women's full participation and leadership in the permaculture community. The 8 patterns are:

1. Shift "Mental Models"
2. Understand and Advocate for the "30% Solution" as a Vital Step Toward Parity
3. Value Diversity
4. Intersecting Identities
5. Mentoring is Key to Building Women's Leadership
6. Value Archetypically "Feminine" Ways of Leading
7. Nurture Women's Leadership Through Women's Gatherings
8. Be an Ally

Find out more about Karryn at her site, seedsustainabilityconsulting.com, and at the Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute. References and resources from this episode: Earth Activist Trainings Gender Schema Tutorials Jeanine Carlson-Nelson Karen Stupski Microaffirmations Timebanking Margaret Wheatley Pandora Thomas Privilege and Allyship (Links to a PDF) Starhawk WPLI - Women's Permaculture Leadership Initiative Women Lead the Way by Linda Tarr-Whelan Profiles of Women in Permaculture Women Working with Permaculture in South Africa Alex Kruger and Berg-en-Dal Ecovillage Jeunesee Park Park at Food and Trees for Africa Several other awesome women were also profiled in Karryn's article! Want to add your thoughts to the discussion about women and inclusivity in permaculture? Share them with me: E-mail: The Permaculture Podcast Facebook: Facebook.com/ThePermaculturePodcast Twitter: @permaculturecst The Permaculture Podcast with Scott Mann The Permaculture Podcast (Episode: KarrynOlson-Ramanujan)

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="249"] Karl Steyaert[/caption] My guest for this episode is Karl Steyaert, a teacher and practitioner of Nonviolent Communication (NVC). During our conversation, in addition to his biography and background, he shares with us how using NVC can begin the work of restoring our connection with others in a direct, meaningful, productive way that honors our needs while meeting those of others. He also illustrates the process of NVC using an example from his own life. I'm thankful for the open space created during the interview to allow for that discussion. I first became aware of Nonviolent Communication, and the work of Dr. Marshall Rosenberg when I interviewed my teacher and colleague, Dillon Naber Cruz. Picking up a copy of Dr. Rosenberg's book, combined with The Four Agreements, changed the way I look at interpersonal relationships and communicating well. Though I'm still learning how to communicate, starting down this road had an incredible impact on my own experience. NVC and the work of people such as Karl are how we can think differently, act differently, and be different and get out of the thinking we're currently in. By designing with permaculture and communicating nonviolently we can build a better world for all. You can find out more about Karl and Nonviolent Communication through these resources: Karl Steyaert The Center for Nonviolent Communication (Browse this site for information on training, books, and other resources). This is part of a planned series on nonviolent communication and restorative justice. If after listening to Karl and the idea of Nonviolent Communication you have thoughts, questions, or comments on these subjects, please let me know. E-mail: The Permaculture Podcast Facebook: Facebook.com/ThePermaculturePodcast Twitter: @permaculturecst The Permaculture Podcast with Scott Mann The Permaculture Podcast (Episode: KarlStayaert)

My guest for this episode is Michael Commons, a permaculture practitioner located in Thailand who practices agro-forestry and helps to connect farmers with one another so they can add more value to their farms. We discuss his background, the Thai Agroforestry group Wanakaset, and the NGO organization Michael works for, the Green Net Foundation which also includes the Earth Net organization. While talking about Wanakaset, we cover the 5 basic needs of the self-sufficient agriculture philosophy in Thailand.

1. Rice
2. Food
3. Medicine
4. Fertility and Microorganisms
5. Products We Use Everyday

The conversation around this last item digs into the yields we get from a system and how to add value beyond raw materials. This in turn speaks to economic and personal freedom. Michael and I are discussing a follow-up interview to discuss savings groups. If you'd like to include a follow-up question with Michael in that conversation, e-mail or call me using the information below. Learn more about Michael, his thoughts, and work, through the following resources: E-mail Michael: michael@greennet.or.th Green Net / Earth Net Foundation A long term perspective: The Wanakaset concept How to break through the glass house: A personal reflection Wanakaset - Journey to Self-Reliance

Feel free to get in touch with me if you have any questions or comments: E-mail: The Permaculture Podcast Facebook: Facebook.com/ThePermaculturePodcast Twitter: @permaculturecst The Permaculture Podcast with Scott Mann The Permaculture Podcast (Episode: MichaelCommons)

This conversation concludes the conversations we had in Part 1 and Part 2. I recommend listening to those before you jump into this show. Here we cover the final thoughts regarding how and what the Peace and Permaculture Center is doing to teach permaculture. That includes the on the ground work of empowering students, and how Adam, Ethan, and the others accomplish all of this within a gift economy.