seeking sustainable community development mentors

My dear friend Susan, and fellow GAIA friend as well, is seeking mentors in her sustainable community development studies. I know there are lots of you out there that might be able to help her out, so I offered to spread the word a bit. She's a very amazing, passionate and intelligent womyn...if you chose to mentor her I am positive you would receive many benefits as well. One of the characteristics of  Whole Health, as I see it, is environment, meaning the physical environment we find ourselves in most often. Sustainable community is the most viable way to create a healthy environment from this perspective, that I can see. Susan's studies, and future work that will be born from that, is important and valuable.

This is her "seeking mentors" statement.

I am an environmental studies student in the distance learning program of Prescott College looking for course mentors.  My area of focus is sustainable community development, and community organizing.  I specifically need mentors for courses based on ecology, environmental ethics, eco-psychology, eco-economics, and sustainability.  Also of interest is anyone with a background in community development, assessing the needs of a community in regards to sustainability, and environmental policy making.

    Basically, the program I am in involves designing my own coursework with a mentor and is a very experiential based learning model.   A mentor would be required to meet with me via phone or in person at least once per week for 3 or 4 months per course, would evaluate the work I do, and help in advising me throughout my course with feedback and support.

    Why be a mentor?  If you are passionate about your area of expertise and enjoy sharing knowledge, this is an ideal situation for you.  If you are involved in community projects that are connected to my coursework, I can help you as part of my study contract. This is an opportunity for you to serve your local and intellectual communities.  Mentors are also considered adjunct faculty to Prescott College, and are paid an honorarium for their time.

    Mentor requirements:  Teaching experience and knowledge of academic resources in the course subject area.  A graduate degree is helpful, or some depth of expertise in your field.  You have a small amount of time to commit to up to 4 months of once per week meetings.  You know how to apply knowledge to action and real life situations.

    If you are interested in being a mentor, please contact me. For more information about the mentor program, or if you are interested in becoming a mentor in general for Prescott College, go to www.prescott.edu, click on “current students”, then click on the ADP link  (adult degree program)  and you will find links about both mentoring and the program.

    If you don't have the requirements, but do have knowledge to share, I am also interviewing people with backgrounds in environmental studies, community organizing, sustainability and sustainable development.  Feel free to contact me with any questions.

I wish Susan the best of luck in her studies and future. She continuously inspires me with her passion and  insights. She's a great friend to have.